Kraków
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At a glance
- Country
- Poland
- Region
- Lesser Poland
- Population
- 800,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Kraków John Paul II (KRK)
- Coordinates
- 50.06°N, 19.95°E
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Overview
Kraków escaped the destruction that flattened Warsaw, and its medieval core survives almost intact. For centuries it was Poland's royal capital, and the Main Square, castle hill and cobbled lanes still carry that grandeur.
It is also a city of cellar bars, student life and hearty food. Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, is full of cafés and memory, and sobering day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau sit alongside the underground wonder of Wieliczka.
Things to see
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Photo: Monika Towiańska, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wawel Royal Castle
The hilltop castle and cathedral where Polish kings were crowned and buried, above a bend in the Vistula.
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Photo: Jorge Lascar, CC BY 2.0 Main Market Square
One of Europe's largest medieval squares, centred on the arcaded Cloth Hall and ringed with café terraces.
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Photo: Zygmunt Put, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Mary's Basilica
A Gothic church with a magnificent carved altarpiece. A trumpeter plays from its tower every hour.
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Photo: Scotch Mist, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kazimierz
The former Jewish district, with historic synagogues, small galleries and some of the city's best bars.
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Photo: Jennifer Boyer, CC BY 2.0 Schindler's Factory
Oskar Schindler's former enamel works, now a gripping museum of the city under Nazi occupation.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine
Descend into centuries-old tunnels to chapels and chandeliers carved entirely from rock salt.
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Photo: File:Auschwitz I (22 May 2010).jpg : xiquinhosilva derivativ, CC BY 2.0 Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau
The former Nazi death camp is about 90 minutes away. Book a guided visit well ahead and allow a full day.
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Photo: Kritzolina, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat pierogi and obwarzanki
Fill up on dumplings in a traditional bar mleczny, and grab a braided bread ring from a street cart.
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Photo: Zygmunt Put Zetpe0202, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the Planty
A ring of gardens that follows the line of the old city walls, perfect for an evening stroll.
Where to stay
Old Town
Right among the sights, ideal for a first visit, though busy and noisy at weekends.
Hotels in Old TownKazimierz
Characterful and full of restaurants and bars, a short walk from the centre.
Hotels in KazimierzPodgórze
Across the river, quieter and good value, close to Schindler's Factory.
Hotels in Podgórze
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Trams cover the rest of the city, and tickets can be bought with a contactless card on board.
Trains run from the airport to Kraków Główny station in about 20 minutes.
When to go
Late spring and summer are warm and lively, with festivals and café terraces in full swing. Winters are cold, but the Christmas market on the Main Square is charming. September and October are mild and less crowded.
Plan your trip to Kraków
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.