Travel & Activities
Kraków’s John Paul II International Airport offers direct flights to and from many major European hubs.
Those who would like assistance in booking flights should feel free to contact Engin Kadaster at Newport International Travel: engin@newportinternational.net
The US and other countries may require proof of a covid test prior to returning home. In some cases, an antigen test with a report in English may be sufficient, and the US may even accept at-home antigen tests (like these from Abbot) that may be purchased before your trip and brought with you to Poland.
That said, we strongly suggest that you consult with your airline, as different carriers and countries may have specific requirements, and those requirements are subject to change without notice.
Here are some covid testing centers in Kraków in case you require a covid test prior to departure (note: we suggest booking these as soon as possible, noting that come facilities may be closed on Sundays):
LuxMed (Opolska 114, Pokoju 5, and Slowackiego 64 are the locations closest to the city center): +48 22-338-1902
iMed24 (at Kraków Airport): +48 12-376-3136
Kraków is an exceptionally charming European city, with architecture that has remarkably remained intact since the 13th Century.
Kraków’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Europe’s largest medieval square (Rynek Główny), the beautifully preserved Wawel Castle (Zamek na Wawelu), and the historic, cosmopolitan Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz). Old Town is home to over six thousand historic sites, more than two million works of art, and with countless restaurants, bars, and shops, it is known to be bustling both day and night. Flanked by parks and the Vistula River, this beautiful and walkable city is best explored on foot.
Outside of Old Town, Kraków has many interesting places to see, including the Wieliczka Salt Mines, the model soviet town of Nova Huta, and the Oskar Schindler Factory. Within a short drive from Krakow, one can also visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
There are several bars, restaurants, and clubs in and around the pedestrian streets off of the main square; feel free to explore on your own or try one of these options:
Szara Gęś - classic, sophisticated, modern. One of Gosia’s and Aydin’s favorites
Copernicus, Szara, and Wesele - upscale polish restaurants, each with a modern twist. Reservations recommended
Goscina Chata - cozy restaurant with original traditional polish dishes (Gosia’s long time favorite spot)
Wierzynek - the oldest restaurat in Kraków and one of the oldest in Europe
Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa – shot bar (Aydin’s favorite) - perfect for a casual, quick stop before going out.
Charlotte, Miedzymiastowa, Dym, and Loch Camelot - are all charming restaurants for brunch
Boskaiola and Boccanera - if you are craving Italian food while in Poland, charming and authentic
Babcia Malina - if you want to get a taste of polish countryside. Very casual options with self service
Mercy Brown – speakeasy bar in Cracow. Burlesque shows. Reservations recommended
Kazimierz
The area with the city’s best nightlife scene, full of small bars, each with its own unique atmosphere. At the center of it (Plac Nowy) are a number of vendors serving food all night. we recommend trying Zapiekanka (a version of late night pizza, yet nothing like pizza) if the mood strikes you in between drinks
Alchemia - popular and always crowded. The awesome interior brings back memories of the old Jewish District. You can also grab some food next door at Alchemia's little sister - restaurant Alchemia od Kuchni
Eszeweria - charming and cozy bar with very nice hidden garden
Singer - a popular bar, with tables made from old sewing machines. It does not close, so if you are looking for a 4 am action, this is your place to go
Hevre – in our option, one of coolest spots in Kazimierz, located in old synagogue, it’s a must see
Moment resto Bar and Bazaar Bistro - good options for a tasty breakfast
Zazie Bistro - Recommended for French cuisine
Good Lood – The favorite ice cream shop of locals. Try Śmietanka ze skały (cream), which has a special place in Gosia’s heart as that was the only flavor available in Poland when she was a young child
BARaWINO – great wine bar with polish wines
Food Trucks on Judah Square - for fast, casual.
Bottiglieria 1881 – Michelin starred restaurant
A wonderful day trip option, 1.5 hours to the south of Kraków, is Zakopane (za·kow·paa·nuh) - one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in Europe. Although known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is filled with things to do year-round - from breathtaking hikes in Tatras National Park (a UNESCO recognized site) to relaxing thermal baths. Zakopane is accessible from Kraków via train (2h) and car (1.5h).
Heading north from Kraków, one can also visit Warszawa (vaar-saa-vuh) - the capital and largest city of Poland that impresses with its resilience, respect for history, and contemporary style. Among Poland’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the most fascinating is Warsaw Old Town, which was brought to ruin in 1944 after WWII and the Warsaw Uprising. After the destruction of more than 80% of Warsaw during the war, Warsaw was completely rebuilt, and today it stands out as a very green city, full of floral gardens, parks - including Łazienki Park, one of the finest in the region - and all the charms of nature. Warsaw also has one of the most vibrant bar scenes in Eastern Europe, with many options, from secret bars to wild cocktail spots to swanky wine lounges, nestled amongst its quaint streets. Warsaw is an easy stopover for those flying LOT Polish Airlines. One can travel from Kraków to Warszawa by train (high-speed in 2.5h), car (3.5h) or plane (50min).
Wrocław (vrots-wahf), with its idyllic location on the Odra River, is Poland’s fourth-largest city, and another beautiful road trip option. This venerable city is comprised of 12 islands connected by 130 bridges, and flanked by verdant riverside parks. The beautifully preserved Cathedral Island is a treat for lovers of Gothic architecture, while the Rynek (central square), lined with colorful buildings, is one of the city’s most popular destinations. One can travel from Kraków to Wrocław by train or car (3h).
For those wishing to go all the way north, Poland’s lovely Baltic Coast area is highlighted by the Trójmiasto (Tri-Cities) of Gdansk (guh-dainsk), Gdynia (guh-di-nee-uh) and Sopot (sow-puht) all lying within about a 15-mile stretch along the west side of Gdansk Bay. Of the three, Gdansk is the biggest and most historic, Gdynia is the newest and most modern, and Sopot is the smallest and most exclusive. The towns are linked by frequent trains, and make for a terrific trip triad. As an added bonus, both Gdansk and Gdynia are linked by ferry service to northern neighbor Sweden. Though the region is most popular in summer, the autumn hues are spectacular as well. One can travel from Kraków to Gdańsk by train (high-speed in 5h), car (6.5h) or plane (1h).
Last but not least, Mazury, located in north-eastern Poland, contains more than 2,000 lakes and is the most famous lake district in Central Europe. In addition to stunning landscapes, dense forests, organic farms, and charming resort towns, the region is one of the best places in Poland to get out and experience the great outdoors year-round, with activities including sailing, kayaking, horseback riding, and fishing on the country’s biggest lakes. It’s easy to combine a trip to Mazury while visiting Warszawa, and a picturesque way to get to travel to the lake region from Warszawa is by train (to the region’s biggest cities: Ełk and Giżycko). The area can be accessed from Kraków as well, by taking a train to Ełk (7h) or plane to Olsztyn (1h).