Monthly Archives: July 2019

Things to Do in Dublin: from Vikings to Oscar Wilde

July 28, 2019 lillyemma 2 Comments

I first went to Dublin several years ago but I didn’t know much about it. I’d never heard about the great things to do and see in Dublin, so I only got a day there and assumed it wouldn’t be my cup of tea. I was so wrong. Dublin is a great city and deserves several days to explore, which is why I recently went back to properly see the Irish capital.

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Dublin’s History

Of course, Dublin dates back to the days of the Vikings and was founded by the group of wanderers in the 9th century. It still retains its Viking name of Dubh Linn (Black Pool). It took only 2-300 years for the town to convert to Christianity and become a major city in Ireland. It also fell under Norman rule and subsequently, English rule, as the result of sacking over the next few centuries. Dublin was sacked often but always rebuilt. In the 18th century, Dublin grew to be the British Empire’s second largest city and made significant changes to the infrastructure and architecture which make up a big part of Dublin today.

Of course, not all of Dublin’s history is very old. It was a centre of political activity and fighting during the War of Independence. Much of that fighting happened on St. Stephen’s Green. When Ireland gained independence in 1921, Dublin was named its capital. Today it holds about one-fourth of Ireland’s entire population.

Things to Do in Dublin

Dublin’s roots date back to the Vikings and a lot of what you see today is a mix of medieval and Georgian, when the Irish were occupied by the English. Though the city overall isn’t incredible to look at, it is filled with beautiful gems. It’s also filled with culture.

One highlight of Dublin is Trinity College, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. There, they have housed the Book of Kells, Ireland’s most famous artwork. Seeing the Book of Kells also grants you admission to the Trinity College Library, which is named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It is quite stunning in person, and you can also see the oldest surviving harp in Ireland (the harp is the national symbol of the Irish). If you can do only one thing in Dublin, I’d recommend this.

You can also pay a visit to Dublin Castle, which has obviously played an important role in Irish history. It was started as the seat of English and British rule in Ireland in 1204 and served that purpose for centuries after. A fire destroyed much of the castle in 1684 which is why it’s varied in archaeological style. You can see the medieval section, the State Rooms, or both. We opted to see the State Rooms, but we weren’t incredibly impressed. However you can see the room in which the Irish president is inaugurated. To save money, I’d recommend giving this a miss.

The most popular attraction in Ireland is the Guinness Storehouse, where you can see a bunch of exhibits on Guinness and get a free pint. I thought it was interesting and they go over brewing, the company history, and their advertising strategies as well. Be sure to check out all the different bars before giving up your free pint ticket as they all have different drinks/experiences. Also don’t go in at the last hour as some of the bars close, so you may not be able to get your pick. The top level has great, sweeping views of Dublin from above. If you like whiskey as well, you can visit the Irish Whiskey Museum.

Another popular attraction is the Little Museum of Dublin, but I only recommend it if you have more time in the city. It doesn’t cover 1000 years of Irish history in 40 minutes; it covers 100 years of history in 20 minutes, and the history is just the Easter Rebellion and Bono. I found the National Museum of Ireland to be far more interesting. The one on Archaeology has several articles of clothing, which is so rare to see for their ages. It also has the famous bog bodies, which are like Irish mummies and some of the most famous archaeological finds in the world. The museum on Decorative Arts and History is more out of the way but I’m determined to go next time I’m in town. Right next door to the Archaeology and Natural History museums is the National Gallery.

You should also at least stop by Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, two other landmarks of the city. Christ Church was erected at the start of Christianity in Viking Ireland. St. Patrick’s is said to be on the same site that Saint Patrick baptised people into Christianity. (If you didn’t realise, St. Patrick “chasing the snakes out of Ireland” means getting rid of and converting Pagans.)

