Things To Do
in Kraków
Kraków is Poland’s historic and cultural heart, centered on a remarkably preserved medieval Old Town and the royal Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula River. The city blends centuries-old architecture, lively squares, and a thriving arts and café scene with a student-fueled energy. Kazimierz — the old Jewish quarter — and the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and Tatra foothills make Kraków an excellent base for cultural and outdoor day trips.
Despite its popularity with tourists, Kraków retains a warm atmosphere, accessible walkability, and an affordable dining and nightlife scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the Main Market Square, where the majestic St. Mary's Basilica towers above the bustling crowds. Enjoy a traditional Polish breakfast at one of the local cafés, savoring fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. As you explore, be sure to listen for the hourly trumpet call, or 'Hejnal', played from the basilica's tower.
After lunch, visit the Wawel Hill, where you can explore the Wawel Castle and its stunning gardens. Take your time wandering through the historic rooms, marveling at the royal collections and the breathtaking views of the Vistula River. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the riverside, perhaps enjoying a boat ride for a unique perspective of the city.
As evening falls, indulge in a delicious dinner at a traditional Polish restaurant, where you can try dishes like pierogi or bigos. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of the Old Town, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. End your night with a nightcap at a cozy bar, perhaps even catching some live music.
Begin your day in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, with a visit to the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest in Poland. Explore the Jewish Museum to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage and history of Kraków's Jewish community. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Jewish breakfast of challah and jam.
After lunch, stroll through the streets of Kazimierz, admiring the blend of Jewish and Polish architecture, and visit the Remuh Cemetery, where many notable figures are buried. Take your time exploring the charming shops and art galleries that line the streets, each telling a story of the past. Consider a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the area’s poignant history.
As the sun sets, dine at one of the many trendy restaurants in Kazimierz, perhaps trying some modern interpretations of Jewish cuisine. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife, hopping between bars and enjoying the lively atmosphere. You might even catch a performance of klezmer music, keeping the cultural spirit alive long into the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Regular coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $4-8 |
| 🎟️Museum entry / attraction | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptionally rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture
- Compact, highly walkable Old Town with abundant cafes and culture
- Great value for money compared with many Western European cities
- Strong food scene from street food to fine dining and expanding vegetarian options
- Can be very crowded during peak tourist months
- Pickpocketing and petty theft risk in busy areas
- Cold, gray winters for those who dislike low temperatures
- Some popular sites require advance booking or long lines
- "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Hello
- "Proszę" - Please / Here you are
- "Dziękuję (Dziękuję bardzo)" - Thank you (Thank you very much)
- "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does it cost?
- "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kraków
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval square with St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and lively street scenes — fantastic for daytime and evening shots.
Panoramic views from the castle hill, gothic and renaissance architecture, and the Royal Castle courtyards provide classic Kraków imagery.
Narrow streets, synagogues, murals and atmospheric cafes make Kazimierz ideal for documentary and street photography.
Riverside paths and bridges offer reflections, sunsets, and views back to Wawel; great for golden-hour photography.
A high vantage point with panoramic views of Kraków’s skyline — especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset.
Subterranean chapels carved in salt and atmospheric lighting create unique, otherworldly photos (note camera rules for tours).
A planned socialist-realist district with wide avenues and distinct architecture — striking for urban and architectural photography.
Food in Kraków
Kraków Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stuffed dumplings available savory (meat, potato & cheese, sauerkraut & mushroom) or sweet (berries). Try them at milk bars or specialized pierogarnie (pierogi restaurants) across the Old Town and Kazimierz.
Must-Try!
Sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg — a warming traditional dish found in homestyle restaurants and milk bars.
A sesame- or salt-topped braided bread ring sold by street vendors around the Old Town; a classic on-the-go snack and a Kraków symbol.
Open-faced baguette topped with mushrooms and cheese (and many other variations), a famous Kraków street-food staple best sampled at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
Smoked sheep’s cheese from the Tatra region, often grilled and served with cranberry sauce — commonly available in markets and seasonal stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market near the Old Town selling fresh produce, cheeses, meats and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and local treats.
Indoor market hall with stalls selling local produce, ready-made dishes, and bakeries; a good option in bad weather.
