Solo Journey Ideas: Krakow, Poland
Touring solo is about greater than ticking locations off a listing—it’s about connecting with locations by yourself phrases. And in case you’re on the lookout for a metropolis that’s lovely, walkable, and filled with tradition, historical past, and coronary heart, Krakow would possibly simply be the proper match.
This Krakow solo travel guide will stroll you thru the whole lot you have to know earlier than visiting Krakow alone—from find out how to get there and the place to remain, to what to do and find out how to keep protected whereas having fun with the expertise to the fullest.
Arriving in Krakow
Attending to Krakow is fairly easy. In the event you’re flying in, you’ll probably land at John Paul II Airport. It’s small and environment friendly—I used to be out the door and on my method to the town inside quarter-hour.
You’ve obtained a number 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 journey takes round 20 minutes and prices round 17 zł (or €4). However in case you’re drained or carrying heavy baggage, Bolt, or Uber are dependable too. The journey’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 journey, I paid 6 zł (or €1.40) from the airport to the town.
In the event 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 From Kraków Główny, it’s only a quick stroll to the Outdated City—and in case you’re staying in Kazimierz or Podgórze, the tram community makes it tremendous straightforward to get round.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 reasonably priced most of them nonetheless are, particularly in comparison with different European cities.
If you’re on a budget or touring solo and wish to meet folks, there are many hostels within the metropolis heart. Hostel Uno is a stable selection within the Outdated City—clear, cozy, and near the whole lot. In the event you’re extra into social vibes and nightlife, The Little Havana Celebration Hostel positively lives as much as its title.
For one thing in between—extra non-public, however nonetheless trendy and well-located—Krakow has some glorious boutique inns. I’d advocate the Metropolitan Boutique Lodge in Kazimierz. It’s fashionable, quiet, and shut sufficient to stroll to each the Outdated City and the Jewish Quarter with out feeling such as you’re in the midst of a vacationer circus.
In the event you desire the consistency of worldwide chains, you’ll discover all the massive names right here too—Ibis, Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Mercure all have areas in or close to the middle.
And in case you’re actually treating your self, H15 Luxurious Palace is the complete expertise. Set in a historic palace, it blends basic attraction with five-star consolation—not low cost, however value it in case 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 cities the place simply strolling round appears like sightseeing. The Outdated 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 Primary Sq.
Rynek Główny is the beating coronary heart of the town. You’ll in all probability go by means of it a number of instances a day with out even attempting. It’s large, busy, and delightful. Seize a espresso, people-watch, hear for the trumpet from St. Mary’s Basilica, or try the underground museum beneath the Fabric Corridor in case you’re into historical past.
Go to the Oskar Schindler Manufacturing facility
Even in case you’re not often into museums, this one hits in a different way. It tells the story of Krakow throughout World Warfare II by means of the eyes of those that lived it. You’ll get an actual sense of what the town went by means of.
I’d advocate reserving the Oskar Schindler factory tour with a information—or, in case you desire to discover solo, seize Schindler factory tickets and take your time. Both approach, it’s value it.
Stroll as much as Wawel Fortress
It’s not far—perhaps 10 minutes from the Primary Sq.. The fortress sits on a hill, with nice views of the river. You may stroll across the grounds free of charge, however in case you’ve obtained the time, the Royal Flats or the cathedral are value visiting too. And sure, the fire-breathing dragon statue close to the river actually does shoot flames each jiffy.
Wander by means of Kazimierz
This was once the Jewish district, and now it’s one of many coolest areas within the metropolis. Suppose road artwork, bookshops, vegan cafés, classic shops, and synagogues—all aspect by aspect. 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 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 undecided till when the sculptures stay.
Breathe in Planty Park
While you want a break, Planty is your good friend. It’s a hoop of greenery surrounding the Outdated City the place the medieval metropolis partitions was once. Locals stroll their canine right here, children play, {couples} sit on benches. Seize a takeaway espresso and simply stroll.
