A weekend in Kraków
You are in Kraków
A weekend in Kraków. Upon arriving in Krakow, I was pleasantly astonished by the affordability of our Uber ride from the airport to the bustling city center—a mere £5 for what turned out to be a half-hour journey.
This initial encounter immediately endeared me to Krakow, sparking a sense of anticipation that this city had much more to offer. As I settled in, exploring its vibrant streets and soaking in its rich history, my initial impression solidified into a deep-seated affection. Krakow’s charm, wrapped in its blend of medieval and modern allure, resonated with me on a profound level. From its architectural marvels to its inviting atmosphere, every corner seemed to whisper tales of its storied past and vibrant present.
In hindsight, that modest Uber fare was not just a financial relief but also a symbolic gateway to a memorable experience in a city that effortlessly blended the old-world charm with contemporary vibrancy. My instincts upon arrival were indeed validated—I had discovered a place that would leave an indelible mark on my heart.
Kraków in a nutshell
When I mentioned my upcoming trip to Krakow, I noticed a common misconception among people—many don’t see it as a glamorous destination compared to Paris or Rome. While understandable, this perception couldn’t be more mistaken. Emerging largely unscathed from WWII, Krakow stands as one of Central Europe’s most splendid cities. Its expansive medieval town square, graceful cobbled streets, breathtaking castle, and vibrant cultural scene create an enchanting experience for visitors.
Moreover, Krakow’s affordability allows for indulgence beyond what many European cities permit. So, prepare to immerse yourself fully in its offerings!
The old town
In 1978, Krakow’s historic Old Town became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites ever! It’s like a magical place straight out of a storybook, with buildings painted in pretty pastel colors like pink, blue, and yellow. The town is full of amazing churches, busy markets where you can find all sorts of treasures, and museums filled with fascinating things to discover. There are even beautiful fountains and the oldest university buildings in the whole world!
But what makes Krakow’s Old Town really special is how it makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Imagine walking on streets made of smooth cobblestones, seeing nuns in their traditional outfits, and finding parts of old castle walls. You might hear the clop-clop of horses pulling carriages down the main road, which feels like something from a long-ago adventure.
Visiting Krakow isn’t just about seeing cool buildings—it’s like going on a journey through history. Each place you explore has its own story to tell, making you feel like you’re discovering secrets from hundreds of years ago. Krakow’s Old Town is a place where history comes alive, mixing old-fashioned charm with exciting things to see and do. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves exploring and learning about the past!
Krakow in a Day
Krakow is a city where it’s easy to get around on foot. You can explore much of the Old Town and Jewish Quarter in just one day! Here are my top 13 tips for a fantastic day in Krakow, all planned out as a walking tour with breaks for lunch and dinner.
1. Breakfast at Mo-ja Café
Holidays are perfect for sleeping in, so kick off your day with an all-day breakfast at a charming hipster café nestled between Kazimierz and the Old Town. Choose from a traditional Polish breakfast, a breakfast burger, or eggs prepared any style—all priced around £3-4 each. Pair it with freshly squeezed juices for a delightful start. Once you’ve had your fill, take a leisurely stroll to Planty Park, just a short walk away.
2. Planty Park
One of the coolest things about Krakow’s old city is Planty Park. It follows where the old walls of the city used to be, which is really neat! This park is like a big garden that goes all around the old town. It’s a special way to remember Krakow’s past and it’s super easy to walk around.
As you wander through the park, you can even enjoy a yummy ice cream. It’s a great way to find your way around the city and see all the cool places nearby.
At one end of the park is St. Florian’s Gate. It’s a super old entrance to the old town and it feels like stepping back in time when you walk through it. You can imagine how it looked when Krakow was first built!
Planty Park isn’t just pretty and historic—it’s also a peaceful place away from the busy streets. The green trees and nice paths are perfect for relaxing and feeling the history of Krakow all around you. Whether you’re using it to walk around or stopping to look at the flowers and quiet spots, Planty Park shows off Krakow’s charm and history. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re exploring this awesome city!
3. St Florian’s Gate
St. Florian’s Gate is the only tower left from the original eight that were built in the 14th century to defend against Turkish attacks. Its stunning architecture makes it a favorite for photos—it’s actually the most photographed monument in Krakow! Don’t forget to snap a picture and explore the open-air gallery set up along the inner wall of the gate. It’s a great place to admire artwork and learn more about the gate’s history while enjoying the atmosphere of this ancient part of the city.
