Touring solo is ready greater than ticking locations off a listing—it’s about connecting with puts by yourself phrases. And in the event you’re searching for a town that’s stunning, walkable, and filled with tradition, historical past, and center, Krakow would possibly simply be the very best fit.
This Krakow solo commute information will stroll you via the whole thing you wish to have to grasp earlier than visiting Krakow on my own—from find out how to get there and the place to stick, to what to do and find out how to keep secure whilst playing the enjoy to the fullest.
Arriving in Krakow
Attending to Krakow is lovely simple. When you’re flying in, you’ll in all probability land at John Paul II Airport. It’s small and environment friendly—I used to be out the door and on my technique to town inside quarter-hour.
You’ve were given a couple of choices to get into the city. There’s an immediate educate from the airport that runs each and every half-hour and takes you immediately to the principle station (Kraków Główny). It’s blank, reasonable, and rapid; the trip takes round 20 mins and prices round 17 zł (or €4). However in the event you’re drained or sporting heavy baggage, Bolt, or Uber are dependable too. The trip’s round 20–half-hour relying on site visitors. For myself, I selected the most cost effective possibility—the bus. For lower than 1 hour’s trip, I paid 6 zł (or €1.40) from the airport to town.
When you’re arriving through educate from every other Polish town like Warsaw or Gdańsk, you’ll already be dropped proper within the heart. From Kraków Główny, it’s only a brief stroll to the Previous The town—and in the event you’re staying in Kazimierz or Podgórze, the tram community makes it tremendous simple to get round.
The place to Keep in Krakow
Probably the most great issues about Krakow is what number of several types of lodging there are—and the way reasonably priced maximum of them nonetheless are, particularly in comparison to different Eu towns.
If you’re on the cheap or touring solo and wish to meet humans, there are many hostels within the town heart. Hostel Uno is a cast selection within the Previous The town—blank, comfy, and on the subject of the whole thing. When you’re extra into social vibes and nightlife, The Little Havana Celebration Hostel surely lives as much as its title.
For one thing in between—extra non-public, however nonetheless trendy and well-located—Krakow has some very good boutique accommodations. I’d suggest the Metropolitan Boutique Resort in Kazimierz. It’s fashionable, quiet, and shut sufficient to stroll to each the Previous The town and the Jewish Quarter with out feeling such as you’re in the course of a vacationer circus.
When you choose the consistency of world chains, you’ll in finding all of the large names right here too—Ibis, Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Mercure all have places in or close to the middle.
And in the event you’re actually treating your self, H15 Luxurious Palace is the entire enjoy. Set in a ancient palace, it blends vintage appeal with five-star convenience—now not reasonable, however value it in the event you’re celebrating one thing or simply wish to really feel fancy for an evening or two.
Issues to Do in Krakow
Krakow’s a type of towns the place simply strolling round appears like sightseeing. The Previous The town is amazingly well-preserved, filled with little surprises, and sufficiently small to discover on foot. You don’t actually desire a listing—however right here are some things I wouldn’t skip.
Get started within the Major Sq.
Rynek Główny is the thrashing center of town. You’ll most certainly move via it a number of instances an afternoon with out even making an attempt. It’s large, busy, and wonderful. Snatch a espresso, people-watch, pay attention for the trumpet from St. Mary’s Basilica, or take a look at the underground museum underneath the Material Corridor in the event you’re into historical past.
Discuss with the Oskar Schindler Manufacturing facility
Even supposing you’re now not in most cases into museums, this one hits otherwise. It tells the tale of Krakow all the way through International Conflict II throughout the eyes of those that lived it. You’ll get an actual sense of what town went via.
I’d suggest reserving the Oskar Schindler manufacturing unit excursion with a information—or, if you want to discover solo, clutch Schindler manufacturing unit tickets and take your time. Both approach, it’s value it.
Stroll as much as Wawel Fortress
It’s now not a long way—perhaps 10 mins from the Major Sq.. The fortress sits on a hill, with nice perspectives of the river. You’ll stroll across the grounds at no cost, however in the event you’ve were given the time, the Royal Residences or the cathedral are value visiting too. And sure, the fire-breathing dragon statue close to the river actually does shoot flames each and every short time.
Wander via Kazimierz
This was the Jewish district, and now it’s probably the most coolest spaces within the town. Assume boulevard artwork, bookshops, vegan cafés, antique shops, and synagogues—all facet through facet. It’s laid-back, bohemian, and particularly beautiful within the night.
See the sculptures in Father Bernatek Footbridge
If you wish to see fascinating sculptures balanced on wires, take the Father Bernatek Footbridge. Created through Jerzy Kędziora, the sculptures are a part of an open-air exhibition referred to as “Between the water and the sky.” It’s supposed to be brief regardless that, so I’m now not certain till when the sculptures stay.
Breathe in Planty Park
When you wish to have a ruin, Planty is your pal. It’s a hoop of greenery surrounding the Previous The town the place the medieval town partitions was. Locals stroll their canine right here, youngsters play, {couples} take a seat on benches. Snatch a takeaway espresso and simply stroll.
