Krakow Travel Guide
Krakow is Poland’s student city. Over 25% of the population here are students, which has led to Krakow becoming a hub for cheap food, cheap booze, and abundant bars and clubs.
But Krakow isn’t just one one-trick pony. It boasts beautiful medieval architecture, picturesque castles, and a handful of insightful (and sobering) museums and attractions.
While the city can feel rather touristy, it’s still pretty, interesting, and worth spending a few days exploring — especially if you want to learn about the grim history of World War II.
This travel guide to Krakow can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Krakow
1. Walk the entire Royal Road
The Royal Road (sometimes called the Royal Route) stretches from the Old Town to Wawel Castle. This was once the route Polish kings took as they made their way through the city center (coronations, parades, and receptions for foreign dignitaries also took this route). The route incorporates some of the most important historical landmarks in Krakow, making for a great place to start your visit as you admire the historic buildings. The Royal Road is also part of the larger historic centre of Kraków, which was among the first sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list back in 1978. The main highlight is Wawel Castle (more on that below).
2. Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of a former concentration camp used by the Nazis during World War II. It was established by the Nazis in 1940, after Germany invaded Poland in 1939. Originally just used for Polish political prisoners, eventually some 1.3 million people were sent here and an astounding 1.1 million of them were killed (many of whom were killed immediately on arrival, such as children and the elderly). When the camp was liberated in 1945, there were just 7,000 people there, many of whom were incredibly ill or sick. A visit here is sobering but shouldn’t be missed. Admission is free, but the experience is much more meaningful with a guide who can provide context. Just make sure you book early as tickets sell out fast.
3. Explore Wawel Castle
Built in the 13th century, this site is home to an art museum featuring medieval tapestries, the former Polish crown jewels, and Ottoman Empire treasures. Home to Poland’s kings and the political center of the country for 500 years, it’s one of the biggest castles in the country and represents numerous architectural styles, including those of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Don’t miss the natural limestone cave under Wawel Hill; it’s associated with the famous Wawel Dragon legend (there’s even a dragon sculpture outside that periodically breathes fire). On Mondays in the summer, free tickets are available for the Crown Treasury and Armory. There are seasonal discounts from September to October as well for the Dragon’s Den, Sandomierska Tower, and the Church of St. Gereon.
4. Tour Schindler’s Factory
During World War II, German industrialist Oskar Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during the war by employing them in his factory. Originally, he picked Jewish workers because they were simply easier to exploit (he was a member of the Nazi Party after all). However, over time he grew attached to his workers and disgusted by the horrors of Nazi persecution, leading to him actively trying to save more and more workers from the death camps. His story was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film, Schindler’s List. Located in the actual factory itself, this museum offers a sobering trip through the history of World War II. As one of the most popular sites in the city, you’ll want to book your tickets early. There are limited free tickets available on Mondays.
5. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica
As the parish of Pope John Paul II, this iconic 15th-century church highlights the importance of religion in Polish society (93% of Poland identifies as Roman Catholic). Originally the site of a 13th-century church, it was rebuilt in brick in the 1400s and designed in the Gothic style, looming over the Old Town. It is particularly famous for its 15th-century wooden altarpiece, which is extremely ornate and a literal national treasure of Poland (the Nazis actually stole it during WWII but it was reclaimed after the war). Every hour, a trumpeter plays from the tower in homage to a 13th-century trumpeter who was shot while sounding the alarm before a Mongol attack (the song ends abruptly, representing how the original trumpeter died suddenly).
Other Things to See and Do in Krakow
1. Take a free walking tour
One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new city is take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. I always start my trips with one. Crakow Free Tours offers free tours in English with a variety of different focuses (such as the Jewish Quarter or Krakow at night). These tours provide much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
2. Explore the District of Kazimierz
South of the center of town is the former Jewish ghetto, which was originally created as an entirely separate town back in the 14th century. The area was overlooked for many years but is now the center of a vibrant artist and student population. You can visit the Jewish cemetery or take a walking tour of the neighborhood. The oldest surviving synagogue in Poland is located here, and several scenes from Schindler’s List were filmed here too. While it’s a great place for a bite to eat, the real flavor of Kazimierz comes alive at night. Don’t miss the vodka bars for a guaranteed good time!
3. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
This mine produced table salt and was first used in the 13th century. It became one of Krakow’s main industries and was in use until 2007. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can marvel over the cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals — all carved out of salt and stone by the miners! There are around 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) of tunnels here, and the mines reach depths of over 300 meters (984 feet). They are also home to contemporary works of art, salt sculptures, and religious works. The mine is just 13 kilometers outside the city.
4. Shop at the flea markets
Go shopping early on the weekend at the open-air flea markets at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz or in the Jewish Quarter. Expect an assortment of antiques, souvenirs, books, records, food, clothing, and more. It’s a fun way to do some people-watching and get a feel for local life in the city. If you really want to do some rummaging through piles of old stuff, check out Hala Targowa / Unitarg. It has that genuine flea-market atmosphere and is brimming with old household objects, antiques, clothes, and all kinds of other unusual finds.
5. Visit the Underground Museum
The Rynek Underground Museum traces Kraków’s medieval past through well-preserved architectural foundations and artifacts from the city’s history. Rather than just a regular museum with various displays and exhibitions, here you’ll actually walk through the archaeological remains of medieval Kraków. The museum incorporates 3D technology and videos to show how the city grew and changed over the centuries, but there are also tons of various finds from over the years (old tools, coins) as well as reconstructions of historic markets. It’s super unique and interactive, plus there is a limited amount of free tickets available every Tuesday if you book early.
6. Stroll through Nowa Huta
In the years following World War II, Nowa Huta was established by the Soviets as a separate town filled with industry workers and propaganda. Lose yourself in the forgotten communist-era apartment blocks as you try to imagine what it would have been like if this Soviet town experiment had succeeded. It was one of the largest examples of social engineering, built to be a “utopian” city example. Now, as a popular neighborhood outside the center, it’s interesting to see how much of the Soviet influence remains. Spend some time wandering about and take in just how different this area is from Krakow’s Old Town.
7. Visit the MOCAK
The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Krakow’s most recent additions and has a vast and varied collection of contemporary art. Opened in 2011, it actually sits on a demolished section of Schindler’s factory. It focuses almost exclusively on modern art from the past couple of decades, and while modern art isn’t my favorite type of art, the museum is still worth a visit to get a sense of the Polish art scene. Check the website to see what rotating exhibits are on during your visit. Also, download their app for more information about the exhibitions on display. Admission is 20 PLN.
8. Visit Poland’s oldest university building
Located in Jagiellonian University, the Collegium Maius (Latin for “Great College”) has been a scientific hub for research and discovery for centuries. The building dates to the 14th century and taught many famous scientists, including Copernicus (the famous Polish astronomer who argued that Earth rotated around the sun and not vice versa). The museum has a vast collection of historic scientific instruments and artifacts, including maps, globes, tools, paintings, and more. Hour-long guided tours cost 15 PLN, though you can do a self-guided tour on Wednesdays for free between 1:30-4pm.
9. Walk around the Planty
Planty Park is a large park surrounding the Old Town. It was once the moat encircling the medieval city walls but is now a beautiful 4km park that spans just over 5 acres. It’s a great escape from the busy center and is home to one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Pod Wawelem (they serve up hearty Polish cuisine). In the summer, there are lots of stalls around the park where you can grab a snack or a drink as you lounge in the shade and lounge the day away.
10. Enjoy the Botanical Garden
Jagiellonian University’s Botanical Garden is an 18th-century garden near the Old Town. Spanning 24 acres, this is the oldest botanical garden in the country (it was founded in 1783). It’s home to over 5,000 species of trees, shrubs, orchids, and other flowers. The garden is only open from April to October and makes for a nice place to go for a summer stroll. Admission is 15 PLN.
