Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Kraków, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: EU/UK/US/Canadian citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa
- Passport must be valid for 3+ months beyond planned departure from the Schengen area
- Kraków Airport (KRK) to centre: train to Kraków Główny (18 min, 12 PLN) or bus 208/252 (40 min, 5 PLN)
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. Tap water is safe to drink in Kraków
- Kraków is very safe: occasional pickpocketing in the Old Town, otherwise low crime
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU citizens. Travel insurance recommended for others
Getting Around
- Trams are the main transport: buy tickets at kiosks or use the Jakdojade app. Single ride: 4.60 PLN (20 min) or 6 PLN (60 min)
- The centre is very walkable: Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgórze are all within 20 minutes on foot
- Bolt is the cheapest ride-hailing app (cheaper than Uber in Poland). A cross-city ride costs 15–25 PLN
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Poland has excellent 4G/5G coverage
- EU roaming is free for EU mobile plans. Non-EU visitors: Play or Orange tourist SIMs from 25 PLN for 10GB
- Download Jakdojade for public transport, Bolt for ride-hailing, and Google Maps works well offline
Money
- Poland uses PLN (Złoty), not Euro. ATMs are everywhere. Avoid Euronet ATMs (terrible exchange rates)
- Cards accepted in most places, but carry cash for milk bars, markets, and street food. Exchange at kantors, not airports
- Tipping: round up at restaurants (10% for good service). Not expected at milk bars, cafes, or taxis
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes essential: Kraków's cobblestones are hard on feet and ankles
- Layers year-round: warm summers (25°C+) but cool evenings. Winters are cold (below 0°C), so bring a heavy coat
- A light rain jacket and scarf: weather changes quickly and old churches can be chilly even in summer
Cultural tips
Pierogi Culture
Pierogi are sacred in Poland. Ruskie (potato-cheese), mięsne (meat), and z jagodami (blueberry) are classics. Never add ketchup. Sour cream and fried onions are the proper accompaniments.
Vodka Traditions
Polish vodka is world-class. Try Żubrówka (bison grass), Żołądkowa Gorzka (herbal), or Wyborowa. Vodka is sipped neat and chilled. Toasting is a social ritual: say "na zdrowie" and maintain eye contact.
Religious Respect
Poland is deeply Catholic. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Remove hats. Silence your phone. Mass times are busy, so visit as a tourist outside these hours out of respect.
Holocaust Memory
Kraków's Jewish heritage is profound and painful. Approach Kazimierz, Auschwitz, and Schindler's Factory with solemnity. The city takes its role as a guardian of this memory seriously.
Language Basics
Learn "dzień dobry" (hello), "dziękuję" (thank you), "proszę" (please), and "przepraszam" (sorry/excuse me). Polish is difficult but locals deeply appreciate any effort with the language.
Social Norms
Poles are warm once you get past initial formality. Handshakes are standard greetings. Remove shoes when entering homes. Bringing flowers or wine as a guest is expected, always odd numbers of flowers.
