What to expect in Krakow
Krakow is no longer the official capital of Poland, but it remains the country’s cultural capital and most lively and interesting city. Krakow is a city that attracts more and more tourists, and it’s one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe, with visitor numbers rising dramatically over the years. You’ll quickly realize that Krakow has a lot to offer, from cultural visits to nightlife. And the good news is that it’s all very affordable. Your travel budget won’t suffer.
Is the cost of living in Krakow high?
Flickr – PolandMFA
The cost of living in Krakow is not at all high. The figures below will confirm this. Many French people come here to work, and they’ll tell you that you can live here for less than €600 a month. Another advantage for your trip to Krakow: your transport budget from France or the rest of Europe won’t be too high. Low-cost airlines offer daily direct flights from Paris and Brussels. If you’re flying from somewhere else, you’ll need to make a stopover, but this doesn’t necessarily mean a more expensive ticket. Don’t forget that you can also land in Katowice, a 1-hour drive from Krakow. To find out more, read our article on low-cost flights to Krakow.
What’s the budget for accommodation in Krakow?
Krakow is criticized for being a rather expensive city for its hotels. But Krakow has many youth hostels and budget hotels (nearly a hundred), and it’s a good way to limit your accommodation budget. In fact, even in 3-star hotels and above, prices are well below those in Western Europe. Prices below are for 1 person. A double room in a 3-star hotel will cost you around €50 a night on average. Of course, prices are « from », to give you an idea. But in high season, in summer, prices soar. Book in advance.
Youth hostels: from €8-10 per night
Hotel **: from €20 per night
Hotel ***: from €35 per night
Hotel ****: from €60 per night
Hotel *****: from €90-100 per night
Don’t forget to follow the offers in advance to get the best price for the period.
Flickr – rosipaw
How much can you afford to eat in Krakow?
Polish specialties are delicious and plentiful (pierogis, Żurek, chicken Kurczak, etc…) and you’ll have the opportunity to taste them for cheap! It’s not surprising to find yourself with a huge plate and paying 5 or 6€ with your drink. I’d advise you to avoid the restaurants in the main square, and even those where you’re handed a menu as you walk past. For good food at reasonable prices, the Kazimierz district or the small streets around the center are good places.
Prices for eating out in Krakow:
Street food (zapiekanka, kebab, etc.): from €1.5 to €3
Fast Food: €3.80
Economy restaurant: approx. €4-8
Standard restaurant: approx. €10-12
Chic restaurant: €20 and up
Some price ideas in Krakow
Single public transport ticket: €0.70 – €0.80
Can of Coke: €0.90 (in-store)
Beer (pint): €1.70 (depending on location, this may be €1.40 or €2)
Pack of cigarettes: €3.15
Cab (1 km): €0.50
Horse-drawn carriage ride on the Rynek (market square): approx. 100 PLN (€25)
Price of a visit to the Auschwitz camp with an agency: between 100 and 130 zl (see below).
Free museums: in this article about visiting Krakow, you’ll find a list of museums where admission is free on certain days of the week.
Exchange tip: don’t change your money just anywhere! I advise you to change €5 or €10 at the airport when you arrive, so that you can pay for the bus or train that will take you to Krakow’s central station.
Then, here are two addresses where the exchange rate is the best in Krakow: the Kantor Exchange opposite Carrefour, on the top floor of Galeria Krakowska (the train station is next to this shopping center). And the exchange offices (kantor) on Sławkowska Street, in the northwest corner of Rynek Główny. The rate should always be around 4.15 zl for €1. If it’s 3.15, it’s simply a scam.
On the whole, Krakow is a city where nothing is too expensive. It’s relatively easy to stay within your travel budget. Whether for food, accommodation or sightseeing, no price will surprise you: if you find something very expensive, there’s a problem. On Toolito, you’ll find a budget calculator to estimate your expenses in Krakow, Poland and the rest of the world. Don’t hesitate to use it.