Discover Krakow

A living masterpiece of Central Europe

Krakow: The Cultural Heart of Poland

As the historical soul of Poland, Krakow is a living masterpiece where 1,000 years of history meets a high-energy pulse. Once the royal capital of Poland, its name links to the city's mythical founder, King Krakus. Today, it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gothic spires, and vibrant market squares. Explore the best attractions in Krakow, from grand palaces and the vibrant culinary scene to peaceful riverside walks and hidden cellar jazz clubs. Discover a city that’s both ancient and alive.

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Did you know?

Krakow was once the capital of Poland. Its official name is still the Royal Capital City of Krakow. It held the title from 1038 to 1596 and even served as the capital of the Grand Duchy in the 1800s.

Highlights of Krakow

Located in southern Poland, Krakow offers a wide variety of iconic experiences that are truly unique to the city. Krakow is hailed as the cultural heart of Poland, and you’ll see it as you explore top attractions that bring its centuries-old heritage to life.

Heritage & royal designs
Nature & scenic escapes
Best foods to try

As the cultural heart of Poland, Krakow offers stunning landmarks and ancient masterpieces. When you travel to the city, you’ll see its grand architecture for yourself.

The Royal Route

Walk this historic path to find the best landmarks in the Krakow Old Town. Stroll from the Barbican through St. Florian's Gate to the main square. It's a bold and vibrant way to get a first glimpse of Krakow’s grand architecture.

Rynek Główny

Explore Rynek Główny, or the Main Market Square in the very heart of historic Krakow Old Town. This 13th-century space remains one of the most beautiful medieval town squares in Europe as well as one of the most vibrant spots in Krakow.

Wawel Hill

One of Krakow’s top attractions, this is where the famous Wawel Castle stands. Explore the royal castle’s arcaded courtyards as well as the Wawel Dragon, a famous fire-breathing statue that brings local legends to life.

Explore the striking landscapes and green spaces that make Krakow a top-rated European getaway. You’ll find the most interesting outdoor spots in the region right here in or just near the city.

Vistula River

Explore the Vistula, the largest river in Poland. Walk along green riverbanks or book a sunset cruise to see stunning Wawel Castle from the water. It’s a vibrant and relaxing way for you to spend the afternoon in Krakow.

Zakrzówek

One of Poland’s most beautiful sites, Zakrzówek is famous among divers as well as hikers and rock climbers due to its deep waters and high rocks. It also offers stunning bright turquoise waters and a great panorama of Krakow.

Krakus Mound

This historic spot in Krakow dates back to the 6th- or 7th-century. Krakus Mound is thought to be the legendary burial site for King Krakus, the city’s mythical founder. It offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city.

Taste the bold flavours of Krakow to discover its world-class dining scene. You’ll find the city is the perfect place for hearty comfort food.

Pierogi

You can't miss these iconic Polish dumplings. Choose from meat, cheese, and vegetable fillings, often topped with fried onions and sour cream. You can even join a local cooking class to learn how to roll them yourself.

Krakow sausage

This is lean pork sausage sliced as a cold cut. Krakow sausage's unique flavour comes from a blend of pepper, allspice, coriander, and garlic. It’s seasoned and smoked to create a deep savoury taste. It’s a true Krakow staple.

Street snacks

Poland offers tasty snacks. Try the obwarzanek, a baked bread that comes with salt or poppy seeds, as well as zapiekanka, an open-faced sandwich also called the Polish pizza. You can find these at many carts across Krakow.

Krakow is best for:

History and culture buffs, city break seekers, and foodies looking for hearty comfort with a modern twist

Plan your trip to Krakow

Plan your trip to see the best places to visit in Krakow. While the city's perfect for a weekend break, stay for five days so you don't miss any of the highlights. Here's a sample itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day 1

Fly with us to Krakow and land in the morning. After you check in at your hotel, get some rest or head out to explore the historic streets. Grab some local snacks as you roam around the city.

Oman, Dhofar Region, Salalah Clocktower, aerial view

Day 2

Spend your day strolling along the Royal Route to see the best of the Old Town and Wawel Hill. Cross through Rynek Główny (or the Main Square), then explore Wawel Castle as well as its arcaded courtyards, the cathedral, and the fire-breathing Wawel Dragon statue.

Day 3

Get some nature views today. Visit the Vistula, the largest river in Poland. You can walk along the green riverbanks or book a sunset cruise. Afterwards, head back to the Main Square to shop or relax.

