About Krakow

Krakow, or Cracow, is one of the largest cities in Poland and the second largest in the country. Holding its old-world aura and charm, Krakow is the most beautiful of Poland's main cities, in spite of ruins from WWII bombings. It has been recognized as one of the most important centers of academia, economy, culture, and art. The old town area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site while the city has been widely called one of Europe's most beautiful cities. The city is also home to several acclaimed universities and art centers, including one of the world's oldest universities, the Jagiellonian University. The city has some of the most beautiful and ornate buildings in Europe in the traditional Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectures. It has the largest medieval market square in Europe, Rynek Główny. The city has received high praise from several bodies that led it to be named the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and has been called a UNESCO City of Literature since 2013.

Public Transport System

Krakow does not have an underground metro but has a world-class public transportation system that is convenient to use. While most attractions within the city are easily walkable, using the comprehensive public transport system is one of the best ways to see the sights.TramsThe best way to get around the city is by using the tram services that are integrated with the bus services. It runs from 05:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. after which its frequency drops. You can check the timings at mpk.krakow.pl or visit krakow. jakdojade.pl where vital navigation information is provided.Tickets can be bought at ticket machines at major stops. Or you could buy it on board trams and buses or from the driver upon boarding. You can use a credit/debit card at the ticket machines but onboard tickets can be purchased only with cash.Important points1. You could buy a Krakow Tourist card that includes unlimited free travel on buses and trams2. Get your ticket stamped as soon as you board a bus or tram failing which you could be fined3. People over 70 years old, disabled people, and children under 4 years of age ride for freeCar RentalTourist can also hire cars to travel in groups in the city. The minimum age for renting a car is 18 years. A valid ID, a credit card and a valid international driver’s license are also mandatory. Be aware that you cannot leave the country on road in a rented car. TaxiMost taxis that operate in Krakow are reliable and have meters. Make sure that you take a taxi that is marked by a company name and phone number. Taxis also have the rates printed on it and will hand you a bill at the end of the ride. While tipping a taxi driver is not required, drivers will expect a tip from tourists of around 10% of the fare. Alternative;y, Uber can also be used to travel around. Beware that due to restrictions on Uber, they may not be able to take you to your exact location. It is best to confirm before engaging a Uber.

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Efficiency: moderate, Cleanliness: moderate

Mode & Cost of Transports

  • A one-way ticket for a bus or a tram is 3.8 zloty, roughly 0.9 euro.
  • A 20-minutes ticket allowing for changing lines costs 2.8 zloty and its 40-minutes equivalent is 3.8 zloties.
  • An hourly ticket costs 5 zloty, and 90-minute ticket sets you back by 6 zloties.
  • You could avail unlimited-travel passes for all buses and trams at 15 zloty for a 24-hour ticket, pay 24 zloty for a 48-hour ticket, or pay 36 zloties for a 72-hour pass.
  • A 7-day unlimited-travel ticket costs 48 zloties.  
  • These tickets are valid only for travel within the city limits and for tickets cost 4 zloties for busses that travel outside the city limits. There are plenty of taxis in the city and fares should not exceed 30 euros during daytime or weekdays.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle PLN 2.00
Cup of Coffee PLN 8.00
Milk Carton Pack PLN 3.00
Rice/Kg PLN 3.00
White Bread PLN 3.00
Eggs (12) PLN 7.00
Combo Meal PLN 20.00
Fine Dining PLN 23.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi PLN 4.00
Domestic Beer PLN 3.00
Imported Beer PLN 5.00
Bottle of Wine PLN 25.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) PLN 16.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) PLN 2.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). PLN 4.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) PLN 2098.00
  • Taxis are quite reasonable in Krakow
  • You could get fined for jaywalking
  • Don’t forget to buy a ticket before getting on the tram otherwise, you will be fined
  • Drinking alcohol in the streets is prohibited
  • Make sure you employ a registered legal taxi
  • Hire a guide to show you around
  • Learning a few simple local words always helps
  • Some of the buildings are old and not wheelchair-accessible
  • Saying ’thank you’ to the locals means ’keep the change’
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches
  • 10% of the bill in tips in restaurants is the norm
  • Smoking is prohibited in public and attracts a fine

Night Life

Krakow’s nightlife is legendary and should definitely be a part of your to-do list while visiting the city. It is intense and vibrant and every type of entertainment is available, whether a bar with live music or a party with an energetic DJ. Or you could visit one of the pubs and karaoke bars to enjoy an evening.  Most parties take place within Krakow’s old town. Some of the world’s best producers and DJs perform in some clubs, keeping the party going until sunrise. A walk on Florianska or Szewska Street will give you a chance to experience Krakow’s nightlife and mingle with other tourists and locals alike. The clubs in the centre of the town at the main square known for its patronage of R’n’B, Hip-Hop, and dance music that gets the crowd moving and makes them a great location to party. Krakow has special bars with old-worldly charm, classic furniture, and several interesting and quirky delights that make visiting the bars an unforgettable experience. There is a special bar named "Beer Zone" that offers a wide range of craft beer that can satiate any thirst. For the adventurous singers, Krakow has its share of karaoke bars with the Coyote Bar the most famous. The bar has a great ambiance and the encouraging staff urges visitors to have a go at singing their favourite songs. If you want to have a conversation, the bar has a cozy garden that helps you enjoy a pleasant afternoon or evening. Come and get lost in night charm of the city.

