Krakow (Cracow) is not only a historical and visual gem, it’s Poland’s second largest city and covers both banks of the Wisla (or Vistula) river. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the metropolitan area has more than 1.4 million inhabitants if you include the surrounding communities. Districts : Although Krakow is officially divided into eighteen dzielnica or boroughs, each with a considerable degree of autonomy within the municipal government, this division is relatively recent and prior to March 1991, the city had been divided into just the four quarters of Podgorze, Nowa Huta, Krowodrza and the ancient town centre of Krakow itself. (The historic Old City is now officially situated in District (I), Stare Miasto. Even though the words Stare Miasto mean ‘old town’, it should not be confused with the historic old town of Krakow itself, as the medieval old town is only a small central part of District I Stare Miasto). Some of the communities around the edge of Krakow can show you real Polish life away from the tourist-focused economy of the centre. Our guide divides Krakow into these distinct areas:
Centre
Old Town — Consists of the historic Krakow Old Town, as well as the Wawel castle hill, Nowe Miasto (“New Town”), Nowy Swiat (“New World”), Kleparz, Okol, which previously was situated between the Wawel hill and the Old Town but soon became part of the latter, Piasek, Stradom and Warszawskie (partly in Pradnik Czerwony). Krakow’s historic centre, covering the Old Town and Wawel was entered on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1978. These are the most popular tourist destinations, and if your time is limited, you would be best sticking to these.
Kazimierz – Area located really close to the Old Town, independent city in medieval times with a Christian quarter in the West and a former largely Jewish quarter in the East.
Western part
Zwierzyniec — The greenest area in Krakow; includes Blonia, Las Wolski forest and the Kosciuszko Mound.
Krowodrza
Grzegorzki
Pradnik Czerwony
Pradnik Bialy
Bronowice
Southern part
Podgorze — The area on the southern bank of the river Vistula, where the Jewish ghetto was located during the Nazi occupation.
Debniki — Green area to the South West of Old Town, which includes the Tyniec Monastery.
Lagiewniki-Borek Falecki
Swoszowice
Podgorze Duchackie
Biezanow-Prokocim
Eastern part
Nowa Huta — “The New Steel Mill” area built in the communist era.
Czyzyny
Mistrzejowice
Bienczyce
Wzgorza Krzeslawickie
History : Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20,000BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain. However, the first official mention of the name was in 966 by a Jewish merchant from Spain, who described it as an important centre of trade in Slavonic Europe. Through trade with the various rulers of Europe, it grew from a small settlement in 1000AD to a large wealthy city, belonging to the Vistulans. However, through the 9th and 10th centuries, it fell under the influence of the Great Moravians, then the Bohemians, before being captured by the Piast Dynasty of Poland. In 1038, Kazimierz the Restorer made Krakow the capital of Poland.
In 1241, the city was almost entirely destroyed by Tatars. It was rebuilt to a design that remains largely unchanged to the present day. However, after more successful attacks by the Mongols in the late 13th century, Kazimierz the Great set about defending the city. Walls, fortifications, and the original Wawel Castle were added. The University was also established. King Kazimierz established the district of Kazimierz for Jews to live in free from persecution. This area remained mainly Jewish for centuries until the Nazi occupation. The 16th century was Krakow’s golden age. Under the influence of the joint Polish-Lithuanian Jagiellonian dynasty, Krakow became a centre of science and the arts. In 1569, Poland was officially united with Lithuania and as a result government activity started to move to Warsaw. King Zygmunt III officially moved the capital in 1609.
However, the 17th century was a return to troubled times for Krakow and Poland. After being invaded by Russians, Prussians, Austrians, Transylvanians, Swedes, and the French, it went through a phase of various forms of political control. These included being part of the Duchy of Warsaw, established by Napoleon, and becoming an “independent city”. However, it mostly fell under the sphere of influence of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, in the province of Galicia.