Some other popular tourist attractions are the Molly Malone Statue and the Temple Bar, both of which I think are overrated. You can see the remnants of Dublin’s medieval wall more towards the Guinness Storehouse, which I personally think is cooler. If you need to look it up on a map, it’s next to the Riddler Restaurant and La Rochelle Condos. Something I’d really like to see when I go back is Dublinia, a recreation of Viking and medieval Dublin.

The Dublin Writers Museum is more for people who are into literature. It’s small but has some very interesting artefacts. Even though it’s not open to the public, you can still visit the outside of Oscar Wilde’s Home. His statue is across the street – they’ve kindly nicknamed it “Fag on a Crag.”

Dublin is a sizable city. I personally think the tourist-y section near the Temple Bar is really cute (I’ve been chastised for saying so), but Dublin has a lot of great streets and places that extent outwards. Unfortunately I didn’t get much of a feel for the neighbourhoods beyond the central city areas.

The people are very friendly. Both times I was there, there was always live music playing in the streets and in the bars/restaurants. I think that’s so great! What surprised me most about Dublin when I first visited is how busy it always seems to be. It’s like New York in that it never really sleeps. If you’re looking for a history fix but some great nightlife, then Dublin’s a city for you. It definitely has one of the best personalities I’ve experienced.

Have you ever been to Dublin? What did you think?

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Destinations

The Irish Medieval Town of Kilkenny – Things to Do & Travel Guide

July 23, 2019 lillyemma Leave a comment

There are so many beautiful towns to explore in Ireland so it was difficult to choose one to spend a day in. After doing some research, Kilkenny looked to be a very viable option with enough to do to fill a day. It was such a good choice! I had a fantastic day in Kilkenny.

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The History of Kilkenny

Kilkenny virtually came to be in the 500s when the St. Canice Cathedral was built. Like many medieval cities, people built structures near the Cathedral and you can see today where the original medieval walls were (just keep an eye on the ground).

What I find fascinating about their history is their “local witch,” Kyteler. Alice Kyteler was born in 1263 and she married four wealthy men, all of whom died under suspicious circumstances. It was her fourth husband, John le Poer, who suspected her of foul play and told others before he died. Since she inherited so much wealth from her husbands’ deaths and was quite an “enchantress” to many men, it was not out of peoples’ mind that she might be a witch. She was charged with sorcery (amongst over things) but she fled to Dublin and then England, and then history loses track of her. Unfortunately, her servant Petronilla de Meath took her place and was burned at the stake. This is known as the first witch hunt in Ireland.

Medieval history is fascinating but I’m sure glad I didn’t live in that era. Imagine being burned for someone else’s doings.

Alice Kyteler is now known as the Kilkenny witch and you can see references to her in many parts of Kilkenny today. You can even visit Kyteler’s Inn, which is the very inn she kept in her lifetime hundreds of years ago!

Things to Do in Kilkenny

That’s just one of the very awesome things you can do in Kilkenny today. Most popularly, you can see Kilkenny Castle, which is a medieval castle that was a 19th century residence. You can see it today as it was in the 1800s, and it’s very gorgeous on the inside. They also have a beautiful rose garden to visit during the warmer months. Kilkenny Castle also marks one end of the Medieval Mile, which is a road that stretches to St. Canice’s Cathedral and Tower, the original structure of Kilkenny. The round tower of the cathedral is Kilkenny’s oldest structure and the cathedral complex was built 1500 years ago. There are medieval artefacts inside and you can get views over Kilkenny by climbing the tower.

There’s a lot of beautiful buildings along the medieval mile, and a lot to do as well. One popular attraction is Rothe House, a medieval house and garden of a wealth merchant. The house itself isn’t spectacular on the inside but the gardens are beautiful. I also got to see some plants I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t see the Medieval Mile Museum but it’s filled with artefacts from Kilkenny’s medieval days. If you like beer, you can also visit the Smithwick’s Experience, which is a museum dedicated to Ireland’s longest-running brewery, Smithwick’s. I found their tour to be very informative and their beer was great. They have 3 ales and only their red ale is exported to other countries, so you can try 2 ales available only in Ireland.

