Visiting Poland & Ukraine this summer.

Hi Guys,

I plan on visiting Poland and Ukraine again this Summer.

I flew over for a total of two weeks last August and had a great time.

I went to Warsaw and Krakow in Poland and Kyiv, Ukraine.

I plan on going back to Warsaw and would like to visit Lviv/Lvov/Lemburg, Ukraine as well.

I can get by in Poland because most people speak some English.

I did have much more trouble in Ukraine as hardly anyone that I saw spoke English.

My Ukrainian and Polish are pretty bad, I know how to ask how much, where's the bathroom/train station/and taxi - that's about it.

Will I be able to make it in Ukraine alone?

When I went last year, I was with a friend that was a ble to show me around.

This time it will be by myself.

Where/what are some of the good places and things to do and see while I am there?

Last but not least, are there any Fchatter that would want to meet up and grab a beer?

Thanks,

Vincent

 

Always glad to welcome an Fchatter in Poland, even if not personally Hope you enjoy your stay! Do you plan on visiting any other city in Poland aside from Warsaw? Try going up north perhaps, to the Tricity area (Gdansk/Sopot/Gdynia)... or maybe the other way - Polish mountains are beautiful in the summer (if you enjoy that kind of thing,of course). If you need any help/info just drop a PM or write here

 

Vincent

I'm in Warsaw. Drop me a PM when you're planning to be here and we'll think of something. Have you thought about Vilnius in Lithuania? Kind of like Lwów (also used to be part of Poland before the war) but less grimy and in the EU. Also Wrocław in Poland is worth seeing or heading for the mountains. Depends what you're after but I can point you to some great places to stay that only the locals know.

Przemek

 

Hi Marek and Przemek-

Thank you for the info.

It looks like I will be showing my ignorance of European geography.

Gdansk might be fun - how far would a train ride be from Warsaw?

Last year, I took the train from Warsaw to Krakow to see Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The tour guide/driver that I was with also does tours of the Salt Mines - are they worth going to?

I also took in the Uprising Museum and Old Town Warsaw.

Room wise, I stayed at the Sokrates Hotel at 9 Smyczkowa Street.

It was a nice/clean/quiet room, free breakfast, the subway was only 2 blocks away, and best part was it $50-60 a night.

Is there a better place to stay?

I would to see some of the more historical places, museums, and maybe hit a club or two.

Thanks again,

Vincent

 

Gdansk is about 4-5h from Warsaw, depending on which train you take. Some nice history there, the city was founded in 996AD, although as with a lot of Poland, much had to be rebuilt after WW2.

I haven't been to the Salt Mines (I suppose you mean Wieliczka) but from what I've heard they're great and definately worth visiting. Just google Wieliczka for pics and info to get the idea.

As to places where to stay I think Przemek will serve you better advice

 

If you like Smyczkowa - former student dorm, then it will be hard to beat at that price. Wieliczka is nice though if you've already been to Kraków I'd go someplace else. What are you into? Beaches, architecture in old cities, lakes and forests, unspoilt mountains? We have it all. What date are you planning to come over?

 

I was thinking about June/July - something along those lines.

I would like to see the beaches, old architecture, museums, etc.

What are some of the more touristy things to do.

What is the weather like from May to July.

The week that I was there, it very hot, not unbearable - but you definately felt it.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Old Town and the people were wonderful.

Are there any flea markets nearby or military shops?

I know of Firma Kalinsky (I probaly didn't spell that right.) He is in Old Town and is well know for custom jewelry, religious icons, and military artifacts.

Anything that you could reddomend would be greatly appreciated.

Best,

Vincent

 

...I am from Lviv regoin,live now in Kyiv,Lviv is little Paris due to arthitecture,there a lot wonderful places there.