krakow tourist information official

By virtue of its peculiar architecture and enthralling history, still present in all corners of the city, Kraków is one of the most stunning and surprising metropolises in Europe . Discover all there is to know about Kraków with this travel guide.

Kraków Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Kraków
• Public transport
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat

Krakow tourism

Krakow (also written Cracow) is the former capital of Poland and still one of the country’s most important cities. It's also considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to the excellent preservation of its buildings and its rich artistic cultural heritage.

Krakow’s Old Town, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , is packed with exquisite Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance-style edifices.

Over two million tourists visit Krakow every year, not only because of the kindness of its inhabitants and the allure of the city but also because it's very close to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Where to start

If you’re planning to visit Krakow and don’t know much about the city, the best way to delve into your destination is to read about its past . Then learn about the practical information to visit Krakow. Next, we suggest checking out its top attractions and most-visited museums .

Looking for accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels,   and apartments   with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination, and you can cancel the booking just one day in advance.

• Hotels in Krakow – Find the best deals online.

top activities

Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip Take a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, one of the most-visited sights in Poland and explore the subterranean salt-carved chapels with statues and chandeliers.

Auschwitz Tour from Krakow Get official skip-the-line tickets to Auschwitz & hassle-free transportation from Krakow . Discover the history of this historic site with an expert guide.

Free Walking Tour of Krakow Take in the exquisite buildings and streets on this walking tour of Krakow's old town and see for yourself why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Oskar Schindler's Factory Guided Tour Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist, risked his life to save his Jewish employees from the concentration camps. Discover his life in his factory in Krakow.

Dig in to some of Poland's most traditional dishes on this food tour of Krakow. You'll also get to try the country’s national alcoholic beverage: vodka.

Vistula River Boat Trip Enjoy the medieval city of Krakow from a unique perspective with us on this fantastic boat trip along the Vistula river.

Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter Delve into Jewish culture in Poland on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Kazimierz, the most vibrant Jewish quarter in Krakow, home to unique synagogues and more.

Chopin Piano Concert Entrance Ticket Step into a 15th-century building in the centre of Krakow to enjoy this Chopin Piano Concert Entrance Ticket. Make the most of this unique experience! 

Krakow E-Scooter Tour Discover the streets of this Polish city with this Krakow E-Scooter Tour. Choose between an adventure through the historic centre or the Jewish quarter !

Schindler's List Tour of the Płaszów Concentration Camp Embark on a Schindler's List T our of the Płaszów Concentration Camp and learn about one of the darkest chapters in history: the Jewish Holocaust.

Transport between Krakow and Auschwitz With this  transport service between Krakow and Auschwitz , we'll take you to one  of the most chilling concentration camps in history .

With this free tour of Nowa Huta, you'll walk through a former communist city designed after World War II and find out what events marked its history.

Holocaust Tour of Krakow On this  free   Holocaust Tour of Krakow we'll visit the city's Jewish   ghetto , as we learn about the tragic history of World War II .

Krakow Combo: Auschwitz and Salt Mine Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau  and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are Poland's most-visited sights. Discover both attractions on the same day with this full-day Krakow combo tour.

Polish Folk Show and Dinner Feast your palate and eyes with the typical gastronomy and dances  of Poland with our Polish Folk Show and Dinner in Krakow.

Sunset Boat Cruise in Krakow Enjoy Krakow from a new perspective with a fantastic sunset boat cruise on the idyllic Vistula river . Admire the city skyline at golden hour like never before.

Krakow Pub Crawl Experience legendary nightlife on this pub crawl of Krakow . Enjoy an incredible night out in Poland, plus free shots and an hour-long open bar!

Krakow Old Town & Jewish Quarter Free Tour® Discover Poland's rich history on our free walking tour around the old town and Jewish quarter in Krakow . We'll visit the most important spots in the city.

Travel back in time and discover some of the Polish city's most important historical sights on this  World War II Tour of Krakow .

Learn about the tragic history of the Holocaust on this guided tour of the Krakow filming locations of the famous movie Schindler's List .

Ojców National Park Excursion Visit ancient fortresses and majestic rock formations on this excursion to Ojców National Park . We'll experience the Polish landscape and visit two castles .

Auschwitz Birkenau Private Day Trip Learn about the dark past of World War 2 with this private day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp from Krakow.

Dog Sled Ride Drive your own husky dog sledge through the frozen landscapes of the Tatra Mountains in the south of Poland. Ready for an unforgettable adventure?

Travel back in time to Medieval Krakow on this Night-time tour of Krakow and hear scary ghost stories as you explore the city.

Tour of Wawel Royal Hill Join us on the guided tour of one of Poland's most important historical places . Wawel hill is full of fascinating monuments and secrets!

Zakopane Day Trip & Dunajec River Rafting Fall in love with the architecture of southern Poland on our Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow . We'll also go rafting on the Dunajec River on the Slovakian border.

Roll through the streets of a World Heritage City on this bike tour of Krakow - an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore the city!

What was Krakow like during the communist era? Discover a different side of the Polish city by following the traces of communism through Krakow on this tour .

Krakow Private Walking Tour Take a private tour of the historic center, and Jewish Quarter of Krakow, learning about the city’s history and culture with an English-speaking guide.

Tatra Mountains Thermal Pools Private Tour Leave the hustle and bustle of your everyday life behind by unwinding at the Bialka Thermal Pools , a complex of thermal pools

Vistula River Free Bike Tour If you're staying in Krakow and want to explore its surroundings, our Vistula River free bik tour on the banks of Poland's longest river is for you!

On this excursion, we'll cross the border into Slovakia for a hiking tour through the  Treetop Walk Bachledka  and visit the Polish town of  Zakopane .

On this excursion from Krakow, we'll head to   the Tatra Mountains  to visit the Chochołów Thermal Baths , the largest thermal pool complex in the region!

Pope John Paul II Route Follow the incredible footsteps of Saint John Paul II, the first Polish pope and one of the most beloved pontiffs in history.

Auschwitz and Salt Mine Private Tour On this private tour to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines , you'll visit the largest Nazi concentration camp  from WWII accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Treetop Walk Bachledka Day Trip & Dunajec River Rafting On this day trip, you'll stroll above the treetops of Slovakia's forests and admire incredible views, as well as do a fun rafting activity on the Dunajec River .

Treetop Walk Bachledka & Chochołów Thermal Baths Day Trip Get incredible views of the Tatra Mountains from the Treetop Walk Bachledka's decks and visit the Chochołów Thermal Baths on this day trip from Krakow.

On this guided tour of the Wawel Castle ,   we'll explore the heart of one of the most iconic places in Krakow and visit its subterranean area.

Wieliczka Vineyard Tour Are you a wine enthusiast? Then you can't miss this excursion from Krakow to visit the vineyards of Wieliczka , and taste their excellent wines.

Lake Roznów Horse Riding Tour On this horse ride round  Lake Roznów , we'll enjoy the stunning landscapes of this artificial lake  perfect for nature lovers !

Polish Aviation Museum Guided Visit Discover the history of the world's most significant battles on our Polish Aviation Museum Guided Visit. Explore the old airfield and see amazing models.

Learn about the role of the Polish Underground State on this guided tour through the Home Army Museum in Krakow. A journey through Polish history!

Krakow Electric Car Private Tour Discover the Polish city's best kept secrets with this Krakow Electric Car private tour - an eco-friendly and fun way to visit the city!

Vistula River Night Cruise Enjoy a night cruise along the Vistula River and see Krakow 's beautiful monuments lit up at night for a magical experience!

Private Day Trip from Krakow Mountains, monasteries and castles: explore Poland's most beautiful hidden secrets on this private day trip from Krakow .

Get into the spirit of Poland with this tasting tour of Krakow's most traditional liquors , accompanied by typical snacks. Cheers!

Energylandia Ticket & Transport If you're looking for a fun plan for the whole family , don't hesitate to book this ticket to Energylandia which also includes transport from Krakow !

Krakow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour This sightseeing bus in Krakow lets you explore one of the most visited cities in Europe at your own rhythm. Hop on and off at any of the stops!

On this segway tour of Krakow , we'll learn the most interesting facts about Polish history. You can choose to explore the old town or the Jewish quarter .