Outside of the mile, you can see St. Mary’s Cathedral, Dominican Black Abbey, and you can also spot different medieval towers around the city. There’s also a lot to do locally in Kilkenny, as it is quite a lively city. If you’re staying for a few days, be sure to check out some live music (a staple of Irish culture).

My personal tip is that even though the Medieval Mile is the main tourist street, there’s a lot of good-looking restaurants and shops along John Street Lower across the river, so be sure to branch out there as well.

I absolutely loved Kilkenny and as it’s easy accessible from Dublin, I highly recommend visiting it. It’s a beautiful and very sizable medieval town with a lot to see and do. Even though I haven’t been to many Irish villages, it’s definitely my favourite.

Have you ever been to Kilkenny? What did you think?

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Destinations

Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland’s Underrated Capital

July 18, 2019 lillyemma 1 Comment

Krakow is the most popular destination in Poland, but Warsaw is the country’s capital and it has a lot to offer. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting but I actually really liked it. It’s a great place to spend a few days and such an overlooked vacation destination.

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The History of Warsaw

Warsaw is relatively new, with continuous settlement estimated since around the 13th century. However it became more important towards the end of the medieval ages. It became the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1596 due to its central location, and continued serving as capital under various regimes. Like much of Poland, Warsaw’s golden era was during the 16th-17th centuries, and the city became of less international importance after that.

However almost everything was completely destroyed during WWII. The Warsaw Uprising in 1944 is most associated with the city, a huge battle for the independence of Poland from Germany. The Old Town part of Warsaw was rebuilt after the war, giving Warsaw the nickname “the Phoenix City.” For this, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Warsaw Mermaid

Warsaw has a mascot: the mermaid. Legend has it that a mermaid got caught in fishermen’s nets and the fishermen cut her free. To show her gratitude, she vowed to protect the city from there on. Today, you can see her statue in the Old Town Square Market. Of course, stories vary, but it’s said that the fisherman’s name was Wars and the mermaid’s Sawa. Warsaw in Polish is Warszawa, so the two names come together – Wars-Sawa/Warszawa.

Map of Warsaw

Map created with Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

Things to Do in Warsaw

First off: Warsaw is huge! It’s so much larger than it looks on a map. The walk from the train station to Old Town is roughly half an hour. There’s public transportation and inexpensive taxis but I personally liked riding the Lime Scooters around town. They cost $1 to start and 15 cents for each minute used.

Old Town Warsaw is actually pretty extensive, and so charming. It’s so great that they rebuilt it and really says a lot about the Polish character. The most famous part of the old town is where Sigismund’s Column is, but there’s also the Old Town Market Square as well as the New Town Market Square. There are so many streets to walk down! The main street is Krakowskie Przedmieście, which is actually quite long. It’s a bit touristy but still very cute. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the column to the National Museum, where the Old Town charm stops. However there are of course lots of little streets and plazas to discover. It’s no surprise I thought this was the best part of Warsaw.

I never recommend restaurants but I absolutely loved Zachcianek Pierogarnia in the Old Town Square. Best pierogies I’ve ever had in my life! And I didn’t expect it since the location is so tourist-y.

There’s also quite a bit to do. You can visit St. Anne’s Cathedral and go to the top of the church tower for fantastic views over the main square. Afterward you can go next door and visit The Royal Castle in Warsaw, which has a lot of beautiful rooms. The Castle is as old as the city itself, serving as a home to Masovian royalty in medieval times. It served as the seat of royalty in Poland as soon as Warsaw became the capital. For history buffs, it’s a must-visit.

Another great thing to do is to take a walk along the Barbican, the medieval walls. You can stroll along the old walls and the site is actually quite extensive. I went during a holiday so there were a lot of stalls set up with food and goods, but that may happen all year round. It’s also lit up at night if you’d like to take a stroll then.

