Kraków was Poland’s royal capital for over 500 years and survived WWII largely intact. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of Europe’s best-value city breaks.
Top things to do in Kraków
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica and the hourly trumpet call.
- Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral.
- Kazimierz: synagogues, cafés and nightlife in the old Jewish quarter.
- Schindler’s Factory museum and the former ghetto in Podgórze.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (about 1.5 hours away).
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: underground chapels carved from salt.
Where to stay in Kraków
Stay in the Old Town for first visits, Kazimierz for atmosphere and nightlife, or Podgórze for quieter, cheaper options.
Compare hotel prices in KrakowGetting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Trams and buses cover the rest; buy tickets from machines or the app and validate them on board.
Airport to the city
Kraków Airport (KRK) is linked to Kraków Główny station by train (about 20 minutes). Buses 300 and 209 are cheaper but slower; taxis cost roughly 90–110 PLN.
Best time to visit
Late spring and early autumn have mild weather. December brings a Christmas market on the Main Square; summers are warm and busy.
Before you go
- Poland uses the złoty (PLN), not the euro. Cards are widely accepted.
- Auschwitz tickets are sold online only: book weeks in advance.
- For events and official information, see Kraków Travel, the official tourism site.
Kraków guides
- 20 best things to do in Kraków
- Kraków itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Kraków
- Best time to visit Kraków
- Kraków airport to the city
- Visiting Auschwitz from Kraków
- Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets
- Wawel Castle tickets
Also in Central Europe: our Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Berlin guides.
FAQ: Kraków travel
How many days do you need in Kraków?
Three days: two for the city and one for Auschwitz or Wieliczka. Four days covers both.
Is Kraków cheap?
Yes, compared with Western Europe, especially for food, drink and public transport.
Can you visit Auschwitz and Wieliczka on the same day?
Some tours combine them, but it’s a long and emotionally heavy day; separate days are better.
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