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Kraków travel guide
A medieval market square, Wawel Castle, a fire-breathing dragon and the streets of Kazimierz.
Photo: Piotr Kalinowski / Pexels · Pexels License
Kraków’s historic centre was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, listed in 1978. The compact Old Town is ringed by the green Planty park. From the vast Main Square, the Royal Road leads down Grodzka Street to Wawel Castle and Cathedral, where Polish kings were crowned. South of Wawel lies Kazimierz, for centuries home to the city’s Jewish community. Across the river, Podgórze holds the Schindler’s Factory museum. Two or three days covers the city; add a day each for the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Plan your Kraków trip
Best things to do in Kraków →
12 honest picks with costs, timing and skip-it-ifs.
Where to stay in Kraków →
3 neighbourhoods compared, with hotel picks per budget.
Kraków in 3 days →
A day-by-day route grouped by area.
Day trips from Kraków →
2 easy escapes by train or bus.
Kraków City Quest →
A printable self-guided treasure hunt.
Kraków quick facts
- Best time to visit
- May–September for long days and outdoor cafés. The Wawel Dragon’s Den is open only from 24 April to 31 October. Winter is cold, but the Old Town is atmospheric and quieter.
- Money
- Polish złoty (PLN, zł), not the euro. Cards are widely accepted.
- Airports
- Kraków John Paul II Airport (KRK) in Balice, west of the city.
- Airport to city
- The SKA1 train runs to Kraków Główny in about 17 minutes for PLN 20 (2026, check). Buy tickets on the platform, on the train or in the KOLEO or Jakdojade apps; city-transport (MPK) tickets are not valid on the train.
- Getting around
- Walk: the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz are close together. Trams and buses (MPK) cover longer hops such as Podgórze and the station.
- Budget
- Good value. Main museums cost about PLN 20–95 each (2026), several sights are free and food is cheaper than in Western Europe. Compare live hotel prices.
- Language
- Polish. English is widely spoken at sights, hotels and restaurants in the centre.
- Plugs
- Type C and E, 230 V.
Only have one day? Do these three
Top things to do in Kraków
- 1. Main Square (Rynek Główny) · Free
- 2. St Mary’s Basilica · PLN 20, reduced PLN 10
- 3. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) · Arcades free
- 4. Wawel Castle & Cathedral · Castle 1st + 2nd floor PLN 95, reduced PLN 71, including an audio guide
- 5. Wawel Dragon & Dragon’s Den · Statue free
- 6. Kazimierz · Free to walk
Watch: Kraków in one video
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Our walk-through of Kraków is in production. See all videos.
Turn sightseeing into a game
Kraków City Quest
Follow 12 quest stops from the Barbican through the Main Square, past St Mary’s and Collegium Maius, down the Royal Road to Wawel and the fire-breathing dragon, finishing in Kazimierz, with riddles, photo missions, a kids’ mode and a printable map.
Get the questKraków FAQ
How many days do you need in Kraków?
Two days covers the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz. Three days adds Schindler’s Factory or a day trip to Wieliczka; four lets you also visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
How much does Wawel Castle cost?
In 2026 a ticket for the castle’s first and second floors costs PLN 95 (PLN 71 reduced) including an audio guide; one floor is PLN 57. The cathedral is a separate PLN 26 ticket.
How do I get from Kraków airport to the city?
Take the SKA1 train to Kraków Główny: about 17 minutes for PLN 20 (2026, check). City-transport tickets are not valid on the train.
Do I need to book Auschwitz-Birkenau in advance?
Yes. Entry is free, but every visitor needs a named entry pass reserved at visit.auschwitz.org. Guided visits in English cost PLN 150 (2026).
Does Kraków use the euro?
No. Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Cards are widely accepted.
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