Krakow Card Are you ready to discover the main attractions of Krakow? The Krakow Card is the best way to explore the city, for 1, 2 or 3 days !

Krakow Rynek Underground Museum Tour Walk into the depths of Krakow on a tour of Rynek Underground Museum accompanied by an English-speaking guide & discover the medieval market stalls.

Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Day Trip Set off on a unique full day trip from Kraków to Zakopane, the country’s most famous winter town, and discover the untouched landscape of the Tatra Mountains.

On this boat trip to Tyniec you'll sail on the Vistula River and visit this historic town and enjoy the Polish countryside.

Częstochowa Black Madonna Half Day Trip Embark on the pilgrimage to Częstochowa, Poland's religious and spiritual center  and home of the Black Madonna, the most cherished relic of the Virgin Mary.

Dunajec River Gorge Day Trip Marvel at the awe-inspiring landscape of the Dunajec River Gorge from a traditional Polish wooden raft & explore the haunted 14th-century Niedzica Castle.

Krakow Beer Tour Poland has a blooming craft beer industry worth discovering. Embark on a 3-hour tour of Krakow and visit its best bars while you learn about the brewing process

Guided Tour of Nowa Huta Communist City Explore Nowa Huta , a city established mid twentieth century as an ideal social realist settlement accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide.

Why read our Krakow travel guide?

Written by eager travelers for equally enthusiastic adventurers, Introducingkrakow.com offers up-to-date information about the top tourist attractions, climate, and the best ways to get to the city. We have included our points of view and experiences , to make the most of your trip.

The information provided in this guide has been updated in December 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Economy
• 2 Districts
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 4.1 On foot
• 4.2 By bus and tram
• 4.4 By bicycle
• 4.5 By boat
• 10.1 Local drinks
• 11.1 Campsites
• 11.2 Hostels
• 11.3 Hotels
• 11.4 Private accommodation
• 12.1 Racism
• 12.2.1 Bar scam
• 12.2.2 Hotel scam
• 12.2.3 Taxi scam
• 12.2.4 Currency exchange scam
• 12.3 Jaywalking enforcement
• 13.1 Consulates

Kraków (IPA: [ˈkrakuf] ) is the chief city of Małopolskie Province in the south of Poland. At its core is a beautifully-preserved medieval town on the banks of the River Wisła or Vistula, and it's Poland's top tourist draw. The modern city, with a population of 780,000 (2021), stretches way beyond, including the communist-era "new town" of Nowa Huta.

Understand [ edit ]

In English the city's name used to be spelled "Cracow". But 21st-century visitors have discovered it via budget airlines and travel booking sites that always call it "Krakow" so the older spelling isn't used here. The diacritical mark over the "o" changes the pronunciation from "o" (IPA: [ ɔ ]), to "u" (IPA: [ u ]).

History [ edit ]

Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20,000 BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain. However, the first official mention of the name was in 966 by a Jewish merchant from Spain, who described it as an important centre of trade in Slavonic Europe.

Through trade with the various rulers of Europe, it grew from a small settlement in 1000 AD to a large wealthy city, belonging to the Vistulans. However, through the 9th and 10th centuries, it fell under the influence of the Great Moravians, then the Bohemians, before being captured by the Piast Dynasty of Poland. In 1038, Kazimierz the Restorer made Kraków the capital of Poland.

In 1241, the city was almost entirely destroyed by Tatars. It was rebuilt to a design that remains largely unchanged to the present day. However, after more successful attacks by the Mongols in the late 13th century, Kazimierz the Great set about defending the city. Walls, fortifications, and the original Wawel Castle were added. The University was also established. King Kazimierz established the district of Kazimierz for Jews to live in free from persecution. This area remained mainly Jewish for centuries until the Nazi occupation.

The 16th century was Kraków's golden age. Under the influence of the joint Polish-Lithuanian Jagiellonian dynasty, Kraków became a centre of science and the arts. In 1569, Poland was officially united with Lithuania and as a result government activity started to move to Warsaw. King Zygmunt III officially moved the capital in 1609.

However, the 17th century was a return to troubled times for Kraków and Poland. After being invaded by Russians, Prussians, Austrians, Transylvanians, Swedes, and the French, it went through a phase of various forms of political control. These included being part of the Duchy of Warsaw, established by Napoleon, and becoming an "independent city". However, it mostly fell under the sphere of influence of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, in the province of Galicia.

In the First World War , Józef Piłsudski set out to liberate Poland and the Treaty of Versailles (1919) established an independent sovereign Polish state for the first time in more than 100 years. This lasted until the Second World War , when Germany and the USSR partitioned the country, with German forces entering Kraków in September 1939. Many academics were killed and historic relics and monuments were destroyed or looted. Concentration camps were established near Kraków, including Plaszow and Auschwitz ; see Holocaust remembrance . After German withdrawal, the city escaped complete destruction and many buildings were saved.

In the Communist period, a large steel work factory was established in the suburb of Nowa Huta. This was seen as an attempt to lessen the influence of the anti-communist intelligentsia and religious communities in Kraków; see Cold War Europe . In 1978, UNESCO placed Kraków on the World Heritage Sites list. In the same year, the Archbishop of Kraków, Karol Wojtyła, was made Pope John Paul II.

The communist government collapsed in 1989 and Kraków has undergone another period of regeneration, with historic buildings being restored, but many of the dull post-war buildings still remain.

Climate [ edit ]

There are four definite seasons to Kraków - summer being hot and humid (average highs of 25°C) and winter always seeing Kraków under a blanket of snow with bitingly cold days (average lows of -3/-4°C). Due to little wind, Kraków suffers from high levels of air pollution from cars and coal stoves, which especially affects children and people with respiratory problems.

Economy [ edit ]

Kraków is the most popular tourist destination in Poland and this supports much of the local economy. However, the University and numerous local colleges mean education is an important employer as well.

The service and technology industry is strong, with many banks and IT companies, such as IBM, Cisco, Oracle, being located here. There is a large manufacturing sector as well, especially in steel (owned by Mittal), pharmaceuticals and tobacco, mainly as a legacy of the communist era.

Unemployment is lower than average (5%) for the rest of the country (9%) and it is considered an attractive investment opportunity, especially for those buying real estate. A new financial and business district is planned along with a new sporting complex in the Nowa Huta borough on the Vistula river. This is for the regeneration of the Nowa Huta area, the poorest district of Kraków.

Read [ edit ]

There is an English language monthly paper called Kraków Post available for free in clubs and culture venues throughout the city, where you can check the news, events taking place and new bars that opened in Kraków any given month.

Districts [ edit ]

Kraków consists of 18 districts. The historic Old City is situated in District I Stare Miasto . Even though the words Stare Miasto mean 'old town', it should not be confused with the historic old town of Kraków itself, as the medieval old town is only a small central part of District I Stare Miasto. Some of the communities around the edge of Kraków can show you real Polish life away from the tourist-focused economy of the centre.

The article for Kraków is divided into districts as follows:

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

To and from the city:

• using cash on board (only Zloty and cards are accepted),
• online from the regional rail company, you receive an e-ticket by email (the airport station is called Kraków Lotnisko , the main station is Kraków Główny ),
• ticket machines on the platform, the notoriously complicated ones have been replaced here so you should have no issue getting a ticket to Krakow Główny, the main station: choose the next train even if it's just about to depart, as your ticket will be okay on any train that day. Buy a return ticket at this occasion as only a few machines at the main station actually sell tickets to the airport - the PKP / Polregio machines cannot be used.

These trains also call at the western suburban stations of Kraków Olszanica, Zakliki, Młynówka and Łobzów; change at Główny for all other destinations. Trains are sometimes replaced by buses (badged "SKA" and taking 30-40 min), which are in addition to the regular city buses. Pay as for the trains, cash on board is simplest else you have to go upstairs to the railway ticket machines then come down again.

• Kraków Airport Taxi is the official taxi service, tel +48 12 258 0 258 or + 48 668 307 307 (open 06:00-22:00) or just rock up. There's a fixed fare per distance, posted on the airport website, reckon 90 zł to city centre. They're decent cars with decent drivers, and their big advantage is they can drop off and pick up within Old Town, which private cars can't.
• Prebooked transfer: several internet platforms offer pre-booked cars from Kraków Airport. You know the price when you book, and often get a better vehicle.
• Blacklane offer limousine transfers to town from about €40 / 180 zł one-way.
• E-hailing: Free Now (formerly MyTaxi), Uber and Bolt operate in Krakow, but not Yandex.

