Where are the Christmas markets in Krakow?

Krakow's Christmas markets center around the stunning Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), featuring stalls with Polish crafts and food between St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall, with smaller markets also in Kazimierz (Plac Wolnica) for a relaxed vibe and near Galeria Krakowska mall for a funfair atmosphere and ice rink.

Where to stay in Krakow for Christmas markets?

Explore various stays near Christmas Markets, including popular choices like Hotel Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only, Hotel Wentzl, The Bonerowski Palace, Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel, Fragola Apartments Old Town.

Is Krakow Christmas Market worth visiting?

1. Visit Krakow's Christmas markets. The vibrant Christmas markets in Krakow are among the best in all of Europe and the highlight of the city's holiday season, making them one of the best places to spend the holiday season.

Do you have to pay for Krakow Christmas Market?

Kraków Christmas Markets

The biggest is on the main Rynek Główny market square. Smaller markets are on plac Wolnica in Kazimerz and outside the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall. All are free to enter. They offer a fantastic range of festive gifts and crafts for sale.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Poland?

The Krakow Christmas Market is Poland's most famous—and often ranked among the best in Europe. Held in Europe's largest medieval square, this market is a stunning blend of Gothic architecture, festive lights, and traditional wooden stalls.

Christmas Markets in Krakow, Poland || European Christmas Market Tour 2024 Part 2

What part of Kraków is the Christmas market?

Krakow's knockout main square, Rynek Główny, gets dressed up in its fanciest festive sparkle and is filled on one side with a buzzy Christmas market throughout November and December. Stroll through and you'll find stalls selling frosted gingerbread, wooden decorations and delicate jewellery.

Where is the most magical Christmas market?

• 44 Wildly Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe (Ranked!) Last Updated: October 28, 2025. ...
• London, England. OOH. ...
• Budapest, Hungary* ...
• Düsseldorf, Germany. ...
• Stuttgart, Germany. ...
• Paris, France. ...
• Winchester, England. ...
• Essen, Germany.

What to buy at Krakow Christmas Market?

What is sold at Kraków Christmas Market? Kraków Christmas Market sells handmade ornaments, wooden toys, woollen scarves, festive decorations, and locally crafted jewellery. You can enjoy traditional Polish treats like pierogi, oscypek cheese, grilled sausages, mulled wine, gingerbread, and sweet pastries.

Do you have to pay for toilets in Krakow?

Where Are The Public Toilets In Kraków? You can use the toilets for free in bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as museums and other tourist attractions, provided you are a customer.

What is the main square in Krakow called?

The Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny in Polish), designed in 1257, is considered Kraków's city center and has an important historical, cultural and social significance.

Do and don'ts in Krakow?

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.

How cold is Krakow at Christmas?

The average temperature in December is -1°C with peaks of just 2°C at midday. Snowfall is possible because of the low temperatures and there's a 50% chance it'll snow during your visit. This is great if you've come to Krakow to celebrate Christmas and don't mind a touch of frost in the morning.

How crowded is Krakow's Christmas market?

The markets are crazy busy in the main square. Some more about to open in the little square and a small selection with a beautiful tree near the station.

Is Krakow a walkable city?

When it comes to the central attractions, Kraków is an extremely walkable city and you often won't need any transport at all. Much of the Old Town is pedestrianised, so you can wander around without danger of being run over.

Is 20 zloty a good tip?

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.

Do and don'ts in Poland?

When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.

Is everything closed on Sunday in Krakow?

Shops, supermarkets and shopping malls. Since 2018, Poland has strict laws on Sunday trading, which means that most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions. Petrol stations – in Poland, most of them are not only places to fill up your car, but also small grocery stores and cafeterias.

What is worth buying in Krakow?

Best things to buy in Kraków

Antiques: Kraków has many antique stores packed with gems from different periods. Wooden objects: In Poland you can find items made of wood of all sizes, shapes and colors, including jewelry boxes, small souvenirs and chess sets.

What is cheaper to buy in Poland than the UK?

The cost of buying a car and the petrol price in Poland are lower than in the UK, offering a viable alternative to public transport.

What is traditional Polish Christmas food?

The taste of dried forest mushrooms is part of Polish culinary heritage. This delicious soup usually comes with square or thin noodles. Other traditional Christmas Eve soups include soft-water fish soup (for example, carp), white borscht, vegetarian Christmas Eve sour rye soup or old fashioned sweet almond soup.

What should I wear to a Christmas market?

Think oversized coats, statement accessories, and chunky knits that are easy, effortless, and perfect for whatever the weather throws at you. For a chic outfit for the Christmas markets, layer a chunky knit over leather-look trousers, finishing the look with a long wool coat and heeled boots.

What is the most Christmassy city in Europe?

Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in the world 2025?

One of these markets has now been crowned the most beautiful Christmas market in the world. According to a recent ranking by CNN, Vienna's Christmas market at Rathausplatz takes the top spot for 2025.