Find cheap flights to Krakow

If dragons, warriors and other essential ingredients of myth and legend hold your fancy, Krakow will not disappoint you. This former capital city offers a harmonious blend of its past rich heritage and the developed face of modern times.

Choose an appropriate time to visit so you can explore the city and enjoy both its past and its present charm. Average summer temperatures in Krakow are around 20 degrees Celsius, whereas winter temperatures can drop as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, where heavy snowfall can make travel a little difficult.

July and August offer great weather, however it is also peak tourist season and the cost of flights and hotels tends to be higher. May and June have longer days and spring is in full bloom, making it the best time to visit Krakow. From September – October, the golden-brown foliage blends beautifully with the surrounding architecture. With an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, this is also a pleasant time to explore Krakow.

Most landmarks and attractions in Krakow are within easy walking distance of each other, and the best way to enjoy central Krakow is on foot. Sizable portions of the city’s historic areas are pedestrian precincts. You may also want to experience the joy of seeing Old Town and Kazimierz district in a horse cab or an electric cart with a taped guide or a bicycle rickshaw.

Buses and Trams

The city is well-connected with a dense network of buses and tramways and a one-way ticket is PLN 3,80 which can be bought at newsstands or from ticket vending machines. A ticket for a 20-minute ride costs PLN 2,80 and allows you to change lines, while its 40-minute equivalent costs PLN 3,90 and 60-minute ride costs PLN 5,00. The unlimited travel pass valid for all municipal buses and trams is PLN 15,00 for a 24-hour ticket. For minibuses run by independent companies, the fare is PLN 2,00 for a single ride and to be paid to the driver on boarding.

Taxicabs

Taxicabs are plentiful, relatively inexpensive and can be booked telephonically through approximately 15 different private operators. You may also hail one from the numerous taxi stands scattered throughout the city.

Things to do and places of interest in Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful and fascinating city known for its splendid architecture, priceless historical monuments and treasures of art.

• The Royal Castle on Wavel Hill has stately halls and chambers displaying exquisite period furniture, priceless art, and rare, ancient objects.
• The Wavel Cathedral which is Poland’s national shrine includes 18 chapels with true architectural masterpieces. The giant bell Zygmunt ranks amongst the world’s largest.
• Grand Square is one of the most beautiful plazas and the largest amongst all medieval European cities. It boasts of a plethora of landmarks as well as restaurants, clubs and cafés.
• The 42-foot-high and 36-foot-wide Veit Stoss’ magnum opus is the largest Gothic sculpture in the world.
• The scenic Kanonicza Street lined with Renaissance houses is one of the finest streets in Europe.
• Krakow hosts several UNESCO World Heritage sites in its vicinity, such as the Krakow Old Town Historical District, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz, Cavalry Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska on the outskirts of Krakow, and the Wooden architecture route.
• Krakow’s Window of Awe is the world’s greatest stained glass window above the entrance to the basilica of St. Francis on Franciszkanska street.

 

Tips and tricks for visiting Krakow

Say ‘smachnago’ (a Polish equivalent of ‘bon appétit’) before eating, and ‘na zdrowie’ (cheers) before drinking, to blend in with the locals. Casual wear is acceptable for most social occasions, but the norm is to dress up for evening entertainment, dining out, opera, theatre, etc. As you explore the city on foot, beware of pickpockets in any crowded place; especially during travel on public transport. You must also watch your luggage closely.

Almost every day of the week, you are likely to find an array of events to choose from, be it a music concert, an exhibition, a sporting event, or a festival. Krakow’s lively club scene includes jazz, hip-hop, funky, techno and traditional rock. Opera Krakowska’s modern playhouse at 48 Lubicz street hosts opera and ballet performances twice a week from October through June. The Krakow Arena with a capacity of 15000 people hosts several mass audience musical events as well.