Other airports - where you might end up if you're diverted - include Katowice, Warsaw and Rzeszów. Closest is Katowice ( KTW  IATA ), 100 km west of Kraków. It's a base for Wizzair and has flights all over Europe, including Kutaisi and Tblisi in Georgia. KTW airport is 30 km north of Katowice town, but there are connecting minibuses to town and direct to Kraków. You can easily day-trip from Katowice to Kraków and to Auschwitz, and the accommodation is a fraction of the price, but it's a drab place that you'd be unwise to pick for a romantic weekend.

By train [ edit ]

Kraków has good rail connections. Two direct trains run from Berlin via Wrocław : 7 h 30 min daytime, 10 hours overnight which continues to Rzeszów and Przemyśl on the Ukraine border. From London, Paris or Amsterdam change in Berlin.

From Prague there's one direct train, taking 7 hr 30 min via Olomouc , Ostrava and Katowice and continuing from Kraków to Rzeszów and Przemyśl .

From Vienna one daytime and one overnight train take 6 hr via Ostrava , with other connections at Katowice .

From Budapest one daytime and one overnight train take 9-10 hr via Bratislava , Ostrava and Katowice , where a portion divides for Warsaw. The Kraków portion continues to Rzeszów and Przemyśl .

From Vilnius and Kaunas a daily train takes 16 hours via Warsaw. You change at the border but it's a seamless service.

Trains from Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine involve a change, immigration and customs at Przemyśl, because it's an EU border and change of railway gauge. Trains run every hour or two from Przemyśl taking 3 hours via Rzeszów and Tarnów .

Trains run nonstop every two hours to Kraków from Warsaw (all three main stations), taking 2 hr 40 min: these originate from Gdynia and Gdańsk . Trains from Poznań run via Wrocław and Częstochowa to Kraków, continuing via Rzeszów to Przemyśl .

Trains from Poznań run every hour or two, taking 5 hr 30 min via Katowice . Two direct trains from Łódź take 3 hr.

Trains from Oświęcim , better known as Auschwitz, take just under 2 hours; some are direct but most involve a change at Trzebinia.

By bus [ edit ]

Flixbus (which has taken over Eurolines) runs to Kraków direct from Vienna (7 hr), Budapest (8 hr), Prague (8 hr), Berlin (8 hr), Hamburg (12 hr), Munich (13 hr), Cologne (14 hr), Venice (15 hr via Zagreb) and Amsterdam (20 hr).

Ecolines run daily to Kyiv (15 hr) and Odesa (15 hr), and occasionally to Kaunas , Riga , Tallinn , Moscow , St Petersburg and Athens .

Intercity buses within Poland are nowadays mostly run by Flixbus, which has also taken over Polskibus. From Warsaw there are about a dozen buses daily taking up to 5 hours. There are also direct buses from Gdańsk (9 hr), Szczecin (9 hr), Poznań (7 hr), Wrocław (3 hr), Łódź (4 hr), Katowice (hourly, 75 min), Przemyśl (4 hr) and Zakopane (hourly, 2 hr 20 min).

The central bus station is on the east side of the railway station. You'll struggle to find any information, in any language, about where to find your bus. However the airport buses don't depart from here but from the little forecourt at the shopping mall entrance.

By car [ edit ]

The main highway to Kraków from the west is the A4 motorway from the German border, where it meets Autobahns A4 from Dresden and A13 from Berlin. There's a 20 zł toll on the section between Katowice and Kraków, pay by card or cash.

From Warsaw (300 km) use the E77, passing Radom and Kielce, and reckon 5 hours. It's a modern highway but has yet to be upgraded to or replaced by a motorway. For travelers flying out of Krakow, long-term parking facilities are available at Krakow-Balice Airport, providing a convenient option for those driving to the airport.

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

Depending on your level of fitness, you can see the whole of the city centre without needing any transport. There are some beautiful walking routes, try the Royal Way or the Planty park that surrounds the old city all the way from Florian's Gate to Wawel castle. It is very relaxing. There is also a well cared for river banks next to the castle just to stroll around.

However, in winter, snow is sometimes not removed from the sidewalks, resulting in a mixture of snow and mud. Be sure to bring waterproof shoes if you plan to travel by foot in the winter.

By bus and tram [ edit ]

During the day, there is an excellent system of public transportation consisting of trams and buses managed by MPK ( Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne ). On their website you can check routes or stops . Easyway journey planner finds the routes and schedules for a given trip. Rush hours are mostly 07:00-09:00 and 15:00-17:00 and you can spend a lot of time in traffic jams.

The official phone application Jakdojade ( iOS , Android ) is available to route you around Krakow and other Polish cities. You can buy tickets directly on the app. You can also buy tickets online but you need to register in advance in Mobilet ( iOS , Android ) or Skycash ( iOS , Android ) mobile services and download appropriate mobile application.

It's best to buy tickets before you get on board in a kiosk or ticket machine on the tram/bus stop (these are present mostly in the city centre and provide help in few languages). Those trams and buses that are equipped with ticket machines are marked with large " A " sign above the entrance. If there is no ticket machine on board you can buy the 5 zł ticket from the driver but you have to pay him with exact change (the driver will not accept a higher amount than the ticket price). If buying a ticket after mounting the vehicle try to be fast. Ticket controllers are fairly common and fines are quite high (250 zł) and a hassle.

As soon as you get on, punch the ticket in the validation machine . Tickets need to be punched only the first time you get on, don't do it again after changing a tram/bus. You can use a single ticket for multiple rides as long as its time period hasn't expired.

Ticket prices : single-fare/50-minute 4.60 zł, 20-minute 3.40 zł, 90-minute 6.00 zł, 24-hour (15 zł within city limits, 20 zł with agglomeration), 48-hour 28 zł, 72-hour 42 zł, 7-day (56 zł within city limits, 68 zł with agglomeration), family ticket (Sa Su only, unlimited daytime traveling) 16 zł.

ISIC and Euro26 student holders that study outside Poland can use 50% discounted tickets which means: 20-minute 1.70 zł, single-fare/50-minute 2.30 zł, 90-minute 3.00 zł, 24-hour 7.50 zł/10 zł, 48-hour 14 zł, 72-hour 21 zł, 7-day 28 zł/34 zł.

When travelling to neighbouring villages or to the airport you need an agglomeration (zone) ticket . All buses that go outside the city limits have 2 or 3 at the beginning of their line number. Keep in mind that not all time passes mentioned above are valid outside the city, and you will need to purchase a zone ticket separately. Zone tickets are slightly more expensive than city ones and follow similar time system.

Night bus and tram lines start with 6 (or 9 when zone) at the beginning of their line number. Ticket prices during the night are the same. 24-, 48- and 72-hour, as well as 7-day tickets are valid on night buses.

Tram and bus stops show routes and most kiosks will be able to advise you on route numbers. Modern trams and most of the modern buses also display the route inside on the screens and announce each stop.

Don't bother driving in the city centre. There's often a lot of traffic, parking spaces are scarce and can be expensive, and Polish driving takes a lot of getting used to. There are also rules around local 'driving zones', that ban non-resident's vehicles from entering them. Especially in the city center it's easy to enter such a zone without knowing - there are rectangle blue signs that mark the entrance to the zones. The taxis are cheap and it makes more sense to use them.

Taxis , reliable and fair play taxi drivers from the airport or for a longer transfer should be booked in advance by the Internet. For instance, Kraków airport transfer to Kraków costs around 70 zł. During the day, most fares will be around 20 zł. All taxis should have a 'Taxi' sign on the roof and a sticker on the rear passenger window with prices. There is an initial charge of about 5-7 zł, plus 2-3 zł per kilometre. Price list should be shown on the passenger side door.

iCar [dead link] is one of the cheapest taxi companies and will quote you the prices in advance (based on the real distance between you and your destination). An 8 km ride will run you about 22 zł. Uber is also a great option as it can be cheaper than the local taxi services.

There are instances where drivers will overcharge tourists, especially those who don't speak Polish. Check on a map in advance how much it should be and if it goes much above that, debate the price.

