Krakow city breaks

Dusted in snow or bathed in sunshine, Krakow's a real beauty that'll sweep you off your feet and be kind to your wallet too. Cobbled roads, medieval houses and grand squares make up the walkable UNESCO-listed Old Town. Getting lost among its warren of backstreets is pure magic, but you'll find extra charm in the dumpling-serving restaurants and dinky vodka bars. Hear that tinkle of jazz? Follow it down into the underground cellar bars for atmospheric live music – it's just the start of Krakow's vibrant nightlife scene. Over in Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter, synagogues, flea markets and edgy bars steal the spotlight. When you're not exploring these culture-stuffed areas, venture out for day trips to remember. Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine should be top of your list.

Things to see on a Krakow city break

Krakow City Breaks - Krakow Christmas Markets

Old Town

While away the hours strolling around some of Krakow’s most beautiful streets. The tall, intricately decorated buildings hide a whole world of treasures. There’s an abundance of Polish restaurants and, when it comes to top sights, you can take your pick from St Mary’s Basilica, Florianska Gate and Rynek Underground to name just a few.

Kazimierz

Around a 20-minute walk from Rynek Główny, sits the Jewish district of Kazimierz. It’s a hip hangout where you’ll see vine-covered vintage shops, quaint cafés that spill out onto the pavements and impressive synagogues hidden among the pastel-coloured buildings. When it comes to eating out here, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Polish-Jewish cuisine.

Buzzy bars and pubs

Krakow’s good looks don’t just win hearts – its great value nightlife does too! Along with underground music venues, hidden cafés, candle-lit cocktail bars and grand pubs, you’ll find vodka bars dotted everywhere. Get cosy and order a paddle of Poland’s favourite tipple in various different flavours.

Xerion Hotel

Krakow City, Krakow

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Based on 35 reviews

1km from Kazimierz District
Modern interiors
Fantastic restaurant

Leone Aparthotel

Krakow City, Krakow

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Our rating

Based on 793 reviews

Great for sightseeing
1km from Kazimierz District
1.1km from the Main Market Square
1.2km from the nearest train station

Rezydent Hotel

Krakow City, Krakow

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Our rating

Based on 1358 reviews

Ideal for sightseeing
Located in the heart of the city
Historical building
300m from the Main Market Square
800m from Wawel Castle

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Krakow Christmas markets

Krakow’s even more magical at Christmastime. Rynek Główny, the Old Town’s main square, transforms into a wonderland. Tuck into smoky cheese delights, nibble on churros and wrap your hands around a mug of mulled wine as you explore the quaint stalls selling lovely local gifts. Beyond, you’ll find cobbled lanes dusted in snow and lit up in colourful fashion.

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Kazimierz

Krakow

No visit to Krakow would be complete without a visit to the Jewish district of Kazimierz. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was revitalised in the 1990s and has been transformed into a trendy boho...

Main Market Square

Krakow

Visit the Cloth Hall and you're shopping in the world's first shopping mall. Built in the 14th century, the huge Cloth Hall has stalls selling goods from amber to woodwork. It sits in the main square, one of...

Royal Road

Krakow

Running from St Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle, the Royal Road was once a parade route for monarchs and other Polish notaries. Now, alongside the sights, there's a raft of shops to tempt you into parting with...

Language

Polish

Currency

Zloty (zł)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£2.50

48-hour travel card

£ 5.30

Meal for two

£30.20

Sightseeing

Hub of the city, Rynek Główny, is teeming with grand architecture, so it’s no surprise this main square is where everyone meets up. If you want to see something even better, Wawel Castle is one of Poland’s most important historical sights. Why not wander up 100 steps to Town Hall Tower, too?

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Eating and drinking

Krakow’s teeming with excellent places to eat. Go local style and sample delicious dumplings, beetroot soup and duck in a rich plum sauce. Look out for the famous milk bars for a really traditional experience. But the city’s culinary scene is ever-growing, with lots of vegan spots popping up.

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Shopping

The cream-coloured Cloth Hall buzzes with life, and it’s filled with flower stalls, espresso cafés and traditional handicrafts. It’s a bargain-hunter’s heaven, so get trawling the markets. Alternatively, Royal Road cuts into the Old Town and has an impressive array of antique shops and stores selling art.

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Getting around

Kraków Old Town is an enticing site to explore on foot, especially as the majority of its streets are completely pedestrianised. The city is served by bus and tram networks where services run frequently throughout the day. If you’re looking for a more unusual mode of transport, why not hop on an electric scooter or horse-drawn carriage?