Krakow is considered special for its remarkably preserved medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, having escaped major WWII damage. As Poland’s former royal capital, it boasts Europe’s largest town square (Rynek Główny), the stunning Wawel Castle, and a vibrant, walkable, and affordable Old Town filled with history, cafés, and nightlife.
The remarkably preserved Old Town is one of the main reasons visitors visit Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes visitors back to earlier days. Wander through narrow streets of cobblestones, enjoy beautiful Wawel Castle or feel the atmosphere of Main Square – one of Europe's largest medieval squares.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands out primarily for its Main Square, also known simply as the Old Market Square. Its architecture is truly impressive, and the Cloth Hall, located within the Market Square, allows you to feel the unusual atmosphere of a medieval marketplace.
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.
Why Warsaw is so special and Kraków is still home 🇵🇱❤
Is Kraków expensive or cheap?
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.
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.
The Gold 1 Package gives you the opportunity to enjoy 6 attractions: 7D cinema, laser maze, ribbon maze, upside down house, VR and the Living Butterfly Museum. The ticket is valid without a time limit.
Krakow is great for the Brits. A lot of the people that work there speak English very well, the city has no hills (other than going to the castle) and there's lots to explore and do, but it's also compact enough to not need a car.
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.
Avoid sightseeing during a religious ceremony. Keep an eye out for no photography signs in certain places. Give up your seat for somebody who may need it more than you. Smoking is banned in most public indoor spaces, such as restaurants and cafes.
Jaywalking, drinking in public places and smoking in non-designated areas are all generally frowned upon. Lateness is a sign of bad manners and carelessness in Poland. People are expected to be punctual in both professional and social situations. However, tardiness is still fairly common.
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.
Expect to pay 40-70zł for a main course at a mid-range restaurant, or 25-35zł for traditional Polish dishes like pierogis or schnitzel at local establishments. A full meal with drinks for two typically runs 150-200zł at an average restaurant.
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist. to visit family or friends.
How much is a taxi from Krakow old town 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.
