If Lviv were just 50 miles further west, it would be in the premier league of European tourist destinations. The problem is that while Poland oozes youthful chic from every cobblestone, Ukraine does not have the same hip reputation. Lviv’s attempts to style itself as the “the new Kraków” have yet to really bear fruit. » Read more

If you’re looking for something tasty and cheap (a step up from zapiekanka, perhaps?) in Krakow, you’re in luck. Whether you want traditional Polish cuisine, some Italian-style grub or a healthy vegetarian meal, there are budget-friendly options galore. Here are some of our favorite picks: Polskie Smaki ul. Sw. Tomasza 5 Open daily from 8 » Read more

Of course, we love Döner kebabs just as much as the next street food enthusiast, but when a country has another inexpensive snack food offering, we’re head over heels in cheap eats heaven. Introducing zapiekanka! Such is the case in Poland, where zapiekanka is an everyday, street food favorite. The tasty treats are made by slicing » Read more

Krakow’s Market Square. Photo by Lars K. Jensen People of Cheapo: low-priced communist-era souvenirs are legal for export from Krakow. After all, nothing will help you commemorate your trip to the city quite like a piece of Cold War nostalgia. Collectables for comrades Multiple open-air markets around the formerly-communist Krakow are a feast for bargain-hunters. Medals, pins, and statuettes » Read more

Wawel Royal Castle is an architectural marvel located in Krakow, Poland. The fortress stands prominently on Wawel Hill, an area that’s been inhabited for thousands of years. (Seriously, it’s believed that mammoth hunters lived on the hill 50,000 years ago.) During the Renaissance, King Sigismund I ”The Old” commissioned the finest artists around to decorate Wawel Castle as his royal palace. » Read more

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Barnett  Poland is a country rich with history, and if you can experience it for free—all the better! Here’s a guide to a week of free museums. No need to spend a zloty to experience a wealth of Krakow’s art and history.  Monday: Old Synagogue 24 Szeroka Street in Kazimierz One of Europe’s most » Read more

A view of the old Barbican gate Although Krakow isn’t among the priciest European cities, we always love to save when we can. Here are our picks for stuff that won’t cost you a z?oty! Take a trip to St. Mary’s Basilica Mariacki Square, 5 Arguably the most famous of Poland’s churches, St. Mary’s Basilica is » Read more

When we think Hostelling International, we think ping-pong tables and bunk beds. But during a recent research jam session, we also found a range of HI hostels with adultish, cheap double rooms. The best of these deserve a plug or two, so keep readin’. South of the Wista River on Grochowa Street—a bit of a » Read more