Krakow
About Krakow
Travel to Krakow, a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently and where every moment becomes a moment of history. For centuries Krakow was the capital of Poland, the seat of kings, drawing great scholars and artists from the whole world. Today, Krakow is a vibrant city offering vacationers a long and glorious history, rich heritage and architectural beauties.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Krakow is rich in history and culture, with must-see attractions including the Wawel Castle, a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and the Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe. Don't miss St. Mary's Basilica with its stunning altarpiece and the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, known for its vibrant cultural scene.
To fully experience Krakow, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore the Old Town, visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Additional days can be spent exploring the surrounding countryside or enjoying Krakow's vibrant nightlife.
Krakow's city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, the city offers an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for convenient travel.
The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Summer is also popular but can be busy with tourists. Winter offers a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and snow-covered streets.
Krakow offers a variety of traditional Polish dishes to try. Be sure to sample pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), and oscypek (smoked cheese). For dessert, try sernik (Polish cheesecake) or paczki (Polish doughnuts). Pair your meal with a glass of Polish vodka or local beer.
Krakow hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Krakow Film Festival in May and the Jewish Culture Festival in June are particularly popular. In December, the Christmas Market in the Main Market Square is a festive highlight, offering crafts, food, and seasonal cheer.
Krakow is an excellent base for day trips. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to learn about the Holocaust, or explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tatra Mountains are also accessible for hiking and skiing, offering stunning natural beauty.
Useful Information
Population
800,653 in central Krakow
1.5 million in the metropolitan area
Currency
1 Zloty (PLN) = 100 grosz
Emergency Info
999: Ambulance
998: Fire Brigade
997: Police
986: Municipal Police
981: Road Assistance
112: General Emergency Number
Opening Hours
Shops are generally open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am 1 pm. A number of shopping centres are open seven days a week and a few shops open 24 hours a day.
Exact GPS Location
Coordinates: 50.06465, 19.94498