Another great thing to do in Old Town is visit the Museum of Warsaw. It’s an informative museum of Warsaw’s history through artefacts. If you go to the top floor, you can get views of the Old Town Market Square. I’d recommend putting this museum towards the top of your list! You can also visit the Marie Curie Museum, dedicated to one of Warsaw’s famous residents. There’s also a Chopin Museum to visit and the city has lots of Chopin concerts. There were lots of advertisements for free concerts when I was there. Just ask around!

The rest of Warsaw is huge and has a lot to do. The most notable is the towering Palace of Culture and Science, which is a 1950s building that’s more beautiful in person than in photos. There are a few museums inside, such as a Dollhouse Museum, but the most visited part is the viewing terrace. I felt it was too far away from the old town to have good views (for me), but they definitely are sweeping. You can also head down to the Warsaw Uprising Museum (called the “Warsaw Rising Museum” on some maps). Note that this is about a 20-30 minute walk south of the Palace.

The newer parts of town, where the Palace of Culture and Science is, is heavily under construction. So it will be interesting to see what Warsaw looks and feels like in a few years.

Warsaw also has a branch of Poland’s National Museum. I found it was a fantastic place to go to discover Polish painters (the average person can’t name too many Polish painters). A few minutes’ walk from the National Museum is the Botanical Garden (paid entrance) and Lazienki Park (free). Lazienki Park is very extensive and it’s such a tranquil and beautiful park. You’ll probably want to see the famous “Palace on the Isle” but if you have time, you can walk around and enjoy all the nature.

However, Warsaw is a very local-centralised city. Even though there’s a lot for tourists, there’s a plethora of restaurants and “milk bars” (Polish cafes), shops, and clubs. It’s a beautiful city but it also one that exists for its residents. Long story short, there’s always something to do.

I had a great time in Warsaw and almost everything I got to see and do was terrific. It’s a city that’s definitely proud of its history but is also unafraid to innovate. There are a lot of new buildings going up and they’re actually really interesting; it will be nice to see what Warsaw looks like in a few years. Right now, it’s a great destination for tourists but it’s so easily overlooked.

Have you been to Warsaw? What did you think?

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Destinations

The Porcelain City of Dresden – Things to Do & Travel Guide

July 13, 2019 lillyemma Leave a comment

When people think of Germany, they think of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. But in my case, Dresden was on the top of my German bucket list because it’s a baroque masterpiece in its own right. It’s the capital of Saxony and can be an easy day trip from places like Berlin, Prague and Wroclaw. What I found is it’s a great city to visit and even spend a little more time in.

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A Short History of Dresden

Dresden has been a settlement since the mid-late middle ages. Its heyday actually came under Polish rule, when Polish King Augustus II (also known as King Augustus the Strong) created a residence there. This was around the early 1700s. He had several buildings built, including the Zwinger Palace and the two churches, Hofkirche and Frauenkirche. It became a centre for art with the founding of the Dresden Porcelain Collection and the “Green Vault.” The Porcelain Collection was a company that started operations in 1872 and became successful throughout Europe until the first World War.

The city was bombed in World War II but rebuilt. Today you can experience so many prominent parts of Dresden’s history.

Things to Do in Dresden

Dresden is actually a very sizable city. It’s divided into “Old Town” and “New Town.” It looks so small on a map but a walk from Alaun Park in New Town to the Old Town is about 20 minutes of continuous walking. To get from Old Town to the train station is about 10-15 minutes walking. They have a lot of public transport you can use to get around the city more efficiently.

The Baroque part of Old Town (the area near the Zwinger) is absolutely gorgeous. It was so amazing to see the stonework that made up that part of the city. There’s a huge gallery with different types of art located in Dresden Castle. They have several small museums within the one building so I recommend doing your research before visiting. (Also, their ticket booth is not as clear as their website.) The most popular place to see is the Historic Green Vault, which is a porcelain and jewel collection housed in a magnificent interior of several decorated rooms. It was great to see the artwork but I didn’t appreciate how they had an audioguide only; I much prefer to read things. Nevertheless, it is gorgeous. Next door, you can see the beautiful Opera House.

