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Haven’t you heard? Sixty is the new forty. Big is the new small. Poverty is the new black. (huh?) And Krakow is the new Prague.
Before I lived in Prague, I had already heard countless times that other cities further east were “the new Prague,” places like Bratislava, Budapest, Kiev, and Tallinn. By the time I got to Prague, I felt not unlike the guy who shows up at the party at 3:00 am when everyone’s already passed out. I felt like I was too late– that’s my point there.
Of all the cities I heard listed as the “new Prague,” none was more frequently mentioned than Krakow, Poland– and for good reason. In a land known for its pierogis, cheap beer, and beautiful people, what’s not to love?
Located on the Vistula River, Krakow is home to an enormous, beautiful town square, the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, and scenic Wawel Castle. The many universities in Krakow mean a lot of young people, and it seems they all have their favorite dimly lit, quirky bars. (here’s mine)
Krakow is also a half hour from the Wielicka Salt Mines and about ninety minutes from Auschwitz, a city perfect for reflecting on the depravity of humankind (if that’s your thing.)
Over at the San Francisco Chronicle’s online travel section, Rick Steves has a great article about his recent trip to Krakow. He finds that while the city is quickly moving forward, he is nostalgic for its enchanting and tumultous past.
November 17th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Dude, I always thought Riga was the new Prague. Shows how out of the loop I am…
November 17th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I was impressed with Krakow, though I can definitely see why it’s shaping up to be the “new” Prague. Cheap international flights, lots of British bars, stag parties, numerous hostels (I think HostelWorld lists something like 60 now), cheap food and beer — all the qualities Prague has yet it’s “undiscovered.”
November 20th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Prague is still great but just gets more and more crowded – can you say “anxiety attack” from the throng of people clogging the Charles Bridge?
My first visit in ‘91 was very special, my hosts providing personal touches like a basket of Easter eggs.
I’ve enjoyed Krakow because it is also filled with beautiful architecture, but there also seems to be space. There are a lot of young and friendly people, you can still stumble into a ‘milk bar’ for a ton of delicious, local food for a coupla bucks, and the beer is great.
The salt mine is expansive, but just a kind of silly thing you could take the kids to.
November 25th, 2007 at 2:04 am
According to the Guardian we have come full circle, they have pronounced that Prague is the new Prague. Now I’m confused.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Krakow has ‘wow factor’ in a big way and is definitely a place to get lost in. According to legend it also has one of the seven magic stones that was thrown out into the world by the Hindu God Shiva and if you go up to the Wawel castle you can feel a mysterious energy. For more information about Krakow I recommend http://www.krakow-poland.com