In the First World War, Jozef Pilsudski set out to liberate Poland and the Treaty of Versailles (1919) established an independent sovereign Polish state for the first time in more than 100 years. This lasted until the Second World War, when Germany and the USSR partitioned the country, with German forces entering Krakow in September 1939. Many academics were killed and historic relics and monuments were destroyed or looted. Concentration camps were established near Krakow, including Plaszow and Auschwitz. After German withdrawal, the city escaped complete destruction and many buildings were saved. In the Communist period, a large steel works was established in the suburb of Nowa Huta. This was seen as an attempt to lessen the influence of the anti-Communist intelligentsia and religious communities in Krakow. In 1978, UNESCO placed Krakow on the World Heritage Sites list. In the same year, the Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla, was made Pope John Paul II. The Communist Government collapsed in 1989 and Krakow has undergone another period of regeneration, with historic buildings being restored.
Access : Coordinates:50.061389, 19.937222 / By plane : Krakow Airport (also known as John Paul II International Airport Krakow – Balice) (IATA: KRK) is the main airport, located in Balice, about 12km to the west of the centre. It is the second biggest airport in Poland. See Exchange rate scam below, this is also operating at the airport. Two ATMs can be found on the ground floor of Terminal 1, one next to the information desk, the other right across the hall between a car rental agency and a bakery. The smallest bills are usually PLN50. The following airlines operate service to/from Krakow:
Domestic: LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) Ryanair (Gdansk) International: Air Berlin (Berlin) Alitalia (Rome) Austrian Airlines (Vienna) British Airways (London)
Brussels Airlines (Brussels) EasyJet (Belfast-International, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London-Gatwick,, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Basel) Finnair (Helsinki) Germanwings (Stuttgart) Jet2.com (Newcastle upon Tyne) KLM (Amsterdam) Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich Norwegian (Bergen, Copenhagen, Oslo-Gardermoen, Stavanger, Stockholm-Arlanda) Ryanair (Alicante, Bologna, Brussels-Charleroi, Dublin, Edinburgh, Eilat-Ovda (Israel), Eindhoven, Gran Canaria, London-Stansted, Madrid, Marseille, Milan-Orio al Serio, Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Oslo-Sandefjord, Paris-Beauvais, Paphos, Rome-Ciampino, Stockholm-Skavsta, Tenerife. Seasonal: Malaga, Malta, Pisa, Trapani, Cagliari)
Swiss Airlines (Zurich) Vueling (Barcelona)
The airport in Krakow is known for its foggy days, which can cause flight diversions (to Katowice, Warsaw, Rzeszow or even Brno!) or cancellations. The most foggy months are November, December, February and March, and during those times some of the early morning and evening flights are diverted somewhere else, heavily delayed or even cancelled!!
To travel between the airport and the city: Buses #252 and #208 run from the airport to the city centre at frequent intervals. If you need to get to the Main Train Station or the Bus Station, get off at the final stop Dworzec Glowny Wschod. This bus stop is located next to shopping centre Galeria Krakowska, and directly outside the main train station (Dworzec Glowny PKP). The ride takes about 40 minutes (on frequent 252 service – every 30 mins between 4:30-23:00). Single-ride tickets from Balice Airport to the city centre cost PLN4.00 (or PLN2.00 for ISIC/EURO 26 holders), or PLN5.00 if you want to make a transfers into other buses/trams within 60 min time. Make sure you buy the “agglomeration ticket”, this type of ticket is valid in two zones, so also in the area where the airport is located. Tickets can be bought from one of the newsagents or from a ticket machine at the bus stop or on the bus. Make sure you validate your ticket immediately after boarding the vehicle. At night, you can catch Night Bus #902 which leaves from the airport to the city centre late in the evening.
Note: If onboard the 252 bus, the best stop to alight is “Muzeum Narodowe”, located the first stop after passing the football stadium, in the south west corner of the Old Town. A tram stop is located nearby.