Nearby, you can see the “Fürstenzug” or “Procession of Princes” porcelain mural, which depicts Saxon rulers over time. It’s gorgeous and the size in person makes it much more dramatic. There’s also only one female on the mural, and a challenge is to find her. I won’t tell you where she is. You have to go see for yourself!

Then you’ll see the Zwinger and honestly, it’s one of my favourite pieces of architecture! It’s so elegant and festooned but its short height makes it more modest. What’s interesting is that the Zwinger started out as an orangery – isn’t that a bit unexpected? Now it serves as the home of two museums: Dresden’s famous porcelain museum and the Old Master’s Picture Gallery. The porcelain museum was very informative and of course you get to see some beautiful and unique pieces of art; in Dresden, I would consider it a must-see.

Porcelain is famous in Dresden as it was here that porcelain was first produced in Europe, back in 1708 (before the Dresden Porcelain Company was founded). It’s known as Meissen porcelain. You can also see the Japanese Palace where the collection was originally housed but today it’s the Senckenberg Natural History Collections and the Museum of Ethnology. If you have the means you can also purchase some porcelain from one of the many antique stores around the city.

Another popular building to see is the Frauenkirche, Dresden’s famous church. It’s absolutely beautiful inside, although photos are not allowed – unless you can catch some while climbing up the tower. If you want to, you can climb the church tower to see for yourself. It is a strenuous climb since there are many ramps. The market square also very cute, however it is very tourist-y. I recommend escaping to find a good place to eat and drink.

New Town is a great place for that. It’s across the river, and you’ll want to stop at the Golden Rider statue because it’s the symbol of Dresden. It represents King August II, the king discussed earlier in the post. You can also stop in Kunsthofpassage, which is essentially a few courtyards that are decorated in different ways.

New Town looks a lot more plain than I was expecting but they have a fantastic selection of vegan and vegetarian foods. I didn’t know before visiting that Dresden has the highest concentration of bars in Germany, so it’s also a great place to hang out. I found the locals to be very friendly, so don’t be shy to go out and meet someone new. I also recommend stopping in Pfunds Dairy, which is considered the most beautiful dairy in the world. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in. It’s not beautiful at all but there’s also a cafe on the second floor where you can grab a bite to eat and try some of the products they sell.

I spent two days in Dresden and I could’ve put in more time to see more museums. I definitely could’ve stayed longer to try more food and maybe meet a few more people. Dresden is a very laid back, beautiful city that has a lot of local life. It would honestly make a great location as a base or a slow travel vacation. However, with good planning, two days can be enough to get a taste of this fantastic city.

Dresden isn’t one of Germany’s most famous cities but it’s one of the most charismatic I’ve been to. The architecture is breathtaking and it’s difficult to find such a large amount of Baroque exteriors that have such a prominent place. However the great atmosphere also made my visit one to remember. Dresden looks like a city stuck in time but it has the soul of today’s world. I definitely think Dresden is very overlooked and recommend it as part of your trip to Germany, or even a country nearby. It’s easily accessible from several other prominent cities.

Have you ever been to Dresden? What did you think?

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Destinations

Puerto Rico’s Colorful Old San Juan: Things to Do & Travel Guide (Updated 2023)

July 5, 2019 lillyemma 2 Comments

Old San Juan is known for its charming houses and fort, and it used to be a popular destination for vacationers. Other bloggers reported that even after Hurricane Maria, it had revived itself. Considering that they needed the tourist money and it was only a 3.5-hour plane ride from home, I decided to spend a long weekend there and see it for myself.

And oh my goodness – San Juan is gorgeous! I even ventured back a few years later just to see it again.