11. Explore the Polish Aviation Museum
This museum has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Opened in 1964, it’s situated at the former Kraków-Rakowice-Czyzyny Airport (which is no longer in operation). There are over 200 aircraft on display here, including 22 extremely rare planes that were evacuated from a museum in Germany during World War II (so they didn’t get bombed by the Allies). There are lots of interactive displays and insightful exhibits, making this a fun place for kids and adults alike. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
12. Get Your Game on at the Krakow Pinball Museum
For die-hard pinball fans, this interactive exhibition of over 80 restored retro pinball machines and 35 arcade games is a must. Tickets cost 40 PLN and all the machines are included. They even have a bar inside, which gives the place more of a hangout and less of a museum feel. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind place for your old-school arcade favorites and an off-beat thing to do in the city.
12. Have fun at Aquapark (Park Wodny)
Park Wodny is a massive indoor water park in Krakow and a great place to go if you’re traveling with kids. There are water slides, paddling pools for kids, a lazy river, rock climbing walls, and a handful of jacuzzis. If you’re looking to relax or have a bit of fun, this is the place.
How to Stay Safe in Krakow
Poland is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world. Of course, you’ll still want to take some precautions while you’re here. Theft and pickpocketing are rare but they can still occur so keep your valuables out of sight in busy tourist areas and while on crowded public transportation.
Taxi scams in Krakow are rare, but always make sure your driver is using the meter. If they aren’t, ask them to stop and find a taxi that will.
Solo female travelers should find the city quite safe. However, you’ll still want to make sure you take the standard precautions (don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk home alone at night while intoxicated, etc.). For more specific tips, check out one of many solo female travel blogs on the web.
ATM skimming can occur here, so always make sure you use verified ATMs. If you can, go into the bank to withdraw your money (as opposed to using outdoor ATMs that are easier to tamper with).
If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
For more information on scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.
There is no risk of any real natural disasters or terrorism in Krakow, so as long as you pay attention to your surroundings and follow the tips above, you should be able to have a fun and safe trip.
If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Krakow
Kraków has plenty of hostels and a ton of affordable hotels. Even during peak season, you can find a cheap bed! These are my suggested places to stay:
Krakow Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – 65–95 PLN per night
- Hostel private rooms – 150–250 PLN per night
- Budget hotels – 190–280 PLN per night
- Luxury hotels – 500–1,000 PLN per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 130–275 PLN per night
- Airbnb apartments – 215–450 PLN per night
- Campsite – 60–120 PLN per night
Food
- Street food – 5-6 PLN
- Pre-made sandwiches – 6-12 PLN
- Sit-down restaurants – 35-90 PLN
- Casual take-out places – 15-30 PLN
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 25 PLN
- Beer – 13 PLN
- Glass of wine – 12 PLN
- Cappuccino/latte – 12.50 PLN
- Bottled water – 4-5 PLN
- Groceries for a week – 150 PLN
Some of my favorite places to eat are Starka, Milkbar Tomasza, and Kraft. For good cocktails, check out Gin Mill and The Trust.
Krakow Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 160 PLN Per Day
On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation, and do some cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting free museums. If you plan on drinking, add 20 PLN to your budget per day.
Midrange – 360 PLN Per Day
On a midrange budget, you can stay in a budget hotel or private hostel room. You’ll be able to eat out for all your meals at cheap milk bars, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like touring Auschwitz and the salt mine.
Upscale – 650 PLN Per Day
On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever guided tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though.
Krakow Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Krakow is a very affordable city so there aren’t too many tips out there to help you save. Since this city is such a hot spot for partying, most people blow their budget on drinks. If you limit that, you’ll be able to visit without worrying about your budget too much. Here are some other ways to save money while you visit Krakow:
Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Krakow is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Eat at milk bars – You’ll get a taste of Krakow at a mleczny (milk bars). Hearty pierogis, homemade soups, plenty of meat, and a local beer usually cost around 35 PLN. While they are a no-frills choice, the food is tasty and filling!
Order the lunch menu – If you’re going to eat out and are on a budget, eat out for lunch. There are usually set menus for lunch that are much cheaper than eating out for dinner. Typically they are available between 12pm–4pm.