Train – since September 2015 a direct rail link connects the airport with the main train station (ca. 20 mins ride), and further on with Wieliczka, for Salt Mine (another 20 mins ride), every 30 mins during daytime. Cost: 9 PLN to Krakow centre. Tickets can be purchaised on the train (2016), queues at the ticket offices might be long.
Airport <–> City Center Bus: There is a privately-run bus service from the airport to city centre and vice versa that costs PLN10.00 and runs roughly hourly on weekdays and Sundays; Saturday service is more sparse. At the airport, it picks up passengers by the regular bus stop right outside T1, it is the one furthest from the airport/at the front of the bus line. It takes roughly 20-30 minutes and drops off passengers right across the Galeria Krakowska near the Central Train Station. You buy the tickets straight from the driver. To return to the airport, it picks up passengers at the same spot near Galeria Krakowska that passengers from the airport to the city center are dropped off at, in front of the agency that runs the service.
Taxis accept payments by credit card. Taxi ranks are located in front of the T1 and T2 terminal exits. BEWARE ‘Airport Taxis’ which can be found in front of the terminals charge a high fixed fare determined by the Zone of the destination. Most of central Krakow is in Zone 3 so the fare is PLN89. Ask the driver to be sure.
Cheaper option would be walking left or right and stop/ask at one of the taxis from other corporations. You can agree the price before entering the vehicle. You should easily find offers around 40-50PLN (we paid 40pln, October 2014; meter from Airport to the Main Train Station showed 36pln!). For different prices or car types you can also use one of the e-hailing apps like Talixo.
If you take a taxi to the airport, the journey should cost under PLN70 during the day. Check that the meter is on with the appropriate tariff. Note that the airport is outside the city, so you will be subject to the ‘outside’ tariff until you pass a certain point, at which it changes.
Katowice Airport (IATA: KTW) Alternatively, you can fly to Katowice – Pyrzowice(KTW), which is located about 100km from the city of Krakow and has direct connections with over 30 destinations across Europe and Asia. The airport is a base of Wizzair and has strong network of Wizzair flights. It’s also the only one in southern Poland having a direct connection with Kiev or Georgia which makes it a good airport for passengers who cannot buy direct flights to Krakow or are afraid of fogs and cancellations at KRK.
Domestic: LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw)
International: Germanwings (Dusseldorf) Lufthansa (Frankfurt
Ryanair (Alicante, Birmingham, Chania, Dublin, London-Stansted
Wizzair Barcelona, Belfast, Bergen, Cologne, Dortmund, Doncaster, Eindhoven, Frankfurt-Hahn,Glasgow, Kiev-Zhulyany, Kutaisi, London-Luton , Maastricht, Malmo-Sturup, MilanBergamo, Naples, Oslo-Torp, Paris-Beauvais, Rome-Ciampino, Stavanger, Stockholm-Skavsta, Tel Aviv
Seasonal: Bourgas, Grenoble
Connection with Pyrzowice/Katowice Airport: Matuszek Airport Transfer, costs PLN44-88 round trip, Pyrzowice Ekspres costs from PLN45 one way. Both of these companies are synchronised with airport air traffic, and once you take your luggage at the terminal and leave the airport, the bus will be waiting for you right in front of the building.
By train : Dworzec Glowny PKP is the Central Train Station in Krakow, and is located just outside of the Old Town. It’s well connected to other cities in Poland. The station has a left-luggage service, waiting room, small cafes and shops. However, the food is not the best, and you would be better advised going out of the station to buy from the shops nearby. There’s a shopping centre (Galeria Krakowska) located next to the station with some fast-food restaurants. The station staff are not always the most helpful to foreigners who don’t speak Polish as they often speak no English and you can spend an awfully long time waiting in line only to be told to join another long line. If you get confused, try asking someone young to help you as most young Polish people speak communicative English and are very helpful. Staff at the international ticket counter speak English.
