Welcome to the place where pierogi meets party and 'history' meets 'hip'. It's a perfect blend of medieval history and modern-day mojo.
Destination highlights
A feast for the eyes and the feet, thanks to all the cobbles and town squares
Home to the legendary Dragon of Wawel Hill – and who doesn't love a good dragon story?
It's got five nature reserves where you can let your inner David Attenorough run wild
Two words: pierogis, and vodka. 'Nough said.
What are the best sights to see in Krakow?
Krakow city breaks are like no other. The attractions here are like a highlight reel of Polish history and culture, so prepare to be seriously 'wow'ed by...
Wawel Castle - it's not just a castle; it’s a treasure chest of Polish history. Kings, queens, and legends - this place has seen it all.
Main Market Square - step into the heart of the city, buzzing with energy and surrounded by fab architecture. And yes, those horse-drawn carriages are as charming as they look.
Kazimierz - wander through the historic Jewish quarter where every street tells a story. It's all about the history, the secret little nooks, and of course - the vibes.
St. Mary’s Basilica - more than just your average church - this place rocks a Gothic altar that’ll make your jaw drop. And the trumpet call every hour? Goosebumps, guaranteed.
Cloth Hall - shopping with a side of history. This Renaissance building in the Main Market Square is where souvenirs meet style.
What are the top hotels in Krakow?
Think Krakow's stuck in the past? Wait 'til you see how they do hospitality. Here's where to drop your bags in style:
Hotel Copernicus - luxury in an ancient setting. It’s like sleeping in history, but with way comfier beds.
PURO Kraków Kazimierz - modern, chic, and smack dab in the middle of the coolest district. It’s where tradition meets trend.
Hotel Stary - a blend of medieval and modern luxury. The rooftop bar views? An Instagrammer's dream.
Queen Boutique Hotel - where elegance meets cosiness. Perfectly plonked in the centre for city exploring, and then relaxing like royalty.
Betmanowska Main Square Residence - right on the Main Market Square, it’s like having the city at your doorstep. Wake up and step straight into a Krakow postcard.
Popular Krakow hotels
Weather in Krakow
JAN
10°C
FEB
12°C
MAR
18°C
APR
24°C
MAY
28°C
JUN
31°C
JUL
32°C
AUG
32°C
SEP
27°C
OCT
23°C
NOV
17°C
DEC
10°C
The weather in Krakow's got a more random mix than your Spotify Wrapped. In winter, it's all 'Baby, it’s cold outside,' with temps often dipping below 0°C – perfect for cosying up with a grzaniec (Poland's answer to mulled wine). Spring swings by with a milder vibe, temperatures hovering around 10-15°C, and the city starts to shake off its snowy coat. The heat cranks up to a balmy 20-25°C in summer – hello, sunglasses and ice creams! Then autumn rolls in, all moody with its 5-10°C, but as long as you pack layers, you'll be well sorted.
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FAQs
What currency do they use in Krakow?
The local currency used in Krakow is the Polish Zloty. It's as fun to pay with as it is to say.
What language do they speak in Krakow?
The official language spoken in Krakow is Polish.
How long does it take to fly to Krakow?
It takes around 2.5 hours to fly to Krakow from the UK, which is just enough time to get into your holiday playlist, or just have a kip before the fun starts.
What's the time difference between the UK and Krakow?
The local time in Krakow is one hour ahead of the UK, so don't forget to alter your watch and electronic devices when you land, or you might be in for quite a confusing trip...
Bath time
Keep the bath bombs at home for this one - we don't mean your regular rub-a-dub-dub in a tub action, we're talking about Krakow's thermal baths. AKA, a warm, outdoor pool where you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak. Head to Zakopane for the ultimate outdoor pamper - complete with thermal pools, whirlpool baths and even waterslides to keep the kiddos happy.
Put a lock in it
Have your main character moment on the Father Bernatek Footbridge, by adding a padlock to the railing and tossing the key into the river. It's supposed to be all romantic, with people usually leaving a padlock that's engraved with someone's initials. We're not sure about the tossing the key into the river part, though.
Head to Dragon's Den
You won't find Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden here, but you will find a 25-million-year-old cave (looks great for her age, mind you), with creepy crawl spaces, eerie caverns and a tour guide to give you all the juicy goss on exactly what went down here. Claustrophobes, you might wanna skip this one.
Burn off some Energylandia
This is the biggest amusement park in Poland, with rollercoasters that'll have your stomach doing flips and a kids' zone for the youngsters. There's also a waterpark if you prefer your rides to come with a splash at the end, and you can catch an acrobatic show if you'd rather sit still and observe. Everyone's a winner!
Confuse your Instagram followers at the Museum of Illusions
Krakil, the Museum of Illusions is the place to snap some unique pics on your trip. It's a quirky old mansion with a bunch of weird and hilarious photo ops, and there are staff dotted all over the place to fill you in on the historic meaning behind it all. Even the kids will love this one!
What events can I go to in Krakow?
Krakow’s calendar is like a buffet of festivals and events – there's something for every craving! Here's the lowdown on what's cracking (or Krakowing) throughout the year:
Krakow Film Festival (May/June) - a cinematic feast where you can binge-watch everything from indie flicks to documentaries. It's like Netflix, but in real life and with popcorn.
Wianki - Fête de la Musique (June) - music and wreaths on the summer solstice, because why not? It's like a Midsummer Night's Dream, but you're actually awake.
