Krakow is one of the most affordable major European cities to visit, but there are practical details that make the difference between a smooth trip and an expensive one: which taxi app to use from the airport, whether you can drink the tap water, how much to tip, and which scams to avoid. Here are the essential travel tips for Krakow with specific names, numbers, and prices. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow weather by month.
Krakow Travel Tips: Getting to Krakow
Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is 11km west of the city centre in the village of Balice. The airport train (SKR line) runs from the airport terminal to Krakow Glowny (main station) every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs PLN 14 (US$3.50). Buy tickets from the machine on the platform before boarding; ticket checks are frequent. Bus 252 runs to the city centre in about 40 minutes for PLN 6 (US$1.50). Uber and Bolt operate at KRK and a ride to the Old Town costs PLN 35-60 (US$9-15) depending on demand. Avoid the unofficial taxi touts in the arrivals hall; they charge 2-3 times the app rate. If you prefer a licensed taxi, use the iCar or Barbakan taxi stands directly outside the terminal exit. For a detailed guide, see our best time to visit Krakow.
Krakow Travel Tips: Getting Around Krakow
Krakow’s Old Town and Kazimierz are compact and walkable: the Main Square to Wawel Castle is a 10-minute walk, and Wawel to Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is another 10 minutes. The public transport network of 22 tram lines and over 100 bus routes covers the rest of the city. A single-ride 20-minute ticket costs PLN 6 (US$1.50), while a 60-minute ticket costs PLN 8 (US$2). A 24-hour ticket covering all trams and buses within Zone I costs PLN 22 (US$5.50). Buy tickets from the automated machines at major tram stops (card or coins) or via the Jakdojade mobile app. Validate paper tickets immediately upon boarding using the orange validators inside trams and buses. Ticket inspectors operate in plain clothes and the fine for riding without a validated ticket is PLN 250 (US$62) payable on the spot. Trams 1, 2, and 6 run useful north-south routes through the centre; trams 8, 13, and 24 run east-west. For a detailed guide, see our things to do in Krakow.
Krakow Travel Tips: Money and Tipping
Poland uses the zloty (PLN), not the euro. As of mid-2026, US$1 equals approximately PLN 4, and EUR 1 equals approximately PLN 4.30. Cash is still common in smaller shops, market stalls, and some bars in Kazimierz, but cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and chain stores. ATMs (bankomaty) are plentiful; use those operated by major banks (PKO BP, Pekao, ING) rather than independent Euronet ATMs which offer poor exchange rates and high fees. When paying by card and the terminal asks if you want to be charged in PLN or your home currency, always choose PLN to get your bank’s exchange rate rather than the merchant’s marked-up rate. Tipping is 10% for good service in restaurants; leave cash on the table or tell the server the total you want to pay before they run your card. No tipping is expected in bars, cafes, or for taxi/Uber rides. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow events and festivals.
Krakow Travel Tips: Safety and Scams
Krakow is a safe city by European standards. Violent crime is rare in the central districts. The most common issues are pickpocketing in crowded areas (Florianska Street, the Main Square at night, and trams during rush hour) and taxi/tout overcharging. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag when walking through dense crowds. The strip clubs on Florianska and Szewska Streets are notorious for scams: patrons have reported being drugged and having thousands charged to their credit cards after a single drink. These establishments target tourists and the local police have limited ability to recover funds. If you are a solo male traveller, decline invitations from promoters on these streets. Tap water in Krakow is safe to drink and meets EU standards, though some older buildings have pipes that can give it a metallic taste; filtered water is widely available in restaurants. For a detailed guide, see our Krakow neighborhoods.
Krakow Travel Tips: Visas and Entry
Poland is in the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, EEA, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. As of 2026, the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) requires non-EU visa-exempt travellers to register online before travel at a cost of EUR 7, valid for three years. Check the current status at etias.com before you travel, as the implementation date has been repeatedly delayed. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. For a detailed guide, see our where to stay in Krakow.
Krakow Travel Tips: Language and Communication
Polish is the sole official language and is a Slavic language with a reputation for difficult pronunciation. In Krakow’s tourist zones, English is widely spoken by anyone under 40 and by staff in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Older shopkeepers and market vendors may speak only Polish. Learning five phrases goes a long way: dzien dobry (good day, pronounced “jen DOH-brih”), dobry wieczor (good evening, “DOH-brih VYEH-choor”), prosze (please/you’re welcome, “PROH-sheh”), dziekuje (thank you, “jen-KOO-yeh”), and przepraszam (excuse me/sorry, “psheh-PRAH-shahm”). Google Translate’s camera mode handles menus and signs effectively. SIM cards with data cost PLN 10-15 for 30GB from Play, T-Mobile, or Orange at the airport, train station, or Galeria Krakowska shopping centre.
