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Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Krakow

Wawel Castle, Krakow
Wawel Castle
St. Mary's Basilica, Krakow
St. Mary's Basilica

City guide

About Krakow

Krakow sits along the banks of the Vistula river in southern Poland. Spared from widespread destruction during World War II, the nation's former royal capital preserves its authentic medieval layout, gothic churches, and vibrant cultural spirit.

The city feels intimate and romantic: Europe's largest medieval market square sits at its core, encircled by historic cellars, leafy green parks, and the royal Wawel Castle perched atop a limestone crag. Just south lies Kazimierz, where centuries-old synagogues, courtyards, and bohemian cafes recall a rich Jewish heritage.

Best time to go
May through September brings pleasant weather with ample sunshine and highs between 20 and 25°C. October features the famous Polish golden autumn with colorful foliage throughout the Planty park ring. Winters are cold and snowy, but December brings a magical Christmas market atmosphere to the central square.
From the airport
Krakow-Balice John Paul II Airport (KRK) is located 11 kilometres west of the city. The airport train runs directly to Krakow Glowny central station in just 18 minutes. Official airport taxis to the old town cost between 20 and 25 euros.
Getting around
The historic Old Town (Stare Miasto) is pedestrianized and encircled by the lush Planty park ring, making walking the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around. Modern trams and buses efficiently connect the center with Kazimierz and Podgorze. Tickets can be bought onboard using card-payment machines.

What to see in Krakow

  • Main Market Square and Cloth HallEurope's largest medieval town square, crowned by the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the twin spires of St. Mary's Basilica, where a bugle call sounds every hour.
  • Wawel Royal Castle and CathedralThe monumental hilltop fortress overlooking the Vistula, where Polish monarchs were crowned and laid to rest for half a millennium.
  • Kazimierz Jewish QuarterThe historic Jewish district characterized by preserved 16th-century synagogues, atmospheric courtyards, and lively candlelit cafes.
  • Wieliczka Salt MineAn extraordinary subterranean world just outside the city, boasting chandeliers, chapels, and statues sculpted entirely from rock salt.

Neighbourhoods

  • Stare Miasto (Old Town)The medieval walled core filled with cobblestone lanes, historic townhouses, and open-air cafes surrounding the market square.
  • KazimierzA creative, bohemian enclave packed with vintage shops, art galleries, independent cocktail bars, and street food around Plac Nowy.
  • PodgorzeAcross the river, a peaceful residential district home to Oskar Schindler's Factory museum and the MOCAK contemporary art gallery.

Food and drink

Taste handmade pierogi dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese or wild mushrooms. Late at night, grab a freshly toasted zapiekanka (open-faced mushroom and cheese baguette) from the circular rotunda on Plac Nowy. Buy a chewy braided obwarzanek bread ring from street carts, and warm up with a bowl of sour rye zurek soup served inside a hollowed-out bread loaf.

Questions about Krakow

Can you visit Auschwitz on a day trip from Krakow?

Yes, the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial is about 70 kilometres west of Krakow. Direct buses take about 90 minutes each way. Booking an official entry pass online well in advance is essential.

Is Krakow good value for visitors?

Krakow remains one of Central Europe's most affordable destinations, offering exceptional value for dining, drinks, museum entries, and accommodation.

Month by month breakdown

Fotocredits (3)
  • Main Square door Jorge Lascar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Wawel Castle door Monika TowiaÅ„ska, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • St. Mary's Basilica door Zygmunt Put, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons