Krakow

Krakow

Prepare for a fascinating visit to the cultural capital of Poland!

5 good reasons to go to Krakow

A poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau
A poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau
When you come to Krakow, you must visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Over a million Jews were killed by the Nazis in these two concentration camps. At the museum, you’ll see the barracks, historical objects, and photos depicting the horror that unfolded there. A visit to the museum is incredibly moving and will help you learn more about the genocide.
Go down into a salt mine
Go down into a salt mine
Enjoy a unique experience at Wieliczka Salt Mine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates all those who visit it. Head down one of the many staircases, wander through the different chambers, admire the underground lakes, discover the history of the mine and visit the chapels, especially the incredible Saint Kinga’s Chapel!
Take a break at a milk bar
Take a break at a milk bar
There’s still evidence of the Communist era in Poland. Mlecznys are great for something cheap to eat or drink. Several survived the Communist era and have been modernised. These milk bars are like school canteens and serve a number of different dairy-based products. Make time for a stop in a mleczny! You won't be disappointed!
Schindler’s Factory
Schindler’s Factory
Schindler’s Factory is a must for anyone visiting Krakow. The businessman Oskar Schindler, who was made famous by the Spielberg film "Schindler’s List", saved the lives of 1,200 Jews working in his factory. The museum set up in the factory tells the story of Polish Jews during Nazi occupation. You can also see a reconstruction of Schindler’s office.
Escape to the Polish Alps
Escape to the Polish Alps
The Tatra Mountains are a 2-hour drive from Krakow. The mountains, which border Slovakia, are like a small version of the French Alps and offer a refreshing break. Go skiing in winter or hiking in summer, and take in the incredible landscapes. Explore the town of Zakopane and its pretty wooden chalets.

Offres de vols aller-retour

To see / do

Culture and history

Krakow Old Town

The historic centre of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there’s a good reason for that. The Stare Miasto (Old Town) is absolutely stunning! Have a look around and admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings. The cathedral, castle, cloth hall, Barbican, university and other magnificent historic buildings have graced this Polish city for centuries.

Wawel Hill

Wawel Hill

Krakow’s fascinating Wawel Hill towers over the banks of the Vistula. Climb the hill to see some incredible historical landmarks, including Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle. In the castle, you can see the former royal living quarters and the crown jewels. In summer, don’t forget to visit the Dragon’s Den on the hill. The dragon (from a Polish folk tale) breathes fire at the entrance to his cave.

A colourful basilica

A colourful basilica

The beautiful Saint Mary’s Basilica (Church of Our Lady) was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The red-brick building has two different-sized towers, but what makes it so unique is its interior. The inside walls are all painted, making it a breathtaking sight to behold. You should also look at the striking altarpiece and stained-glass windows.

Outings

Explore Krakow’s Cloth Hall

Explore Krakow’s Cloth Hall

The Sukiennice Cloth Hall can be found in Rynek Główny, the central marketplace. This Cloth Hall is home to a number of little shops and stalls. Perfect if you’re after a few souvenirs or a quick bite to eat. Pop up to the first floor to see the gallery of Polish art, which is a division of the National Museum of Krakow.

Visit the Kazimierz district

Krakow’s Jewish quarter is sadly well-known for the suffering of its inhabitants during Nazi occupation. Today, however, Kazimierz is thriving more than ever before. Happiness and freedom have long been re-established. Bars, restaurants and trendy art galleries flourish in the area and attractive frescos cover walls throughout the district.

Gastronomy

Pierogi, a touch of Italy

No, you’re not in Rome, you definitely bought a plane ticket to Krakow. Pierogi is the Polish equivalent of ravioli. Pasta-lovers will adore these little parcels! They come filled with meat, cheese, potato and more, and you can find them on the menus at all traditional Polish restaurants. 

Eastern-European cheesecake

Eastern-European cheesecake

Did you think that cheesecake was just an American thing? Well, just wait until you try sernik krakowski, a traditional cheesecake from Krakow! It is made using twaróg (like cottage cheese) and flavoured with vanilla, raisins or nuts. There are lots of different types of sernik, so you’ll have to try a few to find your favourite!

Practical information

Flight duration

2h45

Time difference

0h

Currency

Zloty

Distance

1642 km

Average temperature

Spring

13°C (max 22°C)

Summer

18°C (max 25°C)

Autumn

4°C (max 14°C)

Winter

0°C (max 8°C)

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* All the information on this page is provided for information purposes only. Changes to the programme, flight offers and schedules may be made at any time and without notice. Check with airlines or travel agencies for more information.