Krakow Travel Tips: Day Trips and Excursions
Three day trips from Krakow are worth planning around. The Wieliczka Salt Mine (14km, 22 minutes by train) needs at least a half-day and advance online booking. Auschwitz-Birkenau (70km, 90 minutes by bus) needs a full day and advance booking 2-4 weeks ahead for English-language guided tours. Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains (110km, 2 hours by bus) work as a long day trip but are better as an overnight stay if you want to hike Morskie Oko or ski. The bus to Zakopane departs Krakow MDA station roughly hourly from 6:00 AM. For all three destinations, public transport is straightforward and costs a fraction of organised tours: the train to Wieliczka costs PLN 6.50 each way versus PLN 80-150 for a tour bus. Organised tours make sense only for Auschwitz, where the guided tour is included in the ticket price and handling your own transport and timed entry can be stressful.
Krakow Travel Tips: Food and Drink
A sit-down dinner for two with drinks in a mid-range Kazimierz restaurant costs PLN 80-150 (US$20-37). A zapiekanka from a Plac Nowy stall costs PLN 12-18 (US$3-5). A half-litre of local draught beer (Tyskie, Zywiec, Okocim) costs PLN 10-14 (US$2.50-3.50) in most bars. A flat white at a specialty coffee shop costs PLN 12-16 (US$3-4). Polish cuisine goes beyond pierogi: try zurek (sour rye soup served in a bread bowl, PLN 16-25), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes with goulash, PLN 25-35), and zapiekanka (the street-food staple). For traditional Polish food in the Old Town, Chlopskie Jadlo on Sw. Agnieszki Street and Kuchnia u Doroty on Augustianska Street are reliable and fairly priced. In Kazimierz, Hamsa and Zazie offer Middle Eastern and French options respectively in atmospheric settings.
Suggested Hotels in Krakow
Hotel Stary
A luxury five-star hotel in a 14th-century building on Szczepanska Street, two minutes from the Main Market Square. Features a rooftop Sky Bar, indoor pool, sauna, and spa. Best for couples and travellers seeking a central luxury stay with Old Town views. Check rates and availability
PURO Krakow Stare Miasto
A modern design hotel on Ogrodowa Street with tablet-controlled rooms, rainfall showers, and complimentary coffee and pastries. A 10-minute walk to the Main Square and 5 minutes to the train station. Best for design-conscious travellers wanting mid-range comfort with contemporary style. Check rates and availability
Greg&Tom Hostel
A top-rated budget hostel on Pawia Street opposite the main train station. Dorm beds from PLN 40 (US$10) include free breakfast and dinner. Private doubles cost PLN 120-160 (US$30-40). Best for solo travellers and backpackers seeking a social atmosphere and included meals. Check rates and availability
Krakow Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the tap water in Krakow?
Yes. Krakow’s tap water meets EU drinking water standards and is safe. In older buildings, pipes may give it a mineral or metallic taste; filtered water is common in restaurants.
Is Krakow expensive?
No. Krakow is one of Europe’s cheapest major city destinations. A comfortable mid-range daily budget (private hotel room, three meals, attractions, transport) is PLN 300-450 (US$75-112) per person. A budget traveller can manage on PLN 120-180 (US$30-45).
Do I need to speak Polish?
No. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, restaurants, and by anyone under 40. Some older market vendors and taxi drivers speak only Polish; having your destination written down or shown on a phone helps.
What is the best area to stay in Krakow?
The Old Town for first-time visitors wanting maximum convenience. Kazimierz for nightlife and atmosphere. Podgorze for value and quiet. All three are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Avoid booking hotels more than 2km from the Planty Park ring unless you are happy using trams.
Is Krakow safe at night?
Yes. The Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgorze are well-lit and busy until late. Standard precautions apply: watch your drink, avoid unlit underpasses after midnight, and use Uber or Bolt rather than hailing street taxis late at night.
How many days do I need in Krakow?
Three full days covers the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz, Schindler’s Factory, and one day trip (Wieliczka or Auschwitz). Four days lets you add a second day trip. Two days is enough for the Old Town and Kazimierz only.
