Krakow is a beautiful city with rich history, culture, and stunning architecture. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a charming weekend getaway, Krakow offers something for everyone.
Here’s your ultimate weekend guide to Krakow, featuring what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
What to do in Krakow
1. Explore the Old Town (Stare Miasto)
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): Krakow’s Main Market Square is the largest medieval square in Europe. It’s the heart of the city, lined with charming cafes, shops, and historic buildings. At the center, you’ll find the stunning St. Mary's Basilica, known for its impressive wooden altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call played from its tower. Don’t forget to visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a Renaissance-era market hall where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs.
- Wawel Castle: Located on Wawel Hill, this historic site includes the castle, cathedral, and breathtaking views of the Vistula River. It's free to walk up Wawel hill but you'll need tickets to enter the Castle and / or the Cathedral. Get your Wawel Castle tickets here,
2. Take a Walking Tour
- A free walking tour is a great way to learn about the city’s history, including its medieval past, Jewish heritage, and the legacy of World War II. Book your free walking tour here.
3. Take a Walk Through Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter
- Kazimierz, Krakow's historic Jewish quarter, is a must-visit neighborhood. With its mix of synagogues, quaint streets, and cafes, it offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Make sure to visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum, get your tickets in advance here. Kazimierz is also famous for its lively nightlife, so enjoy a drink at one of its atmospheric bars.
4. Walk Along the Vistula River
- The riverbanks are a great spot for a stroll. If you're interested in outdoor activities, you can rent a bike or take a boat ride to enjoy scenic views of the city.
5. Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- A 1.5 hour drive from Krakow lies the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a poignant and powerful site dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. While this day trip may be emotionally challenging, it’s an important part of understanding Poland’s history. Book your guided tour including transfers from Krakow in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Note: Different companies offer different price ranges for their tours, some will include transport, others will not, some include guides and others not. Check out and compare the different tours and different prices here and choose the one most fitting for you.
6. Take a Day Trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine
- This UNESCO World Heritage site is just outside Krakow, featuring underground tunnels and chambers made of salt. Book your Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Transport from Krakow.
TIP: If you're short on time, this day tour from Krakow combines a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mines from Krakow. Book your day tour ticket here.
Where to eat in Krakow
- Pod Wawelem - for an authentic Polish dining experience, head to Pod Wawelem, a local institution. The restaurant offers hearty traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), and mouth-watering roasted meats.
- W Starej Kuchni - if you're looking to dive into some classic Polish dishes in a traditional, no-frills environment, this restaurant is definitely a good choice and one of our favourite restaurants we dined at whilst in Krakow. The spicy goulash in bread is absolutely delicious!
- Starka Restaurant - this restaurant in the Kazimierz district is renowned for its house-made vodkas, which come in a variety of flavors. Try their famous schnitzel or the succulent Polish pork belly, all served in a cozy, intimate setting.
- Gossip Cafe - If you’re in the mood for something light or want to unwind in a trendy, relaxed environment with good coffee and a bite to eat, this is a solid choice.
- Pankejk - it's not a place for traditional Polish cuisine, but if you're craving a more casual, light meal, Pankejk is a great choice, particularly if you're a fan of pancakes.
TIP: If you're planning to dine at a popular restaurant, it's always a good idea to make your reservation well in advance. You can book most restaurants online through the restaurants' website.
Where to stay in Krakow
Krakow offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to different budgets.
Budget friendly:
- Moon hostel - this hostel offers great value for money, with spacious rooms (including private rooms), a free breakfast, and an ideal location near trendy cafes and bars in the Kazimierz district.
- Mikolajska 5 Apartments - this apartment is located very close to the Main Market Square. This is one of the most central locations in Krakow, allowing you to explore the city easily on foot, making it a great choice for those looking for comfort and independence in the heart of Krakow.
Mid-range:
- Aparthotel Stare Miasto - we chose to stay here due to its proximity to the main square, one road behind, to be precise, a 2 minute walk to the square and within walking distance to all main attractions in the city center.
- Hotel Indigo - a modern hotel with vibrant decor, offering comfort and luxury at a reasonable price. The location is just a short walk to major attractions like St. Mary's Basilica and the Market Square.
Luxury:
- Hotel Wentzl - this intimate and beautifully restored hotel offers personalized service with rooms that overlook the lively Main Square.
- Hotel Copernicus - one of Krakow’s finest 5-star hotels, this hotel is perfect for those seeking a premium experience.
Other Tips / Notes:
- Krakow has a well-developed public transportation system (buses and trams). Make sure to validate your ticket on the tram or bus.
- Krakow is generally safe, but like in any city, be cautious in crowded tourist spots.
- Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s useful to have some cash for small purchases. ATMs are everywhere.
- Polish is the official language, but most young people and people working in tourist areas speak English.
- Poles are friendly but can be reserved at first.
- Don't miss out on trying traditional Polish food.
- The weather in the Summer (June - August) can get hot, so pack light clothes and sunscreen. The weather in the Winter can be cold and snowy (December-February), so bring warm clothing.
Krakow makes for a perfect weekend destination!
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Happy Travels! x
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