WALKING ROUTES TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS WHERE TO EAT? BEST RESTAURANTS WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS & HOSTELS

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1 FREE GUIDE BEZPŁATNY PRZEWODNIK FREE GUIDE BEZPŁATNY PRZEWODNIK FREE GUIDE BEZPŁATNY PRZEWODNIK WALKING ROUTES TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS WHERE TO EAT? BEST RESTAURANTS WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS & HOSTELS

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3 Świętego Krzyża 15, Kraków, tel Poczuj wyjatkową jakość MooMoo Feel the special MooMoo quality

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5 Contents Spis treści 2 Introduction and pictograms Powitanie i opis piktogramów 4-5 Cracow map Plan Krakowa 6 Street index Indeks ulic 7 Dinning & Accomodation index Indeks firm i usług 8-9 Shopping in Krakow All you want to know 13 First Things First Arrival First Aid 16 Polish cuisine 17 Souvenirs Cultural events Wydarzenia kulturalne City centre walking tour Spacer po centrum miasta The Royal Castle on Wawel Hill Zamek Królewski na Wawelu Winter menu Zimowe menu INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE Special map - find your hotel and restaurant Znajdź swój hotel i restaurację Where to stay? Hotele i hostele Coffee, tea and desserts Kawa, herbata i desery Where to eat? Restauracje 77 Pubs and Clubs Puby i kluby 53 Zakopane Zakopane - City info, city map Informacje, plan miasta 80 Zakopane - Gubałówka 81 Zakopane - Kasprowy Wierch Kazimierz District tour Spacer po Kazimierzu Podgórze District tour Spacer po Podgórzu The Wieliczka Salt Mine Kopalnia Soli w Wieliczce 52 Auschwitz Museum Muzeum Auschwitz dziewul - fotolia.com Zakopane - The Eye of the Sea Morskie Oko Zakopane - City centre walking tour Trasa spacerowa po centrum miasta Zima w górach - oferty specjalne Zakopane - Where to stay? Where to eat? Hotele i restauracje 81 Transfer from International Airport Kraków- Balice, and many hotels, restaurants, cafes Only high standard vehicles, rent-a-car service Guarantee safety, we speak English Trips around Cracow, to Wieliczka and Auschwitz centrala@radiotaxi919.pl - 1-

6 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE Welcome to January - Fabruary edition Witamy w edycji styczeń - luty Our cover page nasza okładka: Winter morning view of the Wawel Cathedral, tomeyk - fotolia.com Editor / wydawca: Ditro Communication, Ratuszowa 11 pok. 618, Warszawa, tel./fax Redaktor naczelny: Karol Popiel info@thevisitor.pl, Oddział Małopolska: tel , fax , malopolska@thevisitor.pl Our team and contributors nasz zespół i współpracownicy: Małgorzata Bogaty, MaciejWasilewski, Anita Kargul, Agata Kostka, Tomasz Kucharski, Małgorzata Nowak, Bartosz Garczyński, Małgorzata Faliszewska, Katarzyna Puławska, Justyna Kordzikowska Proofing & Advert Photos: Zygmunt Nowak-Soliński Graphic design / opracowanie graficzne: Paweł Olszewski Print / druk: BATORSKI Poligrafia, tel , Printed / nakład: egzemplarzy Welcome to the winter edition of The Visitor Malopolska guide. The unusually long Christmas break is now unfortunately behind us, but from the tourist point of view, there are lots of things yet to happen this year. First of all, starting in January, the winter holidays for school children. Keep in mind the intense tourist traffic in the mountain resorts that are filled with holidaymakers from December until the first Spring days. Fortunately, the winter holidays are not organised at the same time for all children. Thanks to a clever twoweek program period winter is divided in different provinces at different times. Nothing, however, will save us from the booked up hotels and queues to most tourist attractions when the children arrive from Krakow (18-31 January) and Warsaw (1-14 February). Looking at life cheerfully this high season is a time of major events, carnival folly and a fantastic atmosphere at ski resorts and restaurants. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, however! Visit our website, where you will find an online booking system which offers the best hotels and guest houses at the best prices. And as we always do in this section: If you have liked the way we have prepared our guide and with it enjoyed your visit to Poland with us, please tell the waiter, waitress or the receptionist that you found their place in The Visitor. In return we will be here waiting for you with the latest, updated edition of The Visitor ready to guide you when you visit us here in Poland again. Thank you for using our guides! Karol Popiel Editor-in-chief Redaktor naczelny Witamy w zimowej edycji bezpłatnego przewodnika po Małopolsce The Visitor. Niezwykle długi świąteczny odpoczynek jest już niestety za nami, jednakże z turystycznego punktu widzenia czeka na nas w tym roku jeszcze wiele dobrego. Przede wszystkim już w styczniu rozpoczynają się zimowe ferie dla młodzieży szkolnej. Pamiętajmy o intensywnym ruchu turystycznym w górskich miejscowościach wypoczynkowych, które wypełniają się wczasowiczami od grudnia, aż po pierwsze, wiosenne dni. Niestety nic nie uchroni nas przed wypełnionymi po brzegi hotelami i pensjonatami oraz długimi kolejkami do większości atrakcji turystycznych, gdy na wypoczynek wybierze się młodzież z Małopolski (18-31 stycznia) oraz Mazowsza (1-14 lutego). Jeśli lubisz być w centrum uwagi i brylować w gronie miłośników białego szaleństwa, czas ten będzie najlepszy na zorganizowanie zimowego urlopu. Koniecznie zarezerwuj nocleg z wyprzedzeniem! Zapraszamy na stronę gdzie znajdziesz oferty najlepszych hoteli i pensjonatów oraz atrakcyjne promocje. Zapraszamy także do przejrzenia artykułu Zima w Górach (str ) w którym prezentujemy pakiety promocyjne i oferty specjalne przygotowane przez hotele i restauracje z Zakopanego i okolic. I na koniec nasza stała prośba. Jeśli podoba się Wam nasza praca i chcielibyście ponownie sięgnąć po nasze bezpłatne przewodniki prosimy o gest, który pomoże nam rozwijać obecne wydawnictwa oraz tworzyć kolejne. Prosimy serdecznie, abyście podczas rezerwacji kolacji czy zamawiania pokoju hotelowego zaznaczyli, że trafiliście tutaj dzięki przewodnikowi The Visitor. Dziękujemy za korzystanie z naszych przewodników i życzymy wspaniałego pobytu! GUIDE TO PICTOGRAMS USED IN THE VISITOR LEGENDA PIKTOGRAMÓW PRZEWODNIKA THE VISITOR single room pokój jednoosobowy double room pokój dwuosobowy triple room pokój trzyosobowy apartment apartament dormitory pokój wieloosobowy facilities for disabled guests udogodnienia dla niepełnosprawnych parking restaurant restauracja bar conferences rooms sale konferencyjne wi-fi air conditioning klimatyzacja swimming pool basen sauna gym siłownia zone for smokers strefa dla palących pets acctepted zwierzęta mile widziane credit cards karty kredytowe 56 payment in Euro płatność w Euro summer garden letni ogródek number of seats ilość miejsc siedzących recomendation specjalność The contents of The Visitor are independent of any paid-for advertising. The Editor receives no payment for any information except for advertisements and does not take any responsibility for their content. Although we select all information carefully we do not take any responsibility for price changes or events availability and cancellations. All information is subject to change without notice. Zawartość folderu jest niezależna od zamieszczonych ogłoszeń. Wydawca nie pobiera opłat za zamieszczone informacje za wyjątkiem reklam. Wydawca nie ponosi odpowiedzialności za treść reklam oraz za ewentualne zmiany bądź różnice w cenach, datach i godzinach otwarcia opisywanych miejsc. - 2-

