Why visit Kraków?
Kraków’s Rynek Główny is one of Europe’s largest medieval squares, ringed by cafés and overlooked by St Mary’s Basilica. Wawel Castle, the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter and moving day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a rich, rewarding short break.
Last reviewed
How to get there
Kraków's main airport is KRK. Typical flight times from the UK are around 2.5 hours.
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Where to stay in Kraków
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Step outside onto the main square and historic streets.
Kazimierz
Characterful cafés, bars and good-value stays.
Things to do in Kraków
- 01
Attractions
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Underground chapels carved entirely from salt.
- 02
Cultural experiences
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
A sobering, essential visit; book guided entry well ahead.
- 03
Attractions
Wawel Castle
Royal castle and cathedral above the Vistula.
- 04
Local experiences
Kazimierz food tour
Pierogi, zapiekanka and Polish craft vodka.
Travel budget
Indicative ranges per person, reviewed October 2026. Editorial ranges from FlyAwayFinds research; prices vary by season and availability.
- Accommodation
- £45–£120
- Per night
- Food
- £18–£40
- Per day
- Local transport
- £2–£6
- Per day
- Activities
- £30–£70
- Per trip
- Airport transfers
- £3–£25
- Each way
- Budget tier
- budget
- Editorial rating
Best time to visit
Bars show our editorial suitability rating. Temperatures are long-term monthly averages.
Jan
-2°
low
Feb
-1°
low
Mar
3°
low
Apr
8°
low
May
14°
moderate
Jun
17°
moderate
Jul
19°
high
Aug
18°
high
Sep
14°
moderate
Oct
9°
low
Nov
4°
low
Dec
0°
low
Suggested itinerary
Plan
One day
- 1Main Market Square and Cloth Hall
- 2Wawel Castle
- 3Dinner in Kazimierz
Plan
Two days
- 1Day 1: Old Town and Wawel
- 2Day 2: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Kazimierz
Plan
Three days
- 1Day 1: Old Town
- 2Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
- 3Day 3: Wieliczka and Kazimierz
Travel tips
- Local transport
- The Old Town is compact and walkable; trams cover the wider city.
- Paying for things
- Poland uses the złoty. Cards are almost universally accepted.
- Airport transfers
- Trains connect Kraków Airport with the main station in around 20 minutes.
- Entry requirements
- UK travellers must meet Schengen entry rules. Check official guidance before travelling.
- Safety
- Kraków is generally safe; take normal precautions on busy weekend nights.
Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Poland before you travel.
Ready to go?
Plan your Kraków escape.
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FAQ
Kraków FAQs
Three days lets you explore the city and take one major day trip without rushing.
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