Kraków Travel Guide

Start with the centre, then cross the river

An easy first day runs from the Old Town lanes through the Planty towards Wawel and the Vistula. Pause for lunch instead of filling every gap with another ticket. Kazimierz deserves a separate block for its streets, places of worship and food; cross into Podgórze when you have time to give its history proper attention.

Three days suit a city visit with one larger outing. If you want both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka, add time or reduce the city sightseeing. They are different journeys and should not be squeezed into one hurried day.

Choose between the Planty and Kazimierz

For a short first stay, a room near the Planty keeps many central walks close. Kazimierz may suit you better if an easy evening meal matters most. Look beyond the map pin: rooms above a bar, windows on a busy street and a fourth-floor room without a lift can change the stay.

Our Old Town and Kazimierz comparison helps you match the location to your plans. Do not assume either area is always cheaper.

Use the airport train or the right bus ticket

The SKA1 train links Kraków Airport with Kraków Główny in about 20 minutes. The airport's rail page lists a full-price one-way ticket at 20 PLN; luggage is included. The railway fare is separate from ordinary tram and bus tickets.

Airport bus 300 and night bus 902 are alternatives. The airport is outside the central fare zone, so select a ticket valid for the route. Under the tariff introduced in March 2026, the full-price single or 30-minute ticket is 6 PLN, and the 60-minute ticket is 8 PLN. Allow for the complete bus journey and any onward change, not just the first vehicle.

Reserve the visits that shape your day

Wawel sells different exhibition tickets. Choose the rooms or collection you want before buying; a castle ticket is not automatically a cathedral ticket. You can enjoy the hill and river setting without building the whole day around paid interiors.

Schindler's Factory is a museum of Kraków under Nazi occupation, not simply a tour of industrial machinery. Regular admission is 60 PLN. Limited free Monday tickets have their own arrangements, so do not rely on walking up at any time. Read the identification instructions for a personalised booking.

Treat Auschwitz as a separate memorial visit

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires a personalised entry card, including for free entry to the grounds. Cards are now obtained online through its official booking system; a paid guide or coach tour is a separate purchase. Allow for travel to Oświęcim, security and the visit itself. A guided visit is about three and a half hours before your return journey.

For a less structured day, use our free Kraków walks. Planty and the river are easier choices than a hill climb if your feet need a break.