First time · Kraków
First time in KrakówKraków
Kraków is a walkable old-town city: the market square and Wawel in one day each, Kazimierz in the evening, and Auschwitz-Birkenau and the salt mine only as booked day trips from the same bed.
The honest verdict
Kraków's centre is small and flat: the Main Market Square, the Planty park ring, Wawel hill and the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz are all within a 25-minute walk. The trips that go wrong pay too much for cars, arrive at Wawel without a timed ticket in summer, or try to fit Auschwitz-Birkenau into a free afternoon. Four clusters cover a first visit: the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz and Podgórze; keep one bed and book the memorial and the salt mine ahead.
You will like
- Flat, walkable centre
- Cheap food and cafés
- Booked day trips from one bed
What wears you down
- Cobbles with luggage
- Summer crowds on the square
- Sunday shop closures
From the airport
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
- Fastest
- Airport train to Kraków Główny · about 20 min · about PLN 20
- Cheapest
- City bus from the airport to the main station (route and last departure unverified) · about 40 min · about PLN 8
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 2 days
- Old Town and Wawel, Kazimierz and Podgórze
- 3 days
- Four clusters, one per half day; add a booked Auschwitz-Birkenau or salt mine day
- 4 days
- Three city days plus one booked day trip
Three mistakes to avoid
- Unlicensed taxis at the station: use a ride-hailing app or the official rank.(Scams)
- Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial: dress respectfully, keep quiet and do not pose for photos.(Survive · red lines)
- Pickpockets work the market square, trams and the station: keep phones and wallets zipped.(Survive · safety)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- PLN 120–200 excl. bed
- Paying
- Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for kiosks and market stalls.
- Cash
- Keep PLN 100 in small notes for kiosks and markets; withdraw at bank ATMs and decline conversion to euros or dollars.
- SIM
- Install an eSIM before you fly, or buy a SIM at a shop or in the airport (passport may be needed). EU roaming rules apply for EU SIMs.
The best time to go
Apr: Mild; Easter closures.
A first day
Day 1: St Mary's Basilica, Cloth Hall, a 13:00 lunch table
Start about 09:00
Fixed point: Lunch table 13:00 (Old Town)
Hotel or AC café 14:00–16:30; keep Planty for a slow evening walk.
Timed version: Kraków in 3 days