Category: Europe

Best and cheapest restaurants in Wrocław-culinary heaven for backpackers (May 2025 update)

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Poland

 We all, as backpackers, know way to well what daily budget means to us, and how essential is to stuck to it! We have to fallow the plan on accommodation prices, food,  transport and other pleasures. I can not say that you will find the cheapest hostels and, especially, hotels in Wrocław, city in Poland, but when it comes to meals…luckily we do offer few very good and very affordable restaurants. You can have a breakfast there from 2-3$ with a coffee, a soup for 2.5$ and a lunch/dinner starting at as little as 4$. And do not think it compares the quality of the food, because it really doesn’t. Food is home-made, traditional and simply delicious!! These restaurants are also very popular among students, that usually have a limited budged themselves. The only minus, I am afraid, is that the staff do not speak almost any English and that might be hard for travellers, but there is always someone around to help. Once you will master the task of getting an order, you just wont be disappointed. Here, I will write about top ten best and cheapest restaurants and some milk bars, as we call them, you can find in the city center in Wroclaw.

Miś Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny Miś)

Definitely my number one and all time favourite. I always dine there when possible and when in the city center area, and not because is very cheap there. Students favourite too and well popular in general in Wroclaw, offering anything from breakfast, lunch and dinner at lowest possible price with and old school vibe present all around. And, most importantly, all is well made and taste very good. Location is just perfect, right next to the University of Wroclaw and very close to the main square and town hall. Please trust me and pop in for a lunch! The only minus is that some dishes, like pierogi, go fast and after 14.00 it`s difficult to order them. Opening hours also may be a problem for travellers who like to eat late, otherwise nothing is stopping you! 

Address: ul. Kuźnicza 48, Wrocław
Opening hours: Mon–Fr: 8.00–18.00, Sat: 8.00–17.00

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)

Soups

  • Broth: 6.50 PLN / 1.60 USD

  • Tomato soup: 7.20 PLN / 1.80 USD

  • Cabbage soup: 8.40 PLN / 2.10 USD

  • Pea soup: 10.20 PLN / 2.55 USD

  • Sour rye soup with sausage and egg: 10.20 PLN / 2.55 USD

  • Tripe: 10.20 PLN / 2.55 USD

Meat Dishes

  • Minced steak: 9.80 PLN / 2.45 USD

  • Meatballs in cream sauce: 12.70 PLN / 3.20 USD

  • Chicken breast in bread crumbs: 12.70 PLN / 3.20 USD

  • Pork goulash: 12.80 PLN / 3.25 USD

  • Cutlet de volaille: 13.40 PLN / 3.40 USD

  • Chicken nuggets: 13.40 PLN / 3.40 USD

  • Pork neck in sauce: 13.40 PLN / 3.40 USD

  • Pork pocket with mushrooms: 14.00 PLN / 3.55 USD

  • Pork chop XL: 18.20 PLN / 4.60 USD

  • Beef tartare with additions: 21.10 PLN / 5.35 USD

  • Hungarian meat cake: 26.20 PLN / 6.65 USD

  • Miruna fish (per 100g): 10.20 PLN / 2.55 USD

Dumplings, Pasta, Pancakes

  • Pancakes with cheese: 12.40 PLN / 3.15 USD

  • Russian dumplings: 13.10 PLN / 3.35 USD

  • Dumplings with spinach: 15.30 PLN / 3.90 USD

  • Dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms: 14.60 PLN / 3.70 USD

  • Dumplings with meat: 15.80 PLN / 4.05 USD

  • Spaghetti Bolognese: 23.40 PLN / 5.95 USD

  • Pasta with chicken: 23.40 PLN / 5.95 USD

  • Pasta with salmon: 26.20 PLN / 6.65 USD

Breakfasts

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 3.36 PLN / 0.85 USD

  • Yellow cheese: 2.66 PLN / 0.67 USD

  • Bread roll: 1.63 PLN / 0.41 USD

  • Butter: 1.07 PLN / 0.27 USD

  • Jam: 0.80 PLN / 0.20 USD

  • Cottage cheese with cream and chives: 5.18 PLN / 1.31 USD

  • Boiled egg: 1.18 PLN / 0.30 USD

  • Compote: 0.89 PLN / 0.23 USD

The total cost of a breakfast set ranges from approximately 9.52 PLN to 9.95 PLN, which is about 2.41 USD to 2.52 USD. Let me know if you’d like me to update prices for another restaurant or dish!

Mis.jpgTu dla moich polskich braci moj ulubiony fragmet z Misia:

“Jedziecie do stolicy kraju kapitalistycznego, ktory to kraj ma byc moze tam i swoje plusy. Rozchodzi sie o to jednak zeby te plusy……nie przyslonily wam minusow”.

SWOJSKA CHATA BAR

Just opened recently, so does recently became one of my favourite. Highly recommended for tourists, students and “grandma`s kitchen” lovers”. You can find here pierogi, mash potatoes with meat, loads of salads, krokets and recently pizza. Its very close to the city center (main square). You just must to pop in!!!