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The History of Old San Juan

Before colonisation, San Juan was inhabited by the Taino people. It was colonised by the Spanish in the late 15th century and early 16th century. Old San Juan was the capital of Puerto Rico since its foundation in 1519.

The winds from Europe and Africa lead to Puerto Rico, so it became an “entrance” to the new world – thus the name that translates to “Rich Port.” The Spaniards held onto the island ferociously. A few centuries later in 1898, Puerto Rico became an independent part of Spain. It was seized by the U.S. shortly after at the end of the Spanish-American War. In 1901, they came an “unincorporated territory” in the U.S. The U.S.’s history with Puerto Rico gets pretty racist from then till today, which I talk a little bit about below. Talk of becoming a state or seceding from the United States as a whole is still dividing Puerto Ricans.

Nevertheless, Old San Juan is a beautiful plays that pays homage to its many heritages, including the Taino, Spanish, and African influences. San Juan is a large city of which Old San Juan is only a small part, but this post will focus on only that section.

Things to Do in Old San Juan

It’s very convenient that Old San Juan is packed into a small geographic area. It’s very walkable and due to its grid-like structure, you can easily be sure to see all the gorgeous streets. The most notable site you’ll probably visit is Castillo San Felipe del Morro San Juan, which is the city’s main fort. It’s so huge in person and the site has a lot of information about its history as well as that of San Juan. I’d definitely recommend a visit. With the same ticket on the same day, you can head over to Castillo de San Cristóbal, another fort that was built in the 18th century. It’s also very large but not as informative as Castillo San Felipe. The walls from the forts continue to many other parts of the city. Another site many people visit is the Puerta de San Juan, or the city’s main “door.” It’s not very impressive but go ahead and walk in that area because it’s very beautiful. There’s no ugly street in San Juan!

The city also has a few museums to visit. The Museum of the Americas is dedicated to the history and modern-day culture of Latin America. I found it to be super informative. Though not everything is translated into English, I learned a lot. Casa Blanca is another museum that’s popular and I didn’t know what to expect before visiting. It’s the 16th century home of a Spanish colonist, and even though it’s a bit bare, it’s a very beautiful house. You can explore the relaxing gardens for free (look out for frogs and iguanas!). I also headed to the Museum of Art and History (also called the Museum of San Juan) but it was closed on a day they were advertised as being open. Also, it’s a one-room exhibition. I’d say skip it. However, do grab a calendar and see if the farmer’s market will be there when you are. They have absolutely delicious food and I was able to find a vegan stand when I was there.

You can also visit La Fortaleza, or the governor’s mansion, if you’re in San Juan on a week day. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A lot of people like to stop by the “Puerta de la Bandera,” or the Door of the Flag. It’s a good photo spot and also a statement on the current state of Puerto Rico. It used to be painted with Puerto Rico’s red, white and blue colours but now it’s black and white. It was painted this way on July 4, 2016 to start a discussion about the declining state of the Island under the USA.

Of course another popular thing to do in San Juan is visit the beaches, a staple of the Caribbean. The closest beach to Old San Juan is Playa Peña, which is a short walk along the northern coast. Once you get to the Puerto Rico State Capital, you can go down some stairs and get to the beach. It’s a bit rocky but is way less crowded than the other beaches. The most popular beach is Playa El Escambrón, which is about a half hour walk from Old San Juan. I walk fast so it’s probably longer than that, typically. It’s a larger beach but it’s still rocky and much more crowded, which is why I recommend Playa Peña. However both are beautiful so it’s hard to go wrong with either one! The waters are so clear and make a break from a hot day.

Playa Peña

Playa El Escambrón

Something I also highly recommend is La Pecera which is near Escambron Beach. This is actually a sea turtle sanctuary and it’s free to visit. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear (or you can rent some there) and have a look in to see if you can spot sea turtles. Even though it’s not in old San Juan, next door in Condado also has some fun snorkelling. You can see lots of fish at Playita del Condado and Parque de la Lagunda del Condado next door. The Parque apparently has manatees in it sometimes. Both are completely free to visit and you don’t need a boat to go out to the snorkelling. It’s really cool!

