A Kid's Guide to Krakow, Poland

"God created war so that Americans would learn geography.”Mark Twain

In Krakow, Poland, there’s no escaping the presence of war, both historically and currently. Since I’m a masochist tucked inside a pacifist, I’ve never been too interested in warfare. That’s my sad-ass excuse when I struggle to remember historic battles that shaped the freedoms I enjoy today.

Fortunately, my knowledge of history has quadrupled since meeting my Polish host, who has taken me into his home for an unforeseen amount of time.1 In Poland, people talk about war the way North Americans talk about real estate—they don’t stop. They know the names of weapons, battle techniques, generals, and everything else I’m trying and failing to find interest in. What’s most important is that I’ve learned Poland doesn’t hide behind its history.

Yet, it’s thanks to my host’s boys that I’ve learned more about geography. Utter a sound in your language or show the colours of your flag, and those two boys will know where you're from, the capital of your country, the population, and above all, anything plane-related.

They also gave me insight into what children love about Krakow, Poland.

The following questions are the same ones I asked my CouchSurfing host, Andrea Baggio, to give you a local insight into Turin, Italy. I’m asking locals the same questions throughout European towns and cities as I continue exploring the therapeutic effects of slow travel. I see no reason to change the questions for kids.

The following answers are paraphrased because my students currently have a beginner-intermediate level in English. I added details and links to give you more insight into the city and make planning your trip easier.

What makes Krakow stand apart from the rest of Poland?

Nolan, this is a really hard question. Krakow is such an important part of Poland’s history, so I don’t think of it as standing apart. It was the capital from 1038 until the 16th century, and then the king of Poland, Sigismund III Vasa, moved it to Warsaw, a bigger city with more skyscrapers—the climate’s milder here, though. And there’s lots of smog in the Winter because many people still use wood fires in Krakow.

What are your 3 favourite things to do in Krakow?

Bike trips! Henryk Jordan Park is my favourite place to bike to. That’s where we went yesterday.

I also like Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park, where we visited Piłsudski's Mound.

Piłsudski's Mound, also known as Independence or Freedom Mound was created to honor Józef Piłsudski, a key Polish statesman who served as Chief of State from 1918 to 1922 and as Poland's first Marshal from 1920. After World War I, Piłsudski played a pivotal role in Polish politics and foreign policy.

Krakus Mound, or Kopiec Krakusa is believed to be the burial site of the legendary King Krakus, Kraków's mythical founder. It is the city's oldest man-made structure. The other two memorial mounds in Kraków are Kościuszko Mound (1823) and Piłsudski's Mound (1937).

Aside from biking, I also really like EnergyLandia, the biggest amusement park in Poland, which is just an hour outside Krakow.

And my third favourite place is Balice Airport because I can spot all sorts of airplanes. There are narrow-body jets like the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737. Wide-body jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A330. And even some military jets from the Polish Air Force like the C-130 Hercules.

What are your favourite meals or restaurants from Krakow?

My favourite meal is the Kotlet Shabowy, similar to an Austrian Wiener Schnitzel. Here, it’s popular to eat with potatoes and sour cream.

I also like Pierogi Ruskie, which is filled with potatoes and cheese, usually twaróg—a Polish farmer’s cheese. You can also use cottage cheese.

And out of all our famous soups, Rosół soup is the best, in my opinion. It’s a chicken soup with carrots, parsnips, celery root, leeks, and onions.

Okay, so if you want to try these meals and eat some of the best Polish food in Krakow, you should go to Pod Wawelem Kompaniai Kuflowa, which is in the park that wraps around the city centre. However, my favourite restaurant is Trattoria Sotto il Forte, the Italian restaurant in our neighbourhood. The food is delicious, and only parks and houses surround it, so it’s quiet and relaxing. It’s kind of like sitting on the terrace of someone’s home in the neighbourhood.

What's the greatest challenge of living in Krakow?

Bad drivers and traffic jams.

How much money does one need to live comfortably?

I have no idea. I’m eleven.

What are your favourite pieces of history?

When Kazimierz Odnowiciel took the capital from Gnienzo to Kracow in 1038—he was also known as Casimir I the Restorer. Kraków remained Poland's capital until 1596. A lot of culture and education started here. And we still have really awesome schools here. There are twelve universities in Krakow! Over 200,000 students come to study here every year.

But I’m in Elementary school, so I don’t know where I’ll study yet.

Is there any stereotype or misconception you wish to break about Krakow?

Although we can be little smart-asses, that’s not always true. 

What parts of you feel like a person from Krakow?

I am proud to belong to the second-biggest city in Poland. I love Polish food, but I also love Italian and Georgian food, but you can find lots of Italian food and some Georgian food in Krakow. 

What parts of you don't feel like a person from Krakow?

I like to follow the rules. 

What would change about your city or culture if you were mayor, and/or what do you hope will never change?

I would build even more bike tracks. I would make the big tracks more like in Gdynia.

Do you feel European? 

Yes, because we are in the European Union. It also looks like Europe.

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