Why Krakow for a weekend?
Krakow is one of those cities that can surprise even the most seasoned traveller. Poland's cultural capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a thousand years of history, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a nightlife scene that rivals Berlin or Barcelona. And all at prices that make Westerners do a double-take.
The Old Town is a labyrinth of medieval streets, Gothic churches and Renaissance townhouses. Wawel Castle crowns the city skyline. Kazimierz buzzes with artistic and culinary life. And when night falls, Krakow transforms into a city that never sleeps — hundreds of bars, clubs and venues waiting for you to walk in and be swept away. This guide will take you through the perfect weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Friday evening — arrival and first steps
Friday is the day to arrive, check in to your hotel and tune in to the Krakow rhythm. If you are flying into Balice airport, a train from arrivals takes just 18 minutes to the centre (Krakow Glowny station) for only 12 PLN. Alternatively, an Uber or Bolt to the Old Town costs around 50–70 PLN.
After checking in, head for the Main Square — the largest medieval square in Europe. In the evening the square looks magical: the illuminated Cloth Hall, St Mary's Basilica with its twin towers, horse-drawn carriages and street musicians. Have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants — we recommend zapiekanki on Plac Nowy in Kazimierz (iconic Krakow street food) or an elegant dinner on Grodzka or Kanonicza.
After dinner, set off on your first reconnaissance of the night scene. Florianska, Szewska and sw. Tomasza are the epicentre of the bar district. For Friday, a relaxed pace is enough — two or three venues, good drinks, getting a feel for the city. Krakow is only just warming up.
Saturday — a day packed with experiences
Saturday is the day you give it everything — morning and evening. Start with breakfast at one of Krakow's cafes. The Old Town and Kazimierz have no shortage of places where 25–40 PLN buys a full breakfast with coffee. Then set off sightseeing.
Wawel — the Royal Castle is an absolute must-see. The State Rooms, the Cathedral with its crypt, the Dragon's Den at the foot of the hill. Entry to the courtyard is free; tickets to the State Rooms cost 30–40 PLN. Book online in advance as queues can be long.
After Wawel, head back to the Main Square. Step inside the Cloth Hall — a Renaissance market hall whose upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Beneath the square lies the Rynek Underground museum, which brings the city's medieval history to life with spectacular multimedia displays.
For lunch, move to Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter and today the trendiest neighbourhood in Krakow. Plac Nowy is the heart of Kazimierz, famous for the round building selling zapiekanki — try the classic mushroom and cheese version for 12–18 PLN. Around the square you will find dozens of cafes, vintage shops and galleries.
The afternoon is the perfect time for Schindler's Factory (ul. Lipowa 4) — one of the finest museums in Poland, dedicated to the history of Krakow under German occupation. Tickets 32 PLN; book online well in advance. Alternatively, visit MOCAK — the Museum of Contemporary Art, just steps away.
Saturday night — the big evening
Saturday is the main event. Head back to the hotel, freshen up, dress smart casual and get ready for an evening you will not forget. Start with dinner — ul. Grodzka and the streets around the Main Square offer dozens of restaurants. For hearty Polish cuisine, try pierogi, zurek in a bread bowl or a steak at one of the better steakhouses.
After dinner, set off on a pub crawl. Krakow is famous for its cellar-bars hidden in medieval vaults. Ulica Florianska is the main nightlife artery — from craft beers to cocktail bars. Szewska and sw. Tomasza form the clubbier zone with live music and DJs.
And when the rest of the city winds down, you are only getting started. Finish the evening at Royal Island — the finest gentlemen's club in Krakow. Tropical atmosphere, professional dancers, VIP rooms and top-shelf drinks. It is an experience that takes a Krakow weekend to an entirely different level. Royal Island is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 5:00 AM, so there is no rush — the night is yours.