7 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE 1 GET IT Once you ve found that perfect item, remember to ask the shop staff for a Tax Free Form when you re paying for it. 2 STAMP IT When you re leaving the country to head home or to continue your journey, take your purchases, receipt and passport to the customs desk to get your Tax Free Form stamped. If you re travelling on to another EU country, get the stamp on your Tax Free Form at your final point of departure from the EU. 3 REFUND Finally, show your stamped Tax Free Form and passport to our staff at Global Blue Customer Services or one of our partner refund points and they ll issue your refund immediately. Tax Free Shopping As a traveler residing in a non-eu country you are entitled to claim back the VAT on your purchases when you bring them home. You will find Global Blue Tax Free Shopping service in the major shops of Poland. Spend a minimum of 200 PLN, and save up to 12% of the purchase price. For more details contact: Global Blue Polska Sp. z o.o., Al. Jerozolimskie 123A, Warsaw phone: , taxfree.pl@globalblue.com

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9 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE City beach Plaża miejska - 5-

10 - 6- STREET INDEX INDEKS ULIC A św. Agnieszki F3 św. Anny C2 Asnyka Adama B3 Augustiańska F4 B Bałuckiego Michała F1, G1 Barska F2, G2 Bartosza F5 Basztowa B3, B4 Bawół pl F5 Bernardyńska E3 Bernardyński pl E3 Berrecciego Bartolomeo, skwer.... E5 Biskupia A3 Blachnickiego Franciszka, ks E5 Blich C5, D5 Bocheńska G4 Boczna G1 Bogusławskiego Wojciecha E4 Bonerowska D4-D5 Bonifraterska G4 Bosacka A5, B5 Bożego Ciała F4 Bożego Miłosierdzia D2 Bracka D3 Brodzińskiego Kazimierza G5 Brzozowa E4 Bujwida Odona C5 Bulwar Czerwieński F2 Bulwar Inflancki G3 Bulwar Kurlandzki G5 Bulwar Podolski G5 Bulwar Poleski E2 Bulwar Rodła E1 Bulwar Wołyński G2-G3 Bułhaka Jana G2 C Chmielowskiego Adama G4 Ciemna F5 Cybulskiego Napoleona C1 Czapskich C2 Czarnowiejska B1 Czysta B1 D Dajwór F5 Daszyńskiego Ignacego, al D5 Dębowa G1 Dietla Józefa D4, E4, F3 Długa A3 Dolnych Młynów B1 Dominikańska D3 Dominikański pl D3 Droga do Zamku E3 Dunajewskiego Juliana B2 Dwernickiego Józefa gen D5 Dworska G2 E Estery F4 F Feldmana Wilhelma A1-A2 Felicjanek D2 Fenn a Sereno B3 św. Filipa A3-A4 Floriańska C3 Focha Ferdinanda marsz. al D1 Franciszkańska D2-D3 G Garbarska B2 Garncarska C1 Gazowa G5 św. Gertrudy D3 Gołębia C2-C3 Grabowskiego Ambrożego B1 Grodzka D3, E3 Grunwaldzkie, rondo G2 Grzegórzecka D5 Gurgacza Władysława ks D5 H Halicka E5, F5 Humberta Szczepana C1 I św. Idziego E3 Inwalidów pl A1 Izaaka F4 J Jabłonowskich C2 Jagiellońska C2 Jakuba F5 św. Jana C3 Jaskółcza E1 Joselewicza Berka E5 Józefa F4 Józefińska G5 Józefitów A1 K św. Kalinowskiego Rafała A4-A5 Kanonicza E3 Kapucyńska C2 Karmelicka B2 św. Katarzyny F4 Kilińskiego Jana F2 Kochanowskiego Jana B1 Koletek F3 Kołłątaja Hugona C5 Konfederacka F1-G1 Konopnickiej Marii F2, G2 Kopernika Mikołaja C4, C5 Kordeckiego Augustyna ks F3 Kossaka Juliusza pl D1 Kościuszki Tadeusza E1 Krakowska F4, G4 Krasińskiego Zygmunta, al D1 Kremerowska A2 Krowoderska A3 Królewska A1 Krótka A3 Krupnicza C1, C2 Krzywa A3 Kupa F4 Kurkowa B5 Kurniki B4 Kuznowicza Mieczysława pl C1 L Lea Juliusza A1 Lenartowicza Teofila A1 Lewkowa F5 Librowszczyzna D4 Loretańska C2 Lubicz B4-B5 Ł św. Łazarza D5 Łobzowska A2, B2 M Madalińskiego Antoniego Józefa... F1 Mała D2 Mały Rynek C3 Mariacki pl C3 św. Marii Magdaleny pl D3 św. Marka B3 Matejki Jana pl B4 Meiselsa F4 Metalowców D5 Michałowskiego Piotra B1 Mickiewicza Adama al B1 Mieszczańska G1 Mikołajska C4 Miodowa E4, E5, F4 Mitkowskiego Władysława G1 Monte Cassino G1 Morawskiego Kazimierza E1 Morsztynowska D5 Most Dębnicki E1 Most Grunwaldzki F2 Most Piłsudskiego Józefa G4 Mostowa G4 N Na Groblach pl E2 Na Gródku C4 Na Ustroniu G2 Nadwiślańska G5 Nowa F4 Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego Jana pl.... B4 Nowy pl F4 O Ogrodowa A4 Ojca Bernatka, kładka G5 Olszewskiego Karola C2 Orzeszkowej Elizy F3 P Paderewskiego Ignacego B3-C4 Paulińska F3-F4 Pawia A4, B4 Pawlikowskiego Tadeusza A1 Pędzichów A3 Piekarska G4 Pijarska B3, B4 Piłsudskiego Józefa marsz D1 Piwna G5 Planty B3-D3 Podbrzezie E4 Podgórska G4, G5 Podwale C2 Podzamcze E3 Pomorska A1 Poselska D3 Powiśle E2 Powroźnicza F1-F2 Przemyska F5 Pułaskiego Kazimierza F1-F2 R Radziwiłłowska C5 Rajska B2 Rakowicka B5 Reformacka B3 Retoryka D1 Rolna G1 Różana F1 Rybaki G4 Rynek Dębnicki F1 Rynek Główny C3 Rynek Kleparski A4-B4 Rzeszowska E5 S Sandomierska F2 Sarego Józefa D4 św. Sebastiana E4 Senacka D3 Siedleckiego Michała D5-E5, E5 Siemiradzkiego Henryka A1, A2 Sienkiewicza Henryka A1 Sienna C4 Sikorskiego Władysława gen. pl.... C1 Skałeczna F4, G3 Skarbowa B1-C1 Skawińska G3 Skłodowskiej-Curie Marii C4 Skwerowa F1, G1 Sławkowska C3 Słowiańska A3 Smocza F3 Smoleńsk D1, D2 Sobieskiego Jana A2 Sołtyka Romana gen C5 Spasowskiego Władysława A2 Stachiewicza Piotra E1 św. Stanisława F3 Starowiślna D4, E4-E5, F5 Staszica Stanisława A2 Stefana Batorego B2 Stolarska C3 Stradomska E3 Straszewskiego C2-D2, D2 Strzelecka B5 Studencka C2 Studzińskiego Adama ojca pl E3 Stwosza Wita A5 Sukiennicza F3 Syrokomli Władysława D1 Szczepańska C3 Szczepański pl B3 Szeroka F5 Szewska C2-C3 Szlak A2, A4 Szpitalna B4 Szujskiego Józefa B2 Szwedzka G1 Szymanowskiego Karola A1 Ś Świętego Ducha pl B4-C4 Świętego Krzyża C4 T Tarłowska D2 Tatarska E1 Tenczyńska D2 św. Tomasza C3-C4 Topolowa B5 Trynitarska G4 Twardowskiego Jana G1 Tyniecka F1 U Ujejskiego Kornela D1 W Warszauera F4 Warszawska A4 Wasilewskiego Edmunda F1 św. Wawrzyńca F4-F5 Wąska F5 Wąsowicza-Dunin Zbigniewa rtm.. D1 Wenecja C1 Westerplatte C4 Węgierska G5 Węgłowa G4 Wielopole D4 Wierzbowa G2 Wietora Hieronima G4 Wiślisko E5 Wiślna C3 Włóczków E1 Wolnica pl G4 Worcella Stanisława B4 Wróblewskiego Zygmunta A3 Wrzesińska D5 Wszystkich Świętych pl D3 Wygoda D1 Wygrana G2 Zacisze B4 Zagrody F1-G1 Zamenhofa Ludwika C4 Z Zamkowa F2 Zaułek Książąt Czartoryskich... B3-B4 Zduńska F2 Zegadłowicza Emila D2 Zwierzyniecka D2 Zyblikiewicza Mikołaja D4 Zygmunta Augusta B5