A lot of people also like to visit La Perla. It’s a neighbourhood in old San Juan that’s known for being a “slum,” so it’s definitely a different type of place to visit. Just don’t be disrespectful towards the locals.

A lot of Old San Juan is houses that people live in. There are a lot of souvenir and non-souvenir shops, and I found a few antique stores with some amazing finds. The southern part of the island, which is where the cruise ship port is, is easily more tourist-y. It gets less tourist-y when you head north. This is also where you can find the most nightlife. Though Old San Juan is beautiful and obviously more historic than the rest of San Juan, you can venture out to other parts of the city. Two days is enough to see the Old Town but not enough to see even more. That being said, Old San Juan is by far the gem of the city.

There are a few drawbacks. I kept hearing that Puerto Rico is “so cheap” after Hurricane Maria. My flight and hostel stay was pricier than I pay for in Europe, so I was skeptical – and rightfully so. It’s a bit more expensive than the Washington, DC area, which is one of the priciest places in the country. So no, it’s not a budget destination. Expect to pay over $10 for a meal easily, and without a drink. Lots of meals are over $20. I can’t speak to how this compares to before Maria or in comparison to other Caribbean Islands.

Another issue is that there is limited food options for vegetarians. A lot of restaurants have only meat dishes. There are some vegetarian options here and there. (Also, there’s absolutely no vegetarian options at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport. They have a Popeye’s which has some sides – none of which are vegan – or you could cough up $20 for a veggie burger. Just a warning to bring your own snacks!)

However, I would absolutely recommend a visit to San Juan. I cannot get over the beauty of this city. It is packed with humble yet beautiful architecture along the coast and is stunning. What’s really fun is that all the houses are painted different colours and it’s by far one of the most colourful places I’ve ever been. It’s an absolutely gorgeous area that makes for a great city slash beach escape. The people are so friendly and the city is quite large. I’ve been there again since my first visit and I might just go back again.

If you live within a reasonable distance of San Juan, it’s a great place to go on a long weekend. You won’t see nearly as much as there is to see but it’s a good amount of time to get away and explore. Otherwise, it’s a great destination that’s used as a port stop when it deserves at least a few days.

Have you ever been to San Juan? What did you think?

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Things to Do in Krakow: Discovering a Medieval Beauty

July 1, 2019 lillyemma Leave a comment

Even though there’s lots of things to do in Krakow, it is by far the most popular area of Poland for tourists just because of its proximity to Auschwitz. Because it was minimally destroyed in the war and it’s close to Auschwitz, it makes an excellent trip for people who want to visit Poland. It was the last stop on my Poland trip and I have to say that it was a fantastic place to be.

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Krakow’s History

Krakow first started over a thousand years ago, around the 9th century, on what is today Wawel Hill (which you can visit). In only a few decades it became a centre of trade, a position it held for centuries. Its heyday was in medieval times (around the 1400s), when certain trade routes were legally obligated to go through Krakow. At the time, it was the seat of Poland and flourished with art and education. This is the heritage of which Krakow boasts the most.

In 1609 more power shifted to the capital city of Warsaw and thus Krakow because less popular. Centuries later, like much of Europe, it was occupied by Nazi Germany. Unlike many of Poland’s other cities, Krakow actually wasn’t damaged too badly – so the Krakow you see today is an original, not a reconstruction. Today, it’s a great destination in central Europe and a very charming place.

