Traveling solo is about more than ticking destinations off a list—it’s about connecting with places on your own terms. And if you’re looking for a city that’s beautiful, walkable, and packed with culture, history, and heart, Krakow might just be the perfect match.
This Krakow solo travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting Krakow alone—from how to get there and where to stay, to what to do and how to stay safe while enjoying the experience to the fullest.
Arriving in Krakow
Getting to Krakow is pretty straightforward. If you’re flying in, you’ll most likely land at John Paul II Airport. It’s small and efficient—I was out the door and on my way to the city within 15 minutes.
You’ve got a few options to get into town. There’s a direct train from the airport that runs every 30 minutes and takes you straight to the main station (Kraków Główny). It’s clean, cheap, and fast; the ride takes around 20 minutes and costs around 17 zł (or €4). But if you’re tired or carrying heavy luggage, Bolt, or Uber are reliable too. The ride’s around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. For myself, I chose the cheapest option—the bus. For less than 1 hour’s ride, I paid 6 zł (or €1.40) from the airport to the city.
If you’re arriving by train from another Polish city like Warsaw or Gdańsk, you’ll already be dropped right in the center. From Kraków Główny, it’s just a short walk to the Old Town—and if you’re staying in Kazimierz or Podgórze, the tram network makes it super easy to get around.
Where to Stay in Krakow
One of the nice things about Krakow is how many different types of accommodation there are—and how affordable most of them still are, especially compared to other European cities.
If you’re on a budget or traveling solo and want to meet people, there are plenty of hostels in the city center. Hostel Uno is a solid choice in the Old Town—clean, cozy, and close to everything. If you’re more into social vibes and nightlife, The Little Havana Party Hostel definitely lives up to its name.
For something in between—more private, but still stylish and well-located—Krakow has some excellent boutique hotels. I’d recommend the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel in Kazimierz. It’s modern, quiet, and close enough to walk to both the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter without feeling like you’re in the middle of a tourist circus.
If you prefer the consistency of international chains, you’ll find all the big names here too—Ibis, Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Mercure all have locations in or near the center.
And if you’re really treating yourself, H15 Luxury Palace is the full experience. Set in a historic palace, it blends classic charm with five-star comfort—not cheap, but worth it if you’re celebrating something or just want to feel fancy for a night or two.
Things to Do in Krakow
Krakow’s one of those cities where just walking around feels like sightseeing. The Old Town is incredibly well-preserved, full of little surprises, and small enough to explore on foot. You don’t really need a list—but here are a few things I wouldn’t skip.
Start in the Main Square
Rynek Główny is the beating heart of the city. You’ll probably pass through it several times a day without even trying. It’s massive, busy, and beautiful. Grab a coffee, people-watch, listen for the trumpet from St. Mary’s Basilica, or check out the underground museum beneath the Cloth Hall if you’re into history.
Visit the Oskar Schindler Factory
Even if you’re not usually into museums, this one hits differently. It tells the story of Krakow during World War II through the eyes of those who lived it. You’ll get a real sense of what the city went through.
I’d recommend booking the Oskar Schindler factory tour with a guide—or, if you prefer to explore solo, grab Schindler factory tickets and take your time. Either way, it’s worth it.
Walk up to Wawel Castle
It’s not far—maybe 10 minutes from the Main Square. The castle sits on a hill, with great views of the river. You can walk around the grounds for free, but if you’ve got the time, the Royal Apartments or the cathedral are worth visiting too. And yes, the fire-breathing dragon statue near the river really does shoot flames every few minutes.
Wander through Kazimierz
This used to be the Jewish district, and now it’s one of the coolest areas in the city. Think street art, bookshops, vegan cafés, vintage stores, and synagogues—all side by side. It’s laid-back, bohemian, and especially lovely in the evening.
See the sculptures in Father Bernatek Footbridge
If you want to see interesting sculptures balanced on wires, take the Father Bernatek Footbridge. Created by Jerzy Kędziora, the sculptures are part of an open-air exhibition called “Between the water and the sky.” It’s meant to be temporary though, so I’m not sure until when the sculptures remain.
Breathe in Planty Park
When you need a break, Planty is your friend. It’s a ring of greenery surrounding the Old Town where the medieval city walls used to be. Locals walk their dogs here, kids play, couples sit on benches. Grab a takeaway coffee and just walk.