11 DIRECTORY OF RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND SERVICES INDEKS FIRM I USŁUG ACCOMODATION NOCLEGI Appena Art Mont Cybulskiego Guest Rooms Enigma Europejski Fortuna Galaxy Globus Grodzka Hilton Garden Inn Hotele Kazimierz Hotele Studenckie Intro Hostel Jordan Korona Kossak Krakow Residence Maksymilian Matejko Metropolitan Młynek New Retro Hostel Orange Hostel Park Inn Pink Panthers Qubus Senacki Sheraton Stary The Secret Garden Vanilla CLUBBING Banialuka Domovka u Jožina Football Heaven Rin Shisha Club DINING GASTRONOMIA Alebriche Augusta Awiw , 75 Balaton BaniaLuka , 74, 77 Barfly , 53, 73 Betmanowska , 53, 67 Camera café Charlotte , 68 Choco Café Ciuciu Cukier Artist CK Browar , 71, 72 Cube Café Cyklop Trattoria Cyklop Pizzeria Domovka u Jozina Edo Fusion Edo Sushi Europejska , 53, 64, 70 Fab Fusion , 53, 69 Football Heaven Galicja Po Kolei Gehanowska Genji Green Day , 76 Hammam Szeherezada Krakuski Café La Bicicletta Lo Scrigno Lwowska Kawiarnia Mieszczańska , 75 Mini Café Młynek Cafe Moo Moo cov. 3, 66 Noworolski Od Jabłka do Jajka Oriental Spoon Pod Norenami , 76 Pod Słońcem Pod Złotą Pipą , 72 Polski Pub , 53, 67 Rin Club Scandale Royal , 68 Shisha Club Smak Ukraiński Staropolska , 53, 67 Stodoła Stopklatka Szał Café Vintage , 68 Virtuoso , 53, 67 W Starej Kuchni Zalewajka Złoty Piec SERVICES AND OTHERS USŁUGI I INNE Radio Taxi Europcar rent a car Sixt rent a car Ciuciu Cukier Artist , 85 Thai Smile Massage Radio Taxi Wawel Wieliczka Salt Mine Joka rent a car , 27 SHOPPING ZAKUPY Bonarka City Center cov. 2 Factory Outlet cov. 4 Tax Free Shopping ZAKOPANE ACCOMODATION NOCLEGI Fian Helios Kominiarski Wierch Kubik Modrzewiowy Dwór Natura Tour Pod Czarnym Borem Redyk U Kośle Willa Kurant Willa Orla Willa pod Skocznią Willa Swoboda ZAKOPANE DINING GASTRONOMIA Appendix , 94 Ciuciu Cukier Artist Cristina Gazdowo Kuźnia Gubałzzeria Karcma Po Zbóju Karcma Zapiecek Karczma Bacówka Obrochtówka , 96 Redyk Sport Corner Staro Izba Stek Chałupa Szałas Pod Reglami Tygodnik Podhalański

12 SHOPPING IN KRAKOW THERE S NO SHAME IN BUYING DISCOUNTED CLOTHES. IT S NOT SILLY TO WAIT SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET THE SHOES OR BAG YOU HAVE DREAMED OF. ABSOLUTELY NOT! BE A SMART SHOPPER AND GET CLOTHES, ACCESSORIES OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AT THE BEST PRICES POSSIBLE. SAVE MONEY AND SPEND IT ON... EVEN MORE SHOPPING! THAT S CALLED SMART! We have good news for our readers as the discount season is just around the corner. Expect the first discounts at the end of December, another wave in mid January and the big sales to hit shops in February. Of course it s the same all over the world so why is it good news for readers in Poland at this time? One the currency exchange rate. The Euro, the Dollar and the UK Pound have grown stronger against the Polish złoty. You don t need a calculator to see that shopping will be even more interesting money wise for those who are paid in those currencies. For those who live outside the EU another good reason to - 8-