Famous square for late-night street food (best known for zapiekanki) and small bars; lively evenings and cheap eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and direct eye contact are standard when meeting someone; use Pan (Mr.) or Pani (Ms./Mrs.) with the surname in formal situations. Once invited to a home, it’s customary to bring a small gift (flowers or sweets).
Be respectful at historical and memorial sites (Auschwitz, memorial plaques); avoid loud behavior in churches and during religious services. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and follow posted rules.
Poles generally appreciate orderly queues and polite behavior in public. Avoid loud phone conversations on trams and be mindful of bicycles and tram tracks when crossing.
Safety
Tipping in Kraków
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in restaurants is customary but modest: 10% is appreciated for good service. In casual cafes and bars rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common; tip taxi drivers by rounding up. Tip tour guides and hotel porters for good service.
Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some Polish złoty (PLN) in cash for small vendors, market stalls, and some taxis. ATMs are plentiful; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant (20–30°C on good days) with long daylight hours; peak tourist season means busy attractions and higher accommodation prices, outdoor festivals, and terrace dining. Book top museums and restaurants in advance and expect lively nightlife.
Crisp air and colorful foliage (September–November) make for beautiful photos and fewer crowds than summer; some rain and cooler evenings, so pack a light jacket.
Cold (often below freezing) with possible snow from December to February, charming Christmas markets and festive lighting; many attractions remain open but day trips to mountain passes may be affected by weather — bring warm layers.
Mild temperatures and blossoming parks (March–May) bring fewer tourists and comfortable walking weather; occasional rain and chilly nights early in the season.
Kraków at Night
Hiking in Kraków
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
15–30 km north of Kraków with short, scenic trails among limestone cliffs, caves, the ruins of Ojców Castle and Pieskowa Skała; excellent for half-day hikes and family outings.
About 2–3 hours by road — offers strenuous multi-day hikes like the route to Morskie Oko, moderate walks, and high-alpine scenery; accessible as a day trip or for overnight stays in Zakopane.
Known for gentle hikes along limestone ridges and the scenic Dunajec River; combine hikes with traditional raft trips through the gorge.
Less crowded than the Tatras, the Beskids provide rolling-mountain hikes and forest trails with a more relaxed pace, suitable for multi-day trekking and nature stays.
Airports
How to reach Kraków by plane.
Main airport serving Kraków, about 11 km west of the city center with frequent shuttle buses (Bus 208/252), the train link (Koleje Małopolskie), taxis and rideshares; quick access to city within 20–30 minutes.
Alternative international airport about 70–90 km west of Kraków; some low-cost carriers and shuttle buses serve Kraków, but travel time by road is around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Smaller regional airport near the High Tatras (approx. 100–120 km south); useful if planning direct access to mountain destinations — limited seasonal flights and requires ground transfer to Kraków.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents with deep ties to Kraków’s cultural and academic life; many families and professionals living in neighborhoods outside the Old Town.
Large student population (Jagiellonian University and others) keeps the city youthful, sustaining budget eateries, nightlife and cultural events.
International visitors from across Europe, Israel, the U.S. and Asia — concentrated in the Old Town, Kazimierz and on day trips to nearby attractions.
Growing community of foreign nationals working in education, IT and business; international services and English-language offerings are increasingly available.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Highly popular with fierce local loyalties (notably Wisła Kraków and KS Cracovia); attending a match is a common cultural experience for sports fans.
While Kraków itself is flat, the nearby Tatra Mountains make skiing, snowboarding and alpine hiking extremely popular in winter and shoulder seasons.
Indoor sports like volleyball and handball have solid followings, and local clubs compete regionally and nationally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kraków.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Kraków: pierogi with cheese or mushrooms, vegetable soups, and an expanding number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants. Look for veggie-friendly menus and apps like HappyCow to locate dedicated spots.
Vegan choices have grown rapidly — specialist eateries, vegan burgers, and many cafes offering plant milks. In traditional restaurants ask about dairy/egg content; staff are generally helpful.
Gluten-free options exist but are less ubiquitous. Communicate allergies clearly (use translation cards if needed) and choose modern restaurants or bakeries that advertise GF choices. Small markets and street food may have cross-contamination risks.