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Krakow, Poland
Krakow, Poland - Photo by Nomadic Julien

Exploring the Beauty of Krakow - An Unforgettable

About Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland is a picturesque European destination known for its rich Jewish heritage and Gothic architecture. Visitors can explore the Wawel Castle, stroll through the Main Market Square, and visit the Auschwitz concentration camp. With a vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine, Krakow is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Krakow, Poland is a city steeped in history and culture. From the Gothic architecture of Wawel Castle to the bustling energy of the Main Market Square, Krakow offers something for everyone.

One of the most popular destinations in Krakow is the historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz. Take a walking tour to learn about the area's rich Jewish heritage and visit the many synagogues and museums that commemorate the Jewish community.

Another must-see attraction is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside the city. This unique UNESCO World Heritage site features underground tunnels and caverns carved out of salt. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the miners who worked there.

Krakow is also home to one of the largest and best-preserved medieval town squares in Europe. The Main Market Square, or Rynek Glowny, is the heart of the city and is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Cloth Hall, a stunning Renaissance-era structure that was once a major center of international trade.

Foodies will love Krakow's vibrant culinary scene, which offers a mix of traditional Polish cuisine and international options. Sample pierogi, a type of dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, or try zapiekanka, a type of open-faced sandwich that's a popular street food.

For those interested in learning about Krakow's more recent history, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a must. This former concentration camp is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Finally, be sure to take a stroll along the Vistula River, which winds its way through the city. The river offers stunning views of Krakow's skyline and is a great place to relax and people-watch.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, Krakow is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Poland.

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Popular Stays in Krakow, Poland

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Krakow, Poland

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Business hotelsHotels with spaFamily hotels

Novotel Krakow Centrum

The hotel is located near the Vistula Boulevards in the heart of Krakow. It offers easy access to the train station and Krakow-Balice Airport and a convenient route toward Wawel, the old town and the Kazimierz district. Spacious rooms (most with views of the meandering River Vistula), modern conference rooms, a renovated restaurant, bar and recreation center make for an enjoyable stay.
Conferences
Business hotelsHotels with charmPet friendly Hotels

Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre

Central Krakow hotel in the heart of the Old Town, with free Wi-Fi and a conference centre. The Holiday Inn® Krakow City Centre hotel is a five-minute walk from the vast Main Square in the city’s historic Old Town. Local tram and bus stops are nearby, and Kraków Główny train station is within easy reach. John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice is a 25-minute drive. The hotel’s 12 fully equipped function spaces include a stylish conference room for up to 440 people, and a short drive takes you to the ICE Krakow Congress Centre. Krakow's 13th-century Rynek Główny square is lined with palaces and churches, including the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica. The Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, a 12-minute walk, is home to the 15th-century Old Synagogue and its Jewish culture museum. You can walk to the hilltop Wawel Royal Castle and the art museum within 15 minutes. At this hotel, you can enjoy IHG One Rewards free WI-FI throughout the building, a business centre, on-site parking for a daily fee, and a mini-gym. Rooms come with a pillow menu to help you get a good night’s sleep. Wake up to a continental buffet breakfast in The City restaurant, and dine on Polish and Mediterranean cuisine in the stylish Impresja. After a busy day, enjoy an energising mini-gym workout or relax with friends in the lively Reflections Bar and Restaurant.
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Business hotelsHotels with spaFamily hotels

Novotel Krakow City West

The 4-star Novotel Krakow City West will surprise you with its modern interiors, a renovated fitness centre, a swimming pool and a colorful children's zone. Spacious 30-metre rooms, warm colors, super-fast Wi-Fi guarantee a comfortable stay and ideal environment for work. At Novotel we care about your well-being, so the time spent in Novo2 Louge bar and live music will be the perfect ending of the day.
Restaurant
Business hotels

Express Kraków Hotel

Express Krakow Hotel is a comfortable 4-star hotel with friendly atmosphere, helpful staff and convenient location (5 km from the Old Town of Krakow and easy access to the airport). All the rooms are en suite, air conditioned and come with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. The Amber Restaurant serves polish and international cuisine, while at the lobby bar you can enjoy a wide range of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Express Krakow Hotel also has 6 meeting rooms, as well as a business centre which allows you to take care of any urgent matters.
Conferences
Business hotelsSustainable Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow

Located only a few minutes away from the Main Market Square and some of the city's most attractive tourist spots, the hotel is a great place for families and couples on vacation and travellers coming to Krakow on business. The hotel is only 15 km from the airport. The rooms at this hotel are comfortable and luminous; they offer all amenities, so guests feel like at home. The hotel also has a fitness centre where guests can exercise and a wellness centre where guests can treat indulge in a relaxing massage. The hotel also offers bicycle tours around the city. Guests can dine in at the restaurant which serves tasty seafood and fish, and three times a week it offers the buffet, with fresh fish, local products and healthy options. At the bar with its original salt walls, it is the perfect place to unwind while having a drink.
General view
Business hotelsHotels with charm