Between 06:00 and 20:00 there is a train between Krakow and Warsaw every hour or so. Some of them are Express InterCity (EIC) or Express InterCity Premium (EIP) with a journey time of c. 2h20. It is by far the most convenient way of travelling between Krakow and Warsaw. The ticket usually costs PLN120 per adult or 49PLN when bought well in advance, or – if you’re lucky – during off-peak hours. First class tickets are about 25% more expensive, and offer greater leg room. Other trains throughout a day are classified as Express (starting from ~PLN100), Intercity (starting from ~PLN60) or TLK (starting from ~PLN40). They vary in comfort but travel durations are similar. Some of them have discounts for younger people <26 years old, ask at the counter. Some TLKs take a different route and then the travel time takes 5h. Tickets can be purchased online at .
There are just a few direct international trains to Krakow. Overnight sleeper trains arrive daily from Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Lviv.
From Prague, couchette car online ticket starts at €29 (Czech Railways).
From Budapest, couchette car online ticket starts at €39 (Hungarian Railways).
From Vienna, couchette car online ticket starts at €42 (Austrian Railways).
Currently (2015), there is no daytime international direct train to Krakow.
Czech train operators provide a combined bus+train service from Prague. Regiojet promotion fares start at €15, LEO Express at €15, Czech Railways at €20. Czech Railways accept Interrail tickets as well.
EuroCity trains from Prague/Vienna to Warszaw have a stop at Katowice, where a change to regional train to Krakow is possible.
By bus : There are Europe-wide coach services operating into Krakow, like Eurolines (from France, Italy, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Central Europe), Ecolines (from Russia, Baltic states, Central Europe and Balkans). The journey time by coach from London, for example, is around 24 hours. It’s pretty uncomfortable, and not recommended for anybody other than the desperate or environmentally conscious.
From Budapest you can get Krakow with Orange Ways or Eurobusways , they are an on demand bus company, going at your request. There have been many complaints about Orangeways. Bus connections to other cities in Poland can be found on the website of the Regional Bus Station in Krakow . Additionally:From Warsaw you can get to Krakow with Polski Bus . From Wroclaw you can get to Krakow with:
Link Bus. Reservations can be made easily by sending an SMS indicating the date and time of departure with your name to +48 664 670 191. Tickets can be purchased on board and cost PLN39 one-way.
Lajkonik. Another company that rides to Wroclaw and back (with a stop in Katowice). Three runs everyday each direction. One way ticket is PLN43 (and there are some small discounts for students).
When travelling between Krakow and Zakopane it’s recommended to take a bus (2h journey) instead of train (3.5 hour journey). Buses are leaving every 30 minutes from the Regional Bus Station. From Czech Republic you can get to Krakow, on cheapest way as commonly used by Students is to cross international border between Poland and Czech Republic on Foot.
By car : The A4 motorway runs from the German border (where it meets the Autobahn A4) to Krakow and then continues to the Ukrainian border in Korczowa. There is a PLN20 toll between Krakow and Katowice and a PLN16 toll between Wroclaw and Katowice (it is possible to pay with cash or with a credit card). Driving to or from Warsaw (300km) is more difficult as there is yet no direct expressway joining these two cities. The easiest route is the Route 7/E77 road, which should take less than four hours (it is being upgraded to expressway with speed limit of 120km/h, yet whole process is estimated to finish around 2022).
Get around : On foot : Depending on your level of fitness, you can see the whole of the city centre without needing any transport. There are some beautiful walking routes, try the Royal Way or the Planty park that surrounds the old city all the way from Florian’s Gate to Wawel castle. It is very relaxing. There is also a well cared for river bank next to the castle to stroll around. However, be aware that in winter snow is sometimes not removed from the sidewalks, resulting in a mixture of snow and mud. Be sure to bring waterproof shoes if you plan to travel by foot in the winter.
Public transportation : Krakow is covered by an extensive network of public transportation consisting of tram and bus lines, managed mainly by MPK (Miejskie Przedsiebiorstwo Komunikacyjne) . You can check timetables on the their official site . However, most locals use jakdojade (this is MPK’s official partner) to find connections as the site also displays routes and stop locations on a map. Jakdojade is also available as a phone app with GPS routing. Rush hours are mostly 07:00-09:00 and 15:00-17:00 and you can spend a lot of time in traffic jams.
It’s best to buy tickets before you get on board in a kiosk or ticket machine on the tram/bus stop (these are present mostly in the city centre and provide help in few languages). Some trams and buses are equipped with ticket machines as well, they are marked with large “A” sign above the entrance. As the last option, if there is no ticket machine on board you can buy the PLN5 ticket from the driver but you have to pay him with exact change (driver will not accept a higher amount than the ticket price). If buying a ticket after mounting the vehicle try to be fast. Ticket controllers are fairly common and fines are quite high (PLN150) and a hassle.
As soon as you get on, punch the ticket in the validation machine. Tickets need to be punched only the first time you get on, don’t do it again after changing a tram/bus. You can use a single ticket for multiple rides as long as its time period hasn’t expired. Ticket prices: 20-minutes PLN2.80, single-fare/40-minute PLN3.80, one-hour PLN5.00, 90-minute PLN6.00, 24-hour PLN15, 48-hour PLN24, 72-hour 36 zl, 7-day 48 zl, family ticket (Sat-Sun only, unlimited daytime travelling) 16.00 zl.
ISIC and Euro26 student holders that study outside Poland can use 50% discount tickets which means: 20-minute 1.40 zl, single-fare/40-minute 1.90 zl, one-hour 2.50 zl, 90-minute 3.00 zl, 24-hour 7.50 zl, 48-hour 12 zl, 72-hour 18 zl, 7-day 24 zl.
When travelling outside city border (for example to the airport or Wieliczka) you need an agglomeration (zone) ticket. All buses that go outside the city limits have 2 at the beginning of their line number. Keep in mind you need zone ticket even if you have any sort of valid time pass mentioned above (as they cover just the city area). Zone tickets are slightly more expensive than city ones and follow similar time system.
Night tram and bus lines start with 6 (or 9 when zone) at the beginning of their line number. Night lines have a “hub” at the stops close to the main railway station, where they meet and allow for changes at every full hour from 00:00 (every half hour on weekend nights). Night time tickets costs the same. 24 / 48 / 72-hour tickets are valid on night buses also. Tram and bus stops show routes and most kiosks will be able to advise you on route numbers. Modern trams and some of the modern buses also display the route inside on the screens and announce each stop.
By car : Don’t bother driving in the city centre. There’s often a lot of traffic, parking spaces are scarce and can be expensive. There are also rules around local ‘driving zones’ that confuse even long time residents. The taxis are cheap and it makes more sense to use them. Taxis, reliable and fair play taxi drivers from the airport or for a longer transfer should be booked in advance by the internet. For instance Krakow airport transfer to Krakow costs around 70PLN. During the day, most fares will be around PLN20. All taxis should have a ‘Taxi’ sign on the roof and a sticker on the rear passenger window with prices. There is an initial charge of about PLN5-7, plus PLN2-3 per kilometre. Price list should be shown on the passenger side door.
Car services such as iCar or Car-o or MaxiDriver are almost always less expensive than taxis, and will quote you the prices in advance (based on the real distance between you and your destination). An 8km ride will run you about PLN22. There are instances where drivers will overcharge tourists, especially those who don’t speak Polish. Check on a map in advance how much it should be and if it goes much above that, debate the price.
By bicycle : In 2008, Krakow introduced a reasonably priced system of public municipal bikes. There are 162 stations where the bikes can be rented and returned. Nice thing about the system is that you don’t need to return the bike to the same station you took it from – you just grab a bike for a few minutes to transfer from one point to another and drop it at any other station. Before using the bikes you need to register in the system and pay some small initial fee, for more information see . Another option is to hire a bicycle. It is easy to get around the centre on two wheels, as there are some bike lanes, including through the ‘Planty’ that surround the Old Town. Some bike rentals also provide city and country tours.