Day Journeys from Krakow
In the event you’ve obtained greater than a few days within the metropolis, it’s value getting out for a day. Krakow’s properly related, and solo day journeys are tremendous straightforward to arrange.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
This one’s heavy. I gained’t lie—Auschwitz-Birkenau (or Auschwitz II) is just not a simple place to go to, nevertheless it’s essential. The museum and memorial is about an hour and a half from Krakow. You may go to by yourself, however personally, I discovered going with a information helped rather a lot by way of context and understanding. Most excursions embrace transport and canopy each Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
I didn’t e book a tour for this, primarily as a result of all excursions have been full by the point I made a decision to go. Thankfully, I met a pair at Primary Sq. who additionally wished 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 quite a lot of problem to commute and we obtained misplaced a number of instances!
Wieliczka Salt Mine
That is an underground cathedral manufactured from salt. Severely. Sculptures, tunnels, chapels—all carved by miners over centuries. It’s spectacular, weirdly lovely, and a bit surreal. Excursions are the best method to go, and it’s simply half-hour from Krakow.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
Need a whole change of surroundings? Head south to Zakopane. In winter, it’s all about snow and ski slopes; in summer time, mountaineering trails and thermal baths. Even in case 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 means of a nationwide park. It’s preferrred in spring or early autumn.
Krakow Solo Journey Ideas
Can I pay in euros or {dollars}? Not likely. Poland makes use of złoty (PLN), and whereas some locations would possibly settle for euros, the change charge’s not value it. Follow native foreign money.
Is it straightforward to make use of a card? Completely. You may pay by card just about all over the place, even in tiny cafés. Nonetheless, I at all times hold a number of cash in my pocket—helpful for tipping or public bogs.
Will folks perceive English? Principally sure, particularly in central areas. However don’t anticipate smiles from strangers—Poles are pleasant and useful, simply not overly expressive. That mentioned, strive a easy “Dzień dobry” or “Dziękuję” and also you would possibly simply see somebody mild up.
When’s the perfect time to go to Krakow? Could, June, and September hit the candy spot. On these months, it’s freezing and never humid, there are fewer crowds, and there are lots happening.
Is the meals costly? Under no circumstances. In comparison with most European cities, Krakow is reasonably priced. You may get a good meal for beneath €10—even much less in case you enterprise outdoors the principle vacationer areas.
What ought to I eat? When in Krakow, positively strive pierogi (dumplings), żurek (bitter soup), schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and don’t neglect 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 number of museums, and perhaps do a day journey or two, 3–4 days is good.
Is Krakow protected? Positively. Poland is likely one of the most secure international locations in Europe. Simply use widespread sense; watch your bag on the tram and keep conscious in crowded locations—that’s often sufficient.
Sensible Ideas for Krakow Solo Journey
Don’t journey public transport with no ticket. Tickets are low cost, however fines will not be—and inspections do occur. Validate your ticket proper after boarding.
Nope, you may’t drink in public. That riverside beer by the Vistula would possibly really feel like an ideal concept, nevertheless it’s technically unlawful. Police do examine, and fines aren’t enjoyable.
Crossing on a pink mild? It’s technically unlawful. If there’s nobody round, folks nonetheless do it—however hold a watch out. The police can high quality you, even in case you’re the one one on the road.
Useful Apps for Solo Vacationers in Krakow
Jakdojade—One of the simplest ways to determine public transport. Tells you which ones tram or bus to take, how lengthy it’ll take, and how much ticket you want.
Bolt and Uber—Each work properly in Krakow. Costs are honest, and you may also 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 type 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 Primary Sq., standing in silence at Schindler’s Manufacturing facility, mountaineering within the Tatra Mountains, or simply using the tram by means of a leafy road—Krakow is a metropolis that offers you area to discover at your personal tempo.
In the event you’re touring solo, Krakow is a stable selection. Pleasant, walkable, filled with depth, and simply the right combination of consolation and problem. Go for the pierogi—keep for the whole lot else!