13 SHOPPING IN KRAKOW shop in Poland is the VAT that is returned when you buy here. So you save even more. See details with our client s Tax Free Shopping advertisements on page 36 and get your refund. Two Poland has one of the best shopping centers in Europe with internationally recognized brands on sale. In Poland you will find three or four storey superstores with restaurants, multiplex cinemas, entertainment centers and bowling alleys, and most of all, hundreds of quality shops. Three The Krakow commercial offer does not end with excellent superstores such as Bonarka, Galeria Krakowska or Galeria Kazimierz. We are proud of our international brand boutiques with top quality fashion located throughout the city. If this is not enough you will find the best discounts at the very popular and huge Factory Outlet in Modlniczka just 5 minutes drive from the Krakow Airport and with convenient transportation from the city centre. Take the shopping experience in Krakow and make your shopping dreams come true. Go through the pages of our guide with the adds of the best shopping centers, boutiques and outlets you will find descriptions, offers, addresses with tips how to get there and opening hours. Enjoy shopping in Krakow! - 9-

14 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE All you want to know ACCIDENTS Acting reasonably and following basic hygiene rules with some basic common sense should happily limit most travel problems. If something happens though it is worth knowing now what to do then. If nothing very serious happens that requires immediate help the priority here is to contact your insurance company at their call centre. They will tell you what to do, they will call help if you need it, they will tell you which doctor you should to go. It is advisable to be assisted medically by a doctor who has been recognized and authorized by your insurance company. That goes for hospitals and clinics too. This will facilitate any refunding of money paid by you at the time of the medical assistance. If something serious happens and there is no time but call help, remember these two toll free phone numbers: Ambulance, general emergency. ALCOHOL Drinking alcohol (including beer) is forbidden in public places except special areas in restaurant summer gardens. If you are drunk, violent or disturbing the peace and are arrested by the police you will be fined and put in a cell to sleep off your drunkenness. This will not save you a night in a hotel as this police service is rather expensive and you will be charged for your night in police custody. Drinking is strictly prohibited in parks, the surroundings of night shops and railways stations. We advise you strongly to respect these regulations. BARGAINING If you shop at bazaars, open air markets or farms try bargaining. Accepting the first price is not a good idea there, but remember that price negotiations in Poland are far from bargaining as done in Arabic countries. With a little common sense and good humor you can still have a lot of fun. Official prices presented in regular shops are not negotiable but if you are doing a lot of shopping in one place (clothing or electronic products for example) ask for a discount or something added even if it is a regular shop. There is no harm in trying. DRINKING Drinking alcohol (including beer) is forbidden in public places except special areas in restaurant summer gardens. The fine for drinking alcohol in a bus is 100 zł and is higher in other public places if you are apprehended. If you are very drunk, violent or disturbing the peace and are arrested by the police you will be fined and put in a cell to sleep off your drunkenness. This will not save you a night in a hotel as this police service is rather expensive and you will be charged for your night in police custody. Drinkingis strictly prohibited in parks, the surroundings of night shops and railways stations. We advise you strongly to respect these regulations. Remember! The sale of cigarettes and alcohol to under 18 year old people is strictly forbidden. A blood alcohol level of 0,2 parts per thousand is the permitted upper limit for driving. Take note that one beer and you are over the limit. Driving when under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence. So Don't Drink and Drive! FOOD AND DINING Apart from marginal problems, as can be found across Europe, Polish food services are safe, with hygiene at EU standards. The only thing you might have problems with is... overeating! A sin is to dine in fast-food chain bars whilst travelling in Poland instead of enjoying Polish cuisine. Poland is one of the last European countries where most of the fruits and vegetables, meats and or bakery products are based on naturally produced raw materials which are not highly industrialized in their production or contain pesticides. You will be able to experience this quality and taste, real butter, the freshness and colour of the eggs, the unforgettable taste of homemade bread and meats. So enjoy the taste of good Polish food whilst here. You won t find it anywhere else! Any change in your everyday eating habits may upset your stomach. If the symptoms are light take some general medication for this problem. If they develop into something more serious see a doctor. Please refer to our health section. It may be rather difficult to dine in a restaurant after It is a time when meals are generally not served though the place stays open usually till the last guest leaves. Sometimes only snacks are available. As we have noted around Poland it s more difficult to dine late inwarsaw or Gdańsk than it is in Krakow orwrocław. Wrocław and Krakow OldTowns are vibrant places and busy, especially in the season, at one or two in the morning with many of the restaurants still waiting for guests for late dinner. InWarsaw or in Gdańsk however at this time of night the Old Town is empty and quiet as the night life has drifted off to clubs or discos disappearing from the streets. HANDICAPPED TRAVELERS Unfortunately not very good news here. Polish cities in their architectonical respect are a challenge for handicapped people moving around in wheelchairs. One good aspect today is that all new or renovated buildings and all the new ones being built correspond to the norms and regulations for access for handicapped

15 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE people. If a handicapped person plans on coming to Poland they must be aware that they will need assistance from another person and that they cannot travel alone. HEALTH Any, even the most fantastic trip, can be spoilt by unexpected illness, contusions, pain or stomach disorders. The most common problem during long distance trips is jet lag and stomach problems caused by change of life style, cuisine and often just a change of water. For the first few days after arrival try to avoid alcohol or strong coffee. Let your body adapt to the new environment and the challenge of the stress it was put to and adjust to a new food and daily schedule. Any stomach disorders that last not longer that one day requires just a little diet. You can always try a dose of Carbo Medicinalis or Smecta (consult your doctor!). If you feel strange or if the problem might be more serious, go to the doctor immediately. Remember that when travelling you might not have the possibility and conditions to take care of hygiene. Take note that while travelling you are in an environmentwhere there may be many different bacteria and viruses carried by fellow travelers. Travelling is a time for snacks of eating unusual food at unusual times perhaps in unusual places. Remember to wash your hands always before eating! If no water is available be prepared and have special antibacterial wipes or liquid, all available in pharmacies and travelling shops. It s also worth considering buying paper covers for toilet seats. They might be necessary during the trip and will protect you from unhygienic toilets in railways stations, hotels, restaurants. There are no required vaccinations when coming to Poland. All the vaccinations you had at home when children are enough to protect you from any illnesses you might be exposed to here. Jaundice - All travelers should be vaccinated against jaundice no matter where they go.this dirty hands illness of type A that can be transmitted through food or type B that is transmitted through blood (sexual contact, haircut, dentist etc.) may be avoided by a simple but important vaccination at home. The vaccine can protect you for 10 years, so this long term investment in your travel health seems a smart idea! Meningitis - In the Polish geographical zone there are no serious or tropical sicknesses that can be spread by insects. There is however a special condition which can be caused by the bite of the tick insect that lives in the trees and in tall grasses and drops on animals or people. It is very rare that when bitten the virus actually attacks the human system. If you think that the insect attached to your body is a tick do not pull it off if you are not told how to do it safely Go to the nearest pharmacy, or doctor and they will remove it. HIV/AIDS - Poland is considered to be a country of low HIV/AIDS indicator in Europe. Considering these statistics you must be aware though that AIDS is present in Poland. Sexual education in Poland is perhaps not as widespread and good as in the west so these statistics have to be viewed with a little caution. Condoms are available in most shops, all kiosks and drugstores and petrol stations. Remember there is no such a thing as a safe sex with strangers, you may make it safer but never 100% safe. Daily breakfast, light lunch. Freshly baked, artisan bread. Levain baguettes, croissants and homemade preserves. From 6 p.m. we open our wine bar stocked with selected small producer French wines. Plac Szczepański 2, Kraków tel