Bike Rental, ul. sw. Anny 4, . In summer from 9:00AM till dusk. 7 zl for 1h, 40 zl for 24h.
Cruising Krakow, ul. Basztowa 17, . 9:00AM-8:00PM. 20 zl for the first 3h, 40 zl for 24h.
Happy Bike, ul. Mogilska 51, , . 40 zl for 24h.
Two Wheels, ul. Jozefa 5 (Kazimierz), , . 10:00AM – 6:00PM. 50 zl for 24h.
For those who are prepared to spend more, you can do a downtown Krakow tour using a rented Segway.
Attractions : Most of the popular tourist attractions are located in the Old Town. See the separate article for complete listings. Krakow’s historic centre, which includes the Old Town, Krakow Barbican , Kazimierz and the Wawel Castle, was included as the first of its kind on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. The district of Kazimierz whith its Jewish heritage is very interesting. The synagogue of Remuh, for example, was built in 1557. Although it’s not so well-conserved and the entrance costs PLN5, it has a great atmosphere with its old walls and its ancient vestments. Adjacent is its cemetery created in 1511 and recently restored. The atmosphere is very melancholic there and deserves a visit.
The district of Nowa Huta was built during the Communist Era, and was made for the people working in the huge steelworks (5 times larger than the Old Town of Krakow) there. The architecture of the district is typical socialist huge buildings surround green parks. The district now is poor, and you can touch the real uneasiness of those times there. Main station is Plac Centralny which can be reached by trams 4, 10, 16, 21, 22 and 64. Travellers who come to Krakow often visit Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Not many know that in Krakow there was also a Nazi concentration camp located in Podgorze district. You can visit Schindler’s Factory there.
Activities : Krakow, the old royal capital, is acclaimed for its many precious architectural monuments and a unique friendly atmosphere. There are many things to do: Walk the entire Royal Way, from St. Florian’s Gate, down Florianska, across the Rynek Glowny, down Grodzka to the Wawel castle and krakow barbican
Listen to the Hejnal Mariacki (Trumpet Signal) while sipping a coffee in the Rynek Glowny. The signal is played live every full hour from the tower of St Mary Church. Legend has it that the tune is cut suddenly in memory of a trumpeter shot and killed by a Tatar arrow in 1241, but local tour guides say that this is a false story started as a joke to someone who found the tune strange.
Walk around the Planty, a large park that surrounds the entire Old Town.
Lounge and take in the sun on the banks of the Vistula river. See the Dragon’s Lair and see the dragon breathe fire.
Take a cruise down the river, it’s perfect way to admire the Tyniec Abbey and Bielany Priory. In summer there are several ships harbored next to Wawel Castle.
Early on Sunday, go shopping at the open air flea markets at Plac Nowy and Hala Targowa. 7:00-13:00
Participate in a Mass in St.Mary’s Church. The church is impressive and the devotion of the believers will bring you inside of the real religious spirit.
Take a ride around in dorozka horse carriage. There are always several parking on Rynek Glowny.
Visit Nowa Huta and lose yourself between the apartment blocks, doing your shopping in the very poor markets of the district.
Visit the district of Kazimierz, losing yourself in the tight streets and searching the tracks of the Jewish past of Krakow.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow “MOCAK” / , one of Krakow’s most recent additions. Tucked behind the Oscar Schindler’s Factory museum offers contemporary art of the last two decades. Private tour is recommended.
Take part in a city game which combines sightseeing of the city with adventure, integration and fun. You’ll find them advertised in hostels.
Schindler’s Factory Museum, ul. Lipowa, 4. 10 am to 6 pm. Very well put together permanent exhibition “Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945”: evolution of living in Krakow through the World Wars ’till Communism times, with special focus to WWII period; give generous amount of time (2 – 3 hours) to absorb everything!