Opening Hours

  • Main Location (Kazimierza Wielkiego 17):

    • Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

    • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

    • Sunday: Closed

  • Railway Station Location (ul. Piłsudskiego 105):

    • Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

    • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)
Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 4.20 PLN / 1.05 USD

  • Bread roll with cheese: 3.50 PLN / 0.88 USD

  • Cottage cheese with chives: 5.80 PLN / 1.45 USD

  • Boiled egg: 1.50 PLN / 0.38 USD

  • Jam: 1.20 PLN / 0.30 USD

  • Compote: 1.00 PLN / 0.25 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)
  • Traditional Polish dumplings (6 pieces): 9.50 PLN / 2.38 USD
  • Full main dinner (mashed potatoes, chicken breast, salad): 18.80 PLN / 4.70 USD
  • Soup of the day: 6.50 PLN / 1.63 USD
  • Meat dumplings: 11.50 PLN / 2.88 USD
  • Croquettes with cheese and mushrooms (2 pieces): 9.40 PLN / 2.35 USD
  • Salads (beetroot, cabbage, carrot): 3.50 PLN / 0.88 USD
  • Sweet pancakes: 4.50 PLN / 1.13 USD

 Mewa Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny Mewa)

Another milk bar very similar to Miś Milk Bar. Also in the city center area, just a bit further north. Prices and menu are very similar to Miś, so you can have a tasty, homemade, delicious meal at a very affordable price again. The big plus is that this place seems less busy than Miś, but also popular. Pierogi are served from 13.00 and are the most popular dish, so you need to pop in earlier to have a chance to get them.

Address: ul. Drobnera 4, Wrocław
Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)

Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 3.43 PLN / 0.85 USD

  • Cottage cheese with chives: 3.68 PLN / 0.91 USD

  • Bread roll: 1.43 PLN / 0.35 USD

  • Butter: 0.61 PLN / 0.15 USD

  • Jam: 0.80 PLN / 0.20 USD

  • Cocoa with milk: 2.35 PLN / 0.58 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Traditional Polish dumplings (6 pieces): 9.50 PLN / 2.38 USD

  • Soup of the day: 6.50 PLN / 1.63 USD

  • Pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms: 10.00 PLN / 2.50 USD

  • Pierogi with meat: 10.80 PLN / 2.70 USD

  • Hungarian meat cake: 18.00 PLN / 4.50 USD

  • Compote: 4.00 PLN / 1.00 USD

HOMEMADE Dumplings bar (PIEROGARNIA KUCHNIA DOMOWA)

Address: ul. Legnicka 23, Wrocław

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 4.50 PLN / 1.13 USD

  • Cottage cheese with chives: 5.80 PLN / 1.45 USD

  • Bread roll: 2.00 PLN / 0.50 USD

  • Butter: 1.20 PLN / 0.30 USD

  • Jam: 1.50 PLN / 0.38 USD

  • Compote: 1.00 PLN / 0.25 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Russian dumplings: 12.50 PLN / 3.13 USD

  • Meat dumplings: 14.50 PLN / 3.63 USD

  • Dumplings with spinach: 15.50 PLN / 3.88 USD

  • Hungarian meat cake with goulash: 26.00 PLN / 6.50 USD

  • Goulash with potatoes and salad: 18.90 PLN / 4.73 USD

  • Sweet pancakes: 10.00 PLN / 2.50 USD

Witek Bar (Bar Witek)

This bar offers a great traditional range of our old school PRL toasts – a typical Polish fast food during the communism time. It has been opened in 1979 and still serve one of the best and very cheesy toasts with mushrooms. Portions are very big and very filling.

Address: ul. Wita Stwosza 40/1a, Wrocław

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Traditional toast with cheese and mushrooms: 9.50 PLN / 2.38 USD

  • Village-style toast with mushrooms, cheese, sausage, and onion: 11.20 PLN / 2.80 USD

  • Greek toast with olives: 11.40 PLN / 2.85 USD

  • Open-faced toasted cheese sandwich with mushrooms: 8.50 PLN / 2.13 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Zapiekanka (Polish-style baguette pizza): 12.00 PLN / 3.00 USD

  • Mega Zapiekanka with double toppings: 15.00 PLN / 3.75 USD

  • Pepperoni toast: 10.50 PLN / 2.63 USD

  • Ham and cheese toastie: 9.80 PLN / 2.45 USD

Another amazing milk bar near the city center. This one is open a bit longer. You can find loads of tourists here, as its very close to the main train and bus station. Food is homemade and very traditional, however a bit more expensive than other milk bars like Miś or Mewa.

