For me, arriving in Krakow was love at first sight. I wonder what it will be like for you?

I went there for the first time in 2009. After sitting out eight hours on an overnight train, I was so excited to see the city everyone was talking about. History classes had filled my head with the old town vibe I would find in Krakow… A city of small streets, historic buildings, wonderful architecture, amazing food and great nightlife.

If you’re planning a trip, check out my travel guide below—it’s packed with tips to help you fall in love with Krakow, too!

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Planning Your Journey

Best time to visit Krakow

Krakow is a great place to visit any time of the year. Summer is probably the best, with good weather and lots of open-air concerts and events around the city. Winter is also nice because Krakow has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, but you should be aware that the air quality isn’t great in the colder months, and it can get really cold and snowy. 

Autumn and spring are also great times to visit, with beautiful colours around the city, and you’ll likely find cheaper accommodation compared to the busy summer season.

Travel Insurance 

Before exploring Krakow, don’t forget about travel insurance. Whether you’re sightseeing or enjoying some local activities, it’s good to be prepared. I recommend checking out Visitors Coverage for your insurance needs—they cover everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies and lost luggage. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re protected against any unexpected issues during your trip. 

How to get to Krakow / Booking Your Flight

Krakow has an international airport with flights from many places in Europe, as well as from cities like New York and Dubai. If you’re travelling from within Poland, such as Warsaw or Poznan, you can also get to Krakow by train. Buses are another option, with routes from cities like Prague and Budapest. There are plenty of ways to get here!

To make the most of your budget, consider booking your flights in advance. You can use websites like Kiwi.com, Omio.com, or Expedia. To book your bus ticket check BusBus.com 

Where to stay in Krakow / Booking your hotel 

Krakow isn’t a big city, and most attractions are located in the Old Town and Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter). No matter where you stay, it’s easy and affordable to get around the city by foot, tram, or taxi. When booking a hotel, I usually use Booking.com or Expedia, and I’ve never had any issues with them. Here are few of my favourite hotels in Krakow 

• Budget – Maly Krakow Aparthotel, Station Aparthotel, Hotel Kontrast,  Premier Krakow, Daniel Griffin Aparthotel 
• Luxury  – H15 Luxury Palace, Sheraton Grand Krakow, Wyndham Grand Krakow, Hotel Saski, Bachleda Luxury Hotel 
• Family friendly – Queen Boutique Hotel, Metropolitan Boutique Hotel, Puro Krakow, Amber Design residence, Stradonia Serviced Apartments 
• Romantic – Betmanowska Main Square Residence, Wawel Queen, Polski Pod Bialy Orlem, Topolowa Residence, H15 Hotel Francuski

Upon Arrival

Getting a SIM Card

Once you land in Krakow, staying connected is easy with an e-SIM from Airalo. Skip the hassle of finding a physical SIM card at the airport or paying high fees from your home provider. With Airalo, you can buy an e-SIM before your trip, and it’ll be ready to use as soon as you arrive. They offer various plans to suit your needs and budget, making it a convenient and affordable choice for staying connected during your visit.

Getting to your hotel from the airport 

Getting from Krakow Airport (John Paul II International Airport) to the city centre is easy and there are several options to choose from. 

The train takes about 20 minutes and costs around 17 PLN; the station is right next to the terminal, and tickets can be bought at machines or on the train. 

Buses 208, 209, 300, and the night bus 902 take about 30-40 minutes and cost around 6 PLN, with tickets available at machines or on board. 

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt take 20-30 minutes, costing approximately 60-90 PLN, and are available right outside the terminal.

Navigating the City

Getting Around Krakow

Krakow is a very walkable city, and strolling around is a great way to enjoy the history on every corner. However, there are also plenty of trams and buses if you prefer public transport.

Paying for Public Transport

Tickets for trams and buses can be purchased from ticket machines at stops, on the vehicles, or through mobile apps like SkyCash. A single fare is around 6 PLN, with options for short-term and longer-term passes.

Handy Apps

For easy navigation, my go-to app is Jakdojade. It provides real-time updates on tram and bus schedules, helping you find the best routes across the city.

What to do / What to see in Krakow 

Exploring Krakow is a mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems. From the historic Wawel Castle to the bustling Main Market Square, there’s no shortage of must-see sights. But Krakow also has its hidden treasures, like the peaceful Planty Park and the vibrant street art in Kazimierz.