4. The Barbican
The Barbican, located opposite the Gate beyond the walls, stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of defensive architecture. Once linked to St. Florian’s Gate, it served as a crucial checkpoint for those entering the city. After exploring the Barbican, take a stroll down Floriańska Street, a segment of Krakow’s renowned ‘royal road’ leading to the stunning medieval Main Square. This route not only offers a glimpse into Krakow’s historic past but also showcases its vibrant present with bustling shops, quaint cafes, and charming architecture lining the way. As you walk, you’ll absorb the atmosphere of this ancient pathway, imagining the countless travelers and events that have shaped Krakow’s rich heritage over the centuries.
5. Rynek Główny
Krakow’s main square, Rynek Główny, was built in the 13th century and is one of the biggest medieval squares in Europe, maybe even the largest! It’s super old but looks amazing because the 40 townhouses and palaces are really well kept, even though they’re from the Middle Ages. Lots of tourists visit, which makes it busy and fun with market stalls, music, and people selling balloons and little toys.
The best way to enjoy Rynek Główny is to sit outside at one of its 30 cafes and restaurants. You can try traditional Polish cheesecake called Sernik Babci and have a yummy coffee while you watch everything happening around you.
After you’ve admired the beautiful buildings, check out St. Mary’s Basilica. It’s that huge church you’ve been looking at while you ate your cake and drank your coffee. Going inside is like a quick peek into history—it’s really cool!
6. St Mary’s Basilica
I’ve visited countless churches in European cities, so I usually skip going inside now, but this one is definitely worth a look. It boasts a gorgeous baroque interior, detailed stained glass windows, and the most breathtaking roof I’ve seen in ages—sky blue with golden stars.
You can also climb the tower for a better view of the square from above. Unfortunately, we missed out because it’s closed on Mondays—of course, that was the first day we tried and our last day in Krakow.
7. The Cloth Hall
Even if you’ve never heard of the Cloth Hall, you can’t miss it in the main square—it’s right in the middle! This covered market has been around since the 13th century. Take a stroll through and soak up the history, like the coats of arms of Polish cities painted on the walls. You can even pick up a little souvenir if you want. If you’re curious about Krakow’s past, check out the Rynek Underground museum below.
After exploring the Cloth Hall, head toward Grodzka Street. This street is part of the royal road that leads all the way down to the castle. It’s a great way to continue your journey through Krakow’s history and see more of its beautiful architecture along the way.
8. Royal Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle, pronounced ‘Vavel’, is a stunning castle built in the 11th century on a hill of limestone, 25 meters above the Vistula River that flows beside it. Entry to the castle grounds is free, so you can freely explore and take lots of photos.
Here are some tips for visiting Wawel Castle:
- Try to arrive early if you want to see the rooms or cathedral because tickets sell out fast.
- Bring plenty of coins because many attractions use machines that only take coins for payment.
- Climb one of the towers to see a 360-degree view of the river and castle. And don’t forget to check out the dragon’s den, which is said to have once been home to a real Wawel dragon!
Wawel Castle is full of history and stories that bring Krakow’s past to life. Whether you’re admiring the beautiful views, exploring inside the castle, or looking for mythical creatures, Wawel Castle is sure to give you an amazing experience you won’t forget!
9. Lunch at Restauracja Morela
No visit to Poland is complete without trying potato pancakes with sour cream or goulash. Enjoy this traditional dish in the cozy back garden of Restauracja Morela, just a short walk from the castle.
10. Kanonicza Street
This charming street is one of the oldest in Krakow and was once home to someone very famous in Poland—Pope John Paul II! You’ll see statues, pictures, and signs about him all around Krakow. When he lived on Kanonicza Street, he wasn’t yet pope, but you can’t miss his old home—it’s covered with a huge poster of his smiling face. After checking out this historic street, you can hop on a tram or take a nice walk down to Kazimierz.
11. Kazimierz
They say a trip to Krakow isn’t complete without visiting its Jewish Quarter and trendy neighborhood Kazimierz, and I couldn’t agree more. Kazimierz was once its own city before becoming part of Krakow. While it endured hardships during WWII, in recent years it has blossomed into a hub of hipsters, cool bars, cafes, and restaurants.
There are many attractions here, like Schindler’s Factory, but for us, it was a place to relax with a beer or vodka at stylish bars such as Alchemia or Mleczarnia after exploring the old town. Don’t miss Plac Nowy (the New Square) to try a traditional Polish Zapiekanki, which is like a Polish pizza (more on this below).
After unwinding in Kazimierz, you can stay for dinner at one of the great restaurants like Starka Restaurant, or head back to the old town, as we did.
