Kraków Holidays

Holidays to Kraków are a whirlwind of history-paved streets, medieval architecture and hidden nightlife.

Dungeons and dragons

The UNESCO World Heritage Kraków is a city on two levels. Above ground, you’ve got the largest town square in Europe, a spectacular Renaissance architecture and trendy restaurants, while underneath the cobbled streets you’ll find jazz clubs, bars and even a 6,000-square-metre museum. These used to be at ground level, but they disappeared from view as the city grew and developed. As well as this hidden hive of activity, Kraków is also steeped in legend, which goes that a mighty dragon once lived in the cave beneath Wawel Castle.

A wartime history

Much of Kraków’s past lies within the Second World War, and is revealed through the exhibitions and monuments that dot the city. Despite making it through the war largely physically unharmed, Kraków’s status as an important political centre saw it witness its fair share of atrocity. Today, you can visit the Ghetto Heroes Square memorial and the Jewish ghetto in Podgorze – the former is made up of 70 bronze chairs that represent the absence of people and belongings sent to concentration camps. The haunting site of Auschwitz is also only an hour’s drive away.

A cultural buzz

Kraków was named the European Capital of Culture in 2000, and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since. From the Renaissance Royal Palace to the Gothic cathedral, the city showcases a charming melting pot of influences. Plus, there are a multitude of museums, and a lively theatre scene, too. Along the cobbled streets of Kazimierz, the Jewish District, a vibrant café culture has blossomed. Here, you’ll find tucked away coffee shops and bistros, decked out with vintage trimmings.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Kraków:

• Boat trips
• Bike hire
• An array of museums
• Horse-drawn carriages
• Guided walking and Segway tours
• Tennis courts
• Castle
• Churches

At a glance

Brave the Dragon’s Den at the 14^th-century Wawel Castle.
Sample Polish vodka at one of the city’s many underground cellar bars.
Explore the depths of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the oldest table-salt mine in the world.

Destinations in Krakow

PLACES TO STAY IN Krakow

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City beaches

Beaches are at a premium in landlocked Kraków, and the options for a dip are mostly in the local swimming baths. However, if you’re after the more traditional sun, sand and sea combo, there’s a beach at Zalew Bagry which sits on the edge of a beautiful lake.
The big beach

At Plaza Kraków, you’ll come across the biggest city beach in Europe. Perched on the riverside, it’s home to 10,000 square metres of imported sand, and there’s a pool on a barge which floats just steps away. You’ll find plenty of sun loungers to relax on, and an al fresco bar and restaurant, too.
The secret beach

Just beyond the city limits, there’s a reservoir known as Zakrzowek Lake. Boasting natural beauty, you’ll find limestone cliffs overlooking a deep blue lagoon. It’s a top spot for sunbathing, barbecues and scenic hikes, and if you’ve got a head for heights you can practise your cliff diving skills.

Bargain Buys

Plac Targowy is the city’s best open air market, with row upon row of stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit to vintage vinyl records. It’s open every day, with most sellers not packing up until sunset. It’s a mecca for bargain-hunters, and there’s some top-notch street food to be had too
Mid-Range Buys

Helpfully sat next to main train station, Galeria Krakowska is the place for shopping. It’s got over 270 shops and restaurants set over three floors, with the likes of H&M, Bershka and Zara all making an appearance. Back in the old town, Florianska is a bustling shopping street lined with high-street brands, while the Kraków Cloth Hall – one of the world’s oldest shopping malls – sells plenty of traditionally Polish goods, as well as glittering Baltic amber jewellery.
Designer Buys

If splashing out is on your agenda, the Rynek 13 Shopping Arcade’s the place. Found in two converted town houses, it’s a designer hive of elegant boutiques. Here, you’ll find names like L’Occitane and Diesel lighting up the bare stone interior.

Laid-back evenings

If you’re on the lookout for a low-key affair, head to one of the many wine bars dotted around the city centre. Normally low-lit with candles, and tucked away from the hustle and bustle, many have a tapas menu to browse and mellow background music.
Lively evenings

For a night of pulse-pumping music, Kraków Old Town is the place to be. Whether you're into jazz or techno, lots of the bars and nightclubs are located underground. They're usually found in cavernous cellars with vaulted ceilings and lots are located on Szewska Street – Kraków's clubbing corridor. Sample the national spirit at Wódka, where you can order a selection of flavoured vodkas served on a plank of wood. If cocktails are more your thing, try Movida Bar. Decorated with famous faces and serving up an assortment of very reasonably priced drinks, this lively bar is a great place to round off a even greater day.