Dragon Parade (June) - what it says on the tin - a parade where dragons take over the city. It's like Game of Thrones, but family-friendly and without the drama.
Cultural Night (June) - when the city turns into a 24-hour cultural party. Who needs sleep when there’s art to see and music to hear?
Pierogi Festival (August) - celebrate Poland's favourite dumpling! It's a carb-lover's paradise, with more fillings than you knew existed. Food coma? Worth it.
Krakow Live Festival (August) - music-lovers, assemble! With big names and electric vibes, it’s like Coachella, but with more pierogi and less desert.
Krakow Jazz Autumn (October/November) - get jazzy with it as the city swings to the rhythm of saxophones and double basses.
All Saints' Day (November) - not the girl group in this case. Think candlelit cemeteries and a sea of lights, turning remembrance into something magical.
Christmas Markets (December) - fairy lights, mulled wine, and enough festive cheer to power Santa’s sleigh. It's like walking into a Christmas card.
Where's the best nightlife in Krakow?
Alright, let's talk Krakow after dark – where the fun doesn’t stop and every corner has a story (...or a shot). Check out these spots for pure party vibes:
Alchemia - it's like your cool, slightly eccentric aunt’s living room turned bar, smack dab in the middle of Kazimierz. Perfect for a chill night with live tunes that’ll have you tapping your feet.
Wodka Cafe Bar - this cosy joint's like a vodka rainbow exploded in the most chill way possible. Great for a 'let's try every flavour' challenge.
Frantic Club - if you're into thumping beats and dancing like nobody’s watching (even though everyone is...), this is your jam.
Prozak 2.0 - underground? Literally. It's all about bass that you feel in your bones and a crowd that's all in for a good time.
Piękny Pies - a bit gritty, a bit hip, and a whole lot of fun. It's the spot where you're bound to make new besties.
Mercy Brown Dive Bar - sneak into this speakeasy for some seriously fancy cocktails. It's like Gatsby’s party, but in modern Krakow.
Shisha Club - imagine lounging like royalty on cushions, shisha pipe in hand. It’s a little slice of the Middle East right in the city.
Harris Piano Jazz Bar - smooth jazz, smoother drinks. It’s the classy corner of Krakow where you can pretend you know a thing or two about jazz.
BaniaLuka - cheap drinks and a no-frills good time. It’s the go-to for laughs, chatter, and the “I’m not spending much tonight” crowd (yeah, right...).
What's the food like in Krakow?
Get ready to tuck into Krakow's culinary scene – it's like a hearty hug on a plate, Polish style! Here's what to munch on while you're there:
Pierogi – Polish dumpling royalty. Stuffed with everything from potatoes and cheese to fruit. Just trust us on this one.
Żurek – this sour rye soup is a flavour bomb. It’s served in a bread bowl because, let's be honest, everything's better when you can eat the bowl.
Bigos – known as Hunter's Stew, it’s a mix of sauerkraut, meat, and a whole lot of love. It's like a stew that's been to the gym – buff and hearty.
Kielbasa – Polish sausage that’s so much more than just sausage. Grill it, fry it, love it – it’s the versatile meaty treat of your dreams.
Oscypek – smoky cheese from the Tatra Mountains. It’s like regular cheese decided to go on an adventure.
Kotlet Schabowy – a breaded pork cutlet that’s giving schnitzel some serious competition. Crunchy, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Zapiekanka – imagine a baguette, topped with mushrooms, cheese, and a whole lot of toppings, then toasted to perfection. It’s street food that’s basically a pizza sandwich. Genius, right?
Pączki – these Polish doughnuts are little rounds of joy filled with jam or cream and dusted with sugar. They're like a hug for your sweet tooth.
Places to visit
Planty Park
Once you get past the whole it sounds like a toddler named a park thing, this place has gotta be bumped near the top of your Krakow bucketlist. It one of the biggest parks in Krakow and gives Central Park a run for its money, minus the skyscrapers and overpriced pretzels. This place was once the moats, walls and towers that acted as the city's defence, but today it's a pretty stroll space full of winding paths, flowerbeds and fountains. It's a welcome bit of peace and quiet away from the tourist buzz. Don't forget to keep an eye out for squirrels!
Wawel Royal Castle
You're about to step into Krakow's own version of a royal soap opera. Not to sound like an M&S ad, but this isn't just a castle - it's a mash-up of centuries of juicy history, grand kings...and maybe a dragon tale or two. Wander through fancy halls and check out the crown jewels that'll make your bling look a bit...well, bland. Plus, the views? Let's just say they're more Insta-worthy than your favourite influencer's feed. It's like stepping into a time machine, but with way better interior design. Royal selfies, anyone?
Market Square
Krakow's Market Square is like the ultimate people-watching spot, but with a side of medieval architecture. Fancy a spot of shopping? The Cloth Hall’s got souvenirs that scream 'I’ve been to Krakow and got you this'. Hungry? The surrounding cafés serve up pierogi that'll make you forget all about your diet. And those street performers? They’re Krakow’s free entertainment, ranging from 'wow' to 'what the...?'. Plus, the pigeons here are practically celebrities – but maybe don’t ask for an autograph.
Key facts about Krakow
Flight Time
2.5 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Currency
Polish Zloty
Language
Polish
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Krakow?
We'd recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Krakow?
No, you won't need to pay any tourist tax on your holiday to Krakow.
Do I need a visa to visit Krakow?
If you're visiting for less than 90 days, then you don't need a visa to visit Krakow, or anywhere in the Schengen area.