If you really want to travel by car, you can use Traficar carsharing service, although if you're not a Polish citizen, you may need to register for a service in person on Rzemieślnicza 26 before the first use.

By bicycle [ edit ]

It is easy to get around the centre on two wheels, as there are some bike lanes, including through the 'Planty' that surround the Old Town. Some bike rentals also provide city and country tours.

• Bike Rental , ul. św. Anny 4 , ☏ +48 501 745 986 , [email protected] . In summer from 09:00 till dusk . They have a tandem. 7 zł for 1hr, 40 zł for 24hr .  
• Cruising Kraków , ul. Basztowa 17 , ☏ +48 12 312 60 20 , [email protected] . 09:00-20:00 . 20 zł for the first 3 hr, 40 zł for 24 hr .  
• Happy Bike , ul. Mogilska 51 , ☏ +48 504 982 043 , [email protected] . 40zł/24 hr .  
• Two Wheels , ul. Józefa 5 ( Kazimierz ), ☏ +48 12 421 57 85 . 10:00-18:00 . 50 zł for 24 hr .  

By boat [ edit ]

You can take a cruise on the Vistula River. It is a good way to explore the city and learn about the history of Krakow's monuments. The shipowners offer cruises around Krakow and cruises to the historic monastery in Tyniec.

• Krakowska Żegluga Pasażerska , Bulwar Czerwieński 3 ( Under the Wawel Royal Castle ), ☏ +48 505 102 677 , [email protected] . 10:00-23:00 . 70 zł for 60 min . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Tramway Wodny w Krakowie , Galeria Kazimierz , ☏ +48 608 496 800 , [email protected] . 10:00–18:00 . 18 zł/15 zł in Kraków, 60 zł/50 zł to Tyniec . ( updated Apr 2023 )

See [ edit ]

• 50.06166 19.93736 2 Main Market Square ( Rynek Główny ) is the grand centre of Old Town , with St Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall. The town walls have gone except for the bastions on its north flank.
• 50.05139 19.94861 3 Kazimierz was the Jewish quarter. The best of it is around Szeroka, with the Remuh synagogue and atmospheric old cemetery.
• Museums are run by either the National or the City museum.
• Nowa Huta was built in Communist times for the workforce of the colossal steelworks there. It's a monument to their crass central planning, with huge buildings surrounding green parks. The Polish Aviation Museum is in this area, 5 km northeast of the centre.
• Auschwitz -Birkenau is a simple day-trip from Kraków - lots of tours go there, but you can easily do it independently. It had offshoots all over the region, including a concentration camp in Podgórze district.

Do [ edit ]

• Walk the Royal Way from St Florian's Gate down Floriańska, across the Main Market Square, then down Grodzka to Wawel.
• Listen to the Hejnał Mariacki while sipping a coffee in the Rynek Główny. This five-note trumpet signal is played on the hour from the tower of St Mary Church, and it's said to be an alert cut short in homage to a trumpeter slain in mid-toot by a Tatar arrow in 1241. The Tatars would have needed a high-velocity rifle to get him at that range, and the legend only developed in the 20th century. "Hajnal" is Hungarian for "dawn", and more likely it was just the signal to re-open the city gates in the morning, sounded towards each of the four gates, and never part of a longer tune.
• Walk around the Planty , the park that encircles Old Town.
• Lounge and take in the sun on the banks of the Vistula river; at the foot of Wawel, a dragon breathes fire. Cross the footbridge Kładka Bernatka between Kazimierz and Podgórze.
• Cruise down the river to admire Tyniec Abbey and Bielany Priory. In summer boats sail from the wharf below Wawel, and there's also a city-owned water tram [dead link] .
• Early on Sunday, go shopping at the open air flea markets at Plac Nowy and Hala Targowa.
• Participate in a Mass in St. Mary's Church . The church is impressive and the devotion of the believers will bring you inside of the real religious spirit.
• Learn about life in Kraków under Nazi German occupation in the original Schindler's Factory building in Podgórze district.
• Take part in a city game which combines sightseeing of the city with adventure, integration and fun. You'll find them advertised in hostels.
• Foreign visitors can find locals eager to practise speaking English and other languages at the English Language Club on the second floor at ul. Sienna 5, Wednesdays 18:00-20:00.

Events [ edit ]

• Jewish Culture Festival ( Festiwal Kultury Żydowskiej ). A classic, one the biggest Jewish culture festivals in the world. A week of tours, concerts, workshops on cuisine, dance, music and calligraphy topped with a huge final show on Saturday evening. June/July  
• Bajit Chadasz ( New Home in Hebrew ). Jewish culture festival, organised by Jewish Cultural Centre in Kazimierz with concerts, exhibitions and lectures.  
• Off Camera . International festival of independent cinema. April  
• Etiuda&Anima . International film festival built around animations and short films. November  
• Photomonth . One month long festival with around forty different photography exhibitions around the city. May  
• Live Music Festival . Typical summer open air music fest. Stars that appeared past years include: Kanye West, Muse, The Chemical Brothers, 50 Cent. second half of August  
• Unsound . World-renowned experimental music and art event. October ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Sacrum Profanum . Music fest with concerts of such stars as Steve Reich, Aphex Twin or Kraftwerk taking place in unusual places like churches, museums and factories. September  
• Wianki . St. John's Night (Midsummer) celebration. An evening of concerts finished with a fireworks show taking place on Vistula river banks next to Wawel castle. A booze-up. June  
• Independence Day on 11 Nov is celebrated throughout Poland, but is an especially big event here. There are grand parades, and Wawel is closed to routine visits.
• Christmas Market: this is the oldest such market in Poland, held from the end of November to the end of December in Main Market Square.
• Krakowskie Noce ( Krakow Nights ). Five nights (one in each month from May to September): Night of Museums (free museums), Night of Theatres (free theatres), Night of Jazz (free jazz concerts), Cracovia Sacra Night (free concerts of church music) and Night of Poetry (free poetic evenings).  
• There are regular events at TAURON Arena (a large sports and concert arena) and ICE (a new congress centre).
• Krakow Rugby Festival Held annually every 3rd weekend of June. A 2-day rugby festival for amateur male and female rugby teams (senior and Vets) from all over the world. Held at the 's stadium (Polish EkstraLiga rugby team) in Na Bloniach 7 street.

Sports [ edit ]

• Football: Cracovia play soccer in Ekstraklasa, the top tier. Wisła Kraków play in I Liga the second tier, and Garbania play in II Liga the third tier. All three are based in the west of the city.
• Ice hockey: Cracovia play in Polska Hokej Liga the top tier. Their home rink Lodowisko Cracovii is on Michała Siedleckiego in Kazimierz district.
• Golf courses near the city include:

Learn [ edit ]

Most of language schools now provide Polish for foreigners courses. Just a bunch Accent , Prolog , International School , Lingualand ... there's more.

One that is more prestigious is the School of Polish Language and Culture of the Jagiellonian University because, well, it's Jagiellonian University, the oldest Polish university, founded in 1364.

Buy [ edit ]

• Old Town is geared to tourists, selling clothes, jewellery and art, rather than staples though these can be found in small independent stores. The centre of it all is Rynek Główny which means "main market": the ground floor of Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is a bazaar for art, amber, sheepskin and other craft souvenirs. Lots more on adjacent streets such as Floriańska and Grodzka.
• Kazimierz is less touristy, though there's a similar collection of places in the streets around Plac Nowy. The big shopping mall here is Galeria Kazimierz at ul. Podgórska 34 on the riverbank, with a gourmet supermarket.
• Galeria Krakowska at ul. Pawia 5 is next to the main railway and bus stations, 5 min walk north of the Old Town walls.
• Other big supermarkets are quite far from the centre, eg Carrefour, Real, Tesco, Lidl, and Bonarka [dead link] at ul. Kamieńskiego 11.

Eat [ edit ]

Kraków's cuisine has been influenced by the cultures that have inhabited central Europe, as well as the Austro-Hungarian empire.

The most popular dish from Kraków is obwarzanek (bagel). You can buy it at many stalls on the streets. Typical for Kraków is also maczanka , long-roasted pork. A local speciality from the voivodeship is oscypek - cheese from the Tatra Mountains.

