Last Updated on March 8, 2026
During the first weekend of September, I spent some time with a friend exploring Kraków and Warsaw. Although we didn’t have much time (just two days), we managed to see a lot of both cities. We spent about a day and a half in Kraków before taking the train to Warsaw, where we enjoyed our final afternoon and evening.
In this Krakow city guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your own trip: must-see sights, hidden gems, how to get there, how to get around, where to stay and loads of handy tips. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
How to travel to Kraków?
Getting to Kraków is simple, whether you’re flying in, taking the train, or arriving by bus or car. The city is well-connected to major European hubs and offers easy transfers to the center. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to reach Kraków, no matter where you’re coming from:
- By Air: Fly into John Paul II Kraków–Balice Airport (KRK), just 10 km from the city center. A quick 20-minute train ride (€1) or taxi (€10–12) gets you downtown in no time.
- By Train: Kraków Główny station (location) is centrally located and well connected to Warsaw (~2.5h) and other European cities like Prague and Vienna.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses are affordable and comfortable. Think routes like Warsaw to Kraków, Prague to Kraków, or even Budapest to Kraków.
- By car: Alternatively, riding with your own car or rental car is a great choice if you want the freedom to explore Kraków at your own pace or take day trips to nearby places like Zakopane, Auschwitz, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Tip: explore our city guide to Prague, Warsaw or Budapest.
Transportation tip
I always use 12GoAsia when traveling in other countries, even in Europe! With just a few taps, you can easily book a ride ensuring a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. Most of the time, you will receive a digital transportation ticket, so you don’t have to worry about printing.
Getting around in Kraków
Getting around Kraków is easy, affordable, and even fun:
- Walking & Biking: Kraków’s Old Town is compact and made for walking. Prefer two wheels? Consider renting a bike from one of the many local bike rental shops.
- Public Transport: Trams and buses are reliable and cheap. A 90-minute ticket costs around €1.20.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Bolt and iTaxi are budget-friendly and easy to use, especially handy if your legs are tired after a long day of sightseeing.
Must-See attractions in Krakow
During my 2-day city break, I tried to soak up as much of Kraków as possible and wow, what a city! From wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town to learning about its powerful WWII history, Kraków left a big impression on me in a short time. In this Krakow city guide, I’m sharing the highlights that stood out most during my visit. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of what the city has to offer:
– Old town & main market square (Rynek Główny)
No Krakow city guide is complete without a visit to the stunning Old Town. This place is surrounded by historic city walls and filled with cobbled charm (location). The market square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, lined with cozy cafés, bustling terraces, and gorgeous buildings.
In the middle of the square, you can find a big building, which is also called the Cloth Hall or Sukiennice (location). This hall was built in the 14th century and by then this was the first effectively shopping mall in the world. Nowadays, there are still shops in the hall, where you can buy some souvenirs or other stuff. Tuesday is the day of free entry to permanent exhibitions at the NMK. Don’t miss it 😉
At the square, you can also find the St. Mary’s Basilica or Bazylika Mariacka (location). Its twin towers dominate the skyline, and every hour you’ll hear the Hejnał Mariacki, Kraków’s traditional bugle. It’s haunting and beautiful. St. Mary’s Basilica is opened to individual visitors and tourist groups every day when no Mass is being conducted. Half of the church is open to tourists, including the presbytery and its main altar.
– Wawel hill
Just outside the Old Town, you can find the Wawel hill, which is also worth a visit. The Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral (location) were home to Polish monarchs, who were also crowned and buried here. Not only is it beautiful to watch the buildings from the outside and to walk around the gardens, but it’s also worth to visit the inside. Here you can get a glimpse of Poland’s very own crown jewels, but also the tombs of president Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria are open to public.
Tip: This area deserves a full day, but if you’re short on time, consider booking a guided tour of Wawel Castle and Cathedral in advance. It gets busy fast!
– Jewish quarter (Kazimierz)
South of the Old Town lies Kazimierz (location), the former Jewish district and a must-visit in this Krakow city guide. It’s a mix of history, culture, art, and food. We stayed in a hostel here (Puro Krakow Kazimierz) and loved the atmosphere. It was laid-back, but lively, with plenty of great places to eat.
