Location of Krakow
Krakow lies approximately 400 kilometres east of the German-Polish border and is therefore easy to reach from many German cities: around 500 km from Dresden, approximately 600 km from Munich, about 900 km from Hamburg and roughly 1,100 km from Cologne. Vienna is also conveniently located around 450 km away.
Ways to travel to Krakow
Coach
For group travel, a long-distance coach is currently the most economical option, particularly when travelling with a Polish coach company. These providers are often around 50% less expensive than German companies. Parking charges during the stay in Krakow may also be avoided.
Plane
Air travel can be an attractive alternative for groups from western Germany. Direct flights currently operate to Krakow from Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna and Zurich. Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport, around 100 km from Krakow, can also be reached from Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Frankfurt-Hahn and Cologne-Bonn.
Train
The southern rail route via Wrocław is currently rather time-consuming because of track conditions and inconvenient timetables. There is no immediate prospect of significant improvement. Travel from the north is easier: from Berlin, Krakow can be reached in approximately eight hours with just one change in Poznań or Kutno.
Accommodation in Krakow
Krakow is a popular destination with a broad range of accommodation. The city offers numerous hostels of varying standards, from simple dormitories with shared bathrooms to more comfortable youth hotels. Hotels generally meet German standards and often have modern facilities because many properties have been recently renovated. Our groups usually prefer youth hotels with double or triple rooms, private bathrooms and a substantial breakfast.
Hostel prices start at approximately EUR 20 per night, while youth hotels start at around EUR 30 per night.
Food and meals
Krakow offers good-quality food at fair prices. In addition to popular burger, pizza and kebab outlets, almost every restaurant and bar serves tasty food ranging from inexpensive to more sophisticated. A two-course lunch is available from approximately EUR 8, a large pizza costs around EUR 6, and dinner in a restaurant starts at roughly EUR 20. Numerous traditional cafés and pastry shops offer delicious cakes and coffee, generally costing between EUR 4.50 and EUR 5. A scoop of ice cream costs between EUR 1 and EUR 1.50. Prices are higher around the Main Market Square, but more affordable options can be found only a short distance away.
Our tip: Avoid well-known restaurant and café chains. Their quality and flavour are often average while prices are higher. Instead, follow the inviting aromas of local restaurants and pastry shops for a more authentic experience.
Money and payment
Krakow has numerous cash machines where money can be withdrawn conveniently. Currency exchange offices often offer better rates without commission, although caution is advisable near the railway station and Main Market Square, where some offices may use unfavourable rates or misleading decimal displays. The official currency is the Polish złoty. Some restaurants and cafés may accept euros on request, but shops usually do not.
Exchange offices display two rates: buying and selling. When exchanging euros for złoty, check the buying rate, which is always lower than the selling rate.
Health and safety
Krakow is considered a safe city, particularly when visitors remain sensible and attentive. Poland is one of Europe’s safer countries, and rates of serious crime have continued to fall. The principal risk for tourists is pickpocketing, especially at popular attractions. At night, visitors may prefer to avoid less tourist-oriented outer districts. The main emergency telephone numbers are 112 (general emergency), 997 (police) and 999 (ambulance).
Internet and communication
Free internet access is available almost everywhere in Krakow. Wi-Fi is generally provided free of charge in hotels, and visitors can connect easily in cafés, clubs and many public places, including railway stations, museums and the Main Market Square.
Local prices
Poland is regarded as an affordable destination, which is particularly attractive to German visitors. Food prices are moderate. The Main Market Square is the most expensive area, while prices in shopping centres and major retail chains are comparable to those in Germany.
Getting around the city
Krakow’s historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most visitors move within the triangle formed by the Old Town and Main Market Square, the Royal Castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill, and the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz. Wawel and Kazimierz can each be reached from the Main Market Square in around 15 to 20 minutes on foot. The former ghetto in Podgórze and the Schindler Factory are only a few tram stops away or a 10- to 15-minute walk from Kazimierz.
The tram network in the city centre is well developed.
Destinations such as Wieliczka and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial can be reached by public bus or train. For organisational reasons, however, we recommend hiring a coach to save time and ensure greater comfort.