12. Dinner ‘under the angels’ at Pod Aniołami
One of my top experiences in Krakow was dining at this atmospheric restaurant, which dates back to the 13th century (I know, everything in Krakow seems ancient!). The setting was stunning; we sat in a gothic cellar with exposed stone walls and flickering candles. The set menu was delicious—especially the pierogi, fermented soup, and wild boar, which were exceptional. At approximately £35 per person, it was our most expensive meal in Krakow, but it was absolutely worth it for the unforgettable atmosphere and fantastic food.
13. Nightcap at Wodka Cafe Bar
End your evening with a stroll back toward the main square to visit Krakow’s most famous vodka bar. Tucked behind St. Mary’s Church, this hidden gem boasts a vast selection of vodkas—more than you can sample in one night! A tasting tray of six vodkas is a great introduction.
While you’re in the area, circle back to the Cloth Hall, which looks stunning illuminated by floodlights at night.
Day trips
Auschwitz-Birkenau
If you’re visiting Krakow, a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau should be on your itinerary. Located just over an hour away by car, you can opt for a private or shared driver, bus, or train to get there.
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a sobering experience—it’s shocking and difficult to comprehend, no matter how much you prepare yourself. It’s a solemn opportunity to pay respects to the millions of victims and serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities that must never be repeated. Even though I studied the Holocaust at university, I still learned a great deal from the guided tour, which I highly recommend.
Tip: Choose a private driver. I debated over transportation options to Auschwitz (bus, train, etc.), but ultimately, my group of three hired a private driver for the day. It turned out to be a wise decision; the cost, including entry to the camps and a visit to the salt mines afterward, was only £50 ($65 USD) per person. The driver handled everything—from organizing tickets and tours to shuttling us between Auschwitz and Birkenau during the tour. This arrangement allowed us to focus on absorbing the experience without worrying about logistics throughout the day.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The salt mines turned out to be a highlight for us; I now strongly recommend not missing out on them when you visit Krakow. Calling it just a salt mine doesn’t capture its true essence—it’s more like an incredible underground museum where everything, from sculptures to chandeliers, is made of salt. Our hour-long tour, led by a wonderfully humorous guide, began with descending 350 stairs into the mine, which dates back to the 13th century.
Navigating through labyrinthine chambers adorned with intricate salt sculptures was a fascinating experience. The grand chapel, featuring an altar, sculptures, paintings, and even chandeliers all carved from salt, was absolutely breathtaking. You might even want to lick a wall to confirm it’s salt (I did!), and don’t worry about climbing back up those 350 stairs—they now have a lift for that! The Wieliczka Salt Mine truly offers a unique and awe-inspiring journey into history and artistry underground.
Eat and Drink like a local
Zapiekanki
This is a traditional Polish open-faced sandwich topped with melted cheese, sautéed button mushrooms, and often ketchup. Sounds good, right? But what if I told you that you can take it up a notch by adding various toppings like meats, mayo, onions, chives, and garlic? Now it sounds even more delicious, doesn’t it?
The best spot to enjoy one of these is at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz. You’ll find plenty of stalls selling them, but the local favorite is Endzior – Zapiekanki (though be prepared for a line).
Obwarzanek Krakowski:
Obwarzanek Krakowski is like Poland’s version of the bagel, even though bagels originally came from Poland. These snacks look and taste a lot like bagels. But don’t say they’re bagels to the Poles—they’ll tell you they’re not! You should try one because they’re sold everywhere and are a traditional snack. If you’re like me, you might miss having them with cream cheese.
Pierogi:
When you visit Poland, you have to try pierogi, maybe even a few times. These small dumplings have fillings like cheese, potatoes, meats, and sometimes even fruits. They usually come with a bit of sour cream—they’re yummy! The best ones we had were at Pod Aniołami and Starka. You can get them all over the city, like at Zapiecek – Polskie Pierogarnie, where you can enjoy pierogi day or night.
Vodka:
Vodka is Poland’s favorite drink, and you can find many flavors at every bar and restaurant. Some good places to try are Wodka Cafe Bar in Rynek Główny and Starka Restaurant in Kazimierz, where they make their own ginger vodka.
Is Krakow expensive or cheap?
Krakow is a city where travelers can find affordable options, especially compared to many other cities in Europe. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay, something to eat, or ways to get around, Krakow has choices that fit different budgets.
You can stay in Krakow at places like budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels that are comfortable but not too expensive, or even luxury accommodations that are more affordable than in other parts of Europe. It’s a good idea to book hostels and budget hotels early to get the best prices.