Address: ul. Kołłątaja 27/28, Wrocław

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)

Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 4.00 PLN / 1.00 USD

  • Cottage cheese with chives: 5.50 PLN / 1.38 USD

  • Bread roll: 2.00 PLN / 0.50 USD

  • Butter: 1.20 PLN / 0.30 USD

  • Jam: 1.50 PLN / 0.38 USD

  • Compote: 1.00 PLN / 0.25 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)
  • Russian dumplings: 15.00 PLN / 3.75 USD
  • Meat dumplings: 17.00 PLN / 4.25 USD
  • Dumplings with spinach: 16.50 PLN / 4.13 USD
  • Pancakes with cheese or apples: 13.00 PLN / 3.25 USD
  • Full lunch (meat, potatoes, salad): 20.00 PLN / 5.00 USD

 Lepione Restaurant (Restauracja Lepione)

There is no way I will not think about Lepione (old Bazylia restaurant) without remembering my time at university. This buffet style restaurant is located inside one of the law department buildings, where I studied. I can’t say the food is top mach, but I love the fact that its cheap, you can fill your plate with everything you like, and you pay the same price of 0.90$ (1.20 zł) per 100g. I used to eat there after my lectures, exams, alone, with friends or family. The other thing about this place is location and surrounded stunning architecture you can enjoy while eating.

Address: ul. Kuźnicza 42, Wrocław 
Opening hours: everyday: 12.00–23.00

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)

This is a buffet style restaurant where you add to the plate anything you like and pay for 100g. You will find there anything from traditional dumplings, salads, fish, chicken, goulash to Chinese chicken with bamboo. Price is 5 zł, that’s 1.33$, for 100g.

Promotions

Discounts after 5:00 PM, with prices dropping by 15%, 25%, or even 50% depending on the time.

Karmazyn Bar (Bar Karmazyn)

This amazing bar is located in one of the biggest indoor markets in Wroclaw, called Hala Targowa, so after a very tasty traditional, homemade meal you can have a look around.

Address: ul. Piaskowa 17, Wrocław

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Examples of dishes and prices (English/Polish)

Breakfast Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Scrambled eggs with butter: 4.50 PLN / 1.13 USD

  • Cottage cheese with chives: 5.80 PLN / 1.45 USD

  • Bread roll: 2.00 PLN / 0.50 USD

  • Butter: 1.20 PLN / 0.30 USD

  • Jam: 1.50 PLN / 0.38 USD

  • Compote: 1.00 PLN / 0.25 USD

Lunch/Dinner Prices (PLN/USD)

  • Soup of the day: 13.00 PLN / 3.25 USD

  • Tomato soup: 13.00 PLN / 3.25 USD

  • Sour rye soup: 13.50 PLN / 3.38 USD

  • Meat dumplings (8 pieces): 24.00 PLN / 6.00 USD

  • Russian dumplings (8 pieces): 21.00 PLN / 5.25 USD

  • Pork chop with potatoes and salad: 35.50 PLN / 8.88 USD

  • Hungarian meat cake: 35.00 PLN / 8.75 USD

Pink Cow Milk Bar

Here are some example prices for Różowa Krowa Bar Mleczny in Wrocław:

Różowa Krowa Bar Mleczny is located at Świdnicka 36, Wrocław. Here are the opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunday: Closed

Prices:
  • Soups: Starting from 7.50 PLN / 1.88 USD
  • Pierogi (dumplings): Around 18.00 PLN / 4.50 USD for a portion of 7 pieces
  • Main dishes: Prices range from 18.50 PLN / 4.63 USD to 22.00 PLN / 5.50 USD
  • Pancakes: Approximately 12.00 PLN / 3.00 USD for 2 pieces
  • Compote: 3.50 PLN / 0.88 USD

Day tour around Sofia

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Bulgaria, Europe

  Everyone of us, or at least most, do some itinerary before traveling. Its is always a significant question on the length of stay in each place, especially for a first-time visitors.  Capitals, as usually the biggest cites in the country, are no estrange to that doubt. Many of them in Europe vary from Barcelona, where you can stay for weeks, to smaller ones, where you can discover the place in just even less than few days, and feel satisfy. Good internet research always help to plan your trip better. And here I come with my blog post to answer that questions about one capital in Europe.

 

So where are we this time? Sophia, a capital of Bulgaria, a magnificent, and massively underrated (!), country, with stunning mountain range Vitosha, that is a volcanic mountain massif on the outskirts of the capital, visible literally all around from the city. Vitosha is one of the symbols of this city and the closest site for hiking and skiing. However, when it comes to Sofia, and as much as I loved Bulgaria myself, I can not say that capital itself offers a lot. One day is all you need to discover the place. I would even suggest going to see Rila Monastery in the morning and do the sight-seen after. All could be done in one day. Most of the major attractions are very close by, almost all located on one street. If you are staying in the city center area, you can start your tour from Ancient Complex Serdica, site situated just above the Serdika metro station, that displays the remains of the Roman city.

 

There is also a History Museum to see. Just 2 mins away you can see a Rotonda st. George, The Church of St George is an Early Christian red brick rotunda that is considered the oldest building in Sofia.

Now heading forward on pl. Knyaz Aleksandar, you can visit Ethnographic Museum (showcasing folk costumes & regional art & artifacts) and Russian Church. A bit further, on a left hand side, you can visit a stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Built in Neo-Byzantine style serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria, and it is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the symbols of the Sofia and a primary tourist attraction. Heading more towards Crystal Palace, you can see on the way a building of a National Assembly.

