5 Reasons You Need to Visit Krakow and Complete Guide
Gothic churches, medieval architecture, cheap alcohol, delicious hearty food, wild nightlife, quirky cafes, endless mountains and a rich history. Krakow is a city for everyone. Read on to discover why we loved it so much and five great reasons to visit Krakow.
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As you wander the charming cobblestone labyrinths of Krakow Old Town, eat in one of the many cosy restaurants and soak up the ambience of the Main Market Square, you can easily see how Krakow has become a top destination.Â
Set on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow is packed full to the brim with culture, history and endless things to do. It’s still a bit under the radar compared to other European cities, such as Lisbon, meaning the hotspots aren’t as crowded and prices are kept low.Â
In this guide, we’ll share five fantastic reasons to visit Krakow as well as everything you need to know including where to stay, how long to spend, currency, getting around, the best time of year to visit Krakow and so much more.
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Contents
Reasons to Visit Krakow
History
The first major reason to visit Krakow is its history. Poland is steeped in history with 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country, so it’s little surprise that Krakow is full of historical sites and attractions.
From the harrowing events that took place during World War II, to the magnificent chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mines, history lovers will be in their element.
Some of the top things to do in Krakow to learn about Poland’s history are:
Auschwitz-Birkenau
An obvious must-do when you visit Krakow is Auschwitz-Birkenau. Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau will be sombre, thought-provoking and emotional.
Initially serving as a detention centre for political prisoners, it then went on to become the largest and most notorious of the Nazi death camps.
You’ll see where people were stripped before being sent to the ‘death wall’; tiny cells too small to sit in where people were kept for days at a time; gas chambers used to exterminate thousands at once and crematoriums used to dispose of bodies.
At Birkenau, witness where the trains carrying victims originally brought them before enduring the selection process to determine whether they were fit to work. Those deemed unfit, usually children, elderly, disabled and pregnant women were sent straight to the gas chambers.
This peek into Poland’s most chilling past serves as a tragic reminder of the horrors that went on. It wasn’t even that long ago in the grand scheme of things!
Our Top Tip: book a day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau to get the most out of your visit. You can make your own way and do a self-guided tour (before 10am and after 3pm) but having a guide provides you with invaluable knowledge.
Wieliczka Salt Mines; one of the best places to visit near Krakow
Another tour we’d recommend is a day trip from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mines.Â
As you meander through 3km of extraordinary chambers and beautiful underground passageways, admire the walls, statues, chandeliers, chapels, floors and other incredible works of art made entirely from salt.Â
These have been carved by miners from as far back as the 13th century!
Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines and now serves as a historical monument.
The Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine tour gives you an idea of just how massive the entire complex is. You’ll feel like you’ve covered a lot of ground and walked for miles. However, you only cover a mere 2% of the 287km that make up the passageways and chambers!
Located 101 metres underground, is a grand chapel dedicated to Princess Kinga. Kinga was worshipped by the miners as they believed her to bring good fortune and the chapel is still used today for weddings, mass and concerts.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the best places to visit near Krakow.
Kazimierz
Visit Kazimierz, the area where the Jews initially lived, before being forcibly removed from their homes and sent over the river to the Jewish Ghetto in 1941. Prior to World War II, Jews made up about â…“ of Krakow’s population and settled in Kazimierz, also known as the Jewish Quarter.
Because of the terror they had to face, after the war, most of the Jews that survived the Holocaust never returned to Poland. Now, only around 180 Jews remain in Krakow.Â
Kazimierz is now a place of huge cultural significance alive with vibrance and character. Strolling the quaint and historical streets of Kazimierz is one of the best things to do in Krakow.
Jewish Ghetto
On the other side of the Vistula River, you’ll find the Jewish Ghetto.Â
Visit the old Jewish cemetery which, during the German occupation, was destroyed by the Nazis who tore down the tombstones and used them as paving stones in the death camps or sold them for profit.Â
Pay your respects at Ghetto Heroes Square where you’ll see 33 memorial chairs signifying the tragedy of the Polish Jews.
Krakow Old Town is also full of history.
One of the best things to do in Krakow Old Town is see the last remains of the Old City Walls at the Barbican and St Florian’s Gate.
