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Krakow
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Krakow combines medieval squares, royal Wawel, Jewish heritage in Kazimierz, museums and Polish cuisine beside the Vistula for richly layered sightseeing.

Medieval Core and Royal Legacy

Krakow is one of Poland’s most compelling cities, shaped by royal ceremony, university life and centuries of Central European exchange. At its centre, the immense Rynek Główny, or Main Market Square, is framed by townhouses, the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica, whose Gothic towers have become symbols of the city. From here, streets lead towards Wawel Hill, where the cathedral and former royal castle overlook the Vistula and recall Krakow’s importance as Poland’s historic capital.
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Neighbourhoods of Memory and Culture

Beyond the Old Town, Kazimierz reveals a layered Jewish and Christian heritage through synagogues, cemeteries, courtyards, cafés and galleries. Podgórze, across the river, carries more difficult memories connected with the Second World War, while the former industrial district of Nowa Huta presents a contrasting vision of socialist urban planning. Museums such as the Rynek Underground and Schindler’s Factory place local history in broader European context, and the Jagiellonian University adds an enduring scholarly presence.

River, Parks and Contemporary Krakow

Planty Park forms a green ring around the historic centre, while paths beside the Vistula offer open views towards Wawel and the city’s southern districts. Krakow’s cultural life extends from concert halls and theatres to independent bookshops, design studios, food halls and neighbourhood cafés. Traditional Polish cooking sits comfortably alongside contemporary restaurants, and seasonal festivals, outdoor events and gallery programmes keep the city connected to present-day creative life.

When is the best time to visit Krakow?

Best: May–June, August · 21–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January123
February219
March728
April1539
May (best)2157
June (best)2477
July2689
August (best)2582
September2164
October1545
November836
December129

Getting to and around Krakow

How to get there

Krakow is served by John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport, west of the city, with rail and bus connections towards the centre. Kraków Główny railway station is the principal rail hub, with domestic services to cities including Warsaw, Wrocław, Katowice and Gdańsk, as well as international connections that vary by season and timetable. Long-distance coaches also use Krakow’s central transport facilities. The city is connected by major roads to southern and central Poland, although driving into the historic centre is often less convenient than using public transport. Nearby Katowice Airport is a possible alternative for some international itineraries, but it lies outside Krakow and requires onward travel.

Transportation

Krakow’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, with Planty Park forming a useful ring around the Old Town. Trams and buses operated within the city provide practical connections to Kazimierz, Podgórze, Nowa Huta, the railway station and outlying districts; tickets normally need to be purchased and validated according to the local system. Taxis and app-based car services are widely used, while cycling is particularly pleasant along the Vistula and in quieter districts. Central streets have pedestrianised or restricted sections, and visitors arriving by car should expect limited parking near the Old Town.

Best attractions in Krakow

Krakow’s principal sightseeing begins in the Old Town, where Rynek Główny opens onto the Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica and the atmospheric lanes of the surrounding historic centre. The Rynek Underground museum reveals archaeological remains and medieval commercial life beneath the square, while Wawel Royal Castle and its cathedral crown the riverside hill above the Vistula. Kazimierz combines former Jewish streets, synagogues, courtyards and creative venues, offering a different rhythm from the ceremonial Old Town. Across the river, Podgórze includes Ghetto Heroes Square and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, whose exhibitions examine Krakow during the German occupation. The National Museum, MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Nowa Huta broaden the city’s cultural range, while Planty Park and the Vistula Boulevards provide open-air routes between museums, churches and neighbourhoods.

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Best landmarks in Krakow

Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral are Krakow’s defining royal landmarks, occupying a hill that served as the centre of Polish political and religious authority for centuries. In Rynek Główny, the red-brick towers of St Mary’s Basilica overlook the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance commercial building that continues the square’s historic trading role. St Florian’s Gate and the Barbican represent the surviving edge of the medieval defensive system, while Planty marks the parkland created after much of the old fortification line was removed. Kazimierz’s Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue, together with the Remuh Cemetery, testify to the district’s long Jewish history. In Podgórze, Ghetto Heroes Square and fragments of the former ghetto boundary carry the memory of wartime persecution, giving Krakow’s landmarks a significance that extends beyond architectural beauty.