 

Close by National Stadium, called Vasil Levski, could be an a attraction too, but to be honest, can be skipped. At the end I would suggest adding a National Palace of Culture, but its located a bit far away. However, can be easily reached by trolley line 1,2,5,8 and 9 just from the Crystal Palace.

This is a main itinerary for Sophia city center. Please keep in your mind that Rila Monastery is a must see place too, so if you want to spend one day around capital, please do add an extra day to see this stunning monastery hidden in a mountains.

That newly old capital, Skopje as Ive seen

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Europe, Macedonia

 The stream of thoughts can probably come to loads of first time “Skopje arrivers”. I guess I was one of them. This small-sized capital of Macedonia creates an easy and quick access to the city center, so the surrounding architecture can be noticed right away. You may be experiencing thinking that you haven’t seen quiet a capital like this before. What history did not leave, you can always bring back, or can you really? The design of, so called, project Skopje 2014 completely transformed the way city center looks like today. There are loads of stories, loads of reasons behind this “clearly original” change. Big budget got involved too. And there is that sour question at the end: who is this really for? Tourists, as in the first place? It’s not a secret that it is one of the fastest growing industry. How about the locals? How do they find them self around? Maybe a show off, or the way to stand out to bust the tourism. You really have to get to the bottom of all this. The path trough, almost baroque kitsch like drooping richness in a country with not so great economy, may leave you with loads of questions.

 This, once plain, maze of Europe became a place for many neo-classic buildings and bridges along the river. Perhaps too white and too clean structures may turn out way too difficult to help you to get the vibe of past-time travel. Yet, you can’t really say they are not impressive. Shall we be grateful Macedonia is showing us how newly done acropolis possibly looked like for Greeks back in the days? Perhaps. Could be a plus. It can be left only for an individual opinion. But the feeling of fakery is still a bit present. The project has two main aims: to draw in more tourists and to try to reclaim aspects of the country’s history from neighborhood Greece, appealing to the patriotism of many ethnic Macedonians. Walking by the rich bronze statues full of bridges definitely wont make your head to turn away. You gladly will take your camera to photograph the things around. You will see, you will capture and then you will start to think. How? I do not see any problem investing in tourism. I do adore Moroccan king for doing so. And so do Moroccans, as I spoke with many of them. Yet, the King do it differently. He want to keep the culture present, but just making the country more accessible, safe and inviting. But here we have a bit different situation.

We are discussing a country  where 21.5% of the population live below poverty line with minimal wage at 231 Euros. Macedonia is also very vulnerable to economic developments in Europe, with a strong banking and trade ties and dependent on regional integration and progress toward EU membership for continued economic growth. And yet, on another hand we have a government spending loads of public founds. It been known that cost lay somewhere between €200-€500m (depending on who you talk to) and may have resulted in drop in minimal wage. Than we have a beautiful new buildings and statues. Quiet two opposite situations that divided the nations. The project, known as Skopje 2014, instigated by prime minister Nikola Gruevski, is just as questionable and arguably as diverse as it was when first announced.

  Many Macedonians are questioning the scheme’s vast public expense – not to mention its aesthetic qualities. We have also this sticky problem of complete ignorance towards a very large Muslim community, religion and culture that, sadly, did not get to participate in the project. I visited Skopje in March 2017. Being around city center area for few days, I witness anti-government demonstrations on a daily base. Thought, peaceful, yet shouting for attention a lot.  But there’s no doubting it has put the city on the tourist map. 

  Foreign visitors used to come to Skopje primarily to wander around the beautiful Old Bazaar district, with its alleys, mosques and old hilltop fort. But now they can go in less than five minutes from drinking a Turkish coffee among people and architecture that wouldn’t be out-of-place in a traditional city of the Middle East, to being surrounded by faux-classical European architecture and imagery. Maybe not a bad thing. Diversity. Something for us. 

 So where this all bring us, tourist, the recipients of the project? I hope very close to Skopje. You have to remember that it is one of the most amazing countries in Europe, with magnificent landscape, mountain ranges, canyons (Matka Canyon) and lakes. All that comes at a very affordable price. Public transport is good and very cheap. People are very friendly and possible to interact to in English. Food is absolutely a heaven with a kebab to die for! So yes! Whether the project of 2014 worked or not, we will have to leave it for individual opinion. I think even for the one who are not so keen on it, Macedonia will not be disappointing in any single way. I absolutely loved my time in this Balkan country. I’ve met loads of warm people, and I saw a beauty of the landscape. I am satisfy, happy and richer than the newly build Skopje surrounded architecture.