One of the best reasons to visit Krakow is for the Main Market Square to see St Mary’s Basilica. Hear the trumpet every hour as a reminder of when the Mongols attacked and the trumpeter would warn the people to get out of bed and defend the city.Â
Food; one of the top reasons to visit Krakow
One of the best things to do in Krakow is enjoy the local cuisine. Polish food is known for being simple, hearty, and the perfect comfort food; it’s exactly what you imagine your Gran’s home cooking to be like!Â
Expect huge portions cooked with sour cream or butter and lots of meat with vegetables such as sauerkraut, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, and beetroot. Dishes will mainly be either fried or stewed.
The first thing we tried to see if they lived up to their reputation was pierogies. They definitely did. We must have had a portion of these at least once a day!
Pierogies are white dumplings with different fillings such as potato and cottage cheese, sauerkraut and mushrooms (Andy’s favourite), lentils and carrots and spinach and cottage cheese (Helen’s favourite). If you’re not full, order a plate of sweet ones served with berries and cream.
Soups also became a staple for us. Our favourite was Żurek; a sour rye soup with potatoes, sausage and egg usually served in a bread loaf.
Other traditional Polish cuisine we enjoyed were bigos; sauerkraut with chunks of various meats and sausages and Gołąbki; cabbage parcels stuffed with meat and rice.
Cost
One of the best reasons to visit Krakow is undoubtedly the cost!Â
Even though Krakow is becoming an increasingly popular city to visit, it still remains one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.
We tend to judge how expensive somewhere is on the price of beer and Krakow is one of the cheapest cities in the world to buy beer! The most expensive area is the Main Square where beer will set you back about PLN 14 (USD 3.50) and away from here you’ll pay closer to PLN 10 (USD 2.50).
For food, it depends on what you fancy and as with anywhere, there are a range of restaurants. Milk bars are great if you’re looking for traditional Polish food at low prices, around PLN 12-20 (USD 3 – 5), average restaurants away from the Main Square you’re looking at PLN 20 – 40 (USD 5 – 11) and premium restaurants from around PLN 60 (USD 16).
If you’re looking for an upmarket restaurant, we’d recommend a traditional Polish restaurant, Chimera whose food is inspired by old recipes and home traditions.
An Uber from the airport to the city will cost around PLN 43 (USD 10.95).
Nightlife
When talking about reasons to visit Krakow, we can’t forget the nightlife; Krakow nightlife is legendary! It’s known for being one of the best places to party in Europe and has more bars per square metre than anywhere else in the world!
You’ll find cellar bars underneath the ancient architecture in Krakow Old Town. Sample the local beer, try a selection of flavoured vodka and once you’ve visited a good selection of bars, head to one of the many underground clubs.
Our favourite area for a drink was Kazimierz! The atmosphere really comes alive at night and there are countless unique bars each with their own charm and character. Even if you don’t drink it’s definitely worth coming here to explore.
Our favourite was Eszeweria. Deceivingly small from the outside, it was never-ending! Rooms lead to more rooms that lead to more rooms that lead to a beautifully twinkly-lit garden. Very cosy with a lovely homely feel and sofas and lamps you’d expect to find at your Nan’s.
Our first stop was Pub Propaganda. From the outside, we were a bit hesitant about going in; it’s dark and dingy and looks like one of those places that should be avoided.Â
Once you’re inside you’ll see it’s a communist-themed bar with a museum of vintage artefacts and messages on the walls. A must-visit!
Alchemia is the most famous bar in Kazimierz. It consists of numerous dimly candle-lit tight rooms with the entrance between two of them through an old wardrobe.Â
Sat on the old furniture we found ourselves mesmerised by the old forgotten photographs on the walls and nostalgic knickknacks around the room.
Fresh Mountain Air
Not at the top of everyone’s lists when they visit Krakow but if you want a break from the city and you’re craving some fresh mountain air, you’re in luck! Just 2 hours south lies Zakopane; Poland’s premier mountain town full of incredible outdoor scenery and one of the best places to visit near Krakow.
Morskie Oko
One of the best things to do in Zakopane is to visit Morskie Oko; the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains with a dramatic mountain backdrop.Â
To reach Morskie Oko, it’s a 2-hour flat, leisurely stroll from the car park.
Our top tip:Â horse-drawn carriages offer to take people to the lake instead of walking. Please do not use these!! For years, people have been trying to ban these as horses are constantly dying on the road due to the terrible conditions.
Morskie Oko is one of the most popular places to visit near Krakow so arrive early before it gets too busy.