If you want to try Polish simple cuisine for outstandingly good value prices (a big lunch for one person for about 8 zł) then find a 'Bar Mleczny' (a milk bar - a kind of cafeteria very prevalent in Communist times so called because it serves no alcohol). You can find one on the right side of ul. Grodzka (if you are going from Rynek Główny). They're not very posh and decorations are rather humble, but they offer classic Polish home food such as 'krokiety' at its best. An English-Polish dictionary is recommended when ordering.

Casual dishes:

• Żurek is a soup based on fermented rye - it's sour and creamy and often has slices of kielbasa sausage or a hard-boiled egg added.
• Barszcz is a soup made with beetroot—very savoury.
• Kwaśnica is a soup made from pickled cabbage with a large proportion of sauerkraut and meat, usually eaten with potatoes or bread - while it's a less popular choice than barszcz and żurek, many visitors find it to be their favourite.
• Chłodnik is another beetroot soup, served cold as a refreshing summer dish. It makes use of the beetroot greens as well as the roots and is flavoured with gherkins, dill and sour cream.
• Pierogi are dumplings that are most often filled with "ruskie" ("ruskie" meaning "Ruthenian" - with curd cheese and potato), meat, cabbage, mushroom, bilberries, apples, and strawberries. The fruit Pierogi are usually served with cream and sugar.

You won't see this in most guides, but one of the true joys of a trip to Kraków is a visit to the kiełbasa van . Basically, it's these two gruff Polish men who, every night M-Sa 20:00-03:00, set up a fire grill outside of their van (parked in front of the market east of the Old Town near the train bridge) and grill kielbasa. For 15 zł, you get your sausage, roll and a squirt of mustard, stand at the perch nearby and chow down with the locals in-the-know. It is delicious, especially after a night of exploring Kraków's bars. A fun experience free of the usual tourist crush and off the main path (ul. Grzegórzecka, opposite ul. Blich)

By far the oldest street food in Kraków is zapiekanka which is a large open-faced baguette with baked toppings (traditionally cheese, mushrooms, and a lot of condiments like ketchup or garlic sauce). The most popular, location for zapiekanki is on the Plac Nowy market in Kazimierz. It is busiest at night on the weekends where you can purchase them until the early hours of the morning.

In Kraków you can also buy one of the best Polish sausages - Lisiecka .

Drink [ edit ]

Bars, pubs, and cafes in Kraków are one of its biggest attractions. Not just their number or quality, but close proximity. It has been said that there are more than 300 eating and drinking establishments in the Old Town alone.

Local drinks [ edit ]

• A tatanka is a unique (and delicious) Polish beverage made with apple juice and a special kind of vodka called żubrówka , which is flavoured with bison grass. It is also often referred to as a szarlotka , or apple cake. Tatanka is a Native American term for bison.
• Wódka miodowa is a honey vodka, often served chilled in shots. Some of the better Polish-themed restaurants will have house brands.
• Śliwowica , a plum brandy, is worth watching out for. There are two main variants: an 80-proof (40%) yellow tinged one and a 140-proof (70%) clear variety. While the 80-proof variety is often smooth and flavorful, some have compared the 140-proof to drinking gasoline. A good way to drink it is to deal with it like with an absinthe. Take a small spoon with sugar, put some Sliwowica on it and fire it. Let the sugar melt down for a while (10–30 seconds). Then, mix the flaming sugar with the rest of the drink. Let it burn for 5–10 seconds, then blow it and drink it. Watch out and don't burn your lips! You can also let it burn longer, but then use a straw to drink it to avoid burning your fingers or lips.
• Grzaniec , a sort of heated wine with cloves and other spices, very popular around Christmas when sold on Market Square.
• Wściekły pies , a shot of plain vodka with tabasco and raspberry sauces in the bottom. Must be drunk in one gulp. The name can be translated as rabid dog . Definitely worth trying.
• Kamikaze , a set of several shots of vodka-based alcohol sold usually in clubs. It usually contains equal parts of vodka, blue curacao and lime juice. Should be drunk in one gulp, one shot after another.

Warning : If you party with Poles you should be aware that some of them consume bigger dosage of alcohol than you're used to. Don't try to keep up with your Polish friends and make sure you have plenty of breaks when drinking.

Bars [ edit ]

Thanks to their proximity to each other, Kraków's watering holes are ideal for bar hopping. Many locals and tourists have spent nights partying from the Old Town all the way to Vistula River at the end of Kazimierz. Walk down ul. Szeroka or head over to Plac Nowy for streets full of bars.

The newly-opened Tytano district offers a loft-style, London-like selection of cocktail-bars, restaurants and clubs. It's based in the proximity of the city centre on the corner of Dolnych Młynów and Czarnowiejska streets. If you're looking for a place to relax, there is plenty of bars to choose from there.

In the warmer months, Kraków's nightlife moves outdoors into hundreds of sidewalk cafes and beer gardens. When winter comes around, it moves underground into cellars all around the city.

Cafes [ edit ]

Kraków is not only full of cosy cafes but is also said to be the place of the first cafe founded in Europe. Most cafes offer good espresso and something to nibble at a very reasonable price. As a rule, international-looking places are much more expensive.

Sleep [ edit ]

As the number of tourists to Kraków increases rapidly, accommodation prices are rising. Try to avoid hotels and hostels located in the Nowa Huta district; most of them are former shelters for part-time industry workers and the district is quite distant from the city centre.

Campsites [ edit ]

There are few campsites in Kraków, most of them closed in colder months. All provide some space for tents and caravans as well.

Hostels [ edit ]

There are plenty of decent clean backpacker hostels in the Old Town and Kazimierz . Expect to pay 40-60 zł for a dorm bed, including breakfast (bread, jam, and cheese), laundry, sheets, lockers, and internet access.

Hotels [ edit ]

Kraków has lots of hotels all over the city. Big corporate ones (Sheraton, Qubus etc.) are near the centre, most often on Vistula banks. In the Old Town there are some reasonably priced and some pretty luxurious and expensive. A good alternative may be booking a hotel in the far ends of Kazimierz District or in Podgórze, by the Vistula river.

Private accommodation [ edit ]

A good way to stay in Kraków is to rent private accommodation. You can usually get a one bedroom for €60-90 a night, located in the Old Town. There are two agencies opposite the main railway station offering rooms. If you hang around the street outside the agencies for a while, some landlords will approach you and make an offer. This saves you the commission but may be a bit unsafe.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Like the rest of Poland, Kraków is generally a very safe city with strong police presence. Violent behaviour is rare and if it occurs it is most likely alcohol-related. While pubs and clubs are generally very safe, the nearby streets may be scenes of brawls, especially late at night. Try to avoid confrontations. Women and girls are generally less likely to be confronted or harassed since the Polish code of conduct strictly prohibits any type of violence (physical or verbal) against women.

Follow standard city travel rules: don't leave valuables in the car in plain sight; don't display money or expensive things needlessly; know where you're going; be suspicious of strangers asking for money or trying to sell you something.

Pickpockets operate, pay attention to your belongings in crowds, at stations, in crowded trains/buses (especially to/from the airport), and clubs.

In any case, do not be afraid to seek help or advice from the Police ( Policja ) or the Municipal Guard ( Straż Miejska ). They are generally helpful, polite and in most cases speak at least basic English.

Racism [ edit ]

As a result of Nazi German and Soviet terror, modern Poland is a very homogeneous society. Even though quite a few Asian and African migrants have settled in the larger cities (including Kraków) in the last couple of years, it is still quite rare to see non-Caucasians on the Polish streets. If you are a non-white traveller do not be surprised (or alarmed) if some people (especially young children) stare at you with curiosity. The overwhelming majority of Poles is composed of warm, hospitable people who are often curious to learn more about other cultures. Racist incidents are extremely rare, but, just like anywhere else in Europe, have taken place. If you are unfortunate enough to experience racism or too much curiosity, it is important not to get yourself involved in a confrontation. Walk away instead.

Scams [ edit ]

As in any major tourist city, there are people trying to take advantage of travellers. Generally, use common sense and follow simple precautions. Below is a list of the most common scams:

Bar scam [ edit ]

In line with its reputation as an inexpensive all-male trip destination, Kraków is unfortunately notorious for the bar scams typical of many popular tourist destinations. The scam, in short, involves being chatted up by attractive women and invited to join them in a club for drinks. The bill for the drinks then turns out to run up multifold of what one might have expected to pay. Two establishments notorious for perpetrating this are Saxon Club and Hard Candy, but you may be asked to follow your newly acquired company to nondescript premises not appearing to be a public open club as well.

