Destination guidePoland
FROMLON
ABOUT 3 HRS ✈️
TOKRK

Holidays in Kraków

A castle with a fire-breathing dragon, an underground salt mine and great value. Here's what Kraków is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break, 🏛️ Culture & history, 🍷 Food & drink
NIGHTS AWAY3 to 4
BUDGET£
BEST MONTHSMay–Sep
Add Kraków to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Kraków at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 3 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
1 HR AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
POLISH ZŁOTY (ZŁ)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / E · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANCold, quieter
  2. FEBCold, quieter
  3. MARChilly, quieter
  4. APRSpring, a good time to go
  5. MAYWarm, best time to go
  6. JUNWarm, best time to go
  7. JULSummer, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, best time to go
  9. SEPWarm, best time to go
  10. OCTAutumn, a good time to go
  11. NOVGrey, quieter
  12. DECChristmas market, a good time to go

May to September is warm and lively, with outdoor cafés on the main square. December brings one of Europe's best-value Christmas markets. January and February are very cold.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Wawel Castle

Walk the grounds for free, then find the dragon statue that breathes real fire.

FREE

Main Market Square

One of Europe's biggest squares, with horse-drawn carriages and a trumpet call every hour.

DAY TRIP

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Underground chambers and chapels carved from salt, 30 minutes away.

TICKETED

Energylandia

Poland's biggest theme park, about an hour away, with rides for all ages.

FREE

Kazimierz

The old Jewish quarter, with street food, markets and cafés.

TICKETED

Vistula river cruise

A gentle hour on the river below the castle.

Kraków: common questions

Is Kraków good for a family holiday?

Yes. It's compact, safe and very good value, with a lot to see in a small area. The dragon legend is a hit with younger children.

How many nights do you need?

Three or four nights covers the city and a trip to the salt mine.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Should we visit Auschwitz with children?

The memorial is about 90 minutes away. It isn't recommended for under-14s, so most families with younger children leave it out or have one adult go alone.

If you like Kraków

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