Postcard from Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe

  Following the footsteps of our one and only Mother Nature, it’s clearly quiet significant that the Balkans are the quintessence of her arty work in Europe. This area notably stands out with their beautifully turquoise colored rivers, that you just want jump in to, amazing high range of mountains, and a clear Adriatic Sea coast. What more would you wish for. The locals surly are aware of the beautiful land, they are very fortunate to live in, as they do mention it on every possible occasion. I personally left my heart in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rich culture, spread by the different nations, history and still fresh feel of shadow of the violent war from 90s participate in the way Bosnia and Herzegovina looks like today. Thought, most of the cities, like Sarajevo, has been almost fully rebuild, even so well that you can hardly notice sights of any fights, the memories are still held in minds of most of the people who got to witness the horror of those dark days. Yet, locals are happy nova days, cherishing every moment, enjoying the daily life, sharing a smile. Seems for me also that architects had an easy job creating, what you can call, today’s urban panorama trough all the centuries. Designing anything from houses, town halls, churches, to mosques, could just possibly not go wrong in such a magnificent environment. It almost feel like the nature already did most of the work here. The history also made Bosnia and Herzegovina very unique. The influence of the different religions could be spot on every street in every town. The “like-fantasy” medieval castles and fortresses proudly stands next to the Ottoman`s era architecture. It looks like a chest board with just one difference… that all black and white squares, trough some historical conflicts, became to an acceptance, unity, tolerance and friendship? Is it too early to use the last world? Maybe not, not in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that’s why I loved it.

  Cities and towns are not too busy, not too crowded, people seems less stressed and rushed than western countries. Balkans are still very undiscovered and untouched by mass tourism.sarajevo2.jpg This fact makes it easy to find a peacefulness literally just around the corner. 10 minutes drive from Sarajevo already can bring you to the stunning river side, lake or forest where’s nobody around, just you and the nature. It gives you also the opportunity to listen to the most uncommercial music in the world….the music of nature. Birds, waters, even wind can enhance your experience around this remarkable landscape.

Thought, mentioning the virginity of this part of the Europe, please note that accommodation can be found easily in most of the places in Bosnia. The infrastructure works well too, making it accessible from every neighborhood country or just between domestic towns. Hostels are cute, nice, very clean and affordable even for a budget backpacker. Eating out, whether it is a traditional meal or just a good old pizza, wont make any difference from own cooking, as of a taste and price.  ss.jpgMerchants are very friendly and not pushy whatsoever, they really don’t try to just make money of you. They will be around to help, but also will leave you in peace, giving you some space to look. That makes the whole experience of walking in old towns much nicer. Yet, there is so many cute things from tea pots, glasses, dishes to cloths, so you will be back to your hotel with a full bag. Why not, if you can, it really is 3 times cheaper than in Western Europe, not even mentioning the uniqueness of the staff there. I personally had to thrown away few pairs of jeans and shoes to make a space for the things I purchased there. Well worth it!DSC_0706

Some of the people speak a very good English, the rest can communicate well too. This fact is very important in making connections with locals. You can hear loads of stories about the war that can give you a very good image if these past years. Though, you can clearly see that people moved on, yet they do well remember those bloody, violent, dark days that took so many lives. People went trough a lot, seen a lot and experienced. Hard to believe that western countries turned their back on. Though past shows very well that less resource in the country for benefit, less help you can get. History is the worst teacher ever, I got to know.

  But what the war cannon take is the beauty of the land. Clearly Bosnia and Herzegovina got the most outstanding and most pretty rivers, lakes and hills. What else should I add to convince you to visit this country? I hope nothing. Be happy, appreciate what you have, respect others, travel, if you can, and visit this stunning place that will not disappoint you in any way.

Must see places around Mostar

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe

 When it comes to such an amazing town, I don’t even know where to start. Trying to write about my experience now brings all amazing images to my head, places I have seen, scenery I did not come across before. I did visit more than 45 countries before visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, thinking that I’ve seen it all, but no, I could not be more wrong. Pictures, I am memorizing now, makes me want to write and write about it. It could be a messy blog without concentrating and thinking, how to shortly introduce Mostar and surrounded area to you all.

 Mostar is a city in southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Neretva River. Though, it is a must see place on every Balkans backpacker`s list, it does attract all kind of tourists from all over the world. It’s well known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), medieval arched bridge that has been found by Suleiman the Magnificent in 16th century. This Ottoman construction crosses the town river and connects two parts of the city. I was surprised to learn that after the 427 years it was destroyed in 1993 by Croat forces during the Croat–Bosniak War, and then rebuild again in 2004, gaining at the same time the title of one of the UNESCO sides. As of 2017, it is one of the most remarkable bridges in Europe and a main point of tourist interest of the whole country. The images of Stari Most come as a first top mach in all internet search engines, associating Bosnia and Herzegovina with it. The simplicity of the design and structure, enriched by two medieval fortified towers along with beautiful and green river running underneath, makes it truly as a worth see place. The very interesting fact is that it is a most crowded place in the whole town, with people standing on it all day long. Crazy local jumpers (for money) probably participate in this fact too. I, myself, was sitting on the wall near by staring at the bridge for hours. I really did not need more. Apart from this outstanding overpass, you can find the medieval spirit in Old Town, on the side of the bridge. Alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Museum explores the bridge’s long history.

