Krakow - Things To Do & Attractions

Top Things To Do in Krakow

Culture & History

Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland and considered one of Europe’s great cultural centres. Because the city survived the Second World War largely unscathed, there are more historic buildings and monuments, as well as a huge collection of artworks, than you’ll find anywhere else in the country. Don’t miss Krakow’s Main Market Square (Rynek) – which is the biggest in Europe!

WW2 and the Holocaust

One of the most popular excursions for visitors is an Auschwitz tour from Krakow, to visit one of the biggest Nazi concentration camps. The camps have been preserved as a memorial to the horrors that took place there, and the surviving prison blocks are now a museum.

This is a sombre but nonetheless important experience which really brings the horrors of the Holocaust into reality, and a must-do when visiting Krakow

Mountains and Mines

Two of Krakow’s most popular sites couldn’t be more different! The town of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, on the border of Poland and Slovakia is the perfect place to experience Poland’s great outdoors.

Not a fan of heights? Travel underground into the Wieliczka Salt Mine with its giant underground chapel with elaborate carvings in the salt, chandeliers made purely from salt crystals and even an underground museum!

Home of the Pope

One of Krakow’s most famous “exports” is its former archbishop, Karol Wojtyla, who went on to become the late Pope John Paul II. He is also widely credited as being one of the significant influences in bringing an end to communism. You can find out about his extraordinary life on the John Paul II Remembrance Tour.

Visit the Old Jewish District

Krakow’s former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, is just outside the Old Town and a must-see if you’re visiting the city! Here you’ll get to see the oldest preserved synagogues in Poland, and you might even recognise some sights from the Oscar-winning movie “Schindler's List” which was filmed in this area.

Language:

Polish

Flight Time from UK:

Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Currency:

Zloty

Airports:

Krakow J. Paul Ii International

Opening Times:

• Shops are generally open from 10am - 6pm on weekdays and 10am – 1pm on Saturdays.
• Many shopping centres are open 7 days a week and some shops are open 24 hours a day.

Telephone:

• Country code: +48
• Area code: 012
• Emergency Services Number (from a mobile phone): 112
• Ambulance:999
• Police: 997
• Fire Brigade: 998

Electricity

EU standard, 220 V

Getting Around in Krakow

Walk!

Most Krakow attractions are in the Old Town or within easy walking distance, so unless you’re staying outside the centre you should be able to get to most places on foot.

Bus and tram

• Probably the easiest way to get around the city, Kraków’s network of buses and trams run between 5am and 11pm, with some night buses running later.
• Tickets for public transport can be bought at street kiosks, and are checked when you board. An extra ticket is needed if you have large items of luggage.

Car

• A lot of Krakow’s Old Town is a car-free zone and parking is limited, so driving isn’t recommended unless you’re heading out of the city.
• If you do want to drive, you’ll find many of the big international car-rental firms here, and there are a couple of guarded car parks in the Old Town, with more in the surrounding area.

Taxi

• Taxis in Krakow can’t be flagged down in the street. You will need to book one by phone or wait at a taxi rank.
• Calling ahead for a taxi will usually cost you 30% less than getting one from a taxi rank.