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Explore Krakow on the map

Plan your Krakow trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Krakow

Best restaurants in Krakow

Krakow’s food culture draws on the cooking of southern Poland, with hearty dishes such as pierogi, żurek sour rye soup, barszcz, kwaśnica and beef or pork specialities appearing alongside newer interpretations of Polish cuisine. Obwarzanek krakowski, the ring-shaped bread sold from street carts, is a local staple, while zapiekanka, a baked open sandwich associated especially with Kazimierz’s Plac Nowy, belongs to the city’s informal eating culture. Milk bars offer inexpensive, canteen-style Polish dishes, whereas the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze contain a broad range of contemporary restaurants, cafés, bakeries and international kitchens. Plac Nowy and the streets around Kazimierz are particularly associated with casual food and late meals, while seasonal markets and food halls add regional produce and modern culinary ideas to the traditional repertoire.

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Best bars in Krakow

Krakow’s evening life is concentrated around the Old Town and Kazimierz, where historic cellars, compact cocktail rooms, beer bars and cafés occupy spaces beneath medieval or nineteenth-century buildings. Kazimierz has a more relaxed, eclectic atmosphere, with venues around Plac Nowy and its neighbouring streets ranging from intimate bars to live music settings. The Old Town offers traditional Polish drinking culture, wine bars and larger late-night venues, while theatres, concert halls and cultural institutions provide alternatives to clubbing. The city has a strong student presence because of the Jagiellonian University and other colleges, but nightlife varies considerably by street and season. Visitors should remain alert in crowded entertainment areas and check transport arrangements before leaving the centre late at night.

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Best nightclubs in Krakow

Krakow’s evening life is concentrated around the Old Town and Kazimierz, where historic cellars, compact cocktail rooms, beer bars and cafés occupy spaces beneath medieval or nineteenth-century buildings. Kazimierz has a more relaxed, eclectic atmosphere, with venues around Plac Nowy and its neighbouring streets ranging from intimate bars to live music settings. The Old Town offers traditional Polish drinking culture, wine bars and larger late-night venues, while theatres, concert halls and cultural institutions provide alternatives to clubbing. The city has a strong student presence because of the Jagiellonian University and other colleges, but nightlife varies considerably by street and season. Visitors should remain alert in crowded entertainment areas and check transport arrangements before leaving the centre late at night.

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Best shops in Krakow

Krakow’s central shopping streets run out from Rynek Główny along Floriańska, Grodzka and Szewska, combining international retailers with bookshops, cafés, amber sellers and small speciality businesses. The Cloth Hall remains the most recognisable trading venue, offering souvenirs, crafts, jewellery and decorative goods beneath its historic arcade. Visitors will find Polish ceramics, woodcarving, textiles, regional food products and amber, although quality and provenance vary between vendors. Stary Kleparz, north of the Old Town, is a genuine food market used for fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and everyday ingredients, while Plac Nowy in Kazimierz has a more informal neighbourhood character. The Galeria Krakowska shopping centre beside Kraków Główny provides modern retail and practical services, contrasting with the independent shops and vintage stores scattered through Kazimierz and Podgórze.

