Krakow Travel Tips

Krakow is one of Europe's safest cities for tourists. The Old Town is well-policed, well-lit, and populated late into the evening. Standard precautions apply: watch for pickpockets on trams and in the Main Square, avoid dodgy bars where strangers invite you in (drink spiking and overcharging scams exist), and use Bolt/Uber rather than unmarked taxis at night.

Polish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Younger Poles generally speak good English. Useful Polish phrases: "Dzien dobry" (hello), "Dziekuje" (thank you), "Prosze" (please/you're welcome), "Ile to kosztuje?" (how much?), "Przepraszam" (excuse me). Any effort to speak Polish is warmly appreciated.

Tipping culture in Poland: leave 10% at sit-down restaurants (check if service charge is already included — some add it automatically). Round up taxi fares to the nearest 5 zl. Tip free walking tour guides 50-80 zl per person. Hotel porters: 5-10 zl per bag. No tip expected at milk bars, fast food, or cafes where you order at the counter.

Cards are widely accepted — Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere including small shops, restaurants, and many market stalls. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work widely. Carry 100-200 zl cash for tips, obwarzanek carts, and some smaller market stalls. AVOID Euronet ATMs — they charge huge fees. Use bank-owned ATMs (PKO, mBank, Santander). Always decline dynamic currency conversion.

Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches — Krakow has dozens of active churches where services are held regularly. Remove hats inside churches. Keep noise to a minimum, especially during services. Photography rules vary — look for signs or ask. The most visited churches (St. Mary's, Franciscan Church, Wawel Cathedral) are relatively relaxed but modest dress is always appropriate.

If visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, dress respectfully and modestly. Maintain silence in sensitive areas. Photography is permitted in most areas except Block 11 basement. Do not pose for selfies — this is a memorial site. Follow your guide's instructions. Book tickets well in advance online (free entry but time slots required). The visit takes 3-4 hours minimum.

May to September offers the best weather with long days and warm temperatures (18-28C). December is magical for Christmas markets but very cold. Winter (November-February) is grey and cold (-5 to 5C) but offers the lowest prices and fewest tourists. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of weather, prices, and crowds.

Krakow struggles with air pollution in winter due to coal heating and its valley location that traps smog. On bad days, the air quality can be poor — check apps like Airly or IQAir before outdoor activities. Wear a mask on heavily polluted days. Plan indoor activities (museums, restaurants) when air quality is poor. Summer air quality is generally fine.

EU citizens can use their home SIM in Poland at no extra charge under EU roaming rules. Non-EU visitors can buy a prepaid SIM (Play, Orange, T-Mobile) from phone shops in the city for 20-30 zl with 10-20 GB data. Free Wi-Fi is available in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The airport and main train station also have free Wi-Fi.

EU emergency number: 112 (works for police, fire, ambulance). Police: 997. Fire: 998. Ambulance: 999. The 112 number connects to English-speaking operators. EU citizens can use EHIC/GHIC cards for emergency medical treatment. Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance. Pharmacies (apteka) are well-stocked and pharmacists can advise on common ailments.

Key phrases that help: "Dzien dobry" (good day/hello), "Dziekuje" (thank you — sounds like "jen-KOO-yeh"), "Prosze" (please/here you go), "Tak" (yes), "Nie" (no), "Przepraszam" (excuse me/sorry), "Ile to kosztuje?" (how much does this cost?), "Nie rozumiem" (I don't understand), "Czy mowi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" (do you speak English?).

Always validate tram and bus tickets in the yellow machine when boarding. Ticket inspectors are active and fines are 300 zl for unvalidated tickets — no tourist exceptions. Buy tickets from machines at stops (card accepted) or use the mKKM app where tickets activate digitally. The Krakow Card includes transport and does not need separate validation.

Restaurants directly on the Main Market Square charge 30-50% premiums. Walk 2-3 minutes into side streets for the same food at much better prices. Avoid Euronet ATMs (high fees). Skip airport and Old Town currency exchange offices (terrible rates). Be wary of strangers inviting you to specific bars or clubs — these can be scams with inflated bills.

Krakow's Old Town is paved with centuries-old cobblestones that look beautiful but are hard on feet. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes — heels and thin soles are miserable after a few hours. In winter, cobblestones become icy and slippery. Good grip and ankle support are essential. This is the most practical tip you will receive about Krakow.

Popular attractions like Schindler's Factory, the Rynek Underground Museum, and Wieliczka Salt Mine can sell out days in advance, especially in summer. Book online before your visit to guarantee entry. Many museums offer free entry on specific days (check schedules). The Krakow Card covers 40+ museums and is worth considering if you plan extensive sightseeing.