There is a bad in good of being in Mostar. I mean, it is great to visit the town, but it is bad if you have just one day to explore. Though, the uniqueness of this city will leave an amazing memories, it would be very unfortunate not to see the things around. So what are they?

Blagaj

  Blagaj is a village located just 10 kilometers south-west of Mostar. It can be reached by bus that unluckily does not operate very often, but it is an option.

The morning service leaves at 9.00 and 11.30. It is a yellow one that has got few stops in the town, and one is located next to the main bus terminal. I would suggest a perfect option of catching this transport at 9.00 and coming back at 11.30. You will have enough time to look around and be able to plan something for the afternoon. The ticket cost just 4.20 Marks for both ways. The return service from Blagaj is at 11.30, 13.00, and 16.30, but please rechecked with locals, as I’ve been told that some might not run or are known to be late even for one hour. Road to Blagaj is also good for a good bike trial. The whole way is nice and easy, roads are not so busy, and the view of mountains and rivers is outstanding. The third option might be an organised tour from Mostar or a taxi, and the last one is not that pricey as you may think. Depending on the amount of people in your group and your negotiation skills, it could become a cheap and very convenient option to choose. Once there, the village itself is not really the place you want to see. The point of interest, called Blagaj Tekija, is a Dervish Monastery that’s nearly 600 years old. Situated at the base of a cliff next to the source of the river Buna, creates a very picturesque space. It can be accessible by both sides, and the view from them is impressive. On one side, next to the Monastery by the river, you can find few coffees and restaurant, where you can stop by and rest, eat, and drink or just enjoy this stunning place.

Kravice Waterfalls

  Beautiful waterfalls, called Kravice, are easily reachable from Mostar. The height  of the falls is about 25 meters, and the radius of the lake in the base of the waterfall is 120 meters. The distance equal 40 km, so it would make a little bit difficult to cycle there, but can be easily approach by car or taxi. The last one, I mentioned, does not mean an expensive option if you are going in a group of 4, as the price for one way can start from just 50$ for ride for all.

This time I can’t advise you on the bus service, as I don`t think there`s any direct one from Mostar, at least I haven’t heard of it. I have bought a day tour from my hostel, and I would also highly recommend this way of doing so, as you will be able to visit a six different places in one day (including Blagaj and Počitelj). However, during the summer time, I would recommend spending there the whole day. Not only because of the pretty waterfalls. This place makes as a perfect day trip.  You can swim there, have a BBQ, sit and enjoy. The area around makes this place as a perfect recreation spot for families, group of friends, or just a single person.DSC_0852.jpg

Počitelj

 Fortress like village, called Počitelj, is one of the most picture-perfect architectural place in the country and a must see. The main construction dates from two periods – medieval and ottoman, same like Mostar and loads of other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This one, however, just can`t escape your attention with the uniqueness of all the buildings, attached to each other by the tiny stairs in between, that lay on the hill side.

The history of this small village take us back to 1383 year. It is believed that the fortified town, along with its attendant settlements, were built by Bosnia’s King Stjepan Tvrtko I. In the 1562 the construction of the large Hadži Alijina Mosque has been completed, however it got destroyed later on, in 1990s. People yet did want to make Počitelj as a magnificent and unique place again, so the mosque got restored. The most dominant residential structure in the village is probably Gavrakanpetanović House, a complex of one large and two smaller buildings, built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Following its destruction in 1993, it was restored in 2003 once again. The Sahat-kula, a silo-shaped fort that towers from the top of the hill above, is another magnificent structure that makes this village so unique. In January 2003, the historic part of town of Počitelj was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2007, Počitelj submitted an application for the UNESCO world heritage list and as of today is one of the most popular tourist attraction.

Long story short

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Serbia

  Once up on a time, I was in Nis, the city in Serbia. As advised by locals and all internet info, I went to see number one attraction and must see place there. Go, go…they said! Ok. It is an archaeological side on the edge of the city, around 4.5 km away. I like to walk, also because it is a great exercise for my extremely ugly legs. So despite the fact that was raining, I decided to go by foot. I was really excited about it, as archaeology was always my passion.IMG_2036

  After 1.5h of walk, wet and in heavy need of toilet,  I arrived at the entrance just to discover that the side is closed. I cried, and I head off back to the city. Lucky, close by Mc Donald saved my bladder again. The end!!!IMG_2072

Disappointing bus to amazing Kosovo

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Kosovo, Montenegro

  What the hell outta a journey that was. I am not keen on overnight buses, but I did not expect this at all. I traveled by public transport in Nepal (from Kathmandu to Pokhara), just 2 days after the main earthquake and during the aftershocks, through a very tiny roads in Himalayas. I did the whole South and Central America by bus, even the most uncomfortable and dangerous road (well, not even a road-a stony path) from Sucre to Cochabamba in Bolivia. Yet, this one was the worst, I think, I have ever experienced.IMG_2054I have to start with the fact that I’ve had no choice, but just to take an overnight bus from Podgorica (Montenegro) in order to reach Pristina, in Kosovo. There is only one transport a day that connects these two capitals, and it departs from Podgorica’s main bus station at 21.30. I really would not recommend to do so, as at the terminal I have spotted a very nice connection to Prizren in an early morning. I think at 7 am, as far as I remember. I have heard a great things from other travelers about this place, but was a bit late for me, as I already bought a ticket.