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Krakow essentials

Currency and Payment
Poland’s currency is the złoty, abbreviated PLN or zł, rather than the euro. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants, shops and transport-ticket machines, particularly in central Krakow, although small stalls, older cafés and some minor services may still prefer cash. ATMs are common, but visitors should check the exchange rate offered by the machine or card provider and decline unnecessary dynamic currency conversion when appropriate. Keeping a modest amount of złoty is useful for small purchases, public toilets, tips and businesses outside the main tourist areas.
Safety
Krakow is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary urban precautions remain sensible. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in crowded areas such as the Main Market Square, railway station, public transport and busy nightlife streets. Take care when crossing tram tracks and roads, especially around the Old Town, and use clearly identified taxis or reputable booking applications. At night, remain aware of surroundings in entertainment areas and on quieter routes back to accommodation. Visitors should also be cautious of unsolicited approaches involving bars, clubs or money and should confirm prices before accepting services.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 connects callers in Poland with the appropriate service, including police, fire and medical assistance; operators may be able to assist in languages other than Polish. Direct national numbers also include 997 for police, 998 for the fire service and 999 for an ambulance. Give the exact location, describe the problem clearly and keep the phone available for a return call. For urgent medical treatment, call an ambulance rather than relying on ordinary pharmacy or clinic services, and carry travel insurance details and identification where possible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and synagogues, particularly during services, and follow notices in museums and memorial sites. In restaurants, tipping is customary for good service but is not generally compulsory; check that a service charge has not already been added. Keep voices low and behave thoughtfully at former ghetto, cemetery and Holocaust memorial sites, where visitors are engaging with places of loss rather than ordinary sightseeing. Do not walk in cycle lanes or tramways, and wait for public-transport doors and crossings safely. Polish greetings are appreciated, although English is common in central visitor areas.
Local Tips
Use the Old Town as a starting point, but allow time for Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta to understand how different historical periods shaped Krakow. The Vistula Boulevards and Planty offer pleasant routes between major districts, while the Rynek Underground museum provides useful context beneath the Main Market Square. Many museums close on a particular weekday or require timed entry, so checking official information before visiting is worthwhile. For regional sights, plan the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau as distinct trips, since each requires several hours and separate transport arrangements.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCześć[cheh-shch]
GoodbyeDo widzenia[doh veed-zen-ya]
YesTak[tahk]
NoNie[nyeh]
Please/You're welcomeProszę[proh-sheh]
Thank youDziękuję[jyen-koo-yeh]
Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam[psheh-prah-shahm]
How are you?Jak się masz?[yahk shcheh mah-sh]
Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?[doh-bzheh. ah tih]
Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?[chi moo-veesh poh ahn-gyehl-skoo]
I don't understandNie rozumiem[nyeh roh-zoo-myem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę[h-chyah-bim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, proh-sheh]
I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa[nyeh yem myen-sah]
Cheers!Na zdrowie![nah zdroh-vee-eh]
I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę[h-chyah-bim zah-plah-cheech, proh-sheh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomocy![poh-moh-tsi]
Go away!Idź sobie![eej soh-byeh]
Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję![zahd-zwohn poh poh-leet-syeh]
Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza![zahd-zwohn poh leh-kah-zah]
I'm lostZgubiłem się[zgoo-bee-wem shcheh]
I'm illJestem chory/chora[yeh-stem hoh-ri/hoh-rah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...[h-chyah-bim koo-peech]
I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam[tih-koh shcheh rohz-gwah-dahm]
How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?[ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
That's too expensiveTo za drogo[toh zah droh-goh]
Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?[chi moo-zhesh ohb-nee-zhich tseh-neh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Która jest godzina?[ktoo-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
It's one o'clockJest pierwsza[yest pyehr-foosh-ah]
Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej[poow doh dzyeh-syahnt-ehy]
MorningRano[rah-noh]
AfternoonPopołudnie[poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
EveningWieczór[vyeh-choor]
YesterdayWczoraj[v-choh-rye]
TodayDziś[jeesh]
TomorrowJutro[yoo-troh]
1Jeden[yeh-dehn]
2Dwa[dvah]
3Trzy[tshih]
4Cztery[ch-teh-rih]
5Pięć[pyehnch]
6Sześć[shchehshch]
7Siedem[shye-dehm]
8Osiem[oh-shyem]
9Dziewięć[dzyeh-vyenhch]
10Dziesięć[dzyeh-shehnch]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...[gdyeh yest]
What's the address?Jaki jest adres?[yah-ki yest ah-drehs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?[chi moo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zach (nah mah-pyeh)]
When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?[kyeh-deh yest nah-stehp-ny (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)[bee-let (doh)]

History of Krakow

Early Settlements on the Vistula

The Krakow area was inhabited long before the medieval city emerged, with archaeological evidence of settlements around the Vistula and Wawel Hill. The hill’s defensible position and proximity to river routes helped it become an important centre in the early Piast realm. By the tenth century, Krakow was part of the developing Polish state, and written sources from the eleventh century describe it as an established political and ecclesiastical centre. The city’s early growth was closely connected with Wawel, where a castle and cathedral complex formed the focus of royal and religious authority. The surrounding settlement developed through trade, agriculture and its position between western and eastern European routes.

Medieval Foundation and Growth

Krakow received a new municipal foundation under Magdeburg law in 1257 after earlier destruction during the Mongol invasions of the thirteenth century. The planned town centred on the large market square that remains the heart of the city, with a regular street grid, defensive walls and commercial privileges. German-speaking settlers joined an already diverse population, while merchants and craftsmen strengthened Krakow’s regional importance. Churches, guilds and civic institutions expanded during the later Middle Ages. The surviving layout of the Old Town, including the Main Market Square and much of the surrounding street plan, reflects this period of organised urban development.

