Where should I stay in Kraków for the first time?

For a first-time visit to Kraków, the best areas to stay are the Old Town (Stare Miasto) for maximum convenience to major sights, or Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter) for a lively atmosphere, unique history, and great cafes. These central locations are highly walkable, allowing easy access to the main Market Square, Wawel Castle, and top restaurants.

Should I stay in Krakow old town or city centre?

If budget is a factor, the areas immediately outside the Old Town can be a good compromise. Meanwhile, Kazimierz has a special atmosphere all of its own. The good news is that central Kraków is very compact and many of the key attractions will be walkable from any hotel in or surrounding the Old Town.

Where to stay in Kraków for the first time?

Old Town (Stare Miasto): Best Overall for First-Time Visitors. If it's your first trip to Kraków, this is where you'll want to stay. The Old Town is the historic heart of the city — home to Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the stunning Main Market Square.

Where not to stay in Kraków?

Areas Far from the City Center with Poor Transport Links

Krakow has an efficient public transport system, but some outer districts are poorly connected, especially at night or on weekends. Staying in remote residential neighborhoods may seem cheaper, but long travel times can quickly become inconvenient.

Do and don'ts in Kraków?

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.

3 Days in Kraków, Poland | Best Things To Do For First-Time Visitors

How far is Krakow Old Town from Kraków city Centre?

The distance between Kraków and Kraków Old Town is 71 meters.

What is considered the centre of Kraków?

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.

Where to stay in Old Town Kraków?

Top Kraków Old Town Hotel Reviews

• Balthazar Design Hotel. 10/10 Excellent. ...
• Hotel Unicus Palace Old Town - Destigo Hotels. ...
• Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only. ...
• Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel. ...
• Garamond, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Krakow Old Town. ...
• Hotel Rezydent. ...
• Hotel Jan. ...
• Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem.

Is Auschwitz close to Warsaw or Kraków?

The easiest way to reach Auschwitz is from Krakow, which is roughly a 1-hour journey by car or bus. Most tours take at least 6 hours and include round-trip transportation. Meanwhile, Warsaw is just under 4 hours away by road, with tours lasting over 10 hours, given the transport times.

Where to visit in Kraków for first timers?

What you see will depend very much on your personal interests and how much time you have available. I would definitely consider Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Cathedral and Royal Apartments on Wawel Hill, Wieliczka salt mines, Schindler's Factory, and da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine.

Where is best to stay in Kraków for Auschwitz?

Best Accommodations to Stay in Kraków

• Hotel Stary: In the heart of Krakow's Old Town, Hotel Stary has modern amenities and historical charm. Elegant rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and a great restaurant. ...
• Bonerowski Palace: 5-star luxury hotel near Main Market Square.

Where not to stay in Kraków?

Areas to avoid in Krakow include some of the old residential areas and the city's outskirts. There are also interesting tourist destinations in places further out. A perfect example is the raw architecture of Nowa Huta. This utopian district will melt the heart of every photographer and history lover.

What day is market day in Kraków?

From Monday to Saturday it is dominated by groceries from local producers and various trinkets from small traders. Fresh, natural products can be bought from early morning until evening. On Sundays, on the other hand, book and antique lovers flock to the market hall.

Is Kraków cheap or expensive?

While Kraków is slightly more expensive than other Polish cities like Łódź or Katowice, it is still much cheaper than most Western European hubs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Hotels and apartments in Kraków offer excellent value for money.

Is Krakow a walkable city?

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.
 

Is 4 nights in Krakow too much?

If you want to enjoy the city and restaurants, go to Zakopane, visit Auschwitz -Birkenau, and tour the salt mines you'd need a minimum of 4 nights to do it properly, and then it would be a rush. I'd say 6 nights if you want to do it all at a reasonably chill pace. At least a week.

How much is a taxi from Kraków to Auschwitz?

There is also a taxi rank outside the museum entrance, for when you return, though this will probably cost more than booking in advance. Times: The fastest route takes 70 minutes from Kraków Old Town to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Prices: Expect to pay 175-200zł (35-40€) each way, though prices are higher before 6am.

Is there a hop on and off bus in Kraków?

WOW Krakow Hop-on Hop-off Tours

You can hop on and off at your own pace, making it super convenient to visit landmarks like Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and Schindler's Factory. The open-top buses offer great views, while the multilingual audio guide offers fascinating stories along the way.