Day Journeys from Krakow
When you’ve were given greater than a few days within the town, it’s value getting out for an afternoon. Krakow’s nicely hooked up, and solo day journeys are tremendous simple to prepare.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
This one’s heavy. I received’t lie—Auschwitz-Birkenau (or Auschwitz II) isn’t a very simple position to discuss with, nevertheless it’s essential. The museum and memorial is ready an hour and a part from Krakow. You’ll discuss with by yourself, however in my opinion, I discovered going with a information helped so much in relation to context and working out. Maximum excursions come with shipping and canopy each Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
I didn’t ebook a excursion for this, basically as a result of all excursions have been complete by the point I made up our minds to move. Thankfully, I met a pair at Major Sq. who additionally sought after to move—Rebecca and Sam from Scotland. We went through educate, and all I will say is that I want we had controlled to discover a excursion to move with. It used to be numerous bother to travel and we were given misplaced a number of instances!
Wieliczka Salt Mine
That is an underground cathedral manufactured from salt. Severely. Sculptures, tunnels, chapels—all carved through miners over centuries. It’s spectacular, weirdly stunning, and a little surreal. Excursions are one of the simplest ways to move, and it’s simply half-hour from Krakow.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
Need a general exchange of surroundings? Head south to Zakopane. In iciness, it’s all about snow and ski slopes; in summer time, climbing trails and thermal baths. Even supposing you simply cross to wander town and devour mountain cheese, it’s a a laugh break out.
Dunajec River Rafting
This one’s off the everyday vacationer radar, however so non violent. The task includes the usage of conventional wood rafts floating gently via a countrywide park. It’s superb in spring or early autumn.
Krakow Solo Shuttle Guidelines
Can I pay in euros or bucks? Now not actually. Poland makes use of złoty (PLN), and whilst some puts would possibly settle for euros, the trade fee’s now not value it. Stick to native forex.
Is it simple to make use of a card? Completely. You’ll pay through card just about far and wide, even in tiny cafés. Nonetheless, I all the time stay a couple of cash in my pocket—to hand for tipping or public bathrooms.
Will humans perceive English? Most commonly sure, particularly in central spaces. However don’t be expecting smiles from strangers—Poles are pleasant and useful, simply now not overly expressive. That mentioned, check out a easy “Dzień dobry” or “Dziękuję” and you could simply see anyone remove darkness from.
When’s the most productive time to discuss with Krakow? Would possibly, June, and September hit the candy spot. On those months, it’s freezing and now not humid, there are fewer crowds, and there are lots happening.
Is the meals dear? On no account. In comparison to maximum Eu towns, Krakow is reasonably priced. You’ll get a good meal for less than €10—even much less in the event you project out of doors the principle vacationer spaces.
What will have to I devour? When in Krakow, surely check out pierogi (dumplings), żurek (bitter soup), schabowy (breaded beef cutlet), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and don’t put out of your mind the obwarzanek—Krakow’s personal chewy, bagel-ish boulevard snack.
How lengthy will have to I keep? You’ll do the fundamentals in a weekend. However if you wish to take your time, discuss with a couple of museums, and perhaps do an afternoon commute or two, 3–4 days is perfect.
Is Krakow secure? For sure. Poland is likely one of the most secure international locations in Europe. Simply use commonplace sense; watch your bag at the tram and keep conscious in crowded puts—that’s in most cases sufficient.
Sensible Guidelines for Krakow Solo Shuttle
Don’t trip public shipping with out a price ticket. Tickets are reasonable, however fines don’t seem to be—and inspections do occur. Validate your price ticket proper after boarding.
Nope, you’ll’t drink in public. That riverside beer through the Vistula would possibly really feel like a super concept, nevertheless it’s technically unlawful. Police do take a look at, and fines aren’t a laugh.
Crossing on a crimson mild? It’s technically unlawful. If there’s nobody round, humans nonetheless do it—however stay an eye fixed out. The police can high-quality you, even supposing you’re the one one in the street.
At hand Apps for Solo Vacationers in Krakow
Jakdojade—One of the best ways to determine public shipping. Tells you which of them tram or bus to take, how lengthy it’ll take, and what sort of price ticket you wish to have.
Bolt and Uber—Each paintings nicely in Krakow. Costs are truthful, and you’ll additionally hire e-scooters (Bolt or Lime) for zipping round the city.
Too Excellent To Move—An effective way to get reasonable foods and scale back meals waste. You purchase wonder leftover foods from cafés and bakeries at a cut price.
E-podróżnik.pl—Very best for making plans day journeys. Is helping you in finding educate and bus connections all over the place Poland—particularly to hand for smaller cities.
Ultimate Ideas
Krakow is a type of puts that surprises you—now not as it shouts, however as it’s quietly wealthy in tales, puts, and moments that stick with you.
Whether or not you’re sipping espresso on the Major Sq., status in silence at Schindler’s Manufacturing facility, climbing within the Tatra Mountains, or simply using the tram via a leafy boulevard—Krakow is a town that provides you with house to discover at your individual tempo.
When you’re touring solo, Krakow is a cast selection. Pleasant, walkable, filled with intensity, and simply the right combination of convenience and problem. Opt for the pierogi—keep for the whole thing else!
