Things to do in Kraków: city guide
One of the largest medieval squares in Europe, a castle on a hill above the river and cellar bars in the old Jewish quarter. Kraków was made for a long weekend.
Kraków
Photo: Kevin Perez Camacho / Unsplash
Kraków: Poland's cultural capital
Kraków was the capital of Poland for centuries and escaped the worst destruction of the Second World War. The medieval city is therefore almost intact, and the old town was among the very first places added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Almost everything is within walking distance: the square, Wawel Castle, the River Vistula and the Kazimierz district.
The city is lively all year, with students, street performers, cellar jazz and cafés and restaurants that are hard to beat for value. There are direct flights from many UK airports, and the airport is a short train ride from the centre.
Kraków neighbourhoods
Stare Miasto: the old town
The great Main Square, Rynek Główny, with the Cloth Hall and St Mary's Basilica is the heart of the city. Every hour a trumpet call is played from the church tower, stopping abruptly mid-melody. The old town is ringed by the Planty park, where the city walls once stood.
Wawel
The castle and cathedral on the hill above the river were the seat of Polish kings. Walk through the courtyard, visit the cathedral and find the dragon's den beneath the hill.
Kazimierz
The old Jewish quarter has synagogues, cemeteries and museums, and also the city's best bars, cafés and street food. Try a zapiekanka on Plac Nowy.
Podgórze
Across the river lies the former ghetto and Oskar Schindler's factory, now a powerful museum about the city under occupation.
Rynek Główny
Photo: Tomasz Tomal / Unsplash
Three days in Kraków
Day 1: Old town and Wawel. The square, St Mary's, the Cloth Hall, a walk around the Planty and an afternoon at Wawel.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Podgórze. Synagogues and cafés in the morning, Schindler's Factory after lunch and bars in Kazimierz at night.
Day 3: Wieliczka or Auschwitz. The Wieliczka salt mine is just outside the city. The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial is a longer day trip and should be booked with a guide well in advance.
What to eat in Kraków
Obwarzanek, the braided bread ring sold from carts all over the city.
Pierogi filled with potato and cheese, meat or mushrooms.
Zapiekanka, a long toasted open baguette from the stalls on Plac Nowy.
Żurek, the sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl.
The hotels we would book in Kraków
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hotel Copernicus, Kanonicza
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Copernicus: on a medieval street below Wawel
A small hotel on medieval Kanonicza Street, a few minutes from Wawel. Guests especially love the location, and there is a spa and an indoor pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Copernicus
Bonerowski Palace: right on the square
A boutique hotel in a palace on the corner of Rynek Główny, with a restaurant and bar. You can hardly stay more centrally.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Bonerowski Palace
Hotel Stary, old town
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Stary: a spa in old cellars
A design hotel in a historic building a few minutes from the square, with two indoor pools and two restaurants. Guests are especially happy with the location.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Stary
When is the best time to visit Kraków?
May, June and September are ideal, with mild days and outdoor terraces. July and August are hot and busy. In December there is a Christmas market on the square, and winter is cold but atmospheric. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
Read more about the rest of the country in our Poland guide, and see our Christmas market breaks.
Kraków: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Kraków?
Three days is enough for the old town, Wawel, Kazimierz and a day trip to Wieliczka or Auschwitz.
Where is the best place to stay in Kraków?
The old town for easy access to everything, or Kazimierz for bars, cafés and a more relaxed feel.
How do you get from the airport to the centre?
Trains run from the airport to the main station by the old town in under half an hour.
Can you visit Auschwitz from Kraków?
Yes, the memorial is about an hour and a half away. Book tickets or a guided visit well in advance.
What is the best time to visit Kraków?
May, June and September bring good weather and fewer crowds. December is lovely for the Christmas market.