Quick Answer
Krakow is Poland's medieval gem and one of Europe's most affordable cultural capitals. The Main Market Square is the largest medieval square in Europe, Wawel Castle dominates the river, and Auschwitz-Birkenau is 90 minutes away. Hotels start from $70/night. May, June, and September deliver the best weather, December has spectacular Christmas markets.
Explore Krakow in Detail
Find Hotels in Krakow
Hotel listings for Krakow are currently being updated.
Top Tours in Krakow
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour
Coach transfer and licensed guide through both camps (Auschwitz I and Birkenau). Heavy but essential. Pre-booked tickets only (sells out daily).
Book This Tour →
Wieliczka Salt Mine Half-Day Trip
UNESCO-listed salt mine 1,000 feet underground with carved chapels, statues, and an underground lake. Walking down 800 steps, elevator back up.
Book This Tour →
Krakow Old Town Walking Tour with Wawel Castle
Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, and the climb up Wawel Castle hill with castle exterior tour and Dragon's Den entry.
Book This Tour →Top Things to Do in Krakow
The experiences travelers come back to Krakow for, year after year.
Itineraries for Krakow
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Krakow in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Krakow for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Krakow with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Krakow
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Krakow at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Krakow
Best months to visit Krakow: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Krakow?
Krakow is what people picture when they imagine medieval Europe. It survived WWII largely intact, the historic center is a UNESCO site, and the prices are roughly half what you’d pay in Vienna or Prague.
Rynek Glowny (the Main Square) is the largest medieval market square in Europe and the center of everything. The Cloth Hall divides it down the middle with 16th-century vendor stalls still selling amber and leather. St. Mary’s Basilica’s two towers anchor the eastern side, and a trumpeter plays the broken hejnal mariacki call from the tower every hour, cut off mid-note to commemorate a 13th-century trumpeter shot by an arrow. Wawel Castle and Cathedral sit on a hill over the Vistula River, with the Dragon’s Den cave underneath where you can see the bronze dragon statue breathing fire every few minutes. Kazimierz is the old Jewish quarter, now the city’s hipper neighborhood with klezmer music and the city’s best craft beer bars. Schindler’s Factory Museum across the river is one of the most affecting WWII museums in Europe. The two essential day trips are Auschwitz-Birkenau (90 minutes by coach) and the Wieliczka Salt Mine (40 minutes), the latter a UNESCO site that goes 1,000 feet underground into chapels carved from rock salt. Krakow is also the easiest base for the Polish Tatras and Zakopane if you want to add some mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions — Krakow
How much do hotels in Krakow cost?
Hostels start at $20/night for private rooms. 3-star hotels run $70-$130. 4-star hotels are $130-$240. Luxury 5-star hotels like Stary or Bonerowski Palace are $250-$500/night. Among the cheapest historic capitals in Europe.
When is the best time to visit Krakow?
May, June, and September deliver the best weather. July and August are warmest but most crowded. December has spectacular Christmas markets and pierogi everywhere. January and February are cold but cheap with proximity to Tatra skiing.
How many days do I need in Krakow?
Three days minimum: a day for the Old Town, a day for Auschwitz, and a day for Wawel and Kazimierz. Four days lets you add Wieliczka or a day trip to Zakopane in the Tatras.
Is Krakow safe for tourists?
Krakow is one of Europe's safest cities. Violent crime against tourists is essentially nonexistent. Petty theft is uncommon. The Old Town gets rowdy on weekend nights with British bachelor parties but is otherwise calm.
What area should I stay in?
Old Town (Stare Miasto) for first-timers who want the medieval atmosphere. Kazimierz for hipper bars, restaurants, and lower prices. Podgorze for a quieter feel and proximity to Schindler's Factory. Avoid hotels near the airport if you can.
How do I get around Krakow?
Walking covers the Old Town and Kazimierz. Trams are cheap and useful for longer distances. A single tram ticket is about 4 zloty (~$1). Skip Uber unless it's late at night and you've had a few drinks.
What food should I try in Krakow?
Pierogi at Pierogarnia Krakowiacy, zurek (sour rye soup) at Miod Malina, oscypek (smoked mountain cheese) at Kazimierz market, obwarzanki (street bagels) anywhere, and craft beer at Multi Qlti Tap Bar. Don't skip the vodka tasting at any local tavern.