Hotel scam [ edit ]

A few Kraków visitors have been victim to the hotel scam. After a long day of travel, the victim is awakened when their hotel room phone rings. It's the receptionist apologising for the late hour but asking to verify credit card details. The victim reads them out and drifts back to sleep. As Kraków guides know, there is a growing black market for stolen credit card numbers, and the chances are that even before the victim remembers this late night conversation there will be high charges to contest, possibly even ending their vacation early.

Taxi scam [ edit ]

When using a taxi always ask for a price for your journey before you leave. Scam taxis have been found to operate near to the main railway station. They are legally registered as "transportation services" and charge €20/km. The prices of regular taxis are limited by law, and the price list is easily visible. It should be around 2.30 zł per kilometre, with an initial fee of 7 zł (first kilometre included in price). Reliable licensed taxi companies include Taxi Barbakan, Taxi Dwójki, Lajkonik Taxi and Taxi 19191. While it is legal for "transportation services" to charge people as much as they like, their prices must be clearly displayed and must be clearly stated when you ask the driver. If you do not agree with the price, do not use the service. The best way to get a reliable taxi is to call them by phone (you can do it by yourself or ask hotel staff to do it for you).

A common scam at Krakow airport (and most Polish airports for that matter) is for taxi or Uber drivers to accost travellers before they leave the airport and offer them a ride. These usually charge abhorrently high fares compared to actual taxi drivers. If you see someone approach you when leaving the airport, simply say no and use the official apps of Uber or Bolt instead.

Currency exchange scam [ edit ]

Look very closely what the buy rate is when you exchange your currency into PLN, and ask for the exact rate in writing . Do not let the clerk point on the chart with rates; insist on their quoting the rate for you beforehand on a piece of paper. Very often the rate is displayed not on an electronic board, but with digits on small tiles; it may happen that a small tile with a zero is partially slid right under the comma in the "buy" rate, so e.g. instead of 3.45 zł the actual rate is 3.045 zł. This is difficult to notice and the clerks do not accept any complaints after you receive your money. Victims may lose up to 20% of the exchanged amount. This practice is definitely unfair and on the verge of legality. It has been described and condemned in the local press. However, if the tile with 0 is visible at least in half, the booth owner may escape responsibility, as your acceptance of the rates is assumed. Remember the rule of thumb - spread between the "buy" and "sell"rates should not exceed 2-3% of the "buy" rate on the main currencies (EUR, USD, GBP) and 5% on secondary currencies (CHF, JPY, SEK, NOK). Stick to banks (even if the rate is slightly worse, it is still perfectly acceptable) or large currency exchange points.

The currency exchange point at the railway station usually operates at rip-off spreads. Avoid at all costs, unless you are in a big hurry or selling złoty. Also avoid the exchange points at the airport, or exchange only the amount for the ticket to the city centre.

Best rates are available on Sławkowska Street, extending from the north-west corner of the Main Market Square.

Jaywalking enforcement [ edit ]

Jaywalking is enforced in Kraków. If you're jaywalking (crossing at a red light for pedestrian, outside of a zebra-crossing), even if it was perfectly safe (you looked on both sides, there was no car coming, etc.), there are chances that a police officer will wait for you on the other side of the street, and give you a 100 zł ticket for doing so: tourist or not, you will have to pay for it.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ].

As of Nov 2019, the following had consular services in Krakow:

Go next [ edit ]

• Getting there: Leave a whole day for this if you want to go. The Auschwitz camp and the much bigger Birkenau camp are a few kilometres apart. Frequent and inexpensive buses leave from the main bus station in Kraków, and trains leave approximately every two hours from the adjacent railway station. Most will let you out at the main Oświęcim station, a short walk from the camp (follow the signs to "Muzeum"). Alternately, a frequent PKS bus drops off and picks up directly in front of the visitor center—just check for destination "Oświęcim Muzeum." (You can buy a ticket from the bus driver.) You can find bus schedules at MDA [dead link] and trains from rozklad-pkp . From Auschwitz, there is a free shuttle to Birkenau.
• Tours and guides: There are many organised tours of the Auschwitz camp from Kraków, and they are heavily advertised. They can cost anywhere from 60 zl to 160 zł per person. Many hotels and travel agents in Kraków, as well as the Galicja Museum in Kazimierz, can direct you to reputable companies. Though the price tag might seem hefty for those on a budget, those tours include a bus, a guide, and lunch breaks. Otherwise, traveling to Auschwitz can be done using local trains or buses easily. The only thing you need to pay for when you get there is a guide (which is optional - English language tours cost 75 zł and run every hour between 09:30 and 15:30. Tours may be joined at the site without prior reservation. Auschwitz II-Birkenau is open to unguided visitors all day) -- they have official tours available in many languages for a modest fee. .
• Wieliczka — 17 km from Kraków, is the location of ancient salt mines, one of the original 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a definite must-see. Entrance to the mines (100 zł) is rather expensive compared to other tourist attractions in Poland. Bus 304 or 274 (4.60 zł, blue-and-white buses operated by Kraków city, the first stop of 304 is in front of Galeria Krakowska) makes frequent trips to and from the mines. There are 5 Wieliczka stops in total; get off at Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli (look for a giant "SALT MINES" sign). The ride takes ~40 minutes. There is also a train to Wieliczka that lets off a short (and well-marked) walk from the mine (last stop of the train).
• Beautiful Renaissance castle in Niepołomice (25 km). Can be accessed by public transport - from Galeria Krakowska, take the 304 bus or the 3 tram, and get off at Bieżanowska stop, from where the 301 bus will take you all the way to Niepołomice Rynek stop (a zone ticket is required).
• Kalwaria Zebrzydowska monastery (35 km southwest)
• Bochnia — Historic salt mine, older than Wieliczka. 40 km from Kraków. Must see. SK-BUS minibuses from Kraków Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny), or train (direction: Tarnów, Rzeszów, Stróże, Nowy Sącz/Krynica).
• Wadowice — 45 km southwest is the birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, John Paul II.
• Tarnów (80 km east) — The second largest city in region with a beautiful main market.
• Bielsko-Biała — 85 km southwest city with cosy old town and many beautiful buildings from Austro-Hunagrian times. Many buses from Kraków Bus Station (RDA).
• Zakopane — 105 km south in the Tatra Mountains is considered to be the Polish winter sport capital. Other winter sport centres near Kraków in the Beskids are Rabka-Zdrój (65 km) and Żywiec (90 km)
• Częstochowa — 135 km northwest is the most important pilgrim's place in Central Europe. In the Pauline Monastery on Jasna Góra (literally: bright hill) you can pray in front of one of the most known icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa.

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Navigation menu

The InfoKraków Tourist Information Network operates an overall integrated system of tourist and cultural information in the city. The network offers comprehensive services for Polish and international tourists and also for the inhabitants of Kraków.

See the list of all InfoKraków points: [ CLICK ]

The InfoKraków employs highly skilled personnel , some of whom are licensed city tourist guides. The main duties of our personnel involve:

• Giving information, in a variety of foreign languages
• The distribution of free promotional materials concerning Kraków and the entire province.
• Sales of tickets for cultural events
• Sales of publications and guides to Kraków
• Reservation of accommodation
• Acting as agents for guiding and transport services
• Preparing statistics for the tourist industry

The network sells the following products :

• Publications about Kraków (guidebooks, maps, postcards)
• Publications concerning the Auschwitz Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Organised trips of Kraków, to the Auschwitz Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Tickets to cultural events (concerts, selected theatre, cabaret and other performances)
• Promotional souvenirs of Kraków (umbrellas, t-shirts, key rings, mugs)
• Other: stamps, tourist passes
• Commission-based sales of accommodation

The InfoKraków Tourist Information Network operates within the organizational structure of the Kraków5020 municipal company.

www.infokrakow.pl

Plan a stay

First time in Kraków? You don’t know where to start? Make things easier with the planner!

