Watercolour illustration of Krakow
Krakow

Krakow holidays

Polish city built around a tight medieval core and former Jewish quarter, ideal for a walkable historic mini-break.

26°C AugustBest May, Jun, Jul, Aug2–4 nightsDirect from London Gatwick

At a glance

  • history-focused weekend
  • budget-friendly city break
  • first-time Poland
  • families wanting walkability

Trip cost

6 nights in