Next to this, you can also find many wall paintings on the buildings in the quarter. Personally, I really love wall paintings and love to make pictures of them. Some places of the quarter are very old. Tucked in between the old buildings, you can find a little square with some food trucks. During the day you can buy something to eat here. The place is very cosy and makes the atmosphere a lot better in this area. We arrived here in the morning, when everything was still closed, but still it looked really nice and I could imagine how it would be on a summer day.
Although nowadays there aren’t living many Jewish people in this quarter anymore, there are still many synagogues which can be found in the area. For a long time, Kazimierz was an independent city from Krakow, but after the regulation in the 15th century, all the Jewish people had to go to Kazimierz and live there. When Kazimierz became part of Krakow in 19th century, there was a close, Jewish community. Unfortunately, when World War II started and the Nazis came to Poland, the Jewish community had to leave Kazimierz and had to go to the much smaller “ghetto” on the other side of the river Wisla, named Podgórze (location).
– Schindler museum and Podgórze
Across the Vistula River, Podgórze (location) holds deep WWII history. In this quarter, where the Jewish people were required to live, they were put to work or sent to the destruction camps. Nowadays, the quarter is a residential area which becomes more popular each year. The main reason for this is the fact that Schindler’s Factory was built into a museum (location) about Schindler and Krakow during World War II. The museum attracts many tourists and I can definitely understand why. It not only shows you how the city was during World War II, but it also shows you how the Jewish people lived and what Schindler has done during World War II. The builders of the museum have made some impressive rooms which all differ from each other. I found the museum very imposing and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Tip: Schindler’s Factory tickets are in high demand, so be sure to book in advance, especially during weekends or peak seasons.
You can also find the Plac Bohaterow Getta (location) in the quarter Podgórze. This is a square in the middle of the quarter with 33 empty chairs, spread over the square. The chairs are a monument and stands as symbol for the emptiness that stayed behind after the definitive evacuation in March 1943.
– Hidden gem: Zakrzówek Lake
One of the best discoveries from our trip and a highlight of this Krakow city guide was Zakrzówek Lake (location). Tucked just outside the city, this lake feels like a secret escape. It’s not signposted and doesn’t have an official entrance. Locals love to come here for sunbathing or swimming in summer.
Even without swimming weather, we loved relaxing on the cliffs with a view. Getting there is a 30–45-minute walk from Wawel Hill or a short tram ride plus 15-minute walk.
Best accommodation areas in Krakow
Wondering where to stay? Check out the best areas in the city below, each with its own unique vibe and highlights. Here’s a snapshot of Krakow’s top accommodation areas and who they’re best suited for:
| Area | Vibe & Highlights | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Medieval charm, steps from Rynek Główny | First-timers & (free)walking tours |
| Kazimierz (check out our hostel) | Trendy quarter, nightlife, Jewish heritage | Foodies 🙂 & History Lovers |
| Podgórze | Quieter, riverside spots, close to Schindler’s Factory | Couples & laid-back travelers |
| Nowa Huta | Socialist-era architecture, local flavor | Offbeat explorers |
Map of Krakow highlights
In the map below you can see the place where you can find the ‘hidden lake’. I’ve also pointed out the train station (from there you can easily walk to the city center), Old Town, the Wawel Hill, Kazimierz, the Schindler Museum and the hostel we stayed at.
Other handy tips for visiting Krakow, Poland
Before you head off to explore Krakow, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip. From the best times to visit and what to pack, to staying connected and budgeting smart:
- Best time to visit: April–June & Sept–early Oct for mild temps, blooming trees, and fewer crowds.
- Pack suitably: Broken streets = comfy shoes! Evenings can chill early spring/fall.
- Language: Polish is official, but English is common.
- Power plugs: Standard EU 230V with round two-pin plugs.
- Budgeting: Expect €40–90/day for food, transport, tours and attractions
- City Cards: Grab the Kraków Card for free/discounted entry to many museums + ride public transport.
- Staying connected: Skip the hassle of SIM cards and get an eSIM via apps like Airalo or Holafly to stay connected as soon as you land in Kraków.