H15 Hotel Francuski

Situated a few minutes away from the Main Market Square, the hotel was opened in 1912 and it still maintains its grandeur. It is situated in Krakow's Old Town, within easy reach from the city's main tourist attractions. The railway station is only a quick walk away while the airport is set at 15 km distance. Rooms at this charming hotel are decorated in a romantic and traditional style but combined with modern amenities and the professional and attentive service provided by the staff. It is the perfect place for families or couples visiting Krakow for the first time. The hotel features a great conference room, which also makes it perfect for business travellers. At the hotel's restaurant, a varied breakfast buffet is served every morning. After a long day of business meetings or sightseeing, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
Lobby
Business hotelsHotels with spa

Sympozjum Hotel & Spa

Situated in a quiet area of Cracow, the hotel is an ideal destination for couples on a romantic escapade, families and business travellers. The hotel is only a few kilometres from the Old Town, and well connected to the railway station and the airport. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, decorated in soothing colours and equipped with modern amenities. The hotel's spa centre is an oasis of relaxation where guests can unwind after a long day of business meetings or visiting the city. It boasts an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi and massage rooms. Guests can enjoy at the restaurant which serves exquisite European cuisine and a wide selection of wines and desserts. The café and drink bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with colleagues.
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Business hotelsSport hotels

Booking Hotel Crown Piast & Spa

Situated in a quiet area of Cracow and surrounded by a lush garden, this beautiful hotel is ideal for travellers visiting Cracow for business or pleasure. It is located roughly 10 km away from the city centre, where guests will be able to visit the city's most attractive tourist sites as well as shopping centres, restaurants and cafés. The property offers bike rentals and the nearest golf course is only 25 km away. The establishment boasts magnificent conference rooms and banqueting facilities for business meetings and events holding up to 500 people. Guests can relax at the saunas. At the restaurant, guests will be able to taste à la carte fine Polish delicacies or enjoy a coffee on the terrace with beautiful views of the garden. The rooms are comfortable and fully equipped, decorated in a classic style and with free Wi-Fi. They all come with free Wi-Fi, free wired Internet and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Other amenities include minibars, coffee makers, and in-room massages.

Things to do in Krakow, Poland

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Krakow, Poland

Krakow Highlights & Hidden Districts with a Local Private Guide
Digital Voucher180 minutes

Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow

This is not just another Krakow tour; this is a tour of the best of Krakow Hidden Districts with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Krakow, especially the hidden districts, on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see the hidden districts of Krakow at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Wawel Castle, Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), Forum Przestrzenie, and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.
Krakow Old Town Guided Walking Tour
Digital Voucher180 minutes

Krakow Old Town Guided Walking Tour

See the beauty of the Old Town with its original Medieval street layout, marvelous architecture, and unique atmosphere that distinguishes Krakow from the rest of Poland. As the former capital of Poland, it has a rich history which is still visible in its architecture today.
Auschwitz
Digital Voucher660 minutes

Full day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine with a local guide from Krakow

During your short stay in Krakow do not want to waste your time, select Auschwitz and Salt Mines one day tour. This will save you time and money!! First you will go to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp where you can learn more about the Nazi occupation of Poland and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich. The English guided tour in both camps will takes approximately 3 hours with a local guide. After visiting both camps the driver will takes you to the Salt Mine in Wieliczka A complex of underground excavations consisting of 3 thousand chambers of the total length of 300 km at levels from 64 to 327 meters deep. Inscribed onto the First UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List in 1978. The English guided tour in the Mine will takes approximately 2,5 hours with a local guide
Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour
Digital Voucher420 minutes

Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour

The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum & Memorial in Oświęcim, about 70 km from Krakow, was created on the grounds of the former Nazi German concentration camp. It is the most recognizable symbol of the Holocaust and human genocide in the world. The Memorial Site is an area of almost 200 ha, over 150 buildings, and about 300 ruins, including remains of gas chambers and crematoria destroyed by the German Nazis. The trip includes permanent exhibitions, original buildings of the main Auschwitz camp and the most important buildings of the Auschwitz (II) - Birkenau camp. Join a group of up to 30 fellow travellers and explore this harrowing period in human history led by a professional English-speaking guide. The price includes pickup from your accommodation or one of the meeting points, an admission ticket, a tour with a professional guide in English, transportation service.
Guided Tour Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau with pickup options
Digital Voucher450 minutes

Guided Tour Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau with pickup options

This 7-hour tour from Krakow will bring you to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum -- be transported in an air-conditioned minibus by an licensed experienced driver with an English-speaking guide in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum including audio equipment.
Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau - Transfer & Ticket
Digital Voucher420 minutes

Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau - Transfer & Ticket

Embark on a profound journey into the harrowing chapters of history with our Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. This comprehensive exploration ensures the memories of the victims are honoured. Enjoy a hassle-free start with a pick-up from your hotel or a set meeting point. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a pre-scheduled entry, you'll avoid long ticket queues. An expert museum guide will lead your group, which ranges from 16 to 30 participants, through the poignant sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Highlights: •Auschwitz I: See the chilling "Arbeit macht frei" gate, evidence of wartime atrocities, and the remnants of a gas chamber and crematorium. •Auschwitz II - Birkenau: Explore the Death Gate, initial selection ramp, inmate barracks, and ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums. Anticipate a concise yet impactful 3-hour tour, enriching your grasp of this significant historical site.
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher660 minutes

Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine in One Day

The former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt mine are two of the most visited day trip destinations from Krakow. On this tour, visit both in one day and travel in the comfort of a private vehicle. Visit the memorials and museums of Auschwitz-Birkenau at your own pace, or upgrade to join a guided tour of the site. Afterward, venture underground for a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. •Choice of a guided or self-guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau •Guided walking tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine •Comfortable private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle •Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Krakow hotel •Get the preparation eBook "The Stories of Auschwitz"
Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup
Digital Voucher420 minutes

Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow with Hotel Pickup

Avoid the hassle of organizing car rental and instead, get between Krakow and Auschwitz-Memorial and Museum with ease on this day tour. After a Krakow hotel pickup, set off on a drive directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the victims who lost their lives in Nazi-occupied Poland. Upon arrival, either go on a guided tour or an independent walk around, depending on your chosen preferences. • Spend a day visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum • The trip includes pickup from hotels in Krakow’s city center • Travel in a vehicle that’s equipped with air-conditioning • No need to wait to purchase tickets: Admission is included • Get the preparation eBook "The Stories of Auschwitz"

Why People Love Krakow, Poland

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Krakow, Poland

M
MarkK2281
5
Nov 2019
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Janina was the perfect guide and provided an excellent tour of Old Town and a few surrounding districts. Stopped at very small — but tremendous Pierogi restaurant — that might well have been worth the cost of tour! Janina was informative about the city and its history and was eager to answer an...
C
CiroP312
5
Nov 2019
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
excellent tour made by Tomasz. He took me all around Krakow old town in nearly 3 hours explaining to me in details all I needed to know about the places we were visiting, and exceeding my expectations. He went extra miles showing all his efforts to make my day tour something memorable. Very profe...
D
disgenoten
5
Oct 2019
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Krakow
Hebben 24 km gewandeld met Maya in twee sessies op een dag en we hadden nog wel een dag met haar kunnen wandelen. Fantastische instelling van haar en niets was te gek echt een aanrader voor iedereen die Krakau wil zien

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Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

What are the must-visit attractions in Krakow?

Krakow is a city rich in history and culture, with many attractions worth visiting. The Wawel Royal Castle is a must-see, as it is a symbol of the city and the former seat of Polish kings. The Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe, is also worth a visit, with its picturesque buildings and the famous Cloth Hall. Additionally, the Kazimierz district, once the center of Jewish life in Krakow, is now a lively area with many cafes, bars, and restaurants.

What are some unique activities to do in Krakow?

Krakow offers many unique activities for visitors. One popular attraction is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which has been in operation since the 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and see the underground chapels, lakes, and sculptures made entirely of salt. Another unique activity is visiting the Nowa Huta district, a socialist-era planned city that was built in the 1950s. Visitors can take a tour of the area and see examples of socialist architecture and design.

What are some good restaurants in Krakow?

Krakow has a vibrant food scene with many great restaurants to choose from. One popular restaurant is Wesele, which serves traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Another great option is Pod Aniolami, which is known for its upscale Polish cuisine and extensive wine list. For something more casual, Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa is a popular bar that serves traditional Polish snacks and drinks.

What are some good accommodations in Krakow?

Krakow has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. One great option is the Grand Hotel, a historic hotel located in the heart of the city. Another popular choice is the Hotel Stary, which is housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century building. For budget travelers, the Greg&Tom Hostel is a great option, with its central location and friendly staff.

What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and there are many outdoor events and festivals. However, this is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with milder weather and fewer tourists. Winter can be cold and snowy, but the holiday season is a popular time to visit, with many Christmas markets and events.

What is the best way to get around Krakow?

Krakow is a walkable city, but there are also many other transportation options available. The public transportation system includes trams and buses, with tickets available at kiosks and ticket machines. Taxis are also available, but be sure to use a reputable company to avoid overcharging. Additionally, many of the main attractions are located in the Old Town, which is closed to traffic, so walking or biking may be the easiest way to get around.

What are some good day trips from Krakow?

Krakow is surrounded by many beautiful and interesting places that are worth a day trip. One popular destination is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside the city. Another great option is the Wawel Castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views. The nearby town of Zakopane, located in the Tatra Mountains, is also a popular day trip destination, with its beautiful scenery and traditional wooden architecture.

What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night. The Main Market Square is a popular spot for nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in the surrounding streets. The Kazimierz district is also a popular spot for nightlife, with many trendy bars and clubs. Additionally, there are many cultural events and festivals that take place in the evenings, such as concerts, theater performances, and film screenings.

What is the currency used in Krakow?

The currency used in Krakow is the Polish złoty (PLN). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most restaurants and stores accept credit cards. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tipping.

What is the weather like in Krakow?

Krakow has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average high temperature in the summer months is around 25C (77F), while the average low in the winter months is around -5C (23F). It can be rainy throughout the year, so it's a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat.