Krakow

Introduction

You can explore Kraków, known as the Royal Capital City of Kraków, where history permeates the streets of one of Poland's oldest cities. Located along the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, this historic center has served as a primary hub for Polish economic, academic, cultural, and artistic life for centuries.

Your visit to the Old Town offers a journey through a landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area stands as one of the first locations ever granted such status, preserving its legacy as a former capital of Poland.

Before you go

When planning your trip, note that while the city was historically spelled "Cracow" in English, modern booking sites and airlines use the spelling "Kraków." The diacritical mark over the "o" changes the pronunciation from a standard "o" to a "u" sound. You can stay informed about local news, events, and new bars by picking up the Kraków Post, an English language monthly paper available for free in various clubs and cultural venues throughout the city.

Prepare for distinct seasonal changes: expect hot and humid conditions during the summer and bitterly cold days under a blanket of snow during the winter. Be aware that low wind levels can lead to high air pollution from cars and coal stoves, which may affect those with respiratory issues. While the city is generally very safe with a helpful police presence, remain vigilant against common scams such as inflated bills at specific clubs like Saxon Club or Hard Candy, fraudulent phone calls regarding credit card verification in your hotel room, and overcharged taxi fares near the main railway station.

You can reach the city by plane via Kraków Airport in Balice, located west of the center. The terminal features a single hall for arrivals and check-in with various international carriers. If you prefer rail, trains run frequently between the airport and the main railway station, which is situated near the shopping mall and the Old Town. For those traveling from other Polish cities or across Europe, extensive rail connections link Kraków to destinations such as Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Alternatively, several bus companies operate routes from major hubs like Wrocław, Poznań, and even further afield to cities like Amsterdam and Venice.

If you choose to travel by car, the A4 motorway provides access from the west, while the E77 serves as a modern route from Warsaw. For those arriving at the airport by bus, look for the specific forecourt near the shopping mall rather than the main bus station. You may also opt for e-hailing services or pre-booked transfers to reach the city center from the airport. If your flight is diverted, nearby airports in Katowice, Warsaw, and Rzeszów offer additional points of entry into the region.

Getting around

You can explore the compact city center primarily on foot, as much of the old town is a pedestrian-only zone. Scenic walking routes include the Royal Way, the Planty park—which circles the old city from Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle—and the well-maintained river banks near the castle. Because the streets are paved with uneven cobblestones, you should wear sturdy shoes. If you visit during the winter, be prepared for a mix of snow and mud on the sidewalks and bring waterproof footwear.

For longer distances, an extensive network of trams and buses is available. You can use mobile applications to plan your routes or purchase tickets in advance. When using public transport, it is best to buy your ticket from a kiosk or machine at the stop before boarding; if you must buy one from the driver, ensure you have the exact change. For those preferring private transport, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are available to help you avoid language barriers and potential overcharging. While bicycles can be used on dedicated lanes through the Planty, driving a car is not recommended for the city center due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and restricted driving zones.

Where to stay

You can choose from various types of accommodation depending on your preferred atmosphere. The Old Town offers both high-end luxury hotels and more reasonably priced options, while the Kazimierz district provides another area where you can find hotel stays near the Vistula river. For a different experience, consider staying in Podgórze or exploring the outskirts of the city to see authentic Polish life away from the tourist-focused center.

If you prefer a social atmosphere, numerous clean backpacker hostels are available in both the Old Town and Kazimierz. Alternatively, renting private accommodation within the Old Town is an option; you can find one-bedroom units through agencies located across from the main railway station. For those traveling with vehicles or preferring the outdoors, several campsites provide space for tents and caravans during the warmer months.

Food & drink

Experience a culinary landscape shaped by Central European influences and the Austro-Hungarian empire. You can find traditional staples throughout the city, such as the obwarzanek, a doughy ring located between a bagel and a pretzel. In the Kazimierz district, head to the Okrąglak market square for a zapiekanka, a large open-faced baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments. For a heartier meal, try maczanka, which features slow-cooked pulled pork on a bun served with pickles, or oscypek, a smoked sheep's cheese typically served pan-fried with jam. If you prefer simple, traditional home cooking like krokiety, visit a Bar Mleczny, where the atmosphere is humble and the food is straightforward.

