Why visit
Kraków is Poland's medieval capital. Main Square (Europe's largest), Wawel Castle, Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, and Auschwitz-Birkenau 90 minutes out.
Krakow at a glance
City population
800k
Metro: 1.4 million
Elevation
219 m
719 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Warsaw
Airport
KRK
Kraków John Paul II International
Founded
7th century
Getting around
Trams + buses; walkable old town (UNESCO)
Signature dish
Obwarzanek, żurek, pierogi, oscypek (smoked sheep cheese)
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old Town (Stare Miasto)Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)PodgórzeWawel
Poland at a glance
Country center
52.0°, 20.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
312,679 km²
120,726 mi²
Country population
38.3 million
122/km²
Subregion
Central Europe
Currency
Polish złoty (zł)
PLN
Dial
+48
Language
Polish
Demonym
Polish
Internet
.pl
UN
Member state
ISO code
PL / POL
Where in the world
52.0° · 20.0°
Poland
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Did you know
- Kraków was the capital of Poland for over 500 years, until 1596 when it moved to Warsaw.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine just outside the city has been producing salt since the 13th century and has underground chapels carved entirely from salt.
- The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) in the main square has been a market since the 14th century: one of the oldest continuously operating shopping venues in the world.
- Poland has 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Białowieża Forest.
- Warsaw was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt from 18th-century paintings: the reconstructed old town is itself a UNESCO site for the restoration effort.
Bordering Poland
Traveler notes
- Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial. Book entry slot online
- Wieliczka salt mine 30 minutes south
- Zapiekanka street food at Plac Nowy
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Krakow
What currency is used in Krakow?
Krakow uses the Polish złoty (zł), ISO code PLN.
What languages are spoken in Poland?
The primary language is Polish.
What is the international calling code for Poland?
The calling code is +48.
What airport serves Krakow?
Kraków John Paul II International (IATA: KRK).
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