Lonely Planet Pocket Krakow: Top Sights, Local Experiences (Pocket Guide)

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Take a free walking tour– Free tours from companies like Cracow Free Tours are a great way to explore the city while learning about the history, culture, and architecture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

From the Krakow Airport, there is a convenient airport train that goes to the main station for 14 PLN and runs every half hour. There is also a slightly cheaper city bus for 6 PLN (included in the KrakowCard). The journey takes just under an hour. Located in Jagiellonian University, the Collegium Maius (Latin for “Great College”) has been a scientific hub for research and discovery for centuries. The building dates to the 14th century and taught many famous scientists, including Copernicus (the famous Polish astronomer who argued that Earth rotated around the sun and not vice versa). The museum has a vast collection of historic scientific instruments and artifacts, including maps, globes, tools, paintings, and more. Hour-long guided tours cost 15 PLN, though you can do a self-guided tour on Wednesdays for free between 1:30-4pm. 9. Walk around the Planty Go shopping early on the weekend at the open-air flea markets at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz or in the Jewish Quarter. Expect an assortment of antiques, souvenirs, food, clothing, and more. It’s a fun way to do some people-watching and get a feel for local life in the city. 5. Visit the Underground Museum ATM skimming can occur here, so always make sure you use verified ATMs. If you can, go into the bank to withdraw your money (as opposed to using outdoor ATMs that are easier to tamper with). Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is hardly your usual tourist attraction. Never-the-less its historical importance cannot be overstated; visiting will leave an impression on you.

Be sure to pre-game– Krakow is known for its partying, pub crawls, and long nights out. Start off by grabbing your favorite drinks from a grocery store first whenever possible. You’ll save a ton that way. There is no risk of any real natural disasters or terrorism in Krakow, so as long as you pay attention to your surroundings and follow the tips above you should be able to have a fun and safe trip. Steven Spielberg shot much of Schindler’s List in Kraków locations. The enamel factory, where Oskar Schindler protected Jewish employees during the Nazi occupation, is now a fantastic museum covering all aspects of this horrific period. Sobering, even frightening, this is none-the-less a recommended experience. Advanced booking with a knowledgeable guide is even better and will ensure your entry to one of Kraków’s most popular museums.

When you walk around in Krakow, there are plenty of opportunities to find venues in the city. Often you are handed leaflets offering Chopin piano concertos or jazz concerts that take place at smaller venues. Ridesharing– Uber is available in Krakow and it’s the cheapest option if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to take public transit. Find the cheapest flight to Kraków with 12go - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.To ensure you get a reputable company, have your hotel/hostel call a taxi before you go just to be safe.

Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example. South of the center of town is the former Jewish ghetto. It was forgotten for many years but is now the center of a vibrant artist and student population. You can visit the Jewish cemetery or take a walking tour of the neighborhood. While it’s a great place for a bite to eat, the real flavor of Kazimierz comes alive at night. Don’t miss the vodka bars for a guaranteed good time! 3. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine Many cities have signature street food. Paris has its croissants, Hanoi has its bánh mì, Vienna has its käsekrainer, and Kraków has its obwarzanek. Chewy, moreish and topped either with poppy seeds or sesame seeds, Kraków’s bagels are found at stalls on every corner in Old Town, and locals will tell you which stall is likely to have the fresher lot. Get a KrakowCard 1-, 2- or 3-day pass that gives entry to almost 40 of the Kraków's fantastic attractions and unlimited use of the city's bus and tram network. This article contains links from which we may earn revenue. These links are signposted with an asterisk. More information here .

There are also scooter share programs like Hulaj that cost 2 PLN to start and then 0.55 PLN per minute after that. Take a walk in the local marketplace. In Krakow, there are marketplaces in every part of town. You can buy everything that is needed in an ordinary household, and it is also where you can find supplies for a picnic in one of Krakow’s many parks. Krakow is a very affordable city so there aren’t too many tips out there to help you save. Since this city is such a hot spot for partying, most people blow their budget on drinks. If you limit that, you’ll be able to visit without worrying about your budget too much. Here are some other ways to save money while you visit Krakow: One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new city is take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. I always start my trips with one. Crakow Free Tours offers free tours in English with a variety of different focuses (such as the Jewish Quarter or Krakow at night). These tours provide much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! 2. Explore the District of Kazimierz Kazimierz remains one of Kraków’s liveliest and loveliest districts. Retaining the soul of Jewish Kraków, it is home to some pretty buildings, cobbled streets, and numerous interesting attractions. Kazimierz is also one of the city’s best areas for food and drink. Many tours also include some excellent museums in Podgórze, on the other side of the river.