The city offers an extensive selection of bars, pubs, and cafes, particularly in the Old Town where many establishments sit in close proximity. You can explore the local spirit scene by trying tatanka, a blend of apple juice and bison grass vodka, or various types of nalewki, which are fruit-based vodkas. For a more intense experience, try śliwowica, a plum brandy, or a wściekły pies shot. While the Old Town and Kazimierz offer vibrant nightlife with many bars along streets like ul. Szeroka, the Tytano district provides a loft-style selection of cocktail bars. During warmer months, you can enjoy the atmosphere in sidewalk cafes and beer gardens, while the winter season moves the social scene into underground cellars.

• obwarzanek: A doughy ring sold throughout the city.
• zapiekanka: A toasted sandwich with mushrooms and cheese, popular in Kazimierz.
• maczanka: Slow-cooked pulled pork on a bun with pickles.
• oscypek: Smoked sheep's cheese from the Tatra Mountains.
• Bar Mleczny: A cafeteria serving traditional Polish home food.
• tatanka: A vodka and apple juice beverage.
• nalewki: Fruit-flavored vodkas.
• śliwowica: A plum brandy.
• wściekły pies: A shot of vodka with tabasco and raspberry sauces.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city by walking the Royal Way from St. Florian's Gate through the Main Market Square to Wawel, a citadel perched on a crag featuring a cathedral and the Royal Castle. In the nearby Kazimierz district, you can visit the atmospheric old cemetery and the Remuh synagogue near Szeroka. For those interested in art and history, the city hosts numerous collections; you can view the Leonardo da Vinci portrait "Lady with an Ermine" at the Princes Czartoryski Museum or explore the various galleries of the National Museum. If you prefer a different atmosphere, visit Nowa Hutta to see its unique architecture and the Polish Aviation Museum.

Experience local traditions by listening to the Hejnał Mariacki trumpet signal from St. Mary's Church while enjoying a coffee in the Main Market Square or attending a Mass in that same church. You can stroll through the Planty park, relax on the banks of the Vistula river where a dragon breathes fire at the foot of Wawel, or cross the Kładka Bernatka footbridge to reach Podgórze. For a more active experience, you might join a city game, take a guided walking tour, or cruise the river to see Tyniec Abbey and Bielany Priory. If you visit on a Sunday morning, you can browse the open-air flea markets at Plac Nowy and Hala Targowa.

When to go

You can experience Kraków across four distinct seasons, each offering a different atmosphere. During the summer months, you will encounter hot and humid weather. While this is the warmest period of the year, be mindful that air pollution from vehicles and other sources remains a consistent concern for those with respiratory sensitivities.

In the winter, the city sits under a blanket of snow during bitingly cold days. During this season, air quality worsens significantly due to the use of coal stoves and minimal wind, which can particularly affect children and individuals with respiratory issues.

Festivals & events

You can experience a diverse calendar of cultural events throughout the year. During the spring months, you can explore the visual arts through Photomonth in April or attend the Krakow Film Festival during the same month. In March, you can experience the Off Camera festival.

The autumn season offers additional opportunities for discovery with Unsound taking place in September, followed by Etiuda and Anima in October.

Three days in Krakow

Day one, you begin your journey in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can immerse yourself in the history of this Royal Capital City. You can stroll along the Royal Way to take in the historic atmosphere of the Polish landscape.

Day two, you explore the surroundings of the Vistula River located within the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. You can enjoy the scenic views and experience the local character of the region as you navigate through the heart of Kraków.

Day three, you take in the remaining sights of the city before preparing for your departure from the Kraków Airport at Balice. Whether you are staying in the city or planning your next stop in nearby locations like Wrocław or Poznań, you can enjoy the final moments of your stay in this historic Polish destination.

About this place

• Krakow