Interrail trip with friends in Poland and the Czech Republic!
As you may have seen on social media, I went away this summer. Interrail trip with my blogging friends Pauline & Benoit from the blog World Else and Morgane from the blog Little Gypsy Discovering Poland and the Czech Republic!
For those who are unfamiliar with Interrail, it is a pass that allows you to travel by train in nearly 30 European countries, depending on the chosen period. A great alternative for discovering European countries at your own pace and at your own convenience! Visit the website Interrail For more information about passes and their uses.
I had already had the opportunity to take an Interrail trip as a couple a few years ago, but at a fairly intense pace: Copenhagen – Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – Venice In less than 10 days! This time we went for 10 days of fun with friends, but chose to focus on two countries: the Czech Republic and Poland. Our program included exploring the charming city of Cesky Krumlov, Ostrava, Prague and its trendy new neighborhoods, then Poland with its beautiful colorful and lively cities of Krakow and Wroclaw. This trip remains truly memorable, rich in discoveries and many highlights!
Finally, it’s the big day, after a night of citizenM La Défense After my late arrival in Paris, I set off for the East Railway Station at 7 a.m. for a long train journey, towards Cesky Krumlov
Discovery of the Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov
We start this Interrail trip with the discovery of the city of Cesky Krumlov, a very beautiful medieval city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in South Bohemia, not far from the Austrian and German borders. We stayed there for two days and that’s really the minimum length of stay to enjoy the charm of the city. For accommodation there are hotels and hostels, but I recommend opting for traditional guest houses like the Guest House Old Town located right in the heart of the old town. Cesky Krumlov is a must-see if you’re visiting the Czech Republic and I’m really smitten by this city full of history. It’s perfect for family visits, with friends, but also for couples! This destination is very romantic…
The must-see and do things in Cesky Krumlov:
– Getting lost in the winding streets of the old medieval town
– Lunch and dinner along the river in a restaurant. A must-try for: U Dwau Maryi!
– Visit the castle and its tower at sunrise; the view of the city is magical.
– Taking a canoe trip on the river that surrounds Cesky Krumlov is a chance to discover the city from a new perspective while having fun.
Visit here for more information Cesky Krumlov
Ostrava
We continue our Interrail journey with the discovery of Ostrava, an industrial city located in the East of the Czech Republic. It is the ideal destination for URBEX enthusiasts (urban exploration). I recommend you visit the website Dolní Vítkovice, a former mining complex for steel and coal that has now been rehabilitated. The site hosts large-scale events every year, such as the famous music festival Colours of Ostrava.
You also have the option of visiting the factory accompanied by a guide who takes you on a journey through the history of this colossal site. It feels like you’re in a post-apocalyptic film or even Mad Max! I recommend you have a drink at the end of the day at the top of the Bolt Tower, where there’s a bar/restaurant from which you can enjoy a clear view of this former mining complex.
When you return to the city center, you can stroll around the main square surrounded by period buildings and if you want to party in the evening, head to the Stodolní Street and its surroundings, There are nearly sixty bars, pubs and clubs clustered side by side. Guaranteed atmosphere!
Visit here for more information Ostrava
Malá Skála
Change of scenery, here we are about twenty kilometers from Tanvald, in the North of the Czech Republic, a beautiful mountainous and green region called «The Paradise of Bohemia». We stayed there for a day, just enough to do a short hike in the area. Hruboskalsko and Prachov Rocks, known for their quite surprising rock formations. It’s a must-see if you pass through this region of the country! Before heading back to the Malá Skála train station, we took advantage of one last beautiful view of the ruins of the Vranov castle.
Prague
And here I am back in Prague for the 5th time! In my last article about the capital I told you about the 10 must-see attractions in Prague With the Charles Bridge, Stare Mesto, Mala Strana, Old Town Square, the Archers« Island, the Dancing House, and the Zizkov district, which is a bit further from the tourist areas, we set out to discover a more authentic and alternative »Prague”; one that is much less frequented by tourists, especially at this time of year.
Direction Letna, a popular and trendy neighborhood that’s in the spotlight! I recommend visiting Letna Garden at the end of the day on the left bank of the Vltava at the top of the Letna hill; the view of the city at sunset is magnificent… There’s plenty of activity, singers, musicians, shows, in short, the atmosphere is perfect.
If you’re looking for more alternative and creative places, make a stop at Vnitroblock in the Holesovice neighborhood! It’s a new cultural, design and contemporary space created in an old industrial building. There are photo exhibitions, a bar where you can enjoy good cocktails and local beers, a concept store, street art… A neighborhood like I like it, on the outskirts of the tourist center! Thanks to our guide Jan from the agency Avant Garde Prague for this beautiful walk.
If you want to enjoy your evening in one of the city’s most renowned clubs, head to the Cross Club; the industrial decor is truly surprising and the atmosphere is once again on point.
I also went back to the Zizkov neighborhood to have a brunch on the terrace of Cafefin. Try the avocado and pomegranate sandwich! And that night we went to discover the restaurant Oblaca Located at a height of 66 meters in the Zizkov Tower TV tower. The view is impressive and the cuisine is refined and delicious.
If you want to discover good, delicious and quite exclusive restaurants, I recommend you to take a food tour in Prague with Vladimir from the agency. Prague Foodies. We went to The Kantyna, a rather atypical restaurant located in an old bank. The food is delicious (mainly meat based, sorry the veggies) and the setting is quite unique. Another quite exclusive address right in the heart of the old city: Skautskyy Institute. This is a co-working space located just a short walk from Old Town Square. Go have a cup of coffee on the terrace; it’s quiet and far from the tourist crowds.
