Krakow in Poland

Krakow is Poland's secret capital in the south of the country, and it has captured my heart in a whirlwind. For your planning and visit, I've put together this detailed travel guide with all my information and insider tips! Enjoy reading and have a fantastic city trip!

Out with the old prejudices and clichés about Poland. Let my enthusiasm inspire you, and see for yourself. In Krakow, tradition and modernity collide: In the Old Town, countless places of worship stand side by side, with statues of the Pope in between, and on the medieval Wawel Castle, structures from more than three artistic epochs come together. Just a stone's throw away, the youth in the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz celebrate wild parties with the best Polish vodka.

No wonder Krakow was the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and that the Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

Here you will find my experiences and tips for planning a trip to Krakow.

For a visit to Krakow, you can generously plan a long weekend, but at least two days to extensively explore the city's attractions. For a bit of relaxation, my tip is to stay for at least 4 to 5 days.

Krakow is located in southern Poland and is accessible as a major transportation hub by various means, but unfortunately, it's no easy jump away.

Distances:

Berlin-Krakow 600 kilometers

Hamburg-Krakow 880 kilometers

Munich-Krakow 900 kilometers

By long-distance train to Krakow:

You can reach Krakow with one or more transfers, for example in Warsaw or Poznan. The transportation network is operated by the state railway -> PKP. The train station is super central, northeast of the Old Town. You can travel affordably with the -> Europe Special of the German Railway.

The bus network in Poland is very well developed and, above all, modern. Many bus companies now offer direct connections by bus. I had good experiences with the -> Polski Bus, which is now part of Flixbus. The bus station is located right next to the main train station, making it very central.

If you're flying, you'll arrive with Air Berlin or Lufthansa at Krakow's John Paul II Airport. Cheaper flights are also offered by Germanwings, but you'll land 100 kilometers away in Katowice. I always search for flights on Skyscanner.

From the airport to the city

The airport itself is located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Therefore, you have three options to get to Krakow: Either by public transport bus (MPK). You can take line 292 towards: Krakowska Akademia, line 208 towards: Dworzec Główny Wschód, or, if you land at night, the night bus 902 towards: Dworzec Główny Wschód. A single fare costs 3 PLN (about 0.75 Euro). The journey takes about 30 minutes.

You'll get there faster with the express train "Balice Express" in just 16 minutes. The train runs every half hour and a trip costs 4 PLN (about 1 Euro).

Additionally, you can either rent a car or take a taxi, which costs around 70 PLN (about 18 Euro).

Driving on the highway, you can quickly head south into Poland via the Czech Republic or through Dresden or Cottbus.

You can discover the city's main attractions best on foot. The Old Town and the Jewish Quarter are less than 15 minutes apart. This way, you can see the city from its everyday side once again.

If you find yourself drawn to one of the suburbs or need to get to the airport, I recommend the very well-developed bus and tram network.

Although Poland is part of the EU, the national currency is the Polish Zloty. 1 Zloty is roughly equivalent to 20 cents. It's best to use an app like Currency (iPhone) to convert the currency. Roughly, 1 Euro corresponds to about 4.60 Zloty.

I withdrew cash directly upon arrival in Poland with my credit card. Withdrawals and payments in local currency went smoothly thanks to my DKB Bank credit card.

We paid with our credit card wherever possible to avoid carrying too much cash.

Currently, the best free credit cards for travel are the DKB Bank debit card, GenialCard (Hanseatic Bank), and the TF Bank Gold MasterCard. With a setup of at least 2 of these cards, you can almost always withdraw money for free from ATMs abroad and pay on-site without incurring foreign fees on foreign currencies! -> Here you can find all the tips from my experience for the best travel credit cards in comparison.

Krakow is considered a safe city. The usual clichés about Poland probably apply here, but I suspect greater 'danger' comes from British party tourists who roam from pub to pub in large groups, especially on weekends. This means: Of course, don't forget the usual safety precautions, but Krakow is generally considered safe.

You might have fewer communication problems in Krakow in English and somewhat in German. Nevertheless, I believe basic knowledge is essential for a relaxed journey and is part of cultural heritage:

Good day - Dzień dobry! [dschin dopre]

Goodbye - Do widzenia! [dó widßenja]

Yes - tak [tak]

No - nie [njä]

Thank you - Dziękuję! [dschiäkujä]

Cheers! - Na zdrowie! [nastrowjie]

In Krakow, you'll find a colorful palette of accommodations. When selecting, you should especially pay attention to the location. Particularly within the Old Town ring, party tourists flock to hostels. If you prefer a quieter environment, I recommend accommodation outside the city wall or in the Jewish Quarter. However, even there, you should check reviews beforehand.

Up to 50 Euros: Mundo Hostel

Between 50 and 100 Euros: Art & Garden Residence

Over 100 Euros: PURO Hotel Kraków

Treat yourself: Aparthotel Stare Miasto

Up to 50 Euros: Abel Hostel

Between 50 and 100 Euros: Aparthotel Miodowa

Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

Small and family-run: The Mundo Hostel Krakow warmly hosted us. The hostel is clean, located in the backyard of a multi-family house, a typical Polish old building. The rooms are simply furnished, but each has its own unique character. From Tibetan to American, there's something for everyone from around the world. Breakfast is included, highly recommended (pancakes!), and is served freshly made. I loved it there!

If you want a more personal Krakow vacation, just book an Airbnb accommodation. On the platform, you will find very nice overnight options - from a single room with a family to your own apartment.

Krakow is always a good choice! However, you enjoy the city best in summer when you can sip a cold Tyskie in the shade of the Old Town and enjoy a cool breeze by the Vistula River.

Summer is, of course, considered the peak travel season in Krakow. Consequently, accommodation prices also rise during this time, so late spring or early autumn is, in my opinion, the best time for travel.

Wherever I am, I like to eat locally but also look beyond my plate. Vegan-vegetarian options should really be available everywhere, right? I expected a meat paradise in Poland but was pleasantly surprised:

My restaurant tip in Krakow for vegetarians: In the north of the Old Town, you'll find Glonojad, which translates to 'Algae Eater Bar' (no joke!). Here you'll find everything a plant-friendly heart desires: Fresh smoothies, delicious cake, and of course, authentic pierogi - even vegan! This versatile café-bar-restaurant is cozy, and in the summer, you can sit outside while enjoying great value for money! If you come during the week for breakfast, it's not too crowded and a little chat with the owner is always possible.

Now you know my Krakow tips, but of course, there is so much more to experience and discover in Krakow. That's why I've picked out the best travel guides for your city trip:

MARCO POLO Compact Guide Krakow

DuMont Direct Guide Krakow

With these reading recommendations, you can start getting ready for Krakow and get a taste of the land, people, and culture:

Schindler's List Paperback by Thomas Keneally

Guide to Poland by Radek Knapp

I Float Over Krakow: Memoir Images* by Adam Zagajewski

I look forward to your tips in the comments and hope I could help you with your travel preparations! Or even better: You've already been there and can share your tips here!

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