The Basics
City Name: Krakow
Where is it located?: Krakow is near Poland’s southern border, in the center of the country.
Why do people go there?: With numerous “attraction routes” for Jewish Heritage, University and Saints (among other things), Krakow is a popular Eastern European destination. A number of nearby sites such as the world-famous salt mine, somber gates of Auschwitz, and the former home of Pope John Paul II, Krakow also serves as a good base for exploring Poland.
How do travelers get there?: You can fly, but most prefer the train or the bus.
Currency: Zloty (PLN)
City Code: 12
Population: 800,000
Languages: Polish
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Stare Miasto, Kazimierz, Lagiewniki, Podgorze, Nowa Huta
Attractions: Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square), Wawel – Zamek Krolewski (Royal Castle), The Wieliczka Salt Mine
Accommodations: Krakow Hostels, Krakow Hotels
Tourist Office: http://www.polandtour.org/
Off-the-beaten-path: Nowa Huta, Basilica of St. Francis, Wieliczka Salt Mines
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Late spring offers warmer temperatures, but without the crowds.
Common Phrases: Yes = Owszem, No = Nie, Please = Podobac Sie, Thank you = N Podziekowanie
City Specific Events: New Year’s concert, International Sea Songs Festival, Misteria Paschalia Festival, International Soup Festival, Corpus Christi, The bread festival, Summer Jazz Festival, Music in Old Cracow Festival, Sacrum Profanum Festival
How to get around?: Bus and trams will do it!
Good to know: Krakow is considered as one of the most vital economic centers of Poland.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Krakow is the John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice
Need more information?: Check out the Krakow travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