Sunday — relax and day trips
Start Sunday at a leisurely pace. Krakow has a thriving brunch culture — many venues in Kazimierz and the Old Town serve brunch until 14:00–15:00. Eggs Benedict, pancakes, fresh juices — recharge after Saturday's adventures.
If you have the energy for a trip, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an absolute must-see. Just 20 minutes from the centre (train or bus, 5–8 PLN), this 13th-century underground gem dazzles with chambers, lakes and chapels carved entirely from salt. Tickets from 94 PLN; the tourist route takes around 2 hours. It is one of the oldest enterprises in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in the city, take a walk along the Vistula — the riverside boulevards are the ideal spot for a morning unwind. You can also stroll to Blonia — a vast green common of 48 hectares just beyond the Old Town. On fine Sundays, Krakow gathers here for picnics, jogging and quiet relaxation.
For the adventurous: Zakopane is two hours away by bus (25–40 PLN) and offers mountain scenery, oscypek cheese, hot beer and Krupowki — the highland version of Florianska. A day trip is perfectly feasible if you leave early.
Where to stay in Krakow
Your choice of accommodation depends on your priorities and budget. Here are three top options:
- Old Town — the most convenient location. Everything on foot. 3-star hotels from 250 PLN per night, 4–5 stars from 500 PLN. Ideal if you do not want to worry about transport at night.
- Kazimierz — a fashionable, trendy district with unique character. Apartments and boutique hotels from 200 PLN. Close to the nightlife and the best restaurants. A 15-minute walk to the Main Square.
- Podgorze — a less touristy, more local district across the Vistula. Accommodation from 120 PLN per night. Close to Schindler's Factory and MOCAK. 10 minutes to the centre by tram. A great budget option.
Getting around Krakow
Krakow is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The entire Old Town is a pedestrian zone, and most tourist attractions are within a 20-minute walk of the Main Square. For longer distances (Kazimierz, Podgorze, the station) use trams — tickets from 4.60 PLN for 20 minutes, 6.20 PLN for one hour. Buy them from machines at stops or via the mKKM app.
For late-night journeys Uber and Bolt are the most convenient option — a ride across the centre costs 15–30 PLN. Avoid taxis hailed on the street, especially outside clubs — always use an app to avoid inflated prices.
Weekend budget — how much does Krakow cost?
Krakow is dramatically cheaper than Western European cities. A beer in a bar costs 10–18 PLN (2–4 EUR), lunch in a restaurant 30–60 PLN, and an Uber across half the city 20 PLN. Here is a rough daily budget per person:
- Budget (300 PLN/day): hostel, zapiekanki and milk bars, beers in local pubs, public transport
- Comfortable (500 PLN/day): 3-star hotel, Kazimierz restaurants, cocktail bars, Uber
- Premium (800+ PLN/day): 4–5 star hotel, fine dining, premium nightlife, Royal Island VIP
For the whole weekend (Friday evening to Sunday) budget 1000–3000 PLN depending on your style — significantly less than a comparable weekend in Prague, Berlin or Amsterdam.
Krakow nightlife — the full picture
Krakow has one of the best night scenes in Central Europe, largely thanks to its student-city character — over 200,000 students means the party never ends. Here is the map of Krakow after dark:
- Bars and pubs: hundreds of venues in Old Town cellars. Craft beers, cocktail bars, speakeasies — something for everyone. Florianska and Szewska are the epicentres.
- Clubs: from electro to hip-hop. Most open until 4:00–6:00 AM. Entry usually 20–40 PLN at weekends.
- Kazimierz: a more alternative scene. Atmospheric pubs with live music, rooftop bars, wine bars.
- Gentlemen's clubs: Royal Island is unquestionably the best option in Krakow. Professional dancers, VIP rooms, tropical decor and a premium atmosphere. Open 20:00 to 05:00 at weekends.
The Krakow pub crawl is a legendary experience — thousands of tourists come here specifically for the nightlife. Plan one big night out (Saturday) and fill the rest of your evenings with more relaxed bar exploration.
