The Old Town, Krakow, Poland, October 2020

After my stopover in Madrid, I finally arrived in Kraków in September 2020, flying with KLM via Amsterdam. This visit to Poland was particularly special, as it meant seeing my mum after a long time apart. However, wanting to ensure her safety, I decided to stay in Kraków for a few days, get tested for COVID-19, and only travel home once I was certain I hadn’t caught the virus while passing through airports.

A Few Days in Kraków’s Heart – Rynek Główny

Staying in a hotel near Kraków’s Rynek (Main Market Square) was an unexpected gift. Kraków has always had a special place in my heart, and even though the pandemic had changed the usual rhythm of the city, its beauty, charm, and history remained intact.

Walking through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, I admired the familiar sights—the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Castle. Despite the quieter atmosphere, there was still a warmth in the city, a sense that life was slowly finding its way back.

Even the simplest moments, like drinking coffee in a nearly empty café, felt meaningful. After months of restrictions and uncertainty, just being able to walk through Kraków’s historic streets, listen to the hourly trumpet call from St. Mary’s Tower, and watch the Vistula River flow past Wawel was something to be grateful for.

Testing Negative and Heading Home

After a few days in Kraków, my test results came back negative, and with that reassurance, I was finally able to continue my journey to Nowy Sącz to see my mum.

This brief stay in Kraków had reminded me why I love the city so much—it is a place that always welcomes me back, no matter how much time has passed.

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