Go Skiing . The ski resorts of Zakopane are only a couple of hours away by bus and can easily be visited in a day trip.
Rynek Underground Museum, Main Square 1, 31-042 Krakow, ? 48 12 426 50 50 . hours – see website. Stunning 6000 sq meter interactive panoramic archaeological museum of Krakow from pre-history through its golden age, all beneath the Main Market Square. Allow 1-3 hours to appreciate it all. price – see website.
Tour : Taste Vodka – Vodka Tasting tour, Szpitalna 1 in Krakow . Monday-Sunday 17:00 to 21:00. Taste Vodka run Various daily Tours starting in Szpitalna 1 exploring the history and varieties of Polish Vodkas. Polish Tapas are provided. Private and more deluxe vodka and food tours can also be booked by contacting in advance. 75PLN.
Kazimierz Food Tour (Food Tour), St. Mary Basicila or Old Synagogue in Kazimierz (In front St Marry Basicila or Old Synagogue in Kazimierz) . Mon-Sunday 13:00 or 17:00. Kazimierz Food Tasting and Culture Tour is 3,5 hours walking and eating tour through 5-6 local Polish restaurants. You will sample 13-14 different Polish food as well as vodka and craft beer.
Krakow Craft Beer Tour (Craft Beer Tour), St. Mary Basicila or Old Synagogue in Kazimierz (In Front St Marry Basicila or Old Synagogue in Kazimierz). Mon-Sunday 17:00. Krakow Craft Beer Tour is 3 hours walking and drinking tour through 3 local craft beer pubs in Krakow. You will get 10 samples of Polish craft beers. There will also be snacks chosen to accompany the beer.
Events : Jewish Culture Festival (Festiwal Kultury Zydowskiej) A classic, one the biggest Jewish culture festivals in the world. A week of tours, concerts, workshops on cuisine, dance, music and calligraphy topped with a huge final show on Saturday evening. June/July
Bajit Chadasz (New Home in Hebrew) Another Jewish culture festival, ogranised by Jewish Cultural Centre in Kazimierz with concerts, exhibitions and lectures. November
Krakow Film Festival One of the oldest film events dedicated to documentary, animated and short fiction films in Europe. In a week over 200 films are shown in around six cinemas (10 screens) around the city and in an open air one next to Wawel castle. May
Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema. April
Etiuda&Anima International film festival built around animations and short films. November
ArtBoom Festival Street art. In 2012 participants include Ai Weiwei and Russian collective Voina. June
Photomonth One month long festival with around forty different photography exhibitions around the city. May
Coke Live Festival Typical summer opeair music fest. Stars that appeared past years include: Kanye West, Muse, The Chemical Brothers, 50 Cent… second half of August
Selector Contemporary music and multimedia festival. In 2011 in line-up were La Roux, Klaxons, Ladytron. June
Unsound World renowned experimental music and art event. October
Sacrum Profanum [39] Music fest with concerts of such stars as Steve Reich, Aphex Twin or Kraftwerk taking place in unusual places like churches, museums and factories. September
Wianki St. John’s Night (Midsummer) celebration. An evening of concerts finished with a fireworks show taking place on Vistula river banks next to Wawel castle. A booze-up. June
Christmas Market Oldest christmas market in Poland. Held every year from the end of November to the end of December on Main Market Square.
Krakowskie Noce (Krakow Nights) Five nights (one in each month from May to September): Night of Museums (free museums), Night of Theaters (free theaters), Night of Jazz (free jazz concerts), Cracovia Sacra Night (free concerts of church music) and Night of Poetry (free poetic evenings.
Go next : Auschwitz-Birkenau / Wieliczka / Bochnia / Bielsko-Biala / Tarnow / Nowy Sacz / Zakopane / Czestochowa / Wadowice / Krynica / Muszyna / Busko-Zdroj / Piwniczna / Zalipie
