Touring solo is about greater than ticking locations off a listing—it’s about connecting with locations by yourself phrases. And in the event you’re on the lookout for a metropolis that’s stunning, walkable, and filled with tradition, historical past, and coronary heart, Krakow may simply be the proper match.
This Krakow solo journey information will stroll you thru the whole lot it is advisable to know earlier than visiting Krakow alone—from easy methods to get there and the place to remain, to what to do and easy methods to keep protected whereas having fun with the expertise to the fullest.
Arriving in Krakow
Attending to Krakow is fairly simple. When you’re flying in, you’ll almost definitely 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 received a couple of choices to get into city. There’s a direct practice from the airport that runs each half-hour and takes you straight to the principle station (Kraków Główny). It’s clear, low-cost, and quick; the experience takes round 20 minutes and prices round 17 zł (or €4). However in the event you’re drained or carrying heavy baggage, Bolt, or Uber are dependable too. The experience’s round 20–half-hour relying on site visitors. For myself, I selected the most cost effective choice—the bus. For lower than 1 hour’s experience, I paid 6 zł (or €1.40) from the airport to town.
When you’re arriving by practice from one other Polish metropolis like Warsaw or Gdańsk, you’ll already be dropped proper within the heart. From Kraków Główny, it’s only a quick stroll to the Previous City—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
One of many good issues about Krakow is what number of various kinds of lodging there are—and the way inexpensive most of them nonetheless are, particularly in comparison with different European cities.
If you’re on a finances or touring solo and need to meet folks, there are many hostels within the metropolis heart. Hostel Uno is a strong selection within the Previous City—clear, cozy, and near the whole lot. When you’re extra into social vibes and nightlife, The Little Havana Social gathering Hostel positively lives as much as its title.
For one thing in between—extra non-public, however nonetheless fashionable and well-located—Krakow has some glorious boutique motels. I’d advocate the Metropolitan Boutique Lodge in Kazimierz. It’s trendy, quiet, and shut sufficient to stroll to each the Previous City and the Jewish Quarter with out feeling such as you’re in the course of a vacationer circus.
When you want the consistency of worldwide chains, you’ll discover all 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 total expertise. Set in a historic palace, it blends basic allure with five-star consolation—not low-cost, however price it in the event you’re celebrating one thing or simply need to really feel fancy for an evening or two.
Issues to Do in Krakow
Krakow’s a kind of cities the place simply strolling round appears like sightseeing. The Previous City is extremely well-preserved, filled with little surprises, and sufficiently small to discover on foot. You don’t actually need a listing—however right here are some things I wouldn’t skip.
Begin within the Principal Sq.
Rynek Główny is the beating coronary heart of town. You’ll most likely go by way of it a number of instances a day with out even making an attempt. It’s large, busy, and exquisite. Seize a espresso, people-watch, hear for the trumpet from St. Mary’s Basilica, or take a look at the underground museum beneath the Fabric Corridor in the event you’re into historical past.
Go to the Oskar Schindler Manufacturing facility
Even in the event you’re not often into museums, this one hits in another way. It tells the story of Krakow throughout World Struggle II by way of the eyes of those that lived it. You’ll get an actual sense of what town went by way of.
I’d advocate reserving the Oskar Schindler manufacturing unit tour with a information—or, in the event you want to discover solo, seize Schindler manufacturing unit tickets and take your time. Both manner, it’s price it.
Stroll as much as Wawel Citadel
It’s not far—possibly 10 minutes from the Principal Sq.. The fortress sits on a hill, with nice views of the river. You possibly can stroll across the grounds free of charge, however in the event you’ve received the time, the Royal Flats or the cathedral are price visiting too. And sure, the fire-breathing dragon statue close to the river actually does shoot flames each jiffy.
Wander by way of Kazimierz
This was the Jewish district, and now it’s one of many coolest areas within the metropolis. Assume road artwork, bookshops, vegan cafés, classic shops, and synagogues—all facet by facet. It’s laid-back, bohemian, and particularly beautiful within the night.
See the sculptures in Father Bernatek Footbridge
If you wish to see attention-grabbing sculptures balanced on wires, take the Father Bernatek Footbridge. Created by Jerzy Kędziora, the sculptures are a part of an open-air exhibition known as “Between the water and the sky.” It’s meant to be non permanent although, so I’m unsure till when the sculptures stay.
Breathe in Planty Park
If you want a break, Planty is your buddy. It’s a hoop of greenery surrounding the Previous City the place the medieval metropolis partitions was. Locals stroll their canines right here, youngsters play, {couples} sit on benches. Seize a takeaway espresso and simply stroll.