Recommended locations

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The 15 best things to do in Kraków

Nov 21, 2023 • 9 min read

Here are the top things to do on a trip to Kraków © martin-dim / Getty Images

Crowned with an impressive royal castle and dotted with church spires and world-class museums, Kraków combines the historic with the cosmopolitan.

The streets of former Jewish quarter Kazimierz and nearby Auschwitz are sobering reminders of 20th-century tragedy, while the crowds thronging Kraków’s main square and the restaurants lining photogenic Old Town lanes buzz with 21st-century joie de vivre. Alongside heavy-hitting attractions exist simpler local pleasures: strolling alongside the Vistula River; dining on hearty home-style cooking in a retro bar mleczny (cafeteria); catching a local band at a legendary dive bar; enjoying a coffee in hipster enclave Tytano; gawping at the art nouveau architecture.

Here are the best things to do in Kraków.

1. Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral

Overlooking Old Town from its Wawel Hill perch, what was once the seat of Polish royalty for centuries is the city’s most impressive sight, not to mention the symbol of Poland and a source of local pride. Red-roofed, turreted and ringed by a red-brick wall, this 16th-century Renaissance palace is merely the latest incarnation: royal residences on this very spot have come and gone (burned down, extended, vandalized by Swedish and Prussian armies…) since the 11th-century.

Highlights include the 16th-century tapestries and carved wooden heads in the grand state rooms, the royal private apartments that give you an intimate glimpse into the monarchs’ private lives, the crown jewels in the treasury, and the Szczerbiec (jagged sword) that’s played an essential role in Polish coronations from 1320 onwards – find it inside the vaulted Gothic armory.

Give yourself plenty of time to visit the adjoining Wawel Cathedral , where many of Poland’s kings and queens are seeing out eternity in elaborate tombs, alongside the bones allegedly belonging to the legendary Wawel dragon. The grounds are free to visit, but it’s a really good idea to book tickets for exhibits you want to see at least two weeks ahead due to their enormous popularity.

2. Główny Rynek (Main Market Square)

Surrounded by restaurants and overlooked by handsome centuries-old buildings, Główny Rynek (Main Market Square) is the focal point of Old Town, as well as Europe’s largest medieval town square. After you’re done browsing the wares inside the market building, go back to the Middle Ages by descending to the medieval-meets-the-21st-century museum beneath the square.

Clever multimedia displays, holograms and animated puppets show you medieval market stalls and teach you about vampire prevention burials. Buy your timed ticket online in advance. Free entry on Tuesdays; closed second Monday of each month.

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau

You don’t know what will touch you particularly deeply until you get there. For some, it’s the "Death Block" with its torture cells and its crematorium. For others, it’s the gas chambers and the endless rows of crematoria chimneys at Birkenau , where most of the mass killings occurred. For others still, it’s the mountains of eyeglasses and prosthetic limbs, the mass of human hair collected from victims to be used in textile production, and piles of battered suitcases with home addresses written on them by those for whom this Nazi extermination camp became their final destination.

In any case, Auschwitz is unlikely to leave you unmoved. More than a million Jews, as well as numerous Poles and Roma, were systematically killed here between 1940 and 1945, and the death camps have been preserved as a brutal, essential history lesson.

Auschwitz is reachable by bus, train and organized day tour from Kraków. While solo travelers can visit the site without a guide, it’s well worth joining a tour to get the most out of it, from the screening of the graphic 1945 documentary film by the Soviet liberators to the exhibitions in the barracks.

4. Explore Kazimierz

Southeast of Old Town, the Kazimierz neighborhood had been Poland’s most important center of Jewish culture for 500 years until mass deportation and extermination of Kraków’s Jews by the Nazis destroyed it. Largely rundown during the Communist era, Kazimierz has bounced back in recent years.

A stroll through its streets is a wonderful way to get to know its historic sights, from the restored Old Synagogue and a 19th-century Jewish cemetery with surviving tombstones to the Moorish-style Temple Synagogue and the sobering Galicia Jewish Museum that traces the history of Jews in Kraków. Browse the flea markets on Plac Nowy on the weekends, or attend a film screening or concert at Cheder during the Jewish Culture Festival.

5. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Another massively popular attraction that’s not actually in Kraków proper but is easily reachable from the city, this UNESCO-certified subterranean labyrinth of passages and chambers has been drawing visitors since the 1720s. It’s not for the claustrophobic: as part of a "tourist" tour, first-timers descend at least 125m (410ft) below the ground and spend two hours in the depths of the former mine, while return visitors can opt for a more immersive miners’ tour.

Highlights include an underground lake, chapels adorned with statues carved from the white stuff, and a salt cathedral with chandeliers. And yes, everything around you is carved from salt; we licked the wall so that you wouldn’t have to. Wieliczka Salt Mine is easily reached from Kraków by bus, train or tour. Pack a sweater.

6. Schindler’s Factory museum

You’re likely to have heard of Oscar Schindler, the German industrialist immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List . During WWII, Schindler saved more than a thousand Jewish inhabitants of the Podgorzé ghetto from deportation to the death camps by employing them at his enamel factory. Schindler's Factory museum , which was part of the Schindler’s List film set, was given a major facelift in 2010 and became one of Kraków’s must-visit museums . Book your timed slot online at least three days in advance (it’s hugely popular!), and don’t miss the superb permanent exhibition, Kraków During Nazi Occupation 1939-1945, that tells the story of everyday life, underground resistance and anti-Semitic repressions in the city during WWII.

7. Eat street food

Many cities have signature street food. Paris has its croissants, Hanoi has its bánh mì, Vienna has its käsekrainer , and Kraków has its obwarzanek . Chewy, moreish and topped either with poppy seeds or sesame seeds, Kraków’s bagels are found at stalls on every corner in Old Town, and locals will tell you which stall is likely to have the fresher lot.

But there’s more to Kraków’s street dining than bagels. For the best kielbasa (signature Polish sausage) in town, head for the Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski van in front of the Hala Targowa market on ul. Grzegorzecka. Then there’s zapiekanka – half a baguette topped with melted cheese, mushrooms and a squirt of ketchup. Poland’s answer to pizza was invented in the 1970s when basic ingredients were all you could get, but now versions with fancier toppings are ubiquitous at fast food stands. For numerous zapiekanka sellers under one roof, try the Okrąglak food court at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.

8. Nowa Huta

If you want to see how steelworkers lived in the 1950s, catch tram 4 or 10 from central Kraków to this masterpiece of socialist-realist urban planning and Communist architecture in the east of the city. If wandering around the uniformly grey, identical blocks of flats isn't enough of a draw, take a tour of Nowa Huta in a vintage, Communist-era Trabant with Crazy Guides , who’ll take you down into the old nuclear fallout shelters and ply you with vodka.

9. Klub Awaria

Klub Awaria is the kind of dingy dive bar that your mother warned you about: a sticky-floored, vaulted-ceilinged saloon where the carpe-diem clientele will gladly press a drink into a sober stranger’s hand to help them participate in the mildly anarchic nightly revelry. Up-and-coming local blues and rock bands perform on the little stage most nights and after the band is done, there’s occasional dancing on the tables and on the bar itself by regulars to Tina Turner classics.

10. Cruise along the Vistula

The slow-flowing Vistula River bisects the city. Join locals during their morning runs along the footpaths that run alongside the river banks for several kilometers from near Wawel Royal Castle to the city’s eastern suburbs, skirting Kazimierz on the way. Alternatively, if you have local friends, you might be invited aboard a party boat with a full bar and music system; these are available for hire by groups and are essentially floating nightclubs. More easily accessible are hour-long cruises that depart below Wawel Castle Hill, showing off the city’s important landmarks, such as the Dębnicki Bridge, the Norbertine Monastery , the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology  and the Piłsudski Bridge.

11. Swim in Zakrzowek

Tall limestone cliffs and dense pine forest surround this lagoon with its clear, turquoise waters that feel a million miles away from urban life, even though it’s only a short tram ride (on route 1 or 4) to Kapelanka, southwest of Old Town. The lagoon began its life as a limestone quarry but it was deliberately flooded in 1990 after falling into disuse. It then became a popular swimming and picnicking spot for locals. It's currently undergoing renovations that won't be complete until 2023, so you can't swim or dive here at the moment, but it's perfect for a scenic picnic and some lovely out-of-town hiking.

