This typical British weather has got me holiday dreaming. Not necessarily about some sunshine but more about a break! 

My last trip in 2019 was the beautiful city Krakow and it was made better by the fact the whole thing was a surprise. 

Krakow is small but just so beautiful. Everything is fixed around the main square. It was December when we visited which meant the Christmas markets overpowered, just the way I like it. To me, Krakow felt a bit like going back in time. There are a lot of traditional aspects that sets the city aside from the modern world. There were horse and carriages that constantly looped the square and a cathedral whose bell chimed every hour echoing through the night.

On our first day in Krakow, we managed to walk around a lot of the city. We walked past countless carriage rides and followed the smells of freshly baked crepes all day long. We even managed to grab breakfast with Santa – we got the shock of our lives when we asked for the bill. Everything is just so cheap!

One of my favourite things about Krakow would have to be the restaurants. They are all together in the square. It is so lovely walking around them all and deciding what type of food looks best (or in my case, which window had the most fairy lights in). A lot of the restaurants had an outside area with heaters and blankets where you could eat your meal whilst looking at the Christmas tree and the hustling, bustling tourists. It was so cosy.

On day number two we were a lot more refreshed. We booked a trip to do a tour of Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camps; the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. An hour-and-a-half-hour bus journey, sat separately, trying our best to reply to the questions we where been asked in German was not my idea of relaxing but seeing the camps is something I think everyone has to see in their lifetime.

It was such an emotional experience and it was horrific to hear all the stories the guide told us through our headsets. Auschwitz was the first tour of the day. They took us through rooms where we got to see shoes, glasses, and even hair which was just so shocking. I will never ever forget the moment we entered the gas chamber. I felt so sick; it is the saddest, eeriest place I have ever seen.

Even though seeing the camp was extremely emotional and upsetting, it is something I had to see to truly understand the inhumaneness of what actually went on. 

We then continued our tour and went to Birkenau. This camp was much bigger and we found out that day that the Jewish people sent to that camp actually built it. There were carriages lined up on the tracks, which we were told carried 10 times the amount of what they could fit, and brought Jewish people in from around the world. We got to see how they slept and the conditions of their living which was horrific.

After seeing the camps, I did feel like Krakow had an eerie presence that lingered in the air. This is something I don’t think it will ever loose. Event though it is a beautiful city, it’s tragic history will always remain.

That whole day was full of emotions from shock to sadness to anger and so we ended on a high with a lovely meal at the most amazing restaurant called ‘Spaghetti’. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, the restaurant is right in the square and you will not be disappointed. I fully recommend. 

Our third and final day in Krakow was short and sweet as we had an early flight back. We still managed to get a last minute look at the magnificent buildings and hundreds of Christmas market stalls before saying our goodbyes.

Our time spent in Krakow was the best and I would go back in a heartbeat.