Krakow

Kazimierz bar nights, Plac Nowy zapiekanki & Old Town squares

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Krakow is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Plac Nowy, Main Market Square and St Marys Basilica. Food lovers should not miss Zapiekanki and Alchemia. Below you will find 16 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Krakow at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Plac Nowy and Main Market Square
Where to stay: Old Town and Kazimierz
Local picks: 16 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Krakow

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Krakow: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Krakow, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Krakow

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Kazimierz

Alchemia

One of the oldest bars in Kazimierz – candle-lit, with alchemist tools on the walls and a warren of little rooms and a cellar where almost anyone can find their nook. Popular with tourists but still loved by locals; head down to the cellar on weekends for live gigs from local and touring bands.

★ 4.5

Kazimierz

Alchemia

An iconic candlelit Kazimierz bar, a cornerstone of Krakow nightlife.

★ 4.5

Day trip

Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip

A guided day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

★ 4.7

Old Town

Cloth Hall

The Renaissance trading hall on the Market Square, stalls below and a gallery above.

★ 4.6

Old Town

Hotel Stary

A refined luxury hotel in a restored townhouse steps from the square.

★ 4.6

$$$

Kazimierz

The atmospheric former Jewish quarter, now full of bars, galleries and street food.

★ 4.6

Kryspinów

Krakowians come to this lake to escape the heat and hustle of the city. Its sandy beaches provide a place to relax alone, with friends, or with family. There are places to…

Old Town

Main Market Square

Europes largest medieval market square, ringed by the Cloth Hall and St Marys Basilica.

★ 4.8

Kazimierz

Plac Nowy

The round market hall of Kazimierz, legendary for late-night zapiekanka.

★ 4.4

Old Town

Pod Wawelem

A boisterous Polish tavern near Wawel for huge plates and cold beer.

★ 4.4

Kazimierz

PURO Krakow Kazimierz

A stylish design hotel in the heart of Kazimierz.

★ 4.5

Podgorze

Schindlers Factory

Oskar Schindlers enamel factory, now a moving museum of wartime Krakow.

★ 4.6

Old Town

St Marys Basilica

The Gothic basilica famed for Veit Stosss altarpiece and its hourly trumpet call.

★ 4.7

Wawel

Wawel Castle

The hilltop royal castle and cathedral above the Vistula.

★ 4.7

Wieliczka

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The astonishing underground chapels and lakes of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

★ 4.7

Old Town

Zapiecek

A cheerful spot for classic Polish pierogi in every filling.

★ 4.3

Kazimierz

Zapiekanki

In the round Okraglak building at the centre of Plac Nowy, stalls sell Krakow’s signature street food: a long baguette split and topped with mushrooms, cheese and whatever you fancy. Cheap, filling and open late – a perfect stop on a Kazimierz bar hop. Endzior is the local favourite.

★ 4.6

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Krakow travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Krakow?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Krakow at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Krakow?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Krakow?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Krakow guide.

What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Krakow is worth visiting year-round.