Some cities impress you with their size and modern architecture. Others seduce you with their charm and relaxed atmosphere. And then, there is Krakow—a city that miraculously manages to do both, with such ease that it gets under your skin before you even realize it.
Imagine standing in the largest medieval square in Europe, as the clopping of horse-hooves pulling white carriages echoes off the cobblestones, and from the top of a Gothic basilica, a trumpeter plays a mournful, unfinished melody. Now, imagine just a few streets away, in the former Jewish quarter, descending into a candlelit cellar where creative energy mixes with the ghosts of the past and the taste of artisanal vodka.
This is Krakow. A city of kings and dragons, saints and alchemists; a city whose heart survived wars that devastated the rest of Poland and today beats stronger than ever. But Krakow’s greatest magic lies in one unexpected fact: all this beauty, history, and art is available for very little money. This is a city that offers an imperial experience at affordable prices, making it one of the smartest and most rewarding weekend destinations in Europe.
This is your guide to immersing yourself in that magic. A plan to experience the essence of Krakow in just a few days, from its royal splendor to its bohemian pulse.
The Krakow Compass: A Guide for Easy Navigation
Before you get lost in the medieval streets, here are a few tips to smooth your way.
1. Getting There: Close and Accessible Krakow is exceptionally accessible. The city has its own international airport (KRK), with another major one in nearby Katowice (KTW), both well-served by budget airlines from across Europe. It’s also well-connected by train and bus networks.
2. Currency and Budget: Where Your Money is Worth More
- Currency: The official currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Don’t accept offers to pay in Euros on the street or in tourist shops; the exchange rate is always poor.
- Exchanging Money (Kantor): Exchange money exclusively at official exchange points with a clearly displayed rate and no commission. Avoid the ones on the main square and at the airport.
- Value for Money: This is Krakow’s main advantage. Prices for food, drinks, transport, and entrance fees are significantly lower than in most other major European cities. Here, you can truly enjoy yourself without constantly worrying about the budget.
3. Getting Around: Your Own Two Feet Are Your Best Friend The heart of Krakow is made for walking. The entire Old Town (Stare Miasto), surrounded by the beautiful Planty park, and the adjacent Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) are completely flat and easily explored on foot. The walk between them is only 15-20 minutes. For more distant destinations, like Oskar Schindler’s Factory, the tram network is efficient and cheap.
Chapter I: The Heart of the Kingdom – The Old Town and Wawel Hill
Your adventure begins in the historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage site that miraculously survived World War II unscathed.
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): A Stage for History Prepare to be amazed. This is the largest medieval town square in Europe, vast and teeming with life.
- St. Mary’s Basilica: A dominant Gothic church made of red brick. Step inside to see the magnificent wooden altarpiece, the largest of its kind in the world. Be sure to stand in front of the basilica on the hour. From the taller tower, a trumpeter will play the Hejnał Mariacki—a melody that abruptly cuts off, commemorating a legendary 13th-century trumpeter who was shot in the throat by an arrow while warning the city of an attack.
- The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): A Renaissance-era market hall in the center of the square. Once a hub of international textile trade, it now houses souvenir stalls on the ground floor (where you can buy amber jewelry) and the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art upstairs.
- Town Hall Tower: The only remaining part of the old Town Hall. Climb the narrow stairs for a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the square.
Wawel Hill: The Polish Acropolis Just a 10-minute walk from the Main Square rises Wawel Hill, a symbol of the Polish nation. This is where Polish kings were crowned and buried for centuries.
- Wawel Royal Castle: A must-visit are the opulent State Rooms and the Private Royal Apartments.
- Wawel Cathedral: The coronation site and final resting place of Polish monarchs, saints, and national heroes.
- The Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama): Descend into the cave beneath the hill where, according to legend, the fearsome Wawel Dragon lived. At the exit, you’ll be greeted by a statue of the dragon that breathes actual fire every few minutes. Fun for all ages.