Get the KrakowCard – This card provides free public transportation and access to all of the city’s main attractions (40 different sites are included). It’s a great deal if you plan on seeing a lot and it also includes public transit. It’s 265 PLN for a three-day pass and 240 PLN for a two-day pass.
Be sure to pre-game – Krakow is known for its partying, pub crawls, and long nights out. Start off by grabbing your favorite drinks from a grocery store first whenever possible. You’ll save a ton that way.
Take a free walking tour – Free tours from companies like Cracow Free Tours are a great way to explore the city while learning about the history, culture, and architecture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to lower your accommodation costs. Not only will you save money by getting a free place to stay, but you’ll also be able to make a local friend and get insider knowledge about the city!
Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points to pay for accommodations on your trip. You’ll get 1-2 nights free with most cards when you sign up. Here’s a post that will help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points right away. If you already know the basics, here’s a list of my current favorite hotel cards.
Check for free museum days – Almost every major state museum in Poland offers regular free admission days or times. For example, Wawel Castle offers a limited amount of free tickets every Monday and the Schindler’s Factory Museum is free to visit on Mondays as well. Always check the website of each museum or gallery you visit to see if they offer any free or discounted days/times.
How to Get Around in Krakow
Public transportation – Public buses and trams cost around 6 PLN for a one-way ride with a ticket that lasts one hour. 90-minute tickets are available for around 8 PLN while 20-minute tickets are 4 PLN.
Day passes cost between 17-22 PLN depending on the number of zones and 7-day passes are 56-68 PLN. The city also offers a tourism card called the KrakowCard which, in addition to museums and activities, includes public transportation around the city. It’s 265 PLN for a three-day pass and 240 PLN for a two-day pass. You can also buy the two-day KrakowCard at a lower price without public transportation for 156 PLN.
From the Krakow Airport, there is a convenient airport train that goes to the main station for 14 PLN and runs every half hour. There is also a slightly cheaper city bus for 6 PLN (included in the KrakowCard). The journey takes just under an hour.
Taxi – In general, taxis in Krakow start at 7 PLN and go up by 2.30 PLN per kilometer. Just make sure you use official taxis as there are often illegal taxis that try to take fares (and who will also overcharge you). Official taxis have the company logo and phone number on the car. They also use a meter.
To ensure you get a reputable company, have your hotel/hostel call a taxi before you go just to be safe.
Bicycle – Companies like KRK Bike Rental and Krakow Bike Tour, offer rentals for 50-60 PLN per day. For a guided bicycle tour that lasts a few hours, expect to pay closer to 90-115 PLN per person.
There are also scooter share programs like Hulaj that cost 2 PLN to start and then 0.55 PLN per minute after that.
Ridesharing – Uber is available in Krakow and it’s the cheapest option if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to take public transit.
Car rental – You don’t need a car to get around Krakow, however, if you plan on exploring the region you can find rentals for around 75 PLN per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must have had their license for at least one year and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for citizens of certain countries. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
When to Go to Krakow
The best (and most popular) time to visit Krakow is during the summer (June to August). Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent with daily highs around 22–30°C (71–86°F). These are also the busiest months of the year for tourism, though and you’ll only really notice it in the Old Town and at some of the larger attractions. Prices will be a little higher, but if you’re coming for nightlife or for a lively city experience then this is by far the best time to visit.
The shoulder seasons (late April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You’ll beat the crowds while enjoying milder temperatures. You’ll get more rain in the spring but also blooming flowers while the fall offers stunning autumn colors. Just be aware that visiting during Easter is very popular, so accommodation prices will spike (and sell out) around the Easter holiday. Expect spring and autumn highs around 15–19°C (59–66°F). Also, if you’re visiting in spring make sure to bring a rain jacket.
Winter in Krakow can be cold, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F) during the day and down to -5°C (23°F) overnight. Snow is common, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you plan on leaving the city to go skiing or take part in other winter activities. That said, the Christmas market here in December is popular and worth spending a day at if you visit in the winter. Just make sure you have a warm jacket as well as some decent boots (it’s just as likely to be wet as it is to be snowy).
Krakow Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finally exists.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
- BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.
I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!