To make the most of your visit to Krakow, consider booking tours and experiences. Websites like GetYourGuide and Viator offer a range of guided tours, providing insider insights into the city’s top attractions. For easy ticket bookings to various sites, Tiqets.com is a great option. If you prefer exploring on your own, WeGoTrip.com offers audio tours that let you discover the city at your own pace.

• Main Square – the largest mediaeval town square in Europe, dates back to the 13th century. At its centre, you can shop for souvenirs at the historic Cloth Hall, which also houses a National Museum, or listen to the hourly bugle call from St. Mary’s Church
• St. Mary’s Basilica – Located on the Main Square, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Poland’s most sacred buildings, easily recognized by its two uneven towers and the hourly bugle call. Inside, you’ll find Europe’s largest Gothic altar, crafted by Wit Stwosz.
• Wawel Castle – located on Wawel Hill by the river, this stunning castle was once home to Polish royalty and the first Piasts. It’s been expanded and renovated over the years, so there’s a lot to explore – royal chambers, private apartments, the royal shrine, and tons of historical exhibits. Book a tour here 
• Dragon Den – a legendary cave located at the base of Wawel Hill. According to local folklore, it was once home to the fearsome Wawel Dragon, a mythical beast that terrorised the city. Outside, there’s a popular statue of the dragon that even breathes fire every few minutes
• Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – A museum that used to be a factory producing enamel and tin, originally founded in 1937 and later taken over by Oskar Schindler in 1939. Schindler ran it as Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik, employing and rescuing Jews during the Holocaust. Book a tour here 
• Kazimierz – This is a well known historic Jewish Quarter worldwide, having featured in many movies. You can still see many synagogues here, like the Old Synagogue or Temple Synagogue. Book a walking tour here 
• Kosciuszko Mound – This is the most popular mound of the five found in Krakow. It was built in honour of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a famous fighter for freedom in Poland and the USA. The mound is no small feat, boasting an 80 m diameter and standing at 34m tall.
• Zakrzówek – a former limestone quarry, now a picturesque reservoir with turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. It was recently developed with safe swimming zones and walking paths

Day trip from Krakow 

Auschwitz-Birkenau

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, located about 1.5 hours from Krakow in Oswiecim, is a deeply sobering experience. This former Nazi concentration and death camp, established in 1940, saw the extermination of 1.5 million people of 28 nationalities. Walking through the camp, it’s hard to comprehend the scale of the atrocities that took place here. The heavy, haunting atmosphere leaves a lasting impact, making it an unforgettable part of your visit. While it’s not an easy day trip, it’s an essential one that provides a powerful reminder of history you can’t miss when in Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located just 10km away from the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed salt mine. Visit this labyrinth of tunnels, caves, chambers cut in salt, chapels and underground lakes and you’ll be amazed that the lowest part is 135m down!

Zakopane

This is the winter capital of Poland, although it is popular during summer too. You’ll find Zakopane near to the Tatras mountains, so expect to see the picturesque landscapes of the Tatra valleys and charming mountain lakes. You can walk on the famous promenade Krupowki, where you’ll find regional restaurants, shops and street artists. Why not also take the railway up to Gubalowka or Kasprowy Wierch if you have time? Hike in the mountains here during the summer months or ski during the winter snow. Click here to find out how to get to Zakopane from Krakow 

Fancy a hike to Morskie Oko ? Read here about my experience 

Eating like a local 

If you are looking for nice restaurants in Krakow, click here to read my blog post with recommendations. If you wonder what to eat in Poland here is my guide: 

Krakow has a delicious food scene with plenty of traditional Polish dishes to try. Here are some must-eats:

• Pierogi – Polish dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, like potato and cheese (ruskie), meat, or seasonal fruits. 
• Zapiekanka: A popular street food, zapiekanka is a long, open-faced sandwich topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various other toppings, then toasted until crispy. You can find the best ones at stalls in Kazimierz.
• Obwarzanek Krakowski: Krakow’s version of a bagel, these chewy, ring-shaped breads are sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame, or salt and are sold from carts all around the city.
• Bigos: Known as “hunter’s stew,” Bigos is a hearty mix of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, meat, and sausages-
• Kielbasa: Polish sausage is a must-try, often served grilled or fried with a side of mustard. 
• Zurek: A sour rye soup with sausage and egg, often served in a bread bowl. It’s hearty and uniquely Polish, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring.
• Polish Sweets: Try traditional sweets like paczki (Polish donuts), kremówka (Pope’s cream cake), and sernik (Polish cheesecake) for a sweet taste of Krakow.

I hope my guide was somewhat helpful for planning your trip to Krakow! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.