Chapter II: Kazimierz – Where the City’s Soul Awakens
If the Old Town is Krakow’s heart, Kazimierz is its soul. Once a separate city and the center of Jewish life in Poland, today it is the most vibrant, creative, and bohemian part of Krakow.
The Two Faces of Kazimierz
- Historic Jewish Heritage: Stroll down Szeroka Street, which feels more like a square and was the heart of the Jewish community. Here you’ll find the Old Synagogue (now a museum) and the Remuh Synagogue with its beautiful old cemetery.
- Modern Bohemian Pulse: Kazimierz is the epicenter of alternative culture. Streets like Józefa and Estery are filled with quirky cafés, small art galleries, vintage shops, and designer boutiques. Street art is everywhere.
The Nightlife of Kazimierz: A Labyrinth of Bars When night falls, Kazimierz comes alive. This is where you’ll find the best and most unusual bars in the city, many housed in old, crumbling buildings and cellars, with interiors reminiscent of Budapest’s ruin bars.
- Plac Nowy (New Square): The heart of the nightlife. In the center of the square is a round building from 1900, once a kosher slaughterhouse, now home to numerous windows selling zapiekanka—the Polish version of a pizza baguette.
A Foodie’s Guide to Krakow: Polish Cuisine
Polish food is hearty, delicious, and incredibly affordable.
- Pierogi: The national dish. These are boiled or fried dumplings with various fillings. The most popular are pierogi ruskie (with cheese and potatoes), with meat, or with cabbage and mushrooms.
- Zapiekanka: An absolute must-try cheap eat. A long half-baguette topped with mushrooms and cheese, toasted, and drizzled with ketchup. The best are at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
- Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny): A legacy of the communist era. These are simple canteens serving traditional Polish food at incredibly low prices. An authentic and tasty experience.
- Obwarzanek Krakowski: A braided ring-shaped bread, similar to a bagel, sprinkled with salt, sesame, or poppy seeds. Sold on every corner from small blue carts.
- Polish Vodka: Poland is the birthplace of vodka. In the bars of Kazimierz, try some of the artisanal, flavored vodkas (e.g., cherry, hazelnut, or quince).
Beyond the City: Trips That Change Your Perspective
Two excursions near Krakow are so important they should not be missed.
1. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- Important Note: This is not a tourist attraction but a place of profound solemnity, silence, and learning. A visit to the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp is emotionally draining but an immensely important experience.
- Logistics: The easiest way to visit is on an organized tour from Krakow. Book your tour weeks in advance due to immense interest.
2. Wieliczka Salt Mine
- The Experience: Descend 135 meters underground into a world made entirely of salt. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true marvel. You’ll walk through huge chambers, see underground lakes, and admire sculptures carved by miners from rock salt over centuries.
- The Highlight: The Chapel of St. Kinga. An entire cathedral carved out of salt, complete with reliefs, an altar, and even chandeliers made of salt crystals. The sight is absolutely surreal.
Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend (3 Days)
- DAY 1: Royal Krakow. Dedicate the day to the Old Town. Explore the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, and climb Wawel Hill to explore the castle and cathedral. Have lunch at a Milk Bar.
- DAY 2: A Lesson in History. Reserve this day for a full-day excursion. Most organized tours combine a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (morning) and the Wieliczka Salt Mine (afternoon). It will be a long and emotional day, but the most efficient way to see both.
- DAY 3: The Bohemian Spirit. Explore Kazimierz. Dedicate the morning to its historic Jewish heritage and synagogues. In the afternoon, get lost in its creative streets. Start the evening with a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy, then explore the neighborhood’s unique bars.
Conclusion: A City That Gives More Than You Expect
Krakow is a city of a thousand faces. It is royal and proud, yet bohemian and informal. It bears the deep scars of history but pulses with youthful energy. It is elegant, yet incredibly accessible.
This is a city that will feed your soul with beauty and history, but won’t empty your wallet. You will return home full of impressions, with the feeling that you have discovered a true gem of Europe, a place where medieval magic and modern creativity perfectly complement each other.
