Kraków Travel Guide

Why Kraków?

Kraków is consistently ranked as one of the best-value city breaks in Europe. The combination of stunning medieval architecture, world-class museums, incredible food, vibrant nightlife, and genuinely cheap flights makes it hard to beat. Your money goes a long way here — a full weekend including flights, hotel, food and drinks can cost under £150 per person.

Getting There

John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is well served by budget carriers from across Europe.

Cheapest months to fly: November to March (excluding Christmas/New Year) offer the lowest fares. We regularly see returns from the UK for under £25.

Most expensive periods: Summer weekends (June-August) and Christmas markets season (December). Even so, Kraków fares rarely get truly expensive.

Pro tip: Ryanair and Wizz Air both serve Kraków heavily. Compare both — Wizz Air sometimes has lower base fares but Ryanair may be cheaper once you add bags.

Best Time to Visit

April to May: Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer tourists
June to September: Warm and sunny, outdoor cafe culture at its best
December: Magical Christmas markets, but expect cold (-5 to 5°C)
Winter: Cold but very atmospheric, and flights are at rock-bottom prices

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €10/night in the Old Town. Kraków has some of Europe’s best hostels.

Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Kazimierz (Jewish quarter) from €40-60/night. This is the trendiest area.

Splurge: Old Town hotels from €80/night. Wake up to views of the Main Square.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

Wawel Castle grounds and cathedral exterior (free)
Walk the Royal Road from Floriańska Gate to Wawel
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) — Europe’s largest medieval square
Kazimierz district street art and cafe culture
Planty Park — green ring around the Old Town

Must-See (Paid)

Wieliczka Salt Mine (€25, book online — one of Poland’s top attractions)
Schindler’s Factory Museum (€6)
Wawel Castle State Rooms (€8)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (day trip, €15-30 with transport)

Food & Drink

Polish food is hearty, delicious, and incredibly affordable. Expect to pay €5-8 for a main course.

Pierogi: Dumplings with dozens of filling options — the national dish
Żurek: Sour rye soup served in a bread bowl
Zapiekanka: Toasted baguette with mushrooms and cheese (from the Plac Nowy market, €2)
Obwarzanek: Kraków’s famous braided bread ring (50p from street vendors)

Budget meal: Milk bars (Bar Mleczny) serve full Polish meals for €3-5. Try Pod Temidą or Krakus.

Nightlife: Kraków has some of Europe’s cheapest bars. Beer from €1.50 in cellar bars. The Kazimierz district has the best concentration of bars and clubs.

Day Trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine (30 min): Underground cathedral carved from salt
Auschwitz-Birkenau (1.5 hours): Essential but emotionally heavy — book well ahead
Zakopane (2 hours): Mountain resort town, hiking, cable cars, cheese market
Ojców National Park (40 min): Limestone gorges, caves, castle ruins

Getting Around

Airport to centre: Train (€1.50, 20 min) — the cheapest option in Europe
Local transport: Single ticket €1, day pass €4. Most attractions are walkable from Old Town.
Taxis: Bolt/Uber are very cheap — €3-5 for most journeys within the centre.

Money-Saving Tips

Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the cheapest fares
Eat at milk bars for authentic Polish food at local prices
Visit museums on their free admission days (usually Mondays or Tuesdays)
Use the airport train, not a taxi (saves €5+)
Buy an obwarzanek from a street vendor for the cheapest breakfast in Europe
Pre-book Wieliczka and Auschwitz online — they sell out and prices are lower
Stay in Kazimierz for the best nightlife and restaurant access