I am also off to poland at the end of the month for a few days and would appreciate any information on weather etc. I am going to Krakow.

You've probably gone by now TM but for anyone else here are some local dishes that my MIL (who's Polish) cooks.

Placki (Potato cakes) - grated potato made into a flat pattie type shape and cooked in oil (I like these!! You can sometimes get them from the street vendors)

Golabki - Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice - MIL serves this with a delicious tomato and onion sauce.

My husband and I went to Krakow in December the weather was cold but crisp.

If you're into shopping there's a big modern shopping centre (similar to those we have here) that's full of designer shops and cafe's. It's not in the main square area so you may have to ask directions, or ask in your hotel (they may have a pamphlet)

We found the restaurants in Krakow very much international - we were a little dissappointed as we didn't really get the chance to eat 'proper' Polish food. The one time we did find a restaurant that did things my husband recognised it shut at 19.00 and we missed it.

Krakow airport is tiny!! The duty free shop is miniscule and I wouldn't like to be there at peak times If you want to bring back drink etc I'd suggest you buy it in the city and pack it in your suitcase as you can hardly move in the shop. As soon as your through security that's it - your in your departure lounge. There's a bar but everywhere is no smoking so if you want to wander a round or smoke I'd go through to departures as late as possible.

If you need anymore help just let me know.

Hi went to Krakow not long ago and found this map very helpful http://www.cracow-life.com/map/krakow-map-zoom.php the shopping center that Glynis spoke about is called Galeria Karkowski it is situated next to the railway station. Well worth a visit if you enjoy shopping similar to the Trafford in Manchester but larger. Any more info needed just ask, hope you enjoy you stay.

Thx Glynis for your detailed reply but it was too late. I've been & back!
Had a very enjoyable time near Poznan but it was VERY rural, so no access to restaurants/bars etc. Our food was provided by the centre where I was staying. The quality was good but I have to be honest and say it wasn't my type of food. I'm not fond of pork or sausages and that seems to be the staple meat, but the salads, breads and cheeses were all fine, so no complaints! And the people are very hospitable and keen to please. They also like to socialise & enjoy themselves over a few(!) drinks, so that was wonderful!!
For anyone visiting a large town/city you will find everything you want just like in UK and be very pleased with the prices. It makes you understand why so many Poles are working in the UK for minimum wages.
I hope I don't sound patrionising when I say I found the openness of the people and the 'lower' level of sophistication [ie - a more 'earthy' culture} a breath of fresh air from other more wealthy European countries I've visited.

Glad you enjoyed yourself toastedmallow. We enjoyed Krakow but as I've said hubby was disappointed in the food available.

Mind you we went to the supermarket and he found his herrings that sell over here (not the ones you get in jars here - they haven't to contain any sugar ) Anyway he buys them here (have to go to Fenwicks in Newcastle) for approx £2 for 250g. He got 1kg for £2 Bought 3 packs as he got some for his parents as well (3k in luggage of herrings )

He also bought, from the butchers, some of the dried smoked sausage (similar to salami but different ) really cheaply. So we came home with a suitcase of herrings and smoked sausage. Oh and he got a leather coat for £65 I got diddly squat.

HI Glynis,
That all sounds very fishy!! The food was of a good enough quality, juts not to my taste, but as I said I didn't starve. In fact I was so concerned that I'd not get enough whenever I saw something I liked I 'got stuck in'! Result: put on 4 lbs typical!!
Did well in the shops AND the sales were on, so got some bargains....well pleased!
Would quite like to visit Krakow now sometime.....both for the sightseeing and the shopping!