Kraków is undoubtedly the best city to visit on a student budget. Its abundance of pubs, bars and restaurants makes it the ideal student getaway. However, Kraków isn’t just an excuse to have a party weekend away from university stress. The rich history, medieval architecture and numerous museums make Kraków the perfect place for a boozy, yet completely intriguing trip.
This august, I spent four days in Kraków and was instantly captivated by the city’s eclectic mix of history, charm and energy. Staying directly on the Ryenk Glówny (Market Square) allowed me to be fully immersed in everything Kraków has to offer. The city offers a balance of reflection and liveliness that few cities are able to achieve. Here is how to make the most of four days exploring one of Poland’s most fascinating destinations.
If I could give anyone going to Kraków one piece of guidance, it would be to avoid the advice that you find on TikTok. Before I went, as usual, I did a TikTok deep dive on where are the best places to visit, some of the places that came up looked amazing (although I say avoid it, I still did visit these places). However, you will never understand the true feel for a place unless you wander around aimlessly and stumble across a hidden gem. Saying that, here are my top places I visited:
Museums/Religious Buildings
St Mary’s Basilica: Right in the heart of Market Square, St Mary’s Basilica is one of Kraków’s most iconic sights. You cannot miss the opportunity to go inside (for £3!!) and explore the beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent wooden altarpiece. You can also climb the tower for a small fee, but the view at the top is completely worth it!
Wawel Cathedral: Forming part of the Wawel Castle complex, the Cathedral is an integral part of Poland’s royal history. It’s where Kings were crowned and buried, and you can even explore the Royal Crypts too. The view from the bell tower is worth the stress-inducing climb up the rickety wooden staircase, and legend has it that if you touch the Sigismund Bell good luck comes your way!
Auschwitz-Birkenau: Visiting Auschwitz, located about an hour from the city, is a sobering yet deeply important experience. The former concentration and extermination camp is now a museum preserving the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. It’s not an easy visit but it is one that has to be done, to serve as a reminder of why we need to remember history.
Bansky Museum: To balance out the heavy history of the city, head to the Banksy Museum. With over 150 pieces of recreations of the most famous murals (such as Girl with Balloon), it’s bold, rebellious and packed with social commentary, perfect for a way to break up a day in the city.
Restaurants and Pubs
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy: No trip to Kraków is complete without trying pierogi (Polish dumplings), and this is one of the best spots in town. It’s homely, traditional and serves every variety imaginable, ranging from classic potato and cheese, to seasonal fruits.
Mamma Mia: If you’re craving Italian food (which inevitably everyone is), this restaurant is a go-to spot. Known for it’s wood fired pizzas, and fresh, handmade pasta, it’s a friendly place ideal for a date night, or a group meal. It’s lively yet laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal to sit with a glass of wine and a slice of tiramisu.
Piano Rouge: Hidden beneath Market Sqaure, you will find an underground bar and restaurant, with a vintage, candlelit atmosphere. It’s perfect for a slightly fancier night out, imagine live jazz, classy cocktails and rich Polish and European dishes.
Wódka Bar: This small bar in the Old Town is a must-visit. Offering a huge selection of flavoured vodkas (from chilli, to cherry and hazelnut), it’s a perfect place to grab a flight of mini shots with friends and experience a part of Polish tradition.
Free Pub: Now this is a pub that you can fully be immersed in. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, good music and cheap-cocktails, it is a student essential. Sit back on the sofas, grab a cheeky cocktail, and chat away with friends until you realise its now 4am.
Non Negotiables
Kraków is one of those cities that rewards curiosity, the more you wander around, the deeper in love you fall with the city. Away from the museums, bars and restaurants, these are a few experiences that every student should make time for:
Free Walking Tour: One of the best ways to navigate Kraków is on foot, and the free walking tours around the city make that incredibly easy. Led by local guides, these tours are packed full of history and sights such as street art that you would never find out in a guidebook. Although they are technically free, a small tip for your guide is greatly appreciated.
Explore Kazimierz: Kraków’s former Jewish quarter is a place full of character and vibrance, and it is essential to fully understand everything that the city has to offer. It’s filled with quirky cafes, bars, vintage shops, and street art – every corner you turn, you will discover something new. I spent two days here just wandering: exploring the Schindler’s Passage, visiting synagogues and museums, grabbing lunch at a food-stall, and fully immersing myself in Polish culture.
Explore the Parks: Kraków’s parks are the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. The Planty Park or the banks of the Vistula River are the perfect places to sit back, people watch and watch the sunset behind Wawel Castle. It’s the ideal place to grab a bite of food from a local stall and sit and watch the day drift away from you.
Final Thoughts
Kraków is a city where history and culture sit side by side, where you can spend your morning exploring centuries old cathedrals, your afternoon wandering through Kazimierz taking in the street art, and your evening chatting over pierogi and vodka shots. It’s affordable, walkable and endlessly charming, a perfect destination for a short student getaway. So check flights on SkyScanner, and get ready to explore everything that this magnificent city has to offer!