Capital of the Jagiellonian Kingdom

From the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries, Krakow flourished as the seat of the Polish monarchy and as a centre of learning and international trade. The Jagiellonian dynasty linked Poland with Lithuania and other European courts, bringing political influence and artistic exchange to the royal city. Kazimierz, founded as a separate town by King Casimir the Great in 1335, developed alongside Krakow and became home to both Christian and Jewish communities. The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 as the Studium Generale, attracted scholars and later counted Nicolaus Copernicus among its students. Renaissance rebuilding at Wawel and in the city’s churches left an enduring architectural legacy.

From Royal Residence to Provincial City

Krakow’s political position changed when King Sigismund III Vasa moved the royal court to Warsaw in the late sixteenth century, although Wawel retained its ceremonial and religious importance. The city endured wars, occupations and economic difficulties during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In 1795, following the Third Partition of Poland, Krakow was incorporated into the Habsburg Empire. Napoleon’s creation of the Duchy of Warsaw briefly altered its political setting, and after 1815 Krakow became the nominally free and relatively autonomous Free City of Krakow. Its constitutional autonomy ended after the unsuccessful Krakow uprising of 1846, when the city was annexed to Austria.

Galician Modernisation and Independence

Under Austrian rule, Krakow became part of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, while its universities, museums and cultural institutions helped preserve Polish national identity during the partitions. The city’s medieval fortifications were largely dismantled in the nineteenth century, and Planty Park was laid out in their place. Railway connections, industrial development and new residential districts encouraged urban growth. Krakow also became a major centre of Polish artistic life, associated with the Young Poland movement and figures such as Stanisław Wyspiański. After Poland regained independence in 1918, the city continued to develop as an academic and cultural centre.

War, Occupation and Reconstruction

Nazi Germany occupied Krakow from 1939, making it the administrative capital of the General Government. The occupation brought the persecution and murder of the city’s Jewish population, the destruction of institutions and the repression of Polish intellectual and civic life. The Krakow ghetto was established in Podgórze, while the nearby Plaszow camp became a site of forced labour and mass murder. Oskar Schindler’s factory later became associated with efforts to save Jewish workers. Krakow avoided the complete destruction suffered by some Polish cities during the Second World War, but its social fabric was profoundly altered. After 1945, socialist urban development produced Nowa Huta, while the historic centre underwent extensive conservation.

Heritage City in Contemporary Poland

Post-war Krakow combined industrial expansion, especially in Nowa Huta, with the preservation of its historic core and academic institutions. The Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz became increasingly important to cultural tourism, while museums and memorial sites developed new ways of presenting the city’s complex past. Poland’s return to democracy after 1989 brought major economic and urban changes, including renewed private enterprise and restoration in historic districts. Krakow’s historic centre was among the first sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Today, the city remains a major university, cultural and tourism centre, with its royal, Jewish, industrial and modern identities existing side by side.

Krakow in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Krakow

Discover Krakow with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan and book your adventure effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
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Explore Krakow like a local with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Discover top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Download now and start your adventure!

  • Curated local tips to experience Krakow like a local
  • Travel essentials and history of Krakow
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Krakow, a city brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. With Evendo, your journey through this enchanting Polish city will be seamless and unforgettable. From the grandeur of Wawel Castle to the historic charm of the Main Market Square, Evendo offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in Krakow.

Imagine strolling through the picturesque streets of Kazimierz, Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter, and finding the perfect café for a coffee break. Or exploring the awe-inspiring Wieliczka Salt Mine with a tour booked directly through the app. Evendo provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Feeling hungry? Let Evendo guide you to the finest restaurants in Krakow, such as the famous Pod Aniołami or the delightful Morskie Oko. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for pierogi or a trendy bar for a night out, Evendo has you covered. And with the 'Near me' feature, you'll always know what's around you, no matter where you are in the city.

But Evendo is more than just a guide. It's your all-in-one travel companion. Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences with ease, eliminating the need to search multiple sites. With curated local tips, easy navigation, and travel essentials, you'll experience Krakow like a true local. And remember, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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