12. Dine at a bar mleczny

Cheap, cheerful, and with seriously retro decor, a bar mleczny is a time-warp step behind the Iron Curtain into 1980s Poland – in a good way. Dotted around the city, bar melczny are dirt-cheap cafeterias, where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals while you load up your tray with soup, pierogi (filled dumplings), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) and other hearty, belly-warming staples – all without dropping more than 10zl (around US$2). There’s a branch at Grodzka 43 in Old Town and another at Starowiślna 29 in Kazimierz.

13. Summit Kopiec Kościuszki

When you’re standing on Wawel Hill, you may notice lump-like green hills surrounding Kraków. The origins of Kraków Mounds are lost in the mists of time, but it’s believed that the oldest – Kopiec Krakusa and Wandy – were built by pagan tribes several millennia ago as part of some solar calendar: during the summer solstice, the sun rises at Wandy and sets at Krakusa. Kopiec Kościuszki is a newer mound, completed in 1823 to commemorate a fallen Polish general. Catch bus 100 to the mound for fantastic views of Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Basilica  and Główny Rynek.

14. Spend your night out finding a “lost bar”

Other cities have speakeasies, while Kraków has its “lost bars”. It’s the same idea, even though Kraków’s hidden drinking dens are a recent development. Head to the Smakolyki restaurant on Floriana Straszewskiego, find your way to the cloakroom and pass through to a hidden courtyard from which you enter Mercy Brown . It’s 1920s Kraków – all velvet couches, mood lighting, chandeliers, and cocktails from a bygone era (gin with jasmine tea cordial, anyone?). Entertainment includes burlesque shows.

15. Hang out in Tytano

Just west of Old Town, a decrepit former tobacco factory has been transformed into a pocket of hipsterdom, complete with art studios, exhibition spaces, beer gardens and brunch cafes that attract Kraków’s young and cool contingent. Check out the latest photography exhibition or fashion event, then grab a coffee from Kraków’s specialty roasters at Bonjour Cava.

This article was first published July 2022 and updated November 2023

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Krakow Info HOME PAGE

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Welcome to Krakow

Rent a car or moto to move around Krakow and its surroundings more comfortably by dismissing predicament and avoiding traffic jams.

Searching for where to stay in Krakow or surrounding towns? Check these hotels and hostels in Krakow for all budgets and all tastes.

Krakow is known for its gastronomy, deliciously diverse cuisine. Check out these bars, cafes, and restaurants in Krakow and around.

Discover the best nightclubs and bars in Krakow. Here are some of the places for rambling around the town, letting loose, and dancing.

Find popular guided tours and excursions in Krakow and its surroundings. Book your transfer from the airport to Krakow or vice versa.

Language schools and other educational institutions and centers offering Polish language courses and cultural programs in Krakow, Poland.

Architectural monuments of Krakow Old Town

Florianska Street – St. Florian’s Street

Kanonicza Street – Ulica Kanonicza

Krakow Barbican – Barbakan Krakowski

Kraków Cloth Hall – Sukiennice

Kraków Old Town – Stare Miasto

Main Market Square – Rynek Glówny

Royal Road Kraków – Droga Królewska

The former capital of poland.

Kraków, one of the oldest cities in Poland, was the capital of the country until 1596. Situated on the Vistula River, the city dates back to the 7th century.

KRAKOW – THE CITY OF CHURCHES

The abundance of churches, and the plenitude of monasteries and convents earned the city a countrywide reputation as the Northern Rome.

UNESCO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE

Kraków’s Historic Center along with the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine was entered on the first List of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Kraków city’s extensive cultural heritage across the epochs of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture includes the famous Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Royal Castle on the banks of the Vistula River, great St. Mary’s Basilica, majestic Saints Peter and Paul Church and the largest medieval market square in Europe, the Rynek Główny.

Krakow has been the capital of Poland for five centuries. Walk through Krakow Old Town, immerse yourself in the history of the inhabitants of medieval colorful houses on the Main Market Square, and listen to legends about dragons, the times of the reign of Casimir the Great, and the heyday of Wawel, its destruction and gradual revival.

ONE DAY EXCURSIONS FROM KRAKOW

Auschwitz-Birkenau – Oświęcim

Błonia Park

Kościuszko Mound – Kopiec Kościuszki

Ojców National Park

  what is krakow known for.

Kraków Old Town with Wawel Royal Castle has been declared the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. The city of Krakow was known as a busy trading center of Central Europe back in 985 and has grown to Poland’s second-most-important city.

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  Things to do in Krakow

Krakow is the former capital of Poland and a city with thousand-year-long traditions. The city of Krakow is famous for its rich history, world-class monuments, historic Old Town, Wawel Royal Castle, a lot of churches, and of course pretzels.

The city of Krakow was known as a busy trading center of Central Europe back in 985 and has grown to Poland’s second-most-important city. Kraków Old Town with Wawel Royal Castle has been declared the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. Discover the main tourist points of Krakow’s historic Old Town. Walk through its picturesque streets and historic neighborhoods. Learn facts and legends about the picturesque city of Krakow. Follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from the medieval Old Town to Wawel Hill.

READ MORE ABOUT KRAKOW

Must-visit attractions in Krakow

History of Krakow

Weather and Climate in Krakow

Nightlife in Krakow

Best day trips from Krakow

KRAKOW ON GOOGLE MAPS

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Krakow Tourist Information

Ready for an amazing experience in Krakow? The best city in the world welcomes you with millions of incredibl e attractions . How to choose the best? – Ask locals! Krakow tourist information centres around the city will simplify your plans and experience. Make the most of your visit in Krakow and plan your perfect trip with the help from experts! 

Krakow tourist information points in the city centre 

Check exact locations if Krakow information points in the city. All of them offer wide range of tourist services.

Szpitalna 25

• Working hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Wyspianski Pavilion

• Working hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cloth Halls

You’ll find out more Krakow tourist information points here:

• Zgody 7 , 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Marii Konopnickiej (ICE)
• Józefa 7 , 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Krakow Airport , 9:00 – 4:00 pm

Krakow free maps 

Make your walk much easier with a free map from any Krakow tourist information point. They are very comprehensive including the most important Krakow attractions and places to visit. Krakow free maps will give you many useful tips about the easiest way to mark your trail.

Krakow useful tips

Once you have a walk around Krakow Old Town,  you’ll never want to leave the city. However, if you want to enjoy even more, it’s good to know Krakow tips from locals . Make your everyday life in Krakow as much convenient as possible! In Krakow tourist centres you’ll find recommendations and tips concerning:

• Where to sleep – find out where are the best hotels, cheapest hostels and apartments in best localisation for you.
• Where to eat – hungry for Krakow experience? Krakow tourist information centres offers dozens of discounts to the best local restaurants and bars.
• Where to shop – how about shopping spree? Find out about Krakow prices and localisations of the best shopping malls around the city.

Discover the best Krakow tours

Krakow tourist information points will help you to book best Krakow tours. As there are plenty amazing tours to choose from, it’s good to get a comprehensive information about each place.

Experts in info points are always happy to help and answer any question about Krakow tours

You’ll familiarize with daily organized Krakow walking Tours and decide which districts in the city you would like to see the most. You’ll also check what are the prices and features of most popular Krakow tours such as:

• Schindler’s Factory tour 
• Auschwitz tour from Krakow 
• Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours from Krakow

Most important Krakow events

What’s more, you’ll find out about best upcoming events in the city and buy tickets at each Krakow tourist information point. Be up to date and don’t miss the most important events including concerts, festivals, fairs parties, city activities and many more.

Buy best Krakow souvenirs and guides

Krakow tourist information points are also best places to buy finest Krakow souvenirs. Choose anything you like – fridge magnets, bookmarks, notebooks, jewelry, postcards, T-shirts, mugs and many many more. You’ll find there a lot of stuff with most characteristic Krakow symbols !

Additionally, in Krakow tourist centres you’ll buy comprehensive Krakow guides with precise maps.

There are also guides from different Polish cities and areas including mountains, lakes and cycling trails. How about a guide through Krakow or Jewish legends?

It would  be a great pity if you didn’t make the most of your Krakow holidays. Don’t miss its best features and enjoy as much as it’s possible!