Previously named one of Europe’s “most beautiful cities”, Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland and is an affordable option for those looking to escape the UK for a weekend getaway.
Having visited the city myself some years ago, I can confirm that not only are flights from the UK to Krakow cheap but the city itself is relatively affordable compared to other European cities I’ve visited.
In the autumn months, Krakow’s weather can be mild to cool with temperatures usually peaking between 5C and 7C which means visitors need to remember to pack their thick coats, scarves and hats.
However, other than the chilly weather, there’s not much that could dampen your trip to Krakow.
In the autumn, the city comes alive with golden browns and golds with trees turning a beautiful orangey-brown colour. This spectacle is particularly beautiful in Planty Park which can be found around the famous Old Town.
The park has eight separate gardens which create a circular walking route. Dotted with benches, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy a coffee while admiring the autumn leaves.
Krakow Old Town is truly spectacular and was one of my favourite areas of the city. Filled with stunning architecture and the famous Market Square, known as Rynek Główny, it’s a great place to explore while immersing yourself in the city’s rich history.
The historic area of the city was one of the first sites to be included on UNESCO’s original World Heritage List and is also one of Poland’s official Historic Monuments. The town is filled with flat cobbled streets making it extremely walkable for visitors who prefer to soak in their surroundings rather than rush from one touristy site to the next.
Rynek Główny, Europe’s second-largest market square, is home to the impressive 14th-century St. Mary’s Basilica which features intricate Gothic spires and a red-brick exterior.
At the centre of the market square is the Cloth Hall, also known as the Sukiennice. It is one of the city’s most famous monuments and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, there is a gallery filled with stalls that sell everything from sweet treats to clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.
The building also houses an upper-floor museum called the Sukiennice Museum which holds the biggest exhibition of 19th-century Polish painting and sculpture.
The Rynek Underground Museum is located underneath the market square and takes visitors on a journey through the city’s history using photographs, recreations and archaeological finds.
Located on the Vistula River, a visit to the breathtaking Wawel Royal Castle is a must. The castle is known for being the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland and includes architectural styles from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Inside, visitors will see vast collections of paintings, tapestry, armour, ceramics and period furniture.
If you’re not a history buff and simply want to sit and enjoy the city with a pint of beer and a pierogi, there are plenty of bars and pubs around the city which are incredibly affordable. I recommend staying away from the tourist traps and seeking out a bar off-the-beaten-track for the best prices.
Compared to London or any of the UK’s major cities for that matter, beer is incredibly cheap in Krakow.
According to The Stag Company, a regular bottle of beer in a bar costs around £2.21 (including imported beers). If you stick to Polish brands, you will likely see the most savings.
For a pint of beer in the market square, tourists will likely pay around 15 zł which equates to £2.88, according to Discover Cracow. However, on average, a pint of domestic beer in the city costs £1.80.
At the time of writing, a return flight from London to Krakow for one adult costs less than £100 with flight times averaging around 2.5 hours, according to Skyscanner.
With Christmas just around the corner, Krakow comes alive with festive magic. The Market Square is particularly impressive at this time of year with lots of stalls selling everything from gingerbread, wooden decorations, jewellery, cheese, chocolate and, of course, warming mulled wine.