Must See

  • Rynek Underground: Krakow’s historic medieval market square hides a unique secret and most tourists to the city miss it. About four feet below the famed cobblestone streets lies a 4,000-square-meter archeological site called Rynek Underground. The one-of-a-kind excavation site contains the remains of ancient shops, coins, and clothing items. The well-preserved relics are from a civilization that was overrun in 1241 AD by the Tartars. The site is a must-visit for history buffs and for tourists who like to explore the unbeaten path.
  • The Bones of the Wawel Dragon: Wawel Cathedral is another one of the various highlights of the city of Krakow. The cathedral contains the remains of several members of the Polish royal family. The interesting thing about the cathedral is that the compound contains bundles of bones that people believe belonged to a local dragon! The mortal remains of Smok Wawelski — the Wawel dragon are chained together hanging high above the main door. The story goes that before the city was built, the dragon used to terrorize the population before a local hero killed the beast.
  • Aleja Elvisa Presleya: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is among one of the city’s favorite artists. On the edge of the city, there is a forested trail that leads to a shrine dedicated to the King. Decorated with flowers and a marker and the site is due to the dedication of the vice president of the Elvis Presley fan club of Krakow. He petitioned the city to rename an avenue after his idol, Elvis Presley, and the city agreed and thus was born 'Aleja Elvisa Presleya’ or Elvis Presley Avenue.
  • Kopiec Wandy: Krakow's favorite princess, Wanda, is immortalized by the city with an artificial hill on the outskirts of the city. While there are several legends around the 50-foot manmade hill, it embodies the courage and devotion of the residents. The legend says that the princess took the throne after her father, King Krak after whom the city is named, died. This led to several neighboring kingdoms planning an invasion of the country which led the Polish to rally around their queen to defeat the invaders. This is, however, just one of the many legends that of their beloved queen.
  • Collegium Maius: The oldest surviving university in Poland is in Krakow. The Collegium Maius has a wealth of scientific instruments used by several famous personalities including Copernicus. The university itself is a hub of scientific research and some of the world’s most famous scientists have studied here. The building is an architectural marvel and is over 600 years old. The inside of the building is also ornately decorated with intricate woodwork that is a sight to behold.

Experiences

  • Cracow Shooting Academy - Strzelnica Krakow: For that rush of adrenaline, head over to the Cracow Shooting Academy and experience the rush of shooting. The academy offers several training courses and shooting packages to suit every budget and experience. There are several guns that you can choose from handguns to pistols. The academy also hosts stag nights and you can book a slot online.
  • Bumper Ball Experience: For the sporty types, bubble football is a fun activity that is a lot of fun. Participants are inserted into an inflated 1.5-meter wide bubble, only the upper part, and they can play a fun game of football. The game is a great team building exercise and has several variations to it. The premises are also ideal for bachelor parties, reunions, and corporate events.
  • ExitRoom: Real-world puzzles are a great way to exercise the grey cells. And who said you can’t mix vacationing with a little cerebral fun. Take the plunge into an ExitRoom that is ideal for 2-5 people teams. The challenge is to escape from a sealed room within an hour by solving several puzzles. Each answer leads to the next puzzle.
  • Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping is one of the world’s most exhilarating sports. And Krakow has just the place for it. Get your pulses racing with this extreme sport. High up from the platform, you can get a bird’s eye view of the city and make the memory last a lifetime by taking a camera along. Experienced professional assure safety, although it is best to consult your physician before taking the plunge.
  • Klockoland Science and Entertainment Center: If you are traveling with children, a trip to the science and entertainment center will certainly keep them occupied for hours. The center has an interactive area full of Lego bricks. Other activities include robotic football matches and tablets. Interactive and educational, the center is one of the best places for kids and adults to enjoy a fun-filled day.

Activities

Shopping

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Krakow has several traditional industries that make for amazing gifts and souvenirs to take back.

  • Traditional Krakow dolls in native folk clothing.
  • Folk costumes replete with strings of beads, or a cap with a peacock plume.
  • Replicas of the famous Wawel Heads made out of wood.
  • Ornately carved chess sets, jewelry, replicas of weapons, and portraits of the city.
  • Locally-made chocolate is also a very popular souvenir idea.
  • Traditional homemade liquor like moonshine, wine, and all kinds of vinegar sold in exquisite bottles are quite popular with tourists.

Official Language

Polish

Other Language

EnglishGerman

Spoken Language

The native language of the inh... Read more

Currency

PZloty (PLN)

Population

0.76 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 0.85000000000002°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

03:02 AM (GMT +01:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

999

 

Police Icon

Police

997

 

Electric socket

Type E
Type E ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

John Paul II International Airport - KRK

Best time to visit

March, April, May: the weather breaks out of its winter coma, but still warm. The crowds have gone and prices have come down, so this would be the best time to visit Krakow. The temperature is between 7.8° C (46°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F). September, October, and November are a good time to visit. The weather is pleasant, the crowds have left. .The temperature is from 18.9°C (66°F) to 6.9°(44.4°F).

Moderate time to visit

June, July and August are a moderate time of the year to visit the city. Despite the rainfall, 87.9 mm, the temperatures are between 22.3°C (72.1°F) and 24.1 ° C (75.4°F).

Worst time to visit

December and January, the winter season can be very harsh. Cold winds from Siberia bring in extreme weather and although the city looks magical in the snow, the conditions can be quite harsh leading to disruptions of daily activities. The temperature is from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 2.1°(35.8°F).

Taxi

Start Tariff: PLN 7.00

1 Km. Tariff: PLN 2.20

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: PLN 35.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Krakow (Contact directly)

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