Guidebook for Strzeszyce
Sightseeing
A stunning salt mine. Much more impressive than Wieliczka, yet frequently overlooked by tourist.
22 locals recommend
Bochnia Salt Mine
15 CampiA stunning salt mine. Much more impressive than Wieliczka, yet frequently overlooked by tourist.
This cute little town is one of the oldest resort-spas in Poland (~200 years). Things to check out:
* the mineral waters,
* local nano-brewery shop
* oscypki (smoked sheep cheese, yum!) stands; can't miss them, they are all over the place
9 locals recommend
Szczawnica
This cute little town is one of the oldest resort-spas in Poland (~200 years). Things to check out:
* the mineral waters,
* local nano-brewery shop
* oscypki (smoked sheep cheese, yum!) stands; can't miss them, they are all over the place
"The „Wieliczka” Salt Mine is one of the largest tourist attractions in Poland, registered on the UNESCO list and visited by over a million tourists every year."
25 locals recommend
Wieliczka
"The „Wieliczka” Salt Mine is one of the largest tourist attractions in Poland, registered on the UNESCO list and visited by over a million tourists every year."
"Starý Smokovec is a popular resort for skiing and hiking. It also forms the junction of the Tatra Electric Railway train line, connecting Poprad, Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso. Amongst the more important buildings in the district are the sanatorium and the Grand Hotel (established in 1904). It is connected by the Starý Smokovec–Hrebienok funicular to the small ski resort of Hrebienok at 1285 m." /Wikipedia/
23 locals recommend
Starý Smokovec
"Starý Smokovec is a popular resort for skiing and hiking. It also forms the junction of the Tatra Electric Railway train line, connecting Poprad, Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso. Amongst the more important buildings in the district are the sanatorium and the Grand Hotel (established in 1904). It is connected by the Starý Smokovec–Hrebienok funicular to the small ski resort of Hrebienok at 1285 m." /Wikipedia/
Arts & Culture
A great destination for families and architecture aficionados. This early baroque castle from XIV has a rich history, though the inside décor may leave you wanting more. Be sure to check out the confession chamber!
Nowy Wiśnicz Castle
A great destination for families and architecture aficionados. This early baroque castle from XIV has a rich history, though the inside décor may leave you wanting more. Be sure to check out the confession chamber!
This monastery is right on the boarder of Poland/Slovakia and you are not required any documents to cross. You may consider renting bikes for the day (4 zl/1 hour) and biking around the area. There is a great dirt road leading from the monastery which you can bike on along the Dunajec river.
17 locals recommend
Červený Kláštor
This monastery is right on the boarder of Poland/Slovakia and you are not required any documents to cross. You may consider renting bikes for the day (4 zl/1 hour) and biking around the area. There is a great dirt road leading from the monastery which you can bike on along the Dunajec river.
Check out how our ancestors lived! 20 hectare showcasing local history, traditional way of life and early wooden architecture.
Sądecki Ethnographic Park
83B Generała Wieniawy DługoszowskiegoCheck out how our ancestors lived! 20 hectare showcasing local history, traditional way of life and early wooden architecture.
This impressive medieval stronghold is a treat to see. It's well renovated and maintained with cool exhibits sprinkled across rooms showing the lifestyle of the XV century rich people. The castle is built on a lake and the views from the walls are gorgeous. A short walk from the castle is the highest earthen dam in Poland (56 m high, 404 m long). Take a stroll!
7 locals recommend
Zamek w Niedzicy Dunajec
2 ZamkowaThis impressive medieval stronghold is a treat to see. It's well renovated and maintained with cool exhibits sprinkled across rooms showing the lifestyle of the XV century rich people. The castle is built on a lake and the views from the walls are gorgeous. A short walk from the castle is the highest earthen dam in Poland (56 m high, 404 m long). Take a stroll!
Tropsztyn Castle in Wytrzyszczka near Czchow is one of the more interesting attractions of Małopolska. Its story is particularly remarkable because its association with the Inca treasure of Peru.
Tropsztyn Castle
Tropsztyn Castle in Wytrzyszczka near Czchow is one of the more interesting attractions of Małopolska. Its story is particularly remarkable because its association with the Inca treasure of Peru.
" For centuries the residence of the kings of Poland and the symbol of Polish statehood, the Castle is now one of the country’s premier art museums. The castle, being one of the largest in Poland, represents nearly all European architectural styles of medieval, renaissance and baroque periods. The Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Hill constitute the most historically and culturally significant site in the country. In 1978 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Centre of Kraków."
/from Wikipedia/
1101 locals recommend
Wawel Royal Castle
5 Wawel" For centuries the residence of the kings of Poland and the symbol of Polish statehood, the Castle is now one of the country’s premier art museums. The castle, being one of the largest in Poland, represents nearly all European architectural styles of medieval, renaissance and baroque periods. The Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Hill constitute the most historically and culturally significant site in the country. In 1978 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Centre of Kraków."
/from Wikipedia/
Entertainment & Activities
If you like boats, try this boat ride. This is a standard trip for kids in grade schools and we all love it! The views are gorgeous and the rafters hilarious. You start in Sromowce Wyzne and have an option of getting off either in Szczwnica or Kroscienko.
7 locals recommend
Spływ Dunajcem - Biuro spływu
14 KątyIf you like boats, try this boat ride. This is a standard trip for kids in grade schools and we all love it! The views are gorgeous and the rafters hilarious. You start in Sromowce Wyzne and have an option of getting off either in Szczwnica or Kroscienko.
A great little place to enjoy a lake, rent a boat, have some food or just relax on a beach. Keep in mind that it is quite popular with locals, so it tends to get busy on the weekends.
Gmina Gródek nad Dunajcem
A great little place to enjoy a lake, rent a boat, have some food or just relax on a beach. Keep in mind that it is quite popular with locals, so it tends to get busy on the weekends.
This is a great amusement park for kids which has grown over the years. I have many fond memories of this place because my brother and I used go there as kids and loved it. Highly recommend for kids!
10 locals recommend
Rabkoland
RynekThis is a great amusement park for kids which has grown over the years. I have many fond memories of this place because my brother and I used go there as kids and loved it. Highly recommend for kids!
Local stables where you can spend your time horseback riding.
Rezydencja Assanya POKOJE i APARTAMENTY
Local stables where you can spend your time horseback riding.
Food Scene
So much more than a cafe! This has been a place of local cultural and artistic gatherings since before I made it my favourite spot in high school. The scene remains vibrant with concerts, poetry readings and small art exhibits. Add to that great selection of drinks and light affordable snacks.
Kawiarnia Prowincjonalna
3 PiastowskaSo much more than a cafe! This has been a place of local cultural and artistic gatherings since before I made it my favourite spot in high school. The scene remains vibrant with concerts, poetry readings and small art exhibits. Add to that great selection of drinks and light affordable snacks.
The food served at the Laskowianka Restaurant is delicious! Traditional Polish cuisine at great value for the money. Typically cooked fresh (don't forget to ask the waiter just in case). Be sure to try the following:
* placek ziemiaczany; Polish potato lattke comes in 3 variations
* zurek; sour white soup, absolutely fantastic
* fruit perogies; strawberry are best!
They have a great patio to explore the flavours of Polish cuisine.
Zajazd Laskowianka Pizzeria Hotel
The food served at the Laskowianka Restaurant is delicious! Traditional Polish cuisine at great value for the money. Typically cooked fresh (don't forget to ask the waiter just in case). Be sure to try the following:
* placek ziemiaczany; Polish potato lattke comes in 3 variations
* zurek; sour white soup, absolutely fantastic
* fruit perogies; strawberry are best!
They have a great patio to explore the flavours of Polish cuisine.
This is my most recent find around Krakow. It is just a short drive from the city centre and I highly recommend it because you will not find equivalent place that offers the same value for your money. If you like good food, this is the place to go. Absolutely fantastic, seasonal and local food cooked to perfection (beef cheeks are to die for!). Though the prices are on the higher end by local standard the food is well worth the price. Combine your visit here with the visit to Krakow Zoo or Kopiec Kosciuszki.
27 Porcji Family Slow Food
184 aleja KasztanowaThis is my most recent find around Krakow. It is just a short drive from the city centre and I highly recommend it because you will not find equivalent place that offers the same value for your money. If you like good food, this is the place to go. Absolutely fantastic, seasonal and local food cooked to perfection (beef cheeks are to die for!). Though the prices are on the higher end by local standard the food is well worth the price. Combine your visit here with the visit to Krakow Zoo or Kopiec Kosciuszki.
Best ice cream in the world!
This place is always busy. Locals love it and for good reason. This is a 75 year old ice-creamery which uses only natural ingredients. And you can buy take away to enjoy at home :-)
Argasińscy
9 Tadeusza KościuszkiBest ice cream in the world!
This place is always busy. Locals love it and for good reason. This is a 75 year old ice-creamery which uses only natural ingredients. And you can buy take away to enjoy at home :-)
Disregard the title, this is the famous Old Coctail Bar.
It's been here since May 1st 1964. The "coctail" in the name many be confusing; it has nothing to do with alcoholic beverages, but everything to do with deserts. This place is famous for their iced coffee and ice cream goblets.
Every time I visit Nowy Sacz I stop here for their iced coffee which is the BEST iced coffee I have had. It comes with a scoop of ice cream and whipped cream on top. The whipped cream is fantastic, hand made and the flavour is all natural. All for 7.50 zl a piece! As for the ice cream goblets, try Melba.
PKO Bank Polski S.A.-Oddział 4 w Nowym Sączu
15 Jana FreisleraDisregard the title, this is the famous Old Coctail Bar.
It's been here since May 1st 1964. The "coctail" in the name many be confusing; it has nothing to do with alcoholic beverages, but everything to do with deserts. This place is famous for their iced coffee and ice cream goblets.
