Visiting Krakow in Poland: KrakowLover.com is the travel guide with the best information for your city trip, tips for sights and activities in Krakow (Kraków in Polish).
Located in the south of Poland, Krakow is a city steeped in history, culture and charm. As one of the country’s oldest and most prominent cities, Krakow (written Kraków in Polish) offers a rich mix of historical sightseeing and vibrant modern culture. The heart of the city, the Old Town (Stare Miasto), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to iconic sites such as the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), St. Mary’s Basilica and the impressive Cloth Hall.
Another important historical and cultural symbol of Krakow is the Wawel Castle, which towers over the city and played a central role in Polish history as a royal residence. The coronation and funeral rites of Polish kings took place here, and the castle now houses an impressive museum. The Kazimierz district, the former Jewish quarter, offers a rich cultural experience with its historic synagogues, charming streets and lively atmosphere. Today, Kazimierz is a vibrant center of arts and culture, with numerous cafés, galleries and a nightlife. Find out more about this beautiful city in Poland in our KrakowLover.com travel guide.
The Wawel Castle, which towers over Krakow city
The Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)During World War II, Kraków was severely affected by the German occupation. The city originally had a Jewish district called Kazimierz, but residents were expelled from there to the Jewish ghetto. Many Jewish residents were eventually deported from here to concentration camps. Nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the largest and most notorious extermination camps, is a short distance from Kraków and is a must-see on any Kraków city trip. The city itself also suffered considerable destruction during the war, but much of its historic architecture was preserved. After the war, Kraków recovered and is now an important center of remembrance, with museums and memorials documenting the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the city. Oskar Schindler's Factory is now a museum telling the story of Krakow during the Nazi occupation.
In addition to Auschwitz, the city is also an excellent base for day trips from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which enchants visitors with its subterranean splendor. For nature lovers, the Tatra Mountains and the picturesque town of Zakopane are within easy reach. Both in and around the city, you will have no problem entertaining yourself for a few days during a city trip to Krakow, for example with the handy Krakow City Pass.
The Main Market Square in Krakow Poland with St. Mary's Basilica
Street scene of Stare Miasto, Krakow's Old TownKrakow's city center is home to various neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Stare Miasto (Old Town) is the historic heart, known for the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica. It is ideal for visitors who want to stay close to the main Krakow attractions. Kazimierz is the former Jewish quarter and offers a vibrant mix of culture, art and gastronomy. With its historic synagogues, trendy cafés and vibrant nightlife, it attracts both locals and tourists. Podgórze, on the other side of the Vistula River, is home to the former Jewish ghetto and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with historic sites and green spaces such as Bednarski Park. The district is also home to the famous Schindler's Factory.
Grzegórzki, just east of the Old Town, offers a residential feel with easy access to the city centre and less tourist crowds. Kraków's communist district, Nowa Huta, was built in the 1950s as a model socialist city. Located away from the Old Town, the district is known for its Stalinist architecture, wide boulevards and tall buildings. Today, it offers an interesting historical perspective on life under communism in Poland.
Krakow offers a rich mix of history, culture and vibrant atmosphere. From exploring the imposing Wawel Castle and the atmospheric Main Market Square to discovering the historic Kazimierz district, Krakow has something special to offer every traveller. Read all about the top 20 things to see and do.
A day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow offers a poignant and educational experience. The former concentration camp, now an important memorial center, offers insight into the horrors of the Holocaust. It is a somber but vital journey to understand the history of this region.
Krakow offers a range of activities and tours for every traveller. Explore historic landmarks like Wawel Castle, stroll through the charming Old Town and discover the cultural riches of Kazimierz. From guided tours of ancient synagogues to bike tours of the city, Krakow offers a diverse and engaging experience.
From Krakow you can take impressive day trips, such as to Auschwitz-Birkenau for a compelling history lesson or to the beautiful Wieliczka Salt Mines. Discover the enchanting nature of the Tatra Mountains or explore the picturesque town of Zakopane.
Traveling from Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) to the city centre is easy. You can choose between a fast train, taxis or buses. The train offers a direct route with a short journey time of around 20 minutes, while taxis are also a convenient option.
Krakow offers a wide range of hotels for every preference and budget. From luxury five-star hotels in the heart of the Old Town to cozy boutique hotels in the historic Kazimierz district. In this article, the 8 best hotels in the city center of Krakow.
The best time to visit Krakow is from April to October. During these months you will experience mild to warm temperatures, ideal for exploring the city and its Krakow tourist attractions. May and September are particularly pleasant with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, offering a good balance between weather and crowds. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, with many tourists and higher prices, but also plenty of events and activities. The winter months (November to March) can be cold and sometimes snowy, but offer a charming atmosphere and fewer crowds. If you enjoy winter charm, this can also be an attractive time to visit Krakow.
| Weather Krakow | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| min. temp (°C) | - 5 | - 4 | - 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 1 | - 3 |
| max. temp (°C) | 1 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| sun hours / day | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| days of precipitation | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
Kraków is located in the south of Poland, in the Małopolskie region (Lesser Poland). It is located about 250 kilometers south of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, and about 100 kilometers west of the border with Slovakia.