16 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE INTERNET Traveling across Poland you will find many possibilities of connections to the internet. Almost all the above three star hotels offer free internet in their rooms (it may be cable or wireless). Unfortunately some of the hotels will require a fee for the connection but this is becoming rare and free internet access is standard nearly everywhere. PRICES For tourists coming to Poland from the West, Poland is a relatively inexpensive country. The prices of food, hotel rooms, and domestic communication are not high when compared with prices in The Netherlands or Great Britain, for example. On the other hand in big cities the rental prices for houses or offices have already reached European levels making these rents rather expensive for the average Polish household. However, even with these rising prices which will eventually reach those of western Europe, Poland will remain for some time yet a good quality and attractive, from the point of view of value for money, place to visit. SAFETY It is not possible to say that Poland is a safer country for visitors or for doing business in than any of the other UE countries. It seems that in today's world there are few places, havens of peace, where a traveler can feel completely safe but still there is no real guarantee that in the most tranquil place in the world something dangerous or unpredictable may happen. However we can say that in general this is not the case in Poland. This is not a dangerous country and it is not unsafe for tourists than any other countries in Europe. There are just a few of the simple, straightforward common sense rules which if followed will reduce the risk of problems arising for travelers. Just be that little bit more careful, be aware, be prepared and most of all, enjoy. Basic personal security: take special care of yourself and your belongings in crowded places such as railway stations, popular museums, popular tourist buses or trams. Watch your luggage and keep all valuables and documents in inner pockets. be careful when paying for tickets in railway stations or museums. These are high risk pick pocketing moments. do not keep all your money, credit cards or documents in one place. do not manifest your cosmically super-duper new camera to people who might be interested in acquiring it when it is obvious you do not really want to part with it. avoid offensive groups of young people. If you see a group of people coming towards you, if they are loud and probably drunk, avoid them by crossing to the other side of the street. It's not a cowardly solution, it s just wise. do not go out at night alone. do not take all your money and credit cards with you when going out. Leave some in the hotel safe. do not become too intimate with strangers you meet in a bar or disco. Do not tell everybody which hotel you are staying in. Be modest when talking about money and your financial status. think twice before inviting a stranger to your hotel room. try not to travel alone in a train compartment. If it is possible join a compartment where people are already present. note the address and telephone number of your Embassy. Be sure you know where to go or who to contact in case of an accident or any other problem. Theft and accidents should be reported to the police and the hotel management if the incident takes place in a hotel. Have proper insurance cover for all events and make sure the paper work for any loss or accident is correctly completed to be able to claim for damages when you return home. Prior to leaving on a trip make sure you understand how and what your insurance covers. SEXUAL MINORITIES Today in the larger Polish cities a certain respect for different preferences has been acknowledged. There is a gay community and practically no one objects.there are occasional campaigns organized to explain and to make people aware of the minorities situation and rights they want and need to get. Most people have heard of the annual Equality Parade in Warsaw and the counter demonstration which brings out people to protest sometimes rather aggressively against the gay parade. But every year the numbers of pro gay supporters, themselves not necessarily gay, increases.they join the ranks of the gay and tolerance party to show their willingness to support gay people in their fight for their rights. But let us not exaggerate. There's no gay bashing in this country. Do not be afraid of visiting Poland because you are gay. Just bear in mind when you are here that you are not inthe Netherlands and the situation in Polish cities cannot be compared to that found in London s Soho or Madrid s Chueca. SMOKING Smoking ban is in all public places and this includes hospitals, trains and buses, offices, restaurants and pubs, bus and tram stops, railway stations and airports, and lots more. Smoking in public places is allowed only in special zones created for smokers which you will have to look for. Restaurants will be for non smokers only if the establishment cannot provide a specially ventilated and separate room for smokers. The penalty for a smoker is a 500 zł fine, for the restaurant owner 2000 zł. To help you find a restaurant or a club where smoking is allowed please look for this icon on our listing of restaurants, clubs and pubs. No sign means that the facility is a smokeless zone. TAP WATER The quality and taste of tap water in Poland is not very good. When boiled, no problem, but drunk directly from the tap it s often quite strange in taste and sometimes not very good for you. Just have a bottle of mineral water with you all the time. The good news is that you can buy mineral water almost everywhere, including small kiosks, so don t worry you won t dry out. TIPPING Thigs have changed a lot since the good old bad days when everything had to be tipped.today it is understood that you tip because the service was good, or you want to tip. So if you were satisfied with the service leave a tip. However you have to bear in mind that catering staff, restaurants, clubs, etc are paid a very minimum wage. So if you think it was worth it, add 10% to the bill as a tip and try to pay it cash to your waiter or waitress. If the service and atmosphere has been very good you can even add more. A tip for handling your luggage, taking it up to your room etc,or any other small service in a 2, 3 star hotel is 5 zł. In a 5 star hotel you can tip 10 zł. And the rules are the same, no effort no tip. When paying for a taxi, round up the bill. Generally taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. So if you do the driver will be surprised, and happy

