Discover Kraków
Medieval grandeur, vibrant nightlife, riverside summer — join us in one of Central Europe's most beautiful cities. Explore the historic Old Town, stunning Wawel Castle, and vibrant Vistula boulevards.
Practical Tips
- Money
- Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
- Almost all places accept cards; carry some cash for smaller vendors
- ATMs widely available
- Language
- Polish is the official language
- English widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels
- Safety
- Kraków is generally very safe
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt)
- Opening Hours
- Shops: 10:00–20:00 Mon–Sat, closed Sunday
- Restaurants: until 22:00–23:00
- Museums: often closed Mondays
Fun Facts about Kraków
Kraków was Poland's capital for over 500 years and home to Polish kings at Wawel Castle.
The entire Old Town was one of the first 12 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1978.
According to legend, a dragon once lived in a cave beneath Wawel Hill — you can still visit the dragon's den today!
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe at 40,000 m².
Beneath the Main Square lies a fascinating underground museum showcasing medieval Kraków.
The nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground city of chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely from salt.
With over 180,000 students, Kraków has one of the highest student populations in Europe.
Every hour, a trumpet signal (Hejnał mariacki) plays from St. Mary's Basilica — it stops abruptly mid-melody, commemorating a 13th-century trumpeter shot while warning of an attack.
Getting Around
- How to get to Kraków
- By plane: Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK) is ~20 min by train/bus from the centre. krakowairport.pl
- By train: Polish Railways (PKP) connects Kraków to major European cities. Main station (Kraków Główny) is in the city centre. pkp.pl
- From the airport: Take bus 208, 209, or 252 to the city centre, or the train from “Kraków Airport” station.
- Public Transport
- Extensive tram & bus network by MPK Kraków
- Tickets via Jakdojade app or kiosks
- 20-minute ticket: ~4.00 PLN (€0.90)
- Night buses run when trams stop
- City centre is very walkable
- Do I need a car?
- Not necessary — Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, parking is limited
- Public transport and walking are best
- For day trips, organised tours or trains are convenient
- Weather in July
- 18–25°C (64–77°F)
- Pack layers — evenings can be cooler
- Occasional summer rain showers
Must-See Attractions
Royal residence with stunning architecture and the Crown Treasury.
Europe's largest medieval square, with the iconic Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica.
Gothic church famous for its stunning altarpiece by Veit Stoss and hourly trumpet call.
Historic Jewish quarter with synagogues, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
Poignant WWII museum telling the story of Nazi-occupied Kraków.
Cave beneath the castle — visit the legendary dragon and the fire-breathing statue outside.
Beneath the Main Square, discover medieval Kraków through archaeological excavations.
Day Trips from Kraków
UNESCO World Heritage — underground cathedral carved from salt. 30 min away.
Important memorial and museum. 1.5 hours from Kraków.
Mountain resort with hiking and stunning views. 2 hours away.
Limestone formations and medieval castle ruins. 30 min away.
The biggest amusement park in Europe. 30 min away.
- For Culture Lovers
- National Museum — Outstanding Polish art collection
- Manggha Museum — Japanese art and technology
- Cricoteka — Centre for the Art of Tadeusz Kantor
- Starmach Gallery — Contemporary art in Kazimierz
- For Nature Lovers
- Vistula Boulevards — Riverside walks and evening drinks
- Planty Park — Green belt around Old Town
- Las Wolski — Forest with Zoo and monastery
- Błonia Meadow — Picnics and outdoor activities
- Kościuszko Mound — Panoramic city views
- For Food Lovers
- Pierogi — Traditional dumplings
- Zapiekanka — Open-faced baguette (best on Plac Nowy)
- Obwarzanek — Kraków's twisted bagel
- Barszcz — Beetroot soup
- Żurek — Sour rye soup in a bread bowl
- Milk bars — Traditional Polish cafeterias
