Krakow Travel Guide
Much more than the sum of its parts, Kraków is one of those cities you have to explore a little before its true charm becomes apparent. Although Warsaw is the political capital, many consider this southern city the true cultural capital of Poland. When you first walk into Rynek Glówny -- a vibrant medieval market square and the symbolic heart of town -- a smile plays across your face as you realize a large part ... continue»
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When to Visit Krakow
The best times to visit Kraków are fall and spring. The weather is pleasant and the summer's throngs of tourists are nowhere to be found. July and August's weather can reach around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low in January is in the high teens. However, there really is no bad time to visit Kraków. The summer features some of its most lively festivals. And while the winters can get quite cold, the city compensates with its surprising beauty.
Best Times to Visit Krakow»
Getting Around Krakow
Krakow Neighborhoods
Professional travelers say tourists can best orient themselves in Kraków if they break the city into four main sections: the Old Town, Kazimierz, Wawel Hill and everything else. Notable excursions out of town include the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. The Wieliczka Salt Mine lies southeast of Kraków while the concentration camps are to the west.
The Old Town (Stare Miasto)
The vibrant and beautiful Old Town lies at the center of Kraków and at the heart of any vacation to Kraków. People from all over gravitate here for an atmosphere unlike any found in the world.
Old Town's core is Rynek Glówny, a huge market square with stunning medieval architecture. Cafés, shopping, nightlife and pretty much everything one could want are in no short supply here.
Kazimierz
A neighborhood that must be experienced to be understood, writers say no trip to Kraków is complete without spending some time in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter. Just southwest of the Old Town, it is a neighborhood that is a study in contrasts. Part of it is a crumbling yet haunting reminder of the atrocities the area's residents faced during World War II. The other part is a neighborhood alive with boutique restaurants and some of the best nightlife Poland has to offer.
Wawel Hill
Just west of Kazimierz, a trip to Wawel is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. A castle and the majestic Wawel Cathedral are the highlights, but also take some time to just soak in the history and enjoy the grounds.
Frommer's says "Wawel Castle is Poland's pride and joy. With Warsaw having been flattened by the Nazis, this ancient castle, and former capital … has become something of a symbol of the survival of the Polish nation. Understandably, for non-Poles Wawel has less significance, but is still a handsome castle in its own right and worth an extended visit." On your way out, make sure to check out the Dragon's Cave, former home of the legendary Wawel Dragon of Polish folklore.
Nowa Huta
Known for its communist-style architecture, the district of Nowa Huta draws travelers looking for something a little different. It was a planned community, envisioned to be a perfect urban environment and to reflect socialist ideals. Largely residential, it is mostly an attraction to tourists with an interest in Krakow's history and socialist architecture.
Safety
Kraków has a reputation for being a rather safe city in a rather safe country. However, as its popularity as a travel destination has grown, so has its pickpocketing community. Keep an extra eye on your valuables when you're hanging around popular tourist sites like Rynek Glówny and try to keep to well-lit areas in the nighttime.
The best way to get around Kraków is on foot, especially as most visitors spend the majority of their time in and around the walkable Rynek Glówny area. While taxis will get you from A to B in a hurry, the public transportation system called MPK S.A. is an effective and cost-efficient alternative. Getting into town from the John Paul II (Balice) International Airport (KRK), located roughly 10 miles west of the city, is easy enough -- for less than $5 USD you can take the "Balice Ekspres" train. The train is another popular option for getting to Kraków; you'll most likely arrive in the dazzling Kraków Glówny train station located on Old Town's outskirts.
Getting Around Krakow»