17 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE OPENING HOURS Most shops are open on weekdays from around and close at On Saturdays they usually close at Most supermarkets and galleries are open 7 days a week usually from till 22.00, at weekends till Banks are open usually Monday-Friday from and close usually at Only larger banks, located in the city centre are open on Saturdays but they are closed before If you need a bank on Sunday check if there is a bank representative in a supermarket - they are open the same time as the supermarket opening hours. POSTAL SERVICES Most post offices (Poczta) are open from till The Main Post Office is at 4 Lubicz Street and is open 24 hours, 7 days with all postal services available. In Poland stamps are used on letters or postcards. Stamps can be purchased at post offices ONLY (very occasionally in kiosks). To send a postcard within the EU - 5,20 zł. For an EU letter up to 100 grams - 13 zł. If you want to send a 2 kg parcel economic rate here are some examples of prices (subject to change, ask for details at the post office): to all EU country 58,90 zł, North America 77 zł, Australia 147 zł. Beware, economic rates means a long trip. TAXES Most goods/services are subject to a 23% Value Added Tax. There is also a 8% charge for some goods. Look for the Tax Free Shopping sign on shop windows. If you follow the procedures (the paper work) properly and spend more than 200 zł your VAT will be refunded when you leave Poland. But give yourself time at the frontier to get the money back. (Does not apply to EU citizens any more, sorry!). TELECOMMUNICATION Public telephones can be found throughout the city and most operate with phone cards that can be purchased at kiosks or post offices. The Krakow city code is 12, country code is 48. If you want to call a local number proceed with: (number) if you call from a foreign mobile; 12 (number) if you call from a Polish mobile; 12 (number) if you call from a local phone unit. TOILETS Still quiet a problem in Poland as public toilets are not too easy to find. Some of them are marked on our city tour maps. We advise you to use restaurants or hotel toilets. There is usually a charge of about 2 zł +. When following our sightseeing routes you will find blue WC pictograms on the maps referring to public toilets. That s all we can do to help you in these circumstances. Good Luck! First things first ACCOMODATION It is important to book hotels in advance if you come to Krakow in the peak season. The busy season is understood as between May and October, winter holidays in January and February and all kind of holidays and long weekends. There are many reasonably priced hotels in Cracow at the 2-3 stars level. Yet to get a good offer it is a really good idea to book via the Internet - rooms are often discounted and there are many special offers available on the web only. Try our online booking service at with the best hotel prices. CURRENCY 1 ZŁOTY (zł or PLN) = 100 GROSZY (gr). Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 gr and 1, 2, 5 zł. Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 zł. All European currencies can be exchanged at Banks or Exchange bureaus called KANTOR. Usually no commission is charged. Ask the rate before you change your money. Most supermarkets accept EURO. The exchange rate is presented by the cashier. Note that change will be given in Polish currency. ELECTRICITY 230 V AC, 50 Hz. European type connections, sockets/plugs are used. EMERGENCIES If you have a problem use the free emergency numbers to call for help. Please note - there are not many English speaking operators. POLICE 997, FIRE BRIGADE 998, AMBULANCE 999. When using a mobile phone dial LANGUAGE The official language in Poland is Polish. There are some regional dialects that are slowly disappearing and some are being helped under special programmes for the preservation of the cultural and linguistic heritage. Most primary schools teach foreign languages and the majority choose English. You may still have problems with English conversations with older Poles which means certain bureaucracies, offices, but with younger Poles there are fewer problems with communication. MONEY TRANSFERS You will find Western Union offices across all of Poland. From these offices you can send and receive cash from abroad and in Poland in a matter of minutes. Western Union cooperates with one of the biggest Polish banks, Pekao S.A., so if you spot this bank s larger branches you will probably find a Western Union window there as well. Examples of rates. If you want to send 1000 zł the service fee will be 100 zł, to send 5000 zł the fee will be 270 zł (fees subject to change)

18 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE Arrival first aid ARRIVED BY PLANE? The John Paul II Krakow Airport, still known as Balice Airport, is located 11 km from the city center. The airport is currently being expanded and you should take into account the difficulties in moving inside the airport and the last minute changes in check-in counters. Arrivals and departures, foreign and domestic, are now in the new terminal. In December for example baggage check in was still carried out in the old part of extensively rebuilt terminal. Expect changes soon and update this information on arrival at the terminal. To those who fly to Krakow more often we want to remind that the domestic T2 terminal is closed. The transformation of Balice has created not only a modern terminal but also a hotel which is located opposite the airport building with a multi-storey car park and a new railway station, Krakow Airport, connected to the terminal by a passageway. The modern, air-conditioned trains are now the fastest way to reach the city center (Krakow Main train station). The trains run twice an hour from 5 am to 11 pm and the journey takes less than 20 min. Check the train schedule on: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at the train terminal: one way 8 zł, the fee for a dog 3 zł, luggage free of charge. Next to the terminal are bus lines 292 and 208 going to the Main Train Station and possibly passing your destination. Route 292 line: Hotel Cracovia, AGH, Inwalidów Square, Nowy Kleparz. Route 208 line: Bronowice, The University Campus, Inwalidów Square, University. NOTE! That both lines require special zone tickets (see public transportation ). Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the bus stop and on the bus. A taxi to the airport costs from 50 zł (weekday, off-peak hours) and 70 zł (peak hours and at night or holidays). For more information and examples of taxi corporations refer to the taxi section. PRZYLECIAŁEŚ SAMOLOTEM? Lotnisko im. Jana Pawła II, potocznie nazywane Balice, leży 11 km od centrum Krakowa. Port jest rozbudowywany i należy liczyć się z utrudnieniami w komunikacji oraz zmianami stanowisk odprawy. Obecnie przyloty i odloty, zagraniczne jak i krajowe, obsługiwane są w nowym terminalu. W grudniu odprawa bagażowa realizowana była jednak w starej części intensywnie przebudowywanego terminala. Należy zatem liczyć się ze zmianami organizacyjnymi i sprawdzić aktualne miejsce odprawy. Przypominamy, że terminal krajowy T2 został zamknięty. Dzięki przebudowie Balic powstał nie tylko nowoczesny terminal. Zbudowano hotel, wielopoziomowy parking i stację kolejową Kraków Lotnisko połączoną z terminalem naziemnym łącznikiem. Nowoczesne, klimatyzowane pociągi stanowią teraz najszybszy sposób na dotarcie do centrum miasta (dworzec Krakow Główny). Pociągi kursują dwa razy na godzinę, od do 23.00, a podróż trwa mniej niż 20 min. Rozkład sprawdź na stronie Bilety można kupić w automatach biletowych na peronie: normalny 8 zł, opłata za psa 3 zł, bagaż bezpłatnie. Obok terminala znajduje się przystanek autobusowy linii 292 oraz 208. Trasa linii Hotel Cracovia, AGH, pl. Inwalidów, Nowy Kleparz, Dworzec Główny Wschód. Trasa linii 208 Bronowice Małe, Miasteczko Studenckie AGH, pl. Inwalidów, Politechnika, Dworzec Główny Wschód. UWAGA! Na trasach obu linii obowiązują bilety aglomeracyjne (patrz rozdział komunikacja miejska ). Można je kupić w automacie na przystanku oraz w autobusie. Dojazd taksówką na lotnisko kosztuje od 50 zł (w dzień, poza godzinami szczytu) do 70 zł (w godzinach szczytu i nocą). Więcej informacji oraz przykładowe korporacje znajdziesz w rozdziale taxi. ARRIVED BY TRAIN OR BUS? Good news. The Main Railway Station is located slap bang in the city center. A short walk from the station and you will be in the Main Market Square in 15 minutes. You can also leave the station at Bosacka Street where you will be able to get a taxi. Here you will find the long distance bus station. TIP - to avoid the crowds and to get around easier go up to the roof of the station (stairs from each platform) and get taxi there in the large parking area. When ordering a taxi by phone tell them you are on the roof of the station. More details in the taxi section. Note - most of the city center hotels can be reached by foot. If you have not booked a hotel ask for available rooms at the tourist information center in the railway station. You might be stopped by private room owners who will propose a room in their house. Prices are quite reasonable but the room is often in a house outside the city center. So if you want to stay in town and walk about then take a hotel or one of the many available hostels. The train station is under reconstruction. Expect some problems when walking around the corridors, in any case you wont be there long. One way out is connected to the new Galeria Krakowska Mall. It s a perfect place for shopping, having a meal, visiting the nice new, clean toilets and going to the ATM. The passage is open during Galeria opening hours. See walking route point 1. PRZYJECHAŁEŚ POCIĄGIEM LUB AUTOBUSEM? Dworzec Główny PKP położony jest w samym centrum miasta, dzięki czemu już po piętnastominutowym spacerze możesz usiąść w kawiarnianym ogródku przy Sukiennicach. Wyjście z peronów prowadzi do ulicy Bosackiej, do dworca autobusowego i postoju taxi, oraz w kierunku centrum. Jeden z korytarzy (kierunek centrum) połączony jest z Galerią Krakowską, idealnym miejscem na zakupy, pobranie pieniędzy z bankomatu czy skorzystanie z czystej toalety... RADA! Jeśli chcesz zamówić taksówkę, jako miejsce odebrania pasażera, wskaż parking na dachu dworca - dostaniesz się tam schodami z każdego peronu. Jeżeli nie chcesz czekać na taksówkę, możesz skorzystać z usług licencjonowanej korporacji, która ma tam swój postój. ARRIVED BY CAR? Road surfaces in Poland are not in the best condition but they are usually well sign posted especially to popular places in towns and cities. Some of the hotels

19 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE have route signs leading you to a hotel. Ibis is a good example. Note that the city centre has limited access for cars as there are zones available only for public transport or people living there. There are paid parking areas in almost all parts of the city centre. The city is undergoing a lot of reconstruction work, new main roundabouts and streets to meet European standards, the rapid development of the city and increase in the number of cars. Some of these road works are a pain for drivers. Traffic jams, especially during rush hours are common. And increase every year! The good news is that city centre can be walked through and you can leave your car at the hotel and get to the centre by the well developed public transportation system. PRZYJECHAŁEŚ SAMOCHODEM? Polskie drogi nie należą do najlepszych w Europie jednakże są dość dobrze oznakowane i wyposażone w dodatkowe znaki informacyjne prowadzące turystów do najważniejszych i najciekawszych miejsc. Można napotkać oznakowania prowadzące do hoteli - dobrym przykładem jest Hotel Ibis. Na terenie centrum miasta wprowadzone są ograniczenia dla ruchu kołowego. Na wiele ulic w ścisłym centrum Krakowa wjechać mogą tylko autobusy oraz mieszkańcy posiadający specjalne zezwolenia. Częstą przyczyną korków są intensywne prace budowlane, które po ukończeniu podniosą znacząco jakość podróży po naszych drogach. Niestety godziny szczytu najczęściej kojarzone są z korkami i poważnymi utrudnieniami w ruchu. Dobrą wiadomością jest z pewnością fakt, że większość atrakcji turystycznych można zwiedzić podczas spaceru. Jeśli przyjechałeś do miasta samochodem pozostaw go na parkingu i udaj się na długi, zdrowy i pełen atrakcji spacer z naszym przewodnikiem w ręce! PARKING The paid parking zone has been extended beyond the area of the city center. When parking, pay attention to the signs and the obligation to purchase the ticket. The special C zone marked in blue is subject to parking fees that must be paid at the new parking meters installed in this zone. The purchased ticket (the printout from the machine) must be placed in a visible area inside the car - usually on the dashboard at the windscreen. Payment is obligatory: Monday- Friday from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Parking fees are as follows: up to 20 min. 1 zł, up to one hour 3 zł, up to two hours 6,50 zł, up to three hours 10,60 zł, every other hour 3 zł. Parking meters accept only coins, from 5 gr to 5 zł and no change is given! ATTENTION! - Parking without proper payment is subject to a 50 zł fine. There are also two other zones in the city centre. Zone A (red) which is a strict NO CAR ZONE, for pedestrians and cyclists only. Zone B (green) is a priority zone for pedestrians, and paid parking (as in zone C) is allowed only in specially designated areas. PARKOWANIE Strefa płatnego parkowania została powiększona poza obszar ścisłego centrum miasta. Parkując zwróć uwagę na znaki i obowiązku zakupu biletu. Strefa C, oznaczona kolorem niebieskim, objęta jest obowiązkiem opłaty, której można dokonać w parkometrach stojących przy każdym parkingu. Kupiony bilet parkingowy należy umieścić w widocznym miejscu w samochodzie (na desce rozdzielczej czy pod przednią szybą). Opłaty obowiązują od poniedziałku do piątku, od do Bilet upoważniający do 20 minut parkowania w strefie płatnej, kosztuje 1 zł, do godziny 3 zł, do dwóch - 6,50 zł, do trzech - 10,60 zł. Każda kolejna godzina parkowania kosztuje 3 zł. Parkometr przyjmuje monety od 5 gr do 5 zł i nie wydaje reszty! UWAGA! Kara za brak biletu parkingowego lub wniesienie niewłaściwej opłaty (przekroczenie czasu itp.) wynosi 50 zł. Poza płatną strefą C, ścisłe centrum miasta podzielone jest jeszcze na dwie strefy: strefa A (kolor czerwony), która przeznaczona jest wyłącznie dla pieszych i rowerzystów (zakaz wjazdu) oraz strefa B (kolor zielony), gdzie pieszym przysługuje absolutne pierwszeństwo, a parkowanie (płatne) dozwolone jest wyłącznie w wyznaczonych strefach. PUBLIC TRANSPORT Public transport in Krakow is well developed, punctual and convenient as most of the buses or trams stop at or around the station square. When sightseeing in the centre we recommend walking. It s not to save money on tickets but as most of the points of interest are in the centre they are all within easy walking distance. In fact none of them are really served by buses or trams. If you do take a tram or bus make sure you validate your ticket, punch it in the ticket machine, immediately. If you travel with large luggage remember to buy a ticket for this as well. TIP - there are many types of tickets. Try to estimate how many trips you plan during the day. Buy a 24 h ticket as they are the best for full day visiting plan. Note that buses numbered (eg. 208 Railway Station-Airport) leave the city limits zone - when using these buses and leaving the city limits you must use metropolitan tickets (aglomeracyjny) though the price is the same, in fact just buy some extra single tickets and use them to leave the city limits. Single fare tickets, that need to be validated immediately on boarding the vehicle, are valid for one line of tram and bus. If you plan to switch to another tram or bus you need to validate another ticket or you can buy the time ticket (40 minutes). The time tickets are valid from validation for every bus and tram you want to use. The driver can sell you tickets only if the ticket machine inside the bus has run out of tickets (older buses have no ticket machines). TRANSPORT PUBLICZNY W Krakowie nie sprawia on żadnych problemów. Autobusy są dobrze oznaczone, przyjeżdżają na czas, sprawnie poruszają się pasami dla busów. Linie tramwajowe przeplatają się z autobusowymi tworząc przejrzystą, gęstą sieć. Korzystając z autobusów należy pamiętać o konieczności zakupu tzw. biletów aglomeracyjnych, które uprawniają do przejazdu poza strefę miejską. Bilety jednorazowe, które trzeba skasować niezwłocznie po wejściu do tramwaju lub autobusy, ważne są bez ograniczenia czasowego tylko na jednej linii. Jeśli planujesz przesiadkę warto zakupić bilet czasowy (np. 40 minutowy), który ważny jest przez określony czas od skasowania w każdym tramwaju i autobusie. Motorniczy prowadzi sprzedaż biletów tylko w przypadku braku lub awarii automatu biletowego umieszczonego w pojeździe. ticket type typ biletu adult normlany reduced ulgowy **20 minutes / 20-minutowy 2,80 zł 1,40 zł **40 minutes / 40-minutowy 3,80 zł 1,90 zł **1 hour / 1-godzinny 5,00 zł 2,50 zł **24 hour / 24-godzinny 15,00 zł 7,50 zł **48 hour / 48-godzinny 24,00 zł 12,00 zł * a reduced price ticket is available for students with valid Polish Student s ID ** valid from validation moment / ważny od momentu skasowania

