At the end of the year 2022, I went on a solo trip to two places in Poland, "Warsaw" and "Krakow".
Since it was just the Christmas season, there were Christmas markets, Christmas trees, etc., in the air in many places.
In this issue, I would like to introduce the Christmas scenery and festivities in Warsaw and Krakow.
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"Krakow" to "Auschwitz (Oswiecim)" by bus and cost
If you will go to Poland🇵🇱, you should visit "Auschwitz" at least once in your life. To get to Auschwitz, you must first take a bus from "Krakow" to "Oswiecim." (The name "Auschwitz" is the English version of "Oswiecim") Compared to the article information from a few years ago, the places to get tickets and bus fees seemed to have changed, so here is the information as of December 2022. The information is also included with notes on riding the buses and touring Auschwitz. How to get from "Krakow" to "Oswiecim" (Auschwitz) by bus Auschwitz There are two ways to ...
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Two Main Christmas Markets in "Warsaw"
There are two main Christmas markets in Warsaw.
Both are within walking distance of each other, but both were so crowded that it was difficult to walk around.
1 A long and narrow market that continues along "the city walls from Castle Square"

Castle Square
The first market is a long and narrow market that begins at Castle Square and continues along the city walls.
A huge Christmas tree is the main landmark.
Just in front of this building, the ruins of the castle walls remain, and the narrow street is used as a Christmas market, lined with stores selling food, souvenirs, and other items.
It is a little hard to see, but can you see what looks like a gate?
As you can see from the size of the gate, it is a fairly small street.
Yes, in other words, it is very congested.
So congested that you can't go forward or backward on the way.
You can't even buy what you want to take if the traffic is this congested. You can't even look around slowly.
It was all I could do just to walk down the street.
But it was so a gorgeous time.

light up
This Market Street is also lit up like this. (There is no place to shop, though.)
The street is still beautiful with cobblestone streets, so please take your time to stroll around.
If you want to taste some Christmas-like food, move to the other market site.
It is located in the middle of "Old Town" about 5 minute walk from here.
2 "Old Town Market Square" is the entire market venue

Old Town Market Square
The second is a Christmas market that takes up the entire "Old Town Market Square" here.
This is also marked by a huge Christmas tree and is a relatively relaxing place to browse for souvenirs and enjoy a meal.

No one here in the early morning
Located in a square surrounded on all sides by colorful old-fashioned buildings, you will feel as if you are in another world.
By the way, if you go there first thing in the morning, you can have this space all to yourself as shown in the photo.
The market itself can be enjoyed in a more relaxed atmosphere.
There are several Polish restaurants in the area, so you can warm yourself up there.
”Krakow" The Christmas Market has an otherworldly atmosphere
Next, I would like to introduce the Christmas Market in "Krakow", Poland. To be honest, the Christmas market in Krakow is more fun.
This is just one place.
In the center of Krakow, there is a "central square" where old churches and castle ruins are gathered, and roads and trains radiate from the square.
The Krakow Christmas Market is located right in the center of the "Central Square".

St. Mary's Cathedral
There was a Christmas tree in front of St. Mary's Cathedral, which stands in "Central Square.
Incidentally, St. Mary's Cathedral is also the oldest and largest church in Krakow, and the inside is decorated in a very solemn manner.
When I visited there, a wedding ceremony was being held. (Photos are not available inside the church.)

Huge Market
The Christmas market itself is also larger than in Warsaw and is surrounded by more historic and ornate buildings.
There are some small markets here and there (e.g. in front of the train station), but this one is the largest.
You can buy some sundries, sweets, Polish food, etc., and the space is truly "otherworldly.
A fun place to just walk around.

Horse-drawn carriages run all over town
In addition, horse-drawn carriages like the one in the photo are running here and there in the town, giving it a more "otherworldly" feeling and making it a very cozy town.
As expected, I could not ride in a horse-drawn carriage as a solo traveler...
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Basically, you can pay by credit card everywhere.
However, I felt that there are few places in Poland where "Amex cards" are accepted. I advise you to have some "Master Card" and "Vasa" cards.
If you are planning to visit several European countries, I recommend the "Revolut" debit card, which allows you to exchange money for the currency of the country on the spot.
"Warsaw" ⇄ "Krakow" by BUS

Warsaw bus terminal
The trip from "Warsaw" to "Krakow" takes about four hours by bus.
The "Flix Bus" (large green buses, long-distance buses from all over Europe) runs several times a day and is the cheapest way to get from Warsaw to Krakow.
The "Auschwitz" (free admission) is located about an hour from "Krakow".
When visiting Poland, it is a good idea to tour "Warsaw," "Krakow," and "Auschwitz" together.
Furthermore, you can take a bus from "Krakow" to "Prague" in the Czech Republic, and from there you can easily travel to major cities in each country, such as "Vienna" in Austria and "Budapest" in Hungary.
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”Auschwitz" Best way to look around in one day
"I would like to visit Auschwitz at least once before I die!" "I would like to know how to get to Auschwitz." Yes! I went to the "Auschwitz" on December 27, 2022, as I had longed to do. Based on the information I received at that time, this article is a comprehensive compilation of basic information on how to get to Auschwitz, what to see and what to do. I have been to about 20 different countries and seen many different places, but this is only one place that I thought everyone must come. I was speechless. The opening hours ...
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Make sure you go to "Auschwitz"!

Auschwitz
「アウシュビッツ」「ナチス」と聞くと「ドイツ」のイメージがありますが、よくテレビで見たり聞いたりする「アウシュビッツ収容所」「アウシュビッツ博物館」は、ポーランドの「クラクフ」からバスで1時間ほど行ったところにある「オシフィエンチム」というところにそのまま残されています。
歴史的な負の遺産として、入場料は無料(ツアー入場と個人入場で時間は分けられている)で、収容所と博物館それぞれ見て回ることができます。
ポーランドに行く際は、また周辺のチェコやハンガリー、オーストリアに行く際は、プランの中に「アウシュビッツ収容所・博物館」も組み込んでみてください。
When we hear the words "Auschwitz" and "Nazi," we have an image of "Germany," but the "Auschwitz", which we often see and hear about on TV, is still there, in a place called "Osifientim" located about an hour by bus from "Krakow" in Poland.
As a negative historical legacy, there is no admission fee (admission time is divided between tours and private admission).
When you visit Poland, or the surrounding Czech Republic, Hungary, or Austria, be sure to include "Auschwitz" in your plans.
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”Auschwitz" Best way to look around in one day
"I would like to visit Auschwitz at least once before I die!" "I would like to know how to get to Auschwitz." Yes! I went to the "Auschwitz" on December 27, 2022, as I had longed to do. Based on the information I received at that time, this article is a comprehensive compilation of basic information on how to get to Auschwitz, what to see and what to do. I have been to about 20 different countries and seen many different places, but this is only one place that I thought everyone must come. I was speechless. The opening hours ...
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End...
Thank you for reading this far.
This time I have focused on "Christmas Market Information" in Poland.
Although it may not be well known, Poland is one of the most historically valuable countries in the world. I hope you will experience its history firsthand.