Travel Guide Krakow
Cultural and historical capital of Poland, Krakow is an ideal destination for a long weekend, a short week, or even more if you want to enjoy the mountains. At the foot of the Carpathians and along the Vistula River, it is the second largest city in the country and the capital of the Voivodeship, Little Poland. The historic center is a World Heritage Site. The concentration of monuments and points of interest makes it possible to see a large part of Krakow's heritage in two days. The market square is the largest medieval square in Europe. We will then visit the castle and the cathedral on the Wawel hill, before going to the Jewish quarter and visiting the national museum and the museum of fine arts (Czartosky). We walk along the Vestula river and we rest in a park before taking the streetcar to discover the very typical district of Nowa Huta with its communist architecture. On the other side of the city, you can follow the footsteps of John Paul II who lived here, going from churches to monasteries. Krakow has another memory, that of the train station where the death trains left for Auschwitz... The former camp and its museum are located 65 km from Krakow. The Wieczka salt mine is 15 km from the city center. It has been in operation since the 13th century and is the oldest in Europe. As for the local cuisine, it is mainly based on potatoes, cabbage and pork, which are washed down with local lager, Bulgarian wine, vodka or tea. You can also sit or nibble standing around a kiosk.
What to visit Krakow?
Suggested addresses Krakow
When to go to Krakow?
If you want to discover Krakow in winter, you will have to cover yourself well. It's cold, the sidewalks are sometimes covered with snow or even ice and the sun is often hidden. But Krakow under the snow does not lack charm! And the religious fervor is at its peak with services every day and packed churches for all generations. Christmas in Krakow has the magic of the Eastern cities. The same crowds are present, although a little less during Easter week. Nothing touristy, the Poles are practicing Catholics. However, it is in summer that you will enjoy your walks in the different districts of the city, the parks and the animations.
Weather at the moment
Krakow has a continental climate, whose coolness is accentuated by the proximity of the mountains. Winters are cold with occasional heavy snowfalls. The average temperature is 0°C in December and -2°C in January and February. You have to wait until May to have mild temperatures (14°C on average). Summers are hot but not scorching with a little less than 20°C in July-August. It is a humid country with 147 days of rain per year.
Although Poland is part of the European Union, its currency is not the euro but the zloty (symbols: PLN, zl). 1 zloty = 100 groszy. Change your euros at the post office or in banks. Divide the price in zloty by 4 to get the approximate price in euros. On the whole, life is cheaper in Poland, including Krakow, than in France. The biggest expense will be accommodation.
Since Poland joined the European Union, only an identity card is required for your stay in Krakow. No visa or passport is required. It is possible to bring your pet with you as long as you have a health certificate for it; dogs must have an anti-rabies vaccination certificate and a muzzle is mandatory in public places, public transport, etc... Your French driving license is sufficient to drive a vehicle in Krakow.
No vaccinations are required, but it is advisable to be up to date with diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A vaccinations. There are no particular health risks in Krakow. The health care system is modern and efficient as in any large European city. If you don't speak Polish, English will help you to understand.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Krakow? Our advice & tips
Krakow is a destination widely offered as an organized stay (flight + accommodation) for a weekend. Also many proposals for a week with planned visits to major attractions, including salt mines and Auschwitz, outside the city. You should also know that Krakow is programmed in all organised tours throughout Poland.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationKrakow is easily accessible, especially by low-cost flights, and is a very touristy city. You will have no trouble finding a hotel or a room in a guesthouse. Book your accommodation on the Internet in advance in summer and during the Easter holidays when the number of tourists is at its highest. Otherwise, you will find accommodation on site, including in the city center, which is full of small, charming addresses. In Krakow, you can easily get around on foot, by streetcar or by bus. You can quickly find your way around thanks to the monuments and the river.
The bus and streetcar network allows you to quickly and inexpensively connect all districts and points of interest. The lines allow you to discover the suburbs and even go as far as the salt mines of Wieczka. You can also use cabs. Take the so-called Pope's streetcar (line 24) and follow in the footsteps of John Paul II.
