While you could easily spend a few months exploring the many corners of Krakow, should you be heading there just for a week, or even for a weekend, there are a number of key experiences that really should not be missed. I will now outline seven perfect ways to spend your time in this beautiful city.

1. People Watching at Rynek Glowny

Those that just want to sit and watch the world go by, would be hard pushed to find a better place in the whole of Europe. Krakow’s main square is not only the largest in Europe, it is also lined with over forty outdoor bars and restaurants. Regardless of whether you want to enjoy a light breakfast or an evening beer, you are sure to find the perfect place to sit and simply take in the scene. Day or night, the square is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of both locals and tourists, bikes and horse drawn carriages.

Rynek Gowny, Krakow’s central Grand Square / Ana Paula Hirama

2. A Romantic Meal in Kasimeirz

The old Jewish district of Kasimeirz is one of Krakow’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas. At it’s center is, of course, a small square lined with bars and cafes but the real prize can be found in the many winding streets packed with quaint cafes and small art galleries. Incredibly popular with both students and tourists alike, no visit to Krakow would be complete without at least one night exploring this side of town. It is also the best place to go for romantic meal for two.

3. Explore the Hectic Nightlife

The two best places for a night out in Krakow are the Rynek Glowny area and Kasimeirz. The area around the main square is the part of Krakow that officially has more bars per square mile than anywhere else in Europe and there are countless clubs that don’t close until dawn. Kasimeirz on the other hand, while still offering it’s fair share of clubs, is known for it’s many chilled out student bars ideal for a few drinks in a significantly quieter environment.

4. Shopping at Galeria Krakowska

Located immediately next to the cities main train station, this shining example of just how fast Poland’s economy is growing immediately dispels any misconceptions that tourists may have about Eastern European cities. Encompassing three floors, countless fountains and an endless selection of designer clothing stores, those who love to shop will feel perfectly at home here. A wide range of dining options are available on the top floor, making the shopping center the perfect place for a relaxing day out.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oświęcim, near Krakow / Ian Rutherford

5. Explore Poland’s Tragic Past

Although Krakow offers visitors many illustrations of the atrocities of World War II, few are as harrowing as excursions to nearby Auschwitz. What remains of the largest German concentration camp has been open to tourists for many years and the wide range of tours available are both harrowing and highly educational. Although certainly not a pleasant day in the sun, a visit to this museum of one of humanities darkest times is not something that you are ever likely to forget.

6. A Romantic Walk Along the Vistula River

Culminating in the towering Wawel Castle, a stroll along the Vistula river is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day or a romantic evening. And thanks, to it’s convenient route, pointing the way from Rynek Glowny to Kasimeirz, the walk can easily be fit into even the shortest of visits to Krakow. Should you have the time however, why not hire a bike and really take advantage of the peaceful views on offer.

7. Visit the Tatra Mountains

The popular mountain town of Zakopane is just a two hour bus ride from Krakow and not only offers some fantastic hiking opportunities in Summer, it transforms into the most popular skiing resort in Poland each Winter. Many people are surprised to learn that Poland actually offers some tremendous skiing opportunities and unlike the Swiss Alps, a few days in the snow can be had on a backpackers budget. A word of warning however, don’t take the train which for some strange reason takes twice as long as the bus.

Zakopane in High Tatras / Ana Paula Hirama

This article was written by guest blogger and travel writer Nick. He writes for Cruise1st.co.uk.

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Coastal Edinburgh, Scotland, UK / Stuart Caie

Edinburgh offers great opportunities for romance. Great restaurants, beautiful scenery, rickshaw rides, oodles of fabulous hotels… Here are some ideas to help you plan for your weekend away:

Lodgings

There are some great websites that will help you learn a lot about the available hotels. You’ll find travellers’ sites and review websites where people share their experience at hotels they’ve stayed at. You’ll also find deals online where you can book hotels for significant discounts. This could mean staying at a 4 or 5 star hotel for the price of a 3 star hotel.

Many Edinburgh hotels offer very romantic packages including meals and often including extra sightseeing activities as part of the fee. A bit of shopping around could help you save a lot of money.

Restaurants

Check out some restaurant reviews, too, to see what’s near your hotel and what’s on offer during the time you’re expecting to visit.  Your hotel may offer free meals as part of the package or vouchers for local restaurants, too. You can also find out on online review sites a bit about the average price of a meal for restaurants within walking distance of your hotel. If you want a special treat and are willing to splurge on a romantic meal, there are a few restaurants with Michelin stars, too.

Edinburgh Castle / Saffron Blaze

Finding Things to Do

Beyond spending plenty of alone time together in your cosy love nest, here are some of the common things lovers love to do in Edinburgh. (Many of them are low cost or even free):

• Dean Village – is a pretty and picturesque village. Perfect for a romantic stroll.
• Royal Mile – This road leads toward Edinburgh Castle and is great for shopping, sightseeing, eating, and soaking in the history of this city.
• Royal Botanical Gardens – The gardens offer a lush and aromatic place to stroll and this is a very popular place to visit for tourists.
• Museums and art galleries – The Museum of Scotland is great if you’re interested in finding out more about Scotland’s history. There are probably at least several museums and art galleries within reasonable walking distance of your hotel, too.
• There are often organised walking tours at night, too, that share some of the darker secrets of the city. Those tours will probably make the hairs on the back of your head stand up and make you want to get closer to your significant other!

The above list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. There are family activities, couples’ activities, and plenty of sights to see. You’ll find many top fifty and even top one hundred lists online with things to see and do in Edinburgh. If it’s romance and privacy you’re after, you won’t be disappointed, either! Again, a bit of shopping around will help you save money and you’ll also find plenty of info to help you make the most of your weekend getaway.

Mohammed Haroon writes for Today’s Great Deals. He invites you to check out Edinburgh’s Great Deal for a great deal on your next trip to Edinburgh.

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