Visiting Krakow at Christmas offers a magical experience centered around the stunning Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), which hosts one of Europe's best festive markets (late Nov–Dec) featuring traditional crafts,, mulled wine (grzaniec), and local foods like pierogi. Key activities include visiting the nativity scene (szopka) displays, ice skating, and exploring the historic Old Town.
Explore the Old Town (Stare Miasto) Wander the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)--one of Europe's largest medieval squares. Visit St. Mary's Basilica and listen for the hourly trumpet call. Warm up with mulled wine (grzaniec) from the Christmas market--it's magical with handmade crafts, lights, and food. 2.
In Krakow, DO learn basic Polish phrases, try pierogi, validate public transport tickets, explore local markets, be respectful in churches, and use ride-sharing apps like Bolt for transport. DON'T drink alcohol in public, make insensitive jokes about Polish history, be loud in religious sites, touch historical monuments, or assume everyone accepts cash only; always validate transport tickets, and be cautious of jaywalking and late-night solo walks.
Although prices tend to be at their peak during December, Kraków remains a bargain all year round. Anywhere close to the Old Town is good, but the streets around the Rynek Główny are optimal if you want to be in the thick of the Christmas cheer.
3 Days in Kraków, Poland | Best Things To Do For First-Time Visitors
Is Krakow too cold in December?
December is one of the coldest times of the year in Krakow. Winter is in full swing and the region's oceanic climate is very cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The possibility of frost and snow is very high, so make sure to pack lots of winter clothes for your trip.
Cash or Card? Krakow is Poland's most tourist-friendly city, and one of the largest and most international in the country. Athough it's always a good idea to have some cash to hand, you can also pay by card in the majority of establishments, bars, and restaurants, or even on public transport.
In previous years, the last Friday (or weekend) in November is when the Krakow Xmas market usually opens and so we are expecting this year to be no exception with a provisional opening date of 28th November 2025 being the first day of the market."
Yes, Kraków (Krakow) is an extremely walkable city, especially its central Old Town and Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter), which feature pedestrian zones and compact layouts perfect for exploring on foot to see main attractions like the Main Square (Rynek Główny) and Wawel Castle, though you'll use trams or buses for slightly further sites like Schindler's Factory, according to sources like Visit Krakow and 48 Hours In Europe.
The Krakow Christmas Market is internationally famous, consistently ranked among the most beautiful in Europe. It captivates guests with its traditional wooden stalls, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, and the stunning backdrop of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica.
Visits to the memorial site (Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau) are free of charge. Due to the large volume of visitors, visitors are now only permitted to visit the memorial site without a guide at certain times. The memorial offers a wide selection of guided tours for individuals and groups.
How much does the train from Kraków to Auschwitz cost?
Times: Most trains run hourly and take just under 2 hours to reach Oświęcim. However, there is a 70-minute train leaving at 6.44am which arrives just before 8am, when Auschwitz-Birkenau opens. Prices: Expect to pay about 36zł (8€) each way for the faster trains.
Areas to avoid at night: Kraków is generally safe, but exercise usual caution in less busy streets after midnight, especially around train stations and poorly lit areas. Kazimierz and the Old Town are lively and safe at night, but small side streets may be quiet and empty — use common sense.
Do you tip in Poland? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Poland - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.
As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping around 10-20 PLN (approximately 2-5 USD) per day. If you stayed in a luxury hotel or received exceptional service, it may be appropriate to tip a bit more—around 20-30 PLN (5-7 USD) would be well-received.
A three-course meal for two in a decent restaurant in Kraków should cost you the equivalent of about £21.00, whereas the same is likely to be about £45.00 in, say, Birmingham. Whenever you fancy a regular-size cappuccino, it'll probably come with a £1.70 price tag, compared to £3.50 back home.
While major cities and tourist areas in Poland typically accept debit cards, some smaller shops, local vendors, or remote locations may only accept cash. Carrying some Polish złotys for these situations is always a good idea.