When you’re hungry in Krakow, there are lots of options. You can eat at milk bars or local restaurants that serve traditional Polish food, which are usually inexpensive. In places like the Old Town and Kazimierz district, there are restaurants for every taste and budget. You can also find fancier restaurants for special occasions.
Getting around Krakow is affordable too. They have trams and buses that go to most parts of the city, and while taxis are available, they can be more expensive, so it’s smart to check prices before you ride.
Overall, Krakow is a city where you can have a great time without spending too much money. There are affordable places to stay, eat, and explore, making it a good choice for travelers with different budgets.
How much money for 3 days in Krakow?
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Places to Stay | Budget: 30-70 PLN per night per person ($8-18 USD) | Hostels or budget hotels |
| Mid-range: 150-300 PLN per night ($40-80 USD) | Hotels and guesthouses | |
| Luxury: 400 PLN or more per night ($100+ USD) | Fancy hotels | |
| Food | Breakfast: 10-25 PLN ($3-7 USD) | Cafes or bakeries |
| Lunch: 20-40 PLN ($5-10 USD) | Casual restaurants | |
| Dinner: 40-80 PLN ($10-20 USD) | Nice restaurants | |
| Snacks and drinks: 5-15 PLN ($1-4 USD) | Treats and beverages | |
| Getting Around | Public Transport: 15 PLN for a day ticket ($4 USD) | Trams and buses |
| Taxi: Starting at 7-9 PLN plus per km charges ($2-3 USD) | Taxis can be more expensive | |
| Things to Do | Attractions: 10-30 PLN per person ($3-8 USD) | Entry fees for places like Wawel Castle and museums |
| Other Costs | Souvenirs and activities | Extra money for fun things to do |
| Estimated Total | Budget Traveler: 150-250 PLN per day ($40-65 USD) | Total: 450-750 PLN ($120-200 USD) for 3 days |
| Mid-range Traveler: 300-500 PLN per day ($80-130 USD) | Total: 900-1500 PLN ($240-400 USD) for 3 days | |
| Luxury Traveler: 500 PLN or more per day ($130+ USD) | Total: 1500 PLN or more ($400+ USD) for 3 days |
These are rough estimates and costs can change based on what you like to do and how much things cost when you visit. It’s a good idea to plan a little extra money for surprises or special things you might want to do during your trip to Krakow!
FAQ about traveling to Kraków, Poland:
- When is the best time to visit Kraków?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times. The weather is nice, and there are fewer tourists. - Do I need a visa to visit Kraków if I’m from the EU?
No, if you’re from a European Union country, you don’t need a visa to visit Kraków or any part of Poland. - What money do they use in Kraków?
They use Polish złoty (PLN) in Kraków and across Poland. - Do people speak English in Kraków?
Yes, many people in Kraków speak English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. - What are the top things to see in Kraków?
You should visit Wawel Castle, Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), St. Mary’s Basilica, Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter), and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. - How do I get from Kraków Airport to the city center?
You can take a taxi, Uber, or public bus or train from Kraków Airport (John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice) to get to the city center. - Is Kraków safe for tourists?
Yes, Kraków is generally safe for tourists. Just be careful with your belongings, especially in crowded places. - Can I take day trips from Kraków?
Yes, you can visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, and the Ojców National Park on day trips. - What is the nightlife like in Kraków?
Kraków has a lively nightlife with many bars, clubs, and places for live music, especially around Main Market Square and Kazimierz.
Here’s a pros and cons chart about visiting Kraków, Poland:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Rich History: See ancient castles and the Jewish Quarter. | 1. Crowds: Sometimes lots of people, especially in busy times. |
| 2. Cool Culture: Visit museums and learn about Polish traditions. | 2. Weather: It can be very cold in winter and hot in summer. |
| 3. Yummy Food: Try tasty Polish dishes like pierogi and obwarzanek Krakowski. | 3. Language: Most people speak Polish, but not everyone speaks English. |
| 4. Exciting Day Trips: Easy trips to see places like Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. | 4. Costs: Things like food and souvenirs can be expensive in tourist spots. |
| 5. Fun Nightlife: Lots of fun places to go out at night, like bars and clubs. | 5. Getting Around: It might be harder to find buses or trains compared to big cities. |
Conclusion
Krakow is a fantastic city for a fun weekend trip. It has delicious food, kind people, interesting history, and unique buildings. Unlike some European cities that got damaged in wars, Krakow has kept its old buildings in great shape. That’s what makes Krakow special—it’s not just like any other city in Europe. It mixes history with modern life in a beautiful way that you won’t forget after you visit. If you liked this post, and would like to read some more similar posts, then these are what I’d recommend: