Like A Local Guide

Krakow

Kazimierz bar nights, Plac Nowy zapiekanki & Old Town squares

Browse Krakow

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.

Where to stay in Krakow

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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
$$
View guide →

Kazimierz

Alchemia

An iconic candlelit Kazimierz bar, a cornerstone of Krakow nightlife.
★ 4.5
$$
View guide →

Day trip

Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip

A guided day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
★ 4.7
$$
View guide →

Old Town

Cloth Hall

The Renaissance trading hall on the Market Square, stalls below and a gallery above.
★ 4.6
$
View guide →

Old Town

Hotel Stary

A refined luxury hotel in a restored townhouse steps from the square.
★ 4.6
$$$
View guide →

Kazimierz

JCC Krakow

Why it matters: opened in 2008 as a Prince of Wales initiative to serve both Holocaust survivors and Kraków’s small, re-emerging Jewish community, JCC Krakow is the city’s Jewish revival in action – not a museum, but a working community center partly staffed by young Poles only recently discovering their own Jewish roots. Book a conversation with a Holocaust survivor, join a certified guide for a walking tour of Jewish Kazimierz or a day trip to Auschwitz, or time a visit for Friday-night Shabbat dinner with the community. It sits on ul. Miodowa 24, right in Kazimierz a few minutes from the Old Town. Most visitor programs need advance booking, so email visitors@jcckrakow.org before you arrive rather than just walking in.
View guide →

Kazimierz

Kazimierz

The atmospheric former Jewish quarter, now full of bars, galleries and street food.
★ 4.6
$
View guide →

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…
View guide →

Old Town

Main Market Square

Europes largest medieval market square, ringed by the Cloth Hall and St Marys Basilica.
★ 4.8
$
View guide →

Kazimierz

Plac Nowy

The round market hall of Kazimierz, legendary for late-night zapiekanka.
★ 4.4
$
View guide →

Old Town

Pod Wawelem

A boisterous Polish tavern near Wawel for huge plates and cold beer.
★ 4.4
$$
View guide →

Kazimierz

PURO Krakow Kazimierz

A stylish design hotel in the heart of Kazimierz.
★ 4.5
$$
View guide →

Podgorze

Schindlers Factory

Oskar Schindlers enamel factory, now a moving museum of wartime Krakow.
★ 4.6
$$
View guide →

Podgórze

Społeczna Kaffka

Why it matters: opened in January 2023 by Społeczna 21, the social enterprise wing of Kraków’s Tęcza Association, this was Poland’s first cafe built to employ adults with Down syndrome as trained baristas and bakers. Every złoty spent here funds job coaching and support for a staff of a dozen employees working toward independent adult life. Order a coffee and a slice of the daily cake, or pick up a jar of the honey and jam the team makes in-house. It’s in Podgórze south of the river, so pair it with a stop at Schindler’s Factory nearby – just check their Facebook page first, since it’s only open weekdays plus alternating Saturdays.
View guide →

Old Town

St Marys Basilica

The Gothic basilica famed for Veit Stosss altarpiece and its hourly trumpet call.
★ 4.7
$
View guide →

Wawel

Wawel Castle

The hilltop royal castle and cathedral above the Vistula.
★ 4.7
$$
View guide →

Wieliczka

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The astonishing underground chapels and lakes of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
★ 4.7
$$
View guide →

Old Town

Zapiecek

A cheerful spot for classic Polish pierogi in every filling.
★ 4.3
$
View guide →

Before you go

Things we recommend sorting before any trip. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel medical insuranceSafetyWing's Nomad Insurance works like a subscription: pay by the month, cover in most countries worldwide, and you can sign up even after your trip has started.Check prices on SafetyWing
Data the moment you landAn Airalo eSIM gets your phone online in 200+ destinations before you even leave the airport - no SIM swap, no surprise roaming bill. Use code UNLIMITED4YOU for 15% off your first Unlimited eSIM (through Sept 30, 2026).Get an eSIM on Airalo

Book your trip to Krakow

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

Find hotels in KrakowBook tours and experiences

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.

Scroll to Top