Day Trips from Krakow
If you’ve got more than a couple of days in the city, it’s worth getting out for a day. Krakow’s well connected, and solo day trips are super easy to organize.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
This one’s heavy. I won’t lie—Auschwitz-Birkenau (or Auschwitz II) is not an easy place to visit, but it’s important. The museum and memorial is about an hour and a half from Krakow. You can visit on your own, but personally, I found going with a guide helped a lot in terms of context and understanding. Most tours include transport and cover both Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
I didn’t book a tour for this, mainly because all tours were full by the time I decided to go. Fortunately, I met a couple at Main Square who also wanted to go—Rebecca and Sam from Scotland. We went by train, and all I can say is that I wish we had managed to find a tour to go with. It was a lot of hassle to commute and we got lost several times!
Wieliczka Salt Mine
This is an underground cathedral made of salt. Seriously. Sculptures, tunnels, chapels—all carved by miners over centuries. It’s impressive, weirdly beautiful, and a bit surreal. Tours are the easiest way to go, and it’s just 30 minutes from Krakow.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
Want a total change of scenery? Head south to Zakopane. In winter, it’s all about snow and ski slopes; in summer, hiking trails and thermal baths. Even if you just go to wander the town and eat mountain cheese, it’s a fun escape.
Dunajec River Rafting
This one’s off the typical tourist radar, but so peaceful. The activity entails using traditional wooden rafts floating gently through a national park. It’s ideal in spring or early autumn.
Krakow Solo Travel Tips
Can I pay in euros or dollars? Not really. Poland uses złoty (PLN), and while some places might accept euros, the exchange rate’s not worth it. Stick with local currency.
Is it easy to use a card? Absolutely. You can pay by card pretty much everywhere, even in tiny cafés. Still, I always keep a few coins in my pocket—handy for tipping or public toilets.
Will people understand English? Mostly yes, especially in central areas. But don’t expect smiles from strangers—Poles are friendly and helpful, just not overly expressive. That said, try a simple “Dzień dobry” or “Dziękuję” and you might just see someone light up.
When’s the best time to visit Krakow? May, June, and September hit the sweet spot. On these months, it’s freezing and not humid, there are fewer crowds, and there are plenty going on.
Is the food expensive? Not at all. Compared to most European cities, Krakow is affordable. You can get a decent meal for under €10—even less if you venture outside the main tourist areas.
What should I eat? When in Krakow, definitely try pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour soup), schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and don’t forget the obwarzanek—Krakow’s own chewy, bagel-ish street snack.
How long should I stay? You can do the basics in a weekend. But if you want to take your time, visit a few museums, and maybe do a day trip or two, 3–4 days is ideal.
Is Krakow safe? Definitely. Poland is one of the safest countries in Europe. Just use common sense; watch your bag on the tram and stay aware in crowded places—that’s usually enough.
Practical Tips for Krakow Solo Travel
Don’t ride public transport without a ticket. Tickets are cheap, but fines are not—and inspections do happen. Validate your ticket right after boarding.
Nope, you can’t drink in public. That riverside beer by the Vistula might feel like a great idea, but it’s technically illegal. Police do check, and fines aren’t fun.
Crossing on a red light? It is technically illegal. If there’s no one around, people still do it—but keep an eye out. The police can fine you, even if you’re the only one on the street.
Handy Apps for Solo Travelers in Krakow
Jakdojade—The best way to figure out public transport. Tells you which tram or bus to take, how long it’ll take, and what kind of ticket you need.
Bolt and Uber—Both work well in Krakow. Prices are fair, and you can also rent e-scooters (Bolt or Lime) for zipping around town.
Too Good To Go—A great way to get cheap meals and reduce food waste. You buy surprise leftover meals from cafés and bakeries at a discount.
E-podróżnik.pl—Perfect for planning day trips. Helps you find train and bus connections all over Poland—especially handy for smaller towns.
Final Thoughts
Krakow is one of those places that surprises you—not because it shouts, but because it’s quietly rich in stories, places, and moments that stay with you.
Whether you’re sipping coffee at the Main Square, standing in silence at Schindler’s Factory, hiking in the Tatra Mountains, or just riding the tram through a leafy street—Krakow is a city that gives you space to explore at your own pace.
If you’re traveling solo, Krakow is a solid choice. Friendly, walkable, full of depth, and just the right mix of comfort and challenge. Go for the pierogi—stay for everything else!