  So why was it so bad? Well, I guess it wasn’t only the bus itself, but also other circumstances reflected on the level of discomfort I have experienced. But starting from the beginning, I departed from lovely town on the cost of Montenegro, called Budva. I caught the bus at 11.15 am (they depart very often, at least every 1h) from the main station there, and arrived to Podgorica around 14.00. This leg of my journey was a real pleasure, as the whole road was trough the high range of mountains. The view was just breathtaking. Once I arrived at the capital of Montenegro, I bought a ticket for 21.30 departure, so I’ve had some spare time to look around. As much as I truly felt in love with this country, Podgorica, I am afraid, hasn’t got much to offer to the travelers. Well, maybe just a good dinner in the city center, but that’s about it. Instead of visiting things, I was just reading a book in the park. Not much of excitement for a place I have never seen before. Around 19.00 I went to the main bus station to wait. It is a very small one, so you will get really bored by waiting, but what else could I do? At 20.30 I went to sit by the bus stand, and as always, drunk jerk had to sit next to me to bother me all the way trough. Unlucky, he had the same bus, but was so drank, he got eventually kicked somewhere on the way. Or he kicked himself? Perhaps, as I haven’t whiteness any force involved in his termination. Anyway, while waiting there were 2 incidents at the station where police had to be involved. First one was as of result of a violent fight between two guys. Second one I did not see, but heard. All that made me feel a bit unsafe. Finally the bus arrived, and, as I could not ask for more (😂), it was just filed with male local passengers. I was under the watch all the time, human cctv. It was like back in Nicaragua…I was a black sheep again.

 All the way trough the border I was hoping Kosovar control will not stamp my passport, as I was going to Serbia next. Of course they did, and that fact made me even more stressed. Here, I will just add that later on I crossed the border to Serbia from Macedonia with no issues. Finally we arrived, and I was the last of 2 passengers remaining in the bus…what can I say.  It was still an early hour (5 am), so I had to wait at Pristina cold bus station before heading to my hotel.

   Well, the point of my pointless blog is that as bad as my journey was, as good I found the other side. I absolutely love people of Kosovo. They are very helpful, very kind, open to tourists and friendly. The owner of my hotel was amazing too, he even mad a traditional food for me, and we sat together and discuss the current situation, economy and problems of this, newly, independent country.

 Sometimes while traveling you have to experience worst, to receive something unforgettable and to fell the kind heart at the end, or maybe that helps to appreciate it more!

 

Matka Canyon by public bus from Skopje 2025

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Europe, Macedonia

  Once in Skopje Matka Canyon is a place you just have to visit. I could start with important reasons like: the beauty of the place, clear green waters of the Treska River, path trial trough the canyon…loads.

But how about the fact that Matka is located just 15 kilometers from the city? Yeah I know, just around the corner. Even if you are visiting capital just for one day, you can still add it to your schedule, as the public bus takes only 30-40 minutes to reach the canyon, and it arrives just right before the entrance. You can even get there by taxi.

To reach Matka Canyon from Skopje, here’s what you need to know:

  • Bus Route: Take bus N60 from the main bus station in Skopje. The bus stop is located at Pošta 1.
  • Fee: The bus ticket costs 35 MKD (approximately €0.60) each way. You will need a Skopje public transport card to pay for the fare.
  • Travel Time: The bus ride takes about 55 minutes, and from the drop-off point, it’s a 20-minute walk to the canyon.
  • Alternative Options: You can also take a taxi directly to Matka Canyon, which costs around €20–€25 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

There is no entrance fee for the canyon itself, but activities like kayaking or boat trips have separate charges.

  So in order to get to Matka Canyon, you have to take a number 60 bus that leaves from the main bus station. Please note that the stop is actually located on the right hand side of the main bus terminal behind the petrol station. The stand is somewhere in the middle, and it has a sign with number N60 next to it, so you really will find it with no hustle. Ultimately, you can catch it also from the city center, as the bus makes loads of stops in Skopje on the way.

The updated timetable for Bus N60 from Skopje to Matka Canyon in 2025 is as follows:

  • Departures from Skopje: 7:00 / 8:45 / 10:30 / 12:10 / 14:00 / 15:30 / 16:50 / 18:35 / 20:10 / 22:30
  • Return from Matka Canyon to Skopje: 7:45 / 9:40 / 11:20 / 13:05 / 14:55 / 16:20 / 17:45 / 19:20 / 21:00

The bus departs from the main bus station in Skopje, specifically from the stop located on the right-hand side of the terminal, behind the petrol station. Be sure to arrive at the stop at least 15 minutes early, as buses may occasionally leave ahead of schedule.