Sample itinerary (2 Perfect days in Krakow)
Short on time but want to experience the best of Krakow? This 2-day itinerary covers all the must-sees, historic landmarks and a few local eats. Here’s how to make the most of two perfect days in Krakow:
Day 1:
- AM: Stroll Planty Park → St. Florian’s Gate → Rynek Główny.
- Lunch: Pierogi + coffee stop.
- PM: Wawel Castle tour → Kazimierz walk.
- Evening: Dinner at Miód Malina + pub crawl in Bania Luka.
Day 2:
- AM: Schindler’s Museum → lunch in Podgórze.
- PM: Ola trip to Auschwitz or continued Kazimierz exploration (street art, synagogues).
- PM/Evening: Fine dinner in Old Town + nightcap in a wine bar.
Travel insurance
Don’t forget travel insurance for your Poland trip. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll get a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Travel insurance
Don’t forget travel insurance for your Poland trip. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll get a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Places to visit outside Krakow
When people are planning on travelling to Krakow, they often combine the city trip with a trip to Auschwitz and the salt mine Wieliczka. Unfortunately, we didn’t had the time to visit either of the places. Especially Auschwitz is still very high on my list to visit for next time.
– Auschwitz
Of course we all know that Auschwitz was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers. By a guided tour or on your own you can explore the concentration camp and memorialize all the people who’ve been there and died in this concentration camp. The place is a must-visit when it comes to the Polish history. It is recommended to reserve a place on a guided tour far before you’re going to Poland, because it’s very popular and before you know, there are no places left. Auschwitz can be easily reached by train, which takes an hour from Krakow.
– Wieliczka
Wieliczka is located approximately 15 kilometers from Krakow and has an underground Salt Mine. The salt mine is a World Heritage Site. You can easily book a tour including transfer from Krakow to Wieliczka and a skip-the-line entry. Totally worth it 😉
– Zakopane & thermal baths
If you’re in the mood for a day trip to the mountains, consider heading to Zakopane, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It’s a charming town known for wooden architecture, highland culture, and incredible views. One of the most relaxing ways to visit is by booking a guided tour with thermal baths and a cable car ride. A great choice if you want to escape the city and enjoy some nature and wellness!
Conclusion
Kraków is a beautiful city full of history, charm, and surprises. Whether you’re diving into history, sipping vodka in a cozy pub, or discovering hidden lakes, I think that this Krakow city guide has something for everyone. I’d especially recommend visiting in summer or shoulder seasons for the best experience. Can’t wait to return someday and explore more!
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Save for later!
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Krakow on GPSmyCity.
Planning a trip to Poland? Don’t forget to save this Krakow City Guide for later and pin it on Pinterest so you’ll have all the tips handy when you go!
Responses
Krakow seems awesome! Your city guide gives me some great ideas for exploring when I do finally make it to eastern Europe! As a photographer I think I’d have a field day!
Oh yeah, as a photographer you’ll definitely enjoy yourself! Especially when you love to photograph nature you can spend much time at the hidden lake :-).
I love visited places with rich history and Schindler museum and Podgórze would be a place I would love to visit someday. I will definitely try to avoid the crowds and visit in the early morning as I like to visit these type of places when it’s calm. It allows me to really take in and think about the history.
I haven’t been to Poland yet but would love to explore! I also had no idea Poland had crown jewels! I love street art too, Krakow definitely looks like a cool place to visit!
Krakow is known for its association with the Holocaust, but clearly, there is much more to see and experience in the town. I can see that the town has the typical charm of a European town. My main point of interest, however, would still be Schindlers museum.
You should definitely visit Schindlers Museum, it’s a must! 🙂
Loved reading this guide! I want to go to Poland and eat all of the pierogies. The Zakrzówek lake looks incredible; shame there wasn’t good weather, but it still looks completely lovely! I’d love to visit during warmer months and pack a picnic. I wonder if that’s common?
Thank you! Yes, there are many people who are going to the lake just to chill and to have a drink or picknick. We did the same thing and drank something on a perfect place. 🙂 But of course there are also many people who will swim!