55, bd. JOURDAN

I wish I could have stayed in Kraków longer. Ever since my three month stay in the city two years ago, the place has simply grown on me. After my trip to Prague I had two very rushed days in which to visit with family and find some sort of capstone to my trip. After the relatively slow pace of my first weekend, this last bit was incredibly rushed but worthwhile, and left me wanting to stay much longer.

Thankfully though I still got the chance to visit with and visit some really great places. Alchemia, pictured above is a bar-coffeeshop-music locale quite unlike any I’ve previously come across. The rooms are dark, the furniture is old and wobbly, but the air is truly unique. The walls are screenprinted with old photographs and candles provide the only light in the many rooms found in this place.

I wouldn’t have discovered it on my own if not for the suggestion of some family memebers. We wound up visiting in the early afternoon, and with a tray of expressos and pastries in hand we found a completely empty room with a giant wooden table, an ancient (though working) sink, and a cabinet full of old suitcases. The impression of this place, furthermore, couldn’t have been further from intimidating - rather the dim lighting was rather cozy, the old furniture gave an air of nostalgia and it had twist of mystery that made me think of my grandparent’s attic.

Next to this, visiting a weekend flea market in the square next door seemed to be the perfect additoin to the trip! Really, Kraków has so many charms - even in the winter. There’s always a great locale to discover, some delicious food to be had, and some truly wonderful people to while away your time with.

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