I admit, I had no idea what to expect from Krakow. But, I was very pleasantly surprised. Despite the weather not being great, I really enjoyed the quaint, colouful buildings, the cobbled main square, and the intermittent clatter of horse and cart. It felt really oldy-worldy (yes, that’s a word my mum uses on a regular basis) with interesting shops tucked away here and there, as well as an abundance of surprisingly popular street performers.
Quirky, colourful shops
I loved the rich colours of the shops and their unique shapes. Plus, the street lights (are they street lights?) are pretty cool, too.
Obligatory horse and cart
A couple clamber into a horse and cart in Krakow’s main square. I didn’t opt to take a ride even though deep down I really, really wanted to. I hate being looked at, you see, and clattering along in one of these things tends to draw a fair bit of attention.
Hello elegant horse
Look at those head-feathers. Fabulous, darling! I’m particularly partial to the red tassle-y things. I’m not so partial to the bells and metal fixtures, though, as they make A LOT of noise. At least you can hear them coming.
Who the -? What the – ?
I’m pretty sure there’s some Hogwarts related magic going on here. LOOK…. HE’S BALANCING WITH ONE HAND. HIS WHOLE BODY. There’s no other explanation. I think some people waited around all day with the thinking that he was going to have to move at some point. That’s probably why they look so bored.
How about a cheeky close up?
Can you work it out now? Wait — is that a magic carpet? THE PLOT THICKENS.
Have you been to Krakow? What did you think? More importantly, though, HOW IS THAT STRANGE MAN BALANCING?
About the author: Lizzie is a full time marketing assistant and part-time travel blogger promoting the ways to get the most out of grab-it-when-you-can travel. She spends her time creatively thinking of ways to plan trips around her job and advocating the idea that you don’t have to be ‘homeless’ to enjoy the perks of frequent travel. Aside from this, Lizzie likes questioning why people travel and the psychology behind it, watching crap American TV programmes, and drinking too much tea (cider). You can find out more about Lizzie here (go on – I know you want to see what’s behind the melon…)
I have been to Krakow. I went in the month of March so there were a lot less crowds. None at all, actually. I loved the colorful buildings, too… especially the green ones.
Sounds like it was nice without the crowds! I was there in August, so it was pretty busy. The colourful buildings are great, aren’t they?!
I visited Krakow a long time ago – well before strange man balancing.
Haha I guess strange man balancing must be a new thing!
Krakow is a fabulous place from what I remember when I visited 20 years ago. I see it is very popular now; maybe time for me to revisit.
Yes, that guy does look to be quite magical in his balancing with one stick. Spooky.
Yes, it seems to definitely be coming back into fashion! It would be interesting to see how it has changed over 20 years.
I visited Krakow a few summers ago and loved it! The colorful buildings & beautiful old churches, the castle, the incredible food – it was one of my favorite trips! I can’t wait to go back someday to hang out in the old town… and to see the amazing balancing man!
The colours are great, aren’t they? I love their contrast with the old buildings
I’m hoping to get back someday too, to explore more of it (maybe when it’s not raining! 
)
I know the trick of this man (it was in a newspaper once). Still, I’d like to see him stand up.
Haha yep, people were determined to wait around until he stood up! I wonder how he gets out of that position…