The Wawel Dragon

One thing you’ll notice is several dragon souvenirs. This is because of the legend of the Wawel Dragon. Like all legends, there are variations and the story can be quite different depending on who you ask. However, it is generally said that King Krakus who lived on Wawel Hill discovered a dragon living beneath his castle. The dragon of course was a threat to the safety of the city’s people. The king then decided that whoever could kill the dragon would get the crown and his daughter, Princess Wanda. A poor man named Skuba then took on the challenge and filled a sheep with sulfur, which he fed to the dragon. The dragon ate it, died, and everyone was happy. (Except the dragon, or if we’re getting all Beowulf here, the dragon’s mother.) You can visit the “dragon’s den” in Wawel Hill so is it really a legend? You decide. But it certainly is a classic medieval myth.

Things to Do in Krakow

The great thing about Krakow is that it’s a fantastic destination for history lovers. As I said, its heyday was in medieval times, and they still hold onto that there. To learn about medieval Krakow, you can visit the Rynek Underground, a fantastic museum. It’s an interactive museum and you can learn all about medieval Krakow there! Make sure to get tickets in advance – they are timed and sell out. There is also the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, but it’s super small. I highly recommend skipping that and doing the Rynek Underground instead.

You can also see a lot of great sites just by walking around. Krakow’s town square is actually the largest in all of Europe. The Cloth Hall is in the centre of the main square and it’s essentially a souvenir hall now. However it dates back several centuries, so it’s kind of cool it’s still running. Poland also has cute souvenirs like pottery, amber jewellery, lace, etc. so it’s not completely tacky. Right next door is the Town Hall Tower. You can go up to the top for a few zloty but except for some good snaps of Wawel, I don’t particularly think it’s a great view. You can also go up to the top of the square’s church, St. Mary’s Basilica. I didn’t get to go up because you need to book in advance, and I didn’t anticipate that. So be sure to book in advance! Also visit inside the cathedral. The interior, pictured above, is absolutely gorgeous.

One of the essential places to visit in Krakow is Wawel Hill, which has several different exhibitions you can see. However each one costs around 20PLN and you need to pay for each one separately, so make sure you do your research beforehand. I did the tower climb, which didn’t have particularly great views of anything. I also did the State Rooms visit, which had very interesting interiors. The guided tour gave a lot of additional information. However you can also see the “dragon’s den,” the cathedral, Royal Private Apartments, “Lost Wawel,” etc. Click here for more information. The more you see, the more time you need to allow yourself. Purchasing tickets beforehand is also very helpful. I bought tickets around 1:00pm and they weren’t valid until 3:00pm because of traffic control – and this was before COVID.

Wawel Hill is where the Krakow Dragon legend originates. It’s also been a seat of political power since the 800s, so it’s quite a significant site in Polish history. A lot has occurred over the 1200 years of its existence, which is easy to see when visiting Wawel. A lot of it has Renaissance and Baroque influences but the site clearly dates back to medieval ages.

Another gem to see is Jagiellonian University, which is the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. They have a museum which I did not visit but the courtyard alone is worth a short stop. It is so gorgeous! You can also visit the Barbican and parts of the old city walls for more of a look at medieval Krakow.

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, Krakow, Poland

Another attraction I highly recommend is Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Again, I highly recommend you buy tickets online – they sold out over a month in advance when I went. Otherwise the line at the door is huge. It’s set up as a museum on the Nazi occupation of Krakow, and only about 2 rooms are actually set up to describe Oskar Schindler and the Jews he saved. However it is very informative and touching to see a place where over 1,000 people were saved from genocide. You can also check out the nearby area of Kazimierz, which is the Jewish quarter. Lots of kosher food, and it’s a bit more relaxed and eclectic than the central part of Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine is outside of Krakow but it’s an interesting half-day trip. It’s amazing to see what people can do with the earth. There’s a beautiful chapel inside and it’s made of salt. Salt mines may not sound very interesting but it was actually quite fascinating to visit this one.

Krakow is a fantastic city and there’s a lot to see and do. It’s very laid back but has a lot of gems to see around the city. I highly recommend putting it on your travel list if it’s not there already!

Have you been to Krakow? What did you think?

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