Unlucky, most of the bus stands here in capital don’t have any information, so you have to ask locals where is the most convenient stop for you, if you are not going from the main one or the one near the city center (tagged on the photo). In order to travel you need to buy a card. You can not pay to the driver by cash any longer. The travel card cost 150 MKD. That`s enough for 2 ways, and probably you will have some money on it left that you can use later on for other buses, if needed. Please don’t panic if the bus is late, it`s normal. I, for example, waited 10 minutes.

Going back

The updated timetable for Bus N60 returning from Matka Canyon to Skopje in 2025 is:

  • Departures from Matka Canyon: 7:45 / 9:40 / 11:20 / 13:05 / 14:55 / 16:20 / 17:45 / 19:20 / 21:00

The bus departs from the same location where you were dropped off upon arrival. It’s recommended to arrive at the stop at least 15 minutes early, as buses may occasionally leave ahead of schedule.

Rila Monastery from Sofia by bus

by Anna Powaska, posted in Balkans, Bulgaria, Europe

 Hidden in the mountain wildness 1174 meters high above the sea level, Rila Monastery became as a number one attraction in Bulgaria. Remarkable scenery around and an impressive monk`s building itself creates something truly magnificent and definitely worth seen.

When you look at it, you can notice how well the architecture collaborates with surrounded nature. It feels almost like monastery grew from the ground respecting the peaceful flora around. The location makes it easy to be reached from the capital of Bulgaria on a daily bases. So here I come with my advise for you guys, on how to get to that remarkable place yourself.

  Before heading off please take a warm clothes with you like jacket, shoes etc. There is still snow (March, April) around, and the temperature can be very low. Ok, so after my grany`s tips, we are ready to go.

 In order to reach Rila Monastery you need to catch a bus from Ovcha Kupel bus station. You can get there by tram number 5, and you can do that from the stop by Palace of Justice in the city center, from where the tram departs. The ticket cost just 1.80 lev and can be bought from the driver. Well…I have been told by one local that it is 1.60, so maybe the driver charges a little for an extra job as a seller. I guess number 5 departs very often as, even that it was Sunday, I waited only 5 mins. Once you are in the tram, you can count stops to get off on 13th (or 12?). You will see a Kaufland shop on the left and an ABC market on the right, so you wont miss it!

   Now go to the right, and just 300 m away you will find a bus station. Don’t bother to ask for the ticket at the counter, as it can be only purchased in the bus. It cost 11 lev (march 2017) one way, and it can be paid only by cash. Please note, that the bus is always full, and it`s the only one you can catch for the trip, so please be earlier to claim a ticket and sit. Mine was full, people were standing (2h drive), and I`ve witnessed that 2 people were deny as of lack of the space. I would suggest to be 30 mins before to be 100% sure that you will get to the Rila that day. Bus will leave at 10.20 am (it should wait there 30 mins before the departure time) from the stand number 7.

As I mention before, the journey takes around 2h. Please keep your ticket with you just in case, as we had to change the bus in one little cute town just 30 mins away from monastery. We also stopped there for half an hour. The second bus came exactly to the same place where the first one dropped us. Nobody checked our tickets, but as I mentioned, just keep it with you. From there the journey was very pleasant with spectacular view of the mountain range, rivers and forest on the way. We arrived after 30-40 minutes right by the entrance at exactly 13.00. The same bus (from the same place) departs at 15.00 back to Sofia, and that is your only option to get back, or you will have to get very friendly with local monks, so they will accommodate you….but highly not possible. Well actually there is a hotel on the side, but to be frank, one day is more than enough to see monastery, unless you want to hike some hills around. You will be given 2 hours to look around, and that is enough time, trust me. There is no fee for the entrance which makes the whole trip extremely cheap (around 10 Euros total). Please go around to see everything and visit impressive church in the center. The side feel so peaceful (even with tourists around), you almost want to stay forever.  High peaks, that surround the place, creates a beautiful background to the mystical and old monastery. There is a museum to visit too, but you need to pay 8 Lev entry fee (20 with English speaking guide). To warm you up, coffees and teas are available from the dispensary machine and from loads of other stands. There is one restaurant (accepts cards) on the side where you can have a good meal for a fair price, but please remember you need to get off at 15.00. Souvenirs shops with little figures, postcards, local honey and loads more are around too. Have a look, they do have loads of interesting and unusual stuff there. 2 free toilets are available on the side. If you have a spare bottle, get some water from the well, it is a great quality one.

Places to see in Rila Monastery:

  • The Church (located just in the heart of the monastery
  • Museum (on the right hand side)
  • The cookhouse (can be found not far from the restaurant and food stands)
  • Monastic cells

I have read online that there is a cave to see too, but it`s located 4 kilometers away, and I don’t think it is possible to do with your 2 hours time restriction.

  Time to go “home”

   There is a time for an end for everything, and at Rila Monastery (for the one who took a public transport) that time is 15.00. So again you will get a return ticket from the driver, and you will head back to Sofia to the same bus station from where you departed. You should be back before 17.30, and this time we did not have to change the bus. Again, you can catch a tram back to the city center. The whole journey from the start is nice, easy and very cheap. The end.