Kraków

Travel Guide
St. Mary\'s Basilica featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and a city
Poland’s former capital is known for its architectural splendor, exciting contemporary art and fascinating history, with castles, ruins and museums around the city.

Krakow is known for its turbulent history as one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its museums, housed in former castles and decadent Renaissance palaces, are filled with royal treasures and Holocaust reminders. But Krakow lives as much in the present as it does in the past, with a thriving contemporary arts scene, weekend markets and a lively nightlife.

The city is more than 750 years old for five centuries it was Poland’s capital. Successive generations of monarchs constructed castles and cathedrals and instilled a regal air that’s still evident today.

Getting around is easy thanks to a reliable network of trams and buses. Many of the major attractions are located within the compact and easily walkable Old Town (Stare Miasto) district. Visit the decorative St. Mary’s Basilica, which houses one of the most spectacular altarpieces in Europe. Take a walk around the Planty gardens that lie where the old town walls once stood. The old town gate, the Barbikan, is one of the most impressive sights in the park.

Towering above the city is Wawel Castle. This castle has protected Krakow from invaders since the 16th century, and today houses stately rooms, displays of opulent jewels and collections of armor. While here visit the monumental Wawel Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den, a limestone cave where legend says a dragon once lived.

Krakow’s history is intertwined with its Jewish community. Learn about this history at Oskar Schindler’s Factory, which found fame as the subject of the Steven Spielberg movie, Schindler’s List. The former factory has been turned into a comprehensive museum with haunting displays about the Holocaust. Head to the Galicia Jewish Museum, where photographs tell the story of what it means to be Jewish in modern-day Krakow.

In summer Krakow’s city parks come to life with open-air concerts and festivals. Picnic in Jordan Park or take a cruise on the Vistula River that cuts through the city. In winter, see Krakow covered in a layer of snow, giving the buildings of the Old Town a romantic air.

Where to stay in Kraków

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town
3.5 out of 5
ul. Sw. Gertrudy 12, Kraków
The price is $73 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$73
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town
Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
3 out of 5
Kapitana M. Medweckiego str. 22, Balice, Zabierzow, Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $81 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$81
per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Zabierzow. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (365 reviews)
"It was impeccably cleaned, stuff is friendly, overall stay was perfect."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
ul. Berka Joselewicza 19, Kraków, Lesser Poland
The price is $95 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$95
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (997 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Staff very friendly and helpful. Had a great stay."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Rynek Glowny 11, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Main Market Square and Planty Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,101 reviews)
Great location
"Perfect location for a visit to Krakow overlooking the old square. Lovely room and great communication from hotel with any questions you have and arranging transport from airport. Would definitely recommend Bit of noise from outside but no more than you’d expect for the benefit of being in the centre ..."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
4 out of 5
Ul. Golebia 2, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,031 reviews)
excellent
"Highly recommend this accommodation. Excellent location. This apparthotel has so much character"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Apartamenty Bracka 6
Apartamenty Bracka 6
4 out of 5
Bracka 6/6, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Main Market Square and Archbishop's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (557 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful apartments. We rented 3 for my family. Each one was uniquely different but absolutely fabulous. All high quality fixtures and fittings, fabulous facilities and in probably the best possible location in Krakow for everything. The staff are very helpful and extremely friendly. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Apartamenty Bracka 6
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Kraków

The historic core of Krakow is easy to walk around, and going on foot will give you the best experience of the city’s beautiful old buildings and pretty streets. Be careful of ice if you’re walking around in the winter, though. To get further afield, board one of the city’s trolleys or buses, or use the bike rental system; you can pick up and return bikes at hundreds of stations across the city. Visit the Municipal Infrastructure and Transport Board website.Browse Kraków rental cars.

Best time to visit

Visit Krakow in the summer and you’ll find very pleasant weather, with average highs in the mid 70s F (mid 20s C), perfect for sightseeing and relaxing in the city’s parks. This is also the busiest and priciest time of year to visit. In spring and fall prices are cheaper, but the weather is still pleasant. If you love getting into the festive spirit, visit in December to warm up at the cozy Christmas markets.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kraków

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
539
" "5 - Excellent 81.66666666666667%
4 - Good
107
" "4 - Good 16.21212121212121%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 1.8181818181818181%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.30303030303030304%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 15, 2020

What great little town! Easy train ride from Warsaw

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

Kraków is a beautiful place with many things to see, all within walking distance for those who can handle walking for a few hours to sightsee the city. If not, there are many tours available by foot, vehicle, and bike. Enjoy!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

It is a beautiful city!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 12, 2020

Krakow is a beautiful city and the people are extremely friendly. The dollar goes a long way here. You can have an amazing dinner that would cost $200+ in the USA but only costs $75 in Krakow.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 27, 2020

Great place to visit 3 days

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 16, 2020

We loved everything about Krakow. An absolutely beautiful city!

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