Travel guide · Poland
Krakow: what to see and when to go
Kraków was Poland's royal capital for five centuries, and its old town, around one of Europe's largest medieval market squares, came through the war intact. It is lively, full of students and cheap to eat and drink in, and the base for visiting Auschwitz and the Wieliczka salt mine.
What to see and do in Kraków
Main Market Square
The Cloth Hall and St Mary's Basilica, where a trumpeter plays from the tower every hour.
Wawel
The royal castle and cathedral on a hill above the Vistula.
Kazimierz
The historic Jewish quarter, with synagogues, cafés and the city's best bars.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
The memorial and museum of the Nazi death camp, 1.5 hours away; book a guided visit well ahead.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Underground chapels carved entirely from salt, a UNESCO site.
Best time to go
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2 hr, 30 min | ≈ €150 · See flights |
| New York | 9 hr, 30 min | ≈ €520 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 13 hr, 15 min | ≈ €600 · See flights |
| Dubai | 5 hr, 45 min | ≈ €350 · See flights |
| Singapore | 12 hr, 45 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Sydney | 20 hr, 45 min | ≈ €780 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €300 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Poland
- Currency
- Polish Zloty
- Good for
- culture · city · nightlife · food
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- The Old Town for the sights; Kazimierz for restaurants and nightlife.Find a place to stay in Kraków
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Krakow, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €150 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Kraków (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec 6, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Kraków and when should you go?
Average highs range from 3° in January to 25° in July.
How many days do you need in Kraków?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Kraków cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €300 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 2 hr, 30 min.
Where should you stay in Kraków?
The Old Town for the sights; Kazimierz for restaurants and nightlife.
