City in Lesser Poland, Poland
Krakow
Poland's most visited city and an easy first solo trip: a huge medieval old town, Kazimierz bars, cheap food and Auschwitz day trips. Crowds, stag groups and winter smog are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,800–2,570Comfortable, one person · zł7,000–10,000Details
- Value for money43/100Better value than 42% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, SepWarmest: Aug, 26°CDetails
- Air quality22 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · PollutedDetails
- Internet215 MbpsFixed broadband, Poland medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink; old pipes in some buildings change the taste, so locals often filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$51–103Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere; keep a few złoty for markets, public toilets and small bars.Details
Where to stay in Krakow
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Stare Miasto (Old Town) | First-timers: walkable, sights, but touristy and pricey |
| Kazimierz | Cafés, bars and the former Jewish quarter; lively at night |
| Podgórze | Quieter, cheaper stays across the river from Kazimierz |
| Zabłocie | Converted factories, craft beer, modern flats, offices |
Apps that work in Krakow
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps; Jakdojade for city transit
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- Jakdojade: City transit routes and tickets
- Koleo: Train tickets across most rail operators
- Taxis: Use apps or call a radio taxi; avoid unmarked cars at the station. Official taxis must show prices on the door.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Poland.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere; keep a few złoty for markets, public toilets and small bars.
- Currency: Zloty (PLN). US$1 ≈ zł3.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (PKO BP, Pekao, ING); avoid Euronet. Always decline conversion and pay in złoty.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants for good service. Saying 'dziękuję' while handing over cash can mean 'keep the change'.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. BLIK, the local payment app, needs a Polish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen country. Non-EU visitors are fingerprinted and photographed under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at first entry; passports are no longer stamped.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not required yet; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
Emergency numbers
Police 997 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 998 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Cheap prepaid starter packs (na kartę) with generous data at carrier shops, kiosks and supermarkets; registration with your passport is required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Poland
Going to Krakow solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.