Our Top Tip: to escape some of the crowds, take one of the paths to the other side of the lake where you’ll find some quieter spots.Â
Alternatively, continue hiking up for about an hour and you’ll reach another gorgeous lake; Czarny Staw. Most people tend to stop at Morskie Oko so if you’re here quite early, you’ll have it almost to yourselves.
If you have a full day and fancy a challenge; continue up from Czarny Staw and conquer Rysy; the highest peak in Poland. Not for inexperienced hikers, Rysy rewards you with unrivalled views over the Tatra Mountains, Czarny Staw and Morskie Oko.
Zakopane Town
Back down in Zakopane, take the funicular (or walk if you’re feeling energetic), up Gubałówka Hill. Offering magnificent views over the mountains bordering Poland and Slovakia, you can easily spend a few hours up here.Â
With a man-made beach, cafes, bars, local souvenir stalls, restaurants and horse-and-cart rides, it feels like its own little town! Craving an adrenaline rush? Try out the tobogganing!
Getting to Zakopane
Travelling to Zakopane from Krakow is super easy. Book your bus online, turn up at the bus station and sit back and relax for 2 hours.
You can also arrange a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane.
If time allows, we’d recommend spending at least 2 nights in Zakopane to really appreciate the beauty of this area.
To read our full guide on Zakopane, head to the link below.
To Know Before You Visit Krakow
The best time of year to visit Krakow
The best time of year to visit Krakow is actually year-round.
In winter, enjoy snowy winter activities in Zakopane and magical Christmas markets in Krakow. Summer brings the crowds so the city is blooming and there are endless things to do in Krakow. Autumn brings gorgeous golden foliage and spring’s milder temperatures make it an excellent time to explore.
How long would you recommend staying in Krakow?
We’d recommend 3 days in Krakow to get a good insight into what the city offers. This gives you a day for Auschwitz-Birkenau, half a day for the Wieliczka Salt Mine and a day and a half for the city. Add another day for a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane and another one or two if you want to stay there.
Getting around Krakow
Krakow is very walkable so, in the city, use your own two feet.Â
We’d recommend a day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau which includes transport and a knowledge guide.
Alternatively, by public transport, the most direct way is by train from Krakow Glowny to Oswiecim. There are several options which take between an hour and an hour 40 and from Oswiecim it’s a 20-30 minute walk. Train tickets start from 15 zl one way.
We’d also recommend booking a tour from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine with hotel pick-up and a guide.Â
Or, to get from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine on the train, go to Krakow Glowny Station and get off at the last stop, Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia. From here it’s a 10-minute walk. Trains run about once an hour, you can check the schedule online. The journey is around 25 minutes and costs 6.50 zl one way.
For Zakopane, you can rent a car which gives you more freedom and flexibility once there.Â
Or, take the bus; this is much faster than the train. Book your bus tickets online here as they fill up quickly. Buses depart from Krakow Central Bus Station and take 2 hours.
Where should I stay in Krakow?
Krakow is very compact so wherever you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of the City Centre and the top things to do in Krakow.
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If having history immediately on your doorstep is a priority then Krakow Old Town is your best option. This does come with the price tag, however, so just outside of Krakow Old Town is recommended if you’d like to keep costs down.
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Kazimierz is completely charming and you’ll be spoilt for choice with bars and restaurants. Again, expect to pay a little more as it’s very central but just outside Kazimierz and still within walking distance will keep costs lower.
What currency should I take?
The currency used is the Polish zÅ‚oty. At the time of writing, 1 USD is roughly 3.91 PLN.Â
What plug do I need?
Poland uses plug types E and C. Both of these have two round pins.
With daily direct flights from multiple London airports costing very little, there’s no better time to visit Krakow. Even though it’s gained in popularity, it’s still not as popular as other European cities. This keeps the costs low and crowds away.
We hope this post has been helpful and given you many reasons to visit Krakow. Make sure you check out our other European guides below.
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1 thought on “5 Wonderful Reasons You Need To Visit Krakow and Complete Guide”
Hey Andy,
No doubt Krakow is perfect for visitors. In fact, There are lots of beautiful spots in Poland: towns, lakes, the sea, even the desert. Lately, I was in Szczecin which is an exceptional city with such attractions like Philharmonic, Embankment of Chrobry, beach, etc…