Every time I visit Nowy Sacz I stop here for their iced coffee which is the BEST iced coffee I have had. It comes with a scoop of ice cream and whipped cream on top. The whipped cream is fantastic, hand made and the flavour is all natural. All for 7.50 zl a piece! As for the ice cream goblets, try Melba.
This eatery is the best place for no bullshit budget lunch in Krakow and it features a great value for the money. It serves typical Polish dishes in an awesome communist-style atmosphere. I've discovered it about 10 years ago so it is been there for a while. Locals frequently come here for lunch which is always a good review in itself. You see an odd adventurous tourist here from time to time. Make sure you get there early though, first come first serve and when food runs out that's it for the day.
16 locals recommend
Jadłodajnia U STASI
16 MikołajskaThis eatery is the best place for no bullshit budget lunch in Krakow and it features a great value for the money. It serves typical Polish dishes in an awesome communist-style atmosphere. I've discovered it about 10 years ago so it is been there for a while. Locals frequently come here for lunch which is always a good review in itself. You see an odd adventurous tourist here from time to time. Make sure you get there early though, first come first serve and when food runs out that's it for the day.
This restobar is a real gem and my favourite hangout for summer evenings. I love coming here in the evening to relax in the candle-lit stone-walled courtyard while snacking on the Israeli finger foods.
194 locals recommend
Hamsa
2 SzerokaThis restobar is a real gem and my favourite hangout for summer evenings. I love coming here in the evening to relax in the candle-lit stone-walled courtyard while snacking on the Israeli finger foods.
Everything Else
Western style mall in town. You can shop here for variety of clothing including Polish brands, jewellery, etc. The complex has a small food court and cinema. In the basement is a large grocery store.
Kino Helios Nowy Sącz
80 LwowskaWestern style mall in town. You can shop here for variety of clothing including Polish brands, jewellery, etc. The complex has a small food court and cinema. In the basement is a large grocery store.
Parks & Nature
This is a beautiful national park featuring fantastic high limestone peaks. It makes a great destination for day trip for kids as the hike is relatively easy, leisurely with scenic views. You can hike up the 3 most famous peaks which have their own entertaining names given by the witty locals:
Tall Kate (982 m.a.s.l.)
Fat Barb (950 m.a.s.l.)
Shaggy Mary (920 m.a.s.l.)
I wonder it you can tell which is which?
19 locals recommend
Trzy Korony
This is a beautiful national park featuring fantastic high limestone peaks. It makes a great destination for day trip for kids as the hike is relatively easy, leisurely with scenic views. You can hike up the 3 most famous peaks which have their own entertaining names given by the witty locals:
Tall Kate (982 m.a.s.l.)
Fat Barb (950 m.a.s.l.)
Shaggy Mary (920 m.a.s.l.)
I wonder it you can tell which is which?
"Tatranská Lomnica is a town in the Slovak part of the High Tatras mountains. It is a skiing and hiking resort best known for the cable car to Lomnický štít, one of the steepest in Europe and remarkable for its lack of support pylons between the two stations". /Wikipedia/. I highly recommend taking the cable car! You have an option to go to the peak itself (cannot hike around, just visit for 20 min). You can also stop half way and hike around. I suggest you buy one 1 ticket to the half point and then take a mountain tricycle down a windy road. It's soooo much fun! Swing by Starý Smokovec when you're there.
33 locals recommend
Tatranská Lomnica
"Tatranská Lomnica is a town in the Slovak part of the High Tatras mountains. It is a skiing and hiking resort best known for the cable car to Lomnický štít, one of the steepest in Europe and remarkable for its lack of support pylons between the two stations". /Wikipedia/. I highly recommend taking the cable car! You have an option to go to the peak itself (cannot hike around, just visit for 20 min). You can also stop half way and hike around. I suggest you buy one 1 ticket to the half point and then take a mountain tricycle down a windy road. It's soooo much fun! Swing by Starý Smokovec when you're there.
Drinks & Nightlife
Old classing among the students in Krakow. Great bar in the heart of Kazimierz with a decent selection of beer and food. I like the dark interior of an old tenement house with preserved room layout and decorations
556 locals recommend
Alchemia
5 EsteryOld classing among the students in Krakow. Great bar in the heart of Kazimierz with a decent selection of beer and food. I like the dark interior of an old tenement house with preserved room layout and decorations
Local hipsters have taken over the old tobacco factory. Fantastic spot for bar hopping and worth spending an evening there especially since it won't be there for much longer (will be converted into apartments soon)!
107 locals recommend
Dolnych Młynów
Dolnych MłynówLocal hipsters have taken over the old tobacco factory. Fantastic spot for bar hopping and worth spending an evening there especially since it won't be there for much longer (will be converted into apartments soon)!