Discovery of Poland
After the Czech Republic, it’s time for Poland, the next stop on this Interrail train trip! This is the first time I’m stepping foot in this country and it certainly won’t be the last. We stayed for a little over a week exploring Krakow, Wroclaw, the Polish countryside (Ojcow National Park), and Wieliczka known for its salt mine.
Before I tell you more, I’ll let you watch the VLOG video I made!
Discovery of Krakow
We begin our exploration of Poland with Krakow. First we went to Main Market, The main square of the city, which is known for its covered market (the Sukiennice cloth market), the city hall tower and the majestic Basilica Sainte-Marie With its two imposing Gothic towers. Although it is a rather touristy place, this square (one of the largest in Europe) remains a must-see when visiting Krakow.
The old city of Krakow (Stare Miasto) is surrounded by Planty, a park located in the very location of the city’s former fortifications. This verdant belt is one of the residents’ favorite spots; it is a veritable zone of freshness and well-being between the old town and the more modern neighborhoods.
I recommend that you go for a walk in the park of la Wawel Hill where you can find the castle of the same name as well as a beautiful cathedral. In the past it was a high-ranking place of royal and religious power in the country.
As you descend, this time head towards Kazimierz, The former Jewish quarter of the city, and certainly my favorite neighborhood in the city. The heavy past that this neighborhood has experienced has given way to a more creative, dynamic, alternative, and even a bit hipster atmosphere today! You’ll find thrift stores, small cafes, bookstores, restaurants, designer workshops, and street art on every street corner. Despite this, the neighborhood still retains its authenticity: there are always synagogues, kosher restaurants, and a few small specialized shops related to Judaism. If you’re feeling a little hungry, you can eat on the go around the circular hall Nowy Square, You will find plenty of small stands.
Then borrow fromA bridge over the Vistula by Father Ojca Bernatek, there are many sculptures of remarkable athletes. A true work of art…
If you want to taste local Polish specialties like pierogis (raviolis stuffed with meat) I recommend you go to the restaurant The Climate of Poludnia. The owner is lovely, the atmosphere is very pleasant (like a bistro) and the food is excellent.
I also recommend you go and have a coffee in the bar. Alchemia, You feel like you're in another era!
More information on the website of the Krakow tourist office
The Polish Campaign
During this trip between cities, we also took the opportunity to discover the Polish countryside and more specifically the park region. national of Ojcow. For a day, we took a beautiful bike ride through Dolina Pradnik in Korzkwia Then we visited an old wooden windmill in Boroniowka where we were shown the old methods for making flour. After a quick stop at the Piaskowa castle, After that, we went to discover the famous Wielicska salt mine. It is one of the country’s main attractions, and even though I wasn’t excited about doing this tour, I ended up enjoying it a lot! It’s another must-see if you’re coming here. The salt mine is located about 30 minutes by car from Krakow. The tour is conducted by passionate and exciting guides who worked as miners for decades in this mine and know it inside out. For more information about the tours and prices click here
Wroclaw «the little Polish Venice»
«Wroc-soif»... It took me a while to get used to it, but that's how you pronounce the name of the city! This was my favorite part of my short stay in Poland... The city is pleasant, lively, and I felt particularly comfortable there. I was also amazed by the beauty of the old, colorful buildings located in the main square of the city. It truly looks like a postcard!
Wroclaw is nicknamed the Polish Venice because of its many bridges and canals, which also add a touch of romance to this city. The ideal destination to discover during a long weekend as a couple!
But Wroclaw is also vibrant, dynamic, and resolutely international, as it welcomes many students every year as part of the Erasmus exchange programs. Did you also know that the city was named European Capital of Culture in 2016? All these assets make Wroclaw a great destination for future visitors to this beautiful Polish city.
Here are my must-see and must-do things in Wroclaw:
- Take a stroll in the old town, especially on Rynek, the large market square, to admire the cathedral and the colorful buildings.
- Go on a hunt for the 300 dwarfs (called Krasnale in Polish) scattered all over the city, in front of emblematic, cultural or institutional places of the city. It’s a real tourist attraction! You’ll find them all or almost all on this card
- Take a stroll through the Ostrow Tumski neighborhood, the oldest in Wroclaw, and don’t miss seeing the cathedral; get lost in the cobbled streets and take the Tumski Bridge, where couples hang many padlocks.
- Take a boat tour along the city's canals from the Cardinal's Landing
- Have an aperitif at the end of the afternoon on a sun lounger by the river at the Forma Plynna beach bar!
- Visit the Baroque University of Wroclaw with a stop at the Leopoldina Hall. It’s sublime! You can also climb to the top floor to enjoy a beautiful 360° view of the city
- Discover the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), a gigantic exhibition hall located next to the Japanese Garden (Ogrod Japonski) and the fountain basin.
More information on the website of the Wroclaw tourism office
That’s it, the end of this road trip with friends through a small part of Europe. I am recalling all those memories and the fun we had together; it was great on all levels…
I returned to Paris in the evening and before returning to Montpellier the next day, I slept here this time. citizenM at Roissy CDG airport
Just like the establishments in La Défense and Gare de Lyon, this one is flawless! Fast check-in, the decor is still brilliant, the various areas of the hotel are lively (lounge, work space, bar, etc…). In short, I’m starting to feel at home 🙂
INFO: The citizenM in Roissy is located a 3-minute walk from Terminal 3 and Roissypole, which is handy when you're traveling! Price: around €80/night
Photos citizenM La Défense
Photos citizenM Roissy CDG
Article produced in collaboration with Interrail, the tourism office of Poland and the Czech Republic
The content of this article only reflects my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements, and my recommendations are always objective.
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