Day Journeys from Krakow
When you’ve received greater than a few days within the metropolis, it’s price getting out for a day. Krakow’s nicely related, and solo day journeys are tremendous simple to arrange.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
This one’s heavy. I gained’t lie—Auschwitz-Birkenau (or Auschwitz II) shouldn’t be a straightforward place to go to, however it’s essential. The museum and memorial is about an hour and a half from Krakow. You possibly can go to by yourself, however personally, I discovered going with a information helped loads by way of context and understanding. Most excursions embrace transport and canopy each Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
I didn’t ebook a tour for this, primarily as a result of all excursions have been full by the point I made a decision to go. Fortuitously, I met a pair at Principal Sq. who additionally needed to go—Rebecca and Sam from Scotland. We glided by practice, and all I can say is that I want we had managed to discover a tour to go along with. It was lots of problem to commute and we received misplaced a number of instances!
Wieliczka Salt Mine
That is an underground cathedral made from salt. Significantly. Sculptures, tunnels, chapels—all carved by miners over centuries. It’s spectacular, weirdly stunning, and a bit surreal. Excursions are the simplest technique to go, and it’s simply half-hour from Krakow.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
Desire a complete change of surroundings? Head south to Zakopane. In winter, it’s all about snow and ski slopes; in summer time, climbing trails and thermal baths. Even in the event you simply go to wander the city and eat mountain cheese, it’s a enjoyable escape.
Dunajec River Rafting
This one’s off the standard vacationer radar, however so peaceable. The exercise entails utilizing conventional wood rafts floating gently by way of a nationwide park. It’s preferrred in spring or early autumn.
Krakow Solo Journey Suggestions
Can I pay in euros or {dollars}? Not likely. Poland makes use of złoty (PLN), and whereas some locations may settle for euros, the alternate price’s not price it. Persist with native forex.
Is it simple to make use of a card? Completely. You possibly can pay by card just about in every single place, even in tiny cafés. Nonetheless, I all the time hold a couple of cash in my pocket—helpful for tipping or public bogs.
Will folks perceive English? Largely sure, particularly in central areas. However don’t count on smiles from strangers—Poles are pleasant and useful, simply not overly expressive. That stated, attempt a easy “Dzień dobry” or “Dziękuję” and also you may simply see somebody gentle up.
When’s the perfect time to go to Krakow? Might, June, and September hit the candy spot. On these months, it’s freezing and never humid, there are fewer crowds, and there are a lot occurring.
Is the meals costly? In no way. In comparison with most European cities, Krakow is inexpensive. You may get an honest meal for beneath €10—even much less in the event you enterprise exterior the principle vacationer areas.
What ought to I eat? When in Krakow, positively attempt pierogi (dumplings), żurek (bitter soup), schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and don’t overlook the obwarzanek—Krakow’s personal chewy, bagel-ish road snack.
How lengthy ought to I keep? You are able to do the fundamentals in a weekend. However if you wish to take your time, go to a couple of museums, and possibly do a day journey or two, 3–4 days is right.
Is Krakow protected? Positively. Poland is without doubt one of the most secure international locations in Europe. Simply use frequent sense; watch your bag on the tram and keep conscious in crowded locations—that’s often sufficient.
Sensible Suggestions for Krakow Solo Journey
Don’t experience public transport with no ticket. Tickets are low-cost, however fines are usually not—and inspections do occur. Validate your ticket proper after boarding.
Nope, you may’t drink in public. That riverside beer by the Vistula may really feel like an excellent thought, however it’s technically unlawful. Police do test, and fines aren’t enjoyable.
Crossing on a pink gentle? It’s technically unlawful. If there’s nobody round, folks nonetheless do it—however hold a watch out. The police can effective you, even in the event you’re the one one on the road.
Helpful Apps for Solo Vacationers in Krakow
Jakdojade—One of the simplest ways to determine public transport. Tells you which of them tram or bus to take, how lengthy it’ll take, and what sort of ticket you want.
Bolt and Uber—Each work nicely in Krakow. Costs are truthful, and you can too lease e-scooters (Bolt or Lime) for zipping round city.
Too Good To Go—An effective way to get low-cost meals and cut back meals waste. You purchase shock leftover meals from cafés and bakeries at a reduction.
E-podróżnik.pl—Excellent for planning day journeys. Helps you discover practice and bus connections throughout Poland—particularly helpful for smaller cities.
Remaining Ideas
Krakow is a kind of locations that surprises you—not as a result of it shouts, however as a result of it’s quietly wealthy in tales, locations, and moments that stick with you.
Whether or not you’re sipping espresso on the Principal Sq., standing in silence at Schindler’s Manufacturing facility, climbing within the Tatra Mountains, or simply using the tram by way of a leafy road—Krakow is a metropolis that offers you area to discover at your individual tempo.
When you’re touring solo, Krakow is a strong selection. Pleasant, walkable, filled with depth, and simply the correct mix of consolation and problem. Go for the pierogi—keep for the whole lot else!