20 INTRODUCTION WPROWADZENIE Polish cuisine When you come to Poland you have to eat out. One good dinner, with some guidance from The Visitor which will help you pick the most popular Polish dishes, and you will notice that Polish cuisine is amazingly rich, truly tasty and quite varied (though it sometimes can be a bit heavy). What is important in Polish food are the ingredients, some of them unique in Europe. The Polish way of growing plants or raising animals has not been affected by mass industrialization of the food industry. So this might be your last chance to taste eggs with real yellow yolks, eat home made butter, and enjoy freshly pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut and many other dishes which you cannot find anywhere else in the world. And believe us the list is long. Try Polish forest fruits and the dozens of kinds of mushrooms you never thought were edible. Take a browse through a selection of Polish desserts. Pick a good restaurant with Polish food and enjoy eating out in our country! SOUPS Polish sour rye soup (żurek) - number one and one of the culinary musts in Poland - a vegetable soup flavored with fermented bread with cooked white sausage, garlic and onions. In some restaurants it is served inside a loaf of bread! Sauerkraut soup (kapuśniak) - a typical Polish winter soup based on sauerkraut, ribs, mushrooms and onions. Beetroot soup (barszcz) - classic beetroot soup usually served with little dumplings filled with meat or round pancakes stuffed with cabbage or meat (paszteciki) usually served as an accompaniment. Bouillon (rosół) - traditional soup served at home on Sundays. Made mostly from chicken and vegetables but other meats used in cooking process improve the quality and taste. Served with home-made noodles. Tripe (flaki) - sounds peculiar but tastes great. Made of well rinsed animal stomachs, cut into slices and cooked for a longtime with bullion. Add to this vegetables and spices. Served usually as a spicy soup. Very popular at weddings as it is believed that it makes your head and stomach stronger to enjoy more wodka and beer than usual. THE CLASSICS Hunters stew (bigos) - Poland s national dish made with boiled sauerkraut, sausages, spare ribs and a variety of ingredients (some have mushrooms, while others contain apples, venison, lamb or beef ). Pierogi - do not leave Poland without trying all of them. Check the menu for flour pierogi filled with meat or cabbage (or both), potatoes with cottage cheese and onions (ruskie), or with fruit. They can be served boiled or baked with butter or other fat. Absolutely delicious! Sausages (kiełbasa) - and what a variety - they can be cold, cooked, smoked, or grilled. We have the classic sausages, or the white ones. Find the best way you like them and enjoy! Breaded pork chops (kotlet schabowy) - a classic Polish dinner accompanied by purée, tomatoes and a side dish of hot cabbage or a mixed salad. If you drink beer with this meal you will feel very Polish! Venison (dziczyzna) - this special kind of meat which you either love or do not like is rather expensive and not so easy to find. When you are in a good restaurant try a dish of venison, the taste is quite unique. OTHER SPECIALITIES Bread (chleb) - bread is important for traditional and religious Poles. Many people kiss the bread if it is dropped on the ground and never throw it into a basket. Traditionally before cutting the first slice the sign of cross was made over the bread. Bear in mind that playing with bread may offend some traditional Polish people. The wholesome and natural ingredients make Polish bread uniquely delicious. Try it just with garlic butter or as a popular every day sandwich (kanapki). Little hoofs (kopytka) - boiled dumplings made of mashed potatoes and flour, with meats making a change from potatoes. Potato pancakes (placki ziemniaczane) - deep fried potatoe pancakes can be served with salmon and sour cream, sauces or just with a sprinkling of sugar. Tartar (tatar) - raw minced meat made of beef sirloin served with raw egg yolk, chopped onions, sour cucumbers, mushrooms (occasionally with capers and anchovies). The dish is mixed on the plate, seasoned with salt and pepper and eaten with bread with butter. It is important to try it in a good restaurant as the raw meat and egg may cause stomach problems if served not fresh and clean! Jellied meat, meat in aspic (galareta) - not often served in restaurants today. In the communist era a popular dish served with a shot of vodka in bars. Servings of jelly made of bullion and gelatin with shredded meat and vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and some vinegar and enjoy with bread and butter. Why not a shot of cold Polish vodka with it? DRINKS Why should we not expand this section with drinks? You are on holidays and will be looking for a glass of something special. Our job is to look for more than just another global beer brand in your glass. You can follow the new Polish trend and scrutinize the local beer brands and the increasingly popular cider. (For vodka info go to the Souvenirs page). The most popular beer is Zywiec but we propose you explore small breweries and try brands such as: Perła, Kormoran, Koźlak and hundreds more to find your best Polish beer