Eating out

Unlike other European cities, a slap-up meal in Kraków is very good value. The restaurants here are trendy, with many found on the roads branching off the market square and in the Jewish District, Kasimierz. You’ll also come across milk bars, small cafés selling dairy-based products and vegetarian dishes that were brought about in the 1960s as a way of feeding workers. Since then they’ve had a revamp, and sell everything from schnitzel to goulash, all washed down with a cool glass of the white stuff. Also in abundance is street food. Make sure you try zapiekanka – an open baguette covered in pizza-style toppings – and pierogi, a dumpling-style snack filled with cheese, meat or even wild forest fruits.
Eat like a king at Restauracja Wierzynek

Tucked away in one of the corners of the market square is Wierzynek, one of the oldest restaurants in Poland, dating back to the 14^th century. It’s seen esteemed guests from De Gaulle to Kate Moss and is decorated in original period furnishings, tapestries and oil paintings. The food here is based on the traditional feasting habits of the Polish monarchy and is made from high-quality organic produce from local suppliers.
Tasty lunchtime treats at Bagelmama

This small, unassuming café is on Dajwór, on the outskirts of Kasimierz. The perfect place for a quick lunch, this trendy jaunt successfully reclaims a traditionally Jewish delicacy – bagels. Choose from an assortment of seed-topped bagels, filled with a variety of ingredients from the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese to warm brie and tomato.
Indulge in Jewish cuisine at Hamsa

For some authentic Jewish fare, head to the lively Szeroka square in Kasimierz. Decorated like a modern Israeli café, this atmospheric restaurant’s slogan is ‘hummus and happiness’. It’s popular for its mouth-watering mezze, the majority of which are meat-free, and a wine list that consists solely of wines from Israel, Armenia and Poland.

On foot

Kraków is a fairly compact city, meaning you can get almost anywhere on foot. The terrain is fairly flat and there’s a nice riverside promenade you can enjoy on sunny days. All the hotels are conveniently located too, under 20 minutes’ walk from the market square and Jewish District. There’s also a fair few parks and green spaces, ideal for an afternoon stroll.
Ferries

The Vistula River is Kraków’s sole waterway, offering an alternative way of seeing the city. There are two types of boat operating on the river, the first by double-decker Pleasure Boat. Departing from the Wisla Bank near Wawel Castle, these boats make it easy to navigate the city towards St. Norbert’s Convent and Bielany Monastery. The rides last an hour and run every day between 9.30am and 5.30pm, or up to 4pm on weekends. The other is by river bus. Like land buses, this boat stops at multiple places along the river on its 10km route, meaning you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you like.
Trains

Kraków Glowny is the city’s main station, and is located within walking distance from the market square next to the Galerie Krakowska. From here you can hop on trains to major cities around the country – like Warsaw in 2 hours and 30 minutes or Wroclaw in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Buses

You’ll find the bus station right next to the train station. From here you can travel to numerous places around the country – including Zakopane in just 2 hours and 20 minutes, or Oswiecim (the town close to Auschwitz) in just over an hour – for a very decent price. The buses depart quite regularly, too.
Trams

The most convenient and cost-friendly way of getting around the city is by tram. A full service runs regularly between 5am and 11pm, with some night trams in operation after dark. Trams are included with the Krakow Card, but you can buy tickets from the machines at major stops (which also operate in English) and on board most trams. All tickets are timed, meaning you can hop on more than one tram within your allotted time, and come at very good prices.

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Kraków Holidays

Dungeons and dragons

A wartime history

A cultural buzz

Out and about

At a glance

Destinations in Krakow

PLACES TO STAY IN Krakow

Top things to See and Do in Kraków

City beaches

The big beach

The secret beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Eating out

Eat like a king at Restauracja Wierzynek

Tasty lunchtime treats at Bagelmama

Indulge in Jewish cuisine at Hamsa

On foot

Ferries

Trains

Buses

Trams

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Where we go in Krakow

Hotel Columbus

Hotel Wyspiański

Hotel Royal

Hotel Amadeus

Popular holidays

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