Day 4

Another day of nature exploration awaits. Head out to Zakrzówek to see its bright turquoise waters and high rocks. It's a great spot for a year-round hike. Later, visit Krakus Mound, the legendary burial site of King Krakus, to see a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city.

Day 5

Prepare to leave one of the best cultural destinations in Europe. Before you go, grab a zapiekanka from a local cart or pick up some savoury Krakow sausage. Then, head to the airport for your flight home or go to the next leg of your adventure.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Fun fact

Rynek Główny is widely regarded as one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, if not the largest. This 13th-century space sits at the heart of the city and covers nearly 3.79 hectares. It's home to the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, and many vibrant cafes.

Important travel information

Plan your trip to Krakow by getting to know the essentials before you fly. Here's all the key details you need, from the best time to visit and entry rules to helpful local tips. Having these facts ready makes your journey simple from the moment you land.

Krakow experiences four seasons. If you love warm days, summer from June to August is the best time to visit the city. Winter lasts from December to February and often brings snow. For pleasant weather without the crowds, visit in spring from March to May or autumn between September and November.

John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport is the main gateway to Krakow and southern Poland. Located in Balice, just 11 kilometres west of Krakow's city centre, the airport is the second busiest in the country. It also offers a wide variety of shops and dining options. From June 2026, we’ll operate three weekly flights to Krakow, making this historic city more accessible than ever. The IATA code for Krakow-Balice International Airport is KRK.

Check the official entry rules before you book your flights to Poland to get your travel plans right. If you need a Schengen visa, apply as early as possible to make sure everything is on track for your trip.

Schengen tourist visa validity: With a Schengen tourist visa, you’ll have up to 90 days within a 180-day window to explore Poland and other member countries.

General visa requirements: Among the general documents needed for Schengen visa application include a valid passport, a recent photo, a completed application form, flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel insurance, proof of funds, a signed invitation letter (if applicable), and no objection certificate from your employer.

Currency: The official currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Cards are universally accepted across Krakow, but if you need cash for smaller markets, it’s easy to find ATMs or exchange your money.

Language: Polish is the official language in Krakow, but many people speak English too. Most signs and menus in the city centre are in both languages, so you’ll have no trouble getting around.

It's easy to travel around Krakow because you’ve got so many ways to explore. Wander on foot, hop on a famous tram, or take a scenic boat ride along the river. With so many travel options, the city offers a convenient way to see every part of the city.

Trams: Ride the extensive tram network to reach almost every sight and attraction in Krakow. With over 20 lines, it’s a bold way to get around the city, especially during the winter.

Buses: Krakow has buses running frequently on several routes. While trams are often faster during the day, buses are perfect for reaching places like the airport, local landmarks, and nearby memorials.

Trains: Trains are a great way to see more of Krakow. You can ride the train for a 15-minute journey between the Krakow airport and the city centre, travel to other Polish cities, or catch overnight trains to other European capitals.

River boats: If you're travelling during summer, cruise along the Vistula River to catch pretty views of Wawel Castle. Operating from June to September, it’s a vibrant way for you to see Krakow from the water.

On foot: Walking is also a great way to explore Krakow as the city is pedestrian-friendly. Stroll through centuries-old buildings to soak up the atmosphere, as many of Krakow’s top sights are close together. It’s the best way for you to see the city at your own pace.

Fly to Krakow with Etihad

Book flights to Krakow with Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, for a trip that's simple and easy. From June 2026, we’ll operate seasonal flights to Krakow, one of our summer destinations, three times a week aboard our Airbus A321LR. You’ll land in the morning, which means you’ll have more time to see Poland's cultural capital.

Experience a relaxing journey to Krakow with us. As the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026, we’ll look after you from takeoff to landing.

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Frequently asked questions

From June 2026, we’ll fly seasonally to Krakow, one of our newest summer destinations, three times weekly, through our new Airbus A321LR. You’ll arrive in the morning, giving you plenty of time to rest or explore.

Krakow is a great year-round destination, but it’s a top choice for a summer break between June and August. The city comes alive with festivals, and the warm weather is perfect for nature activities. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit for mild weather, and fewer crowds.

Pack lightweight clothes for the summer sun, and comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. You’ll also want to bring swimwear for a trip to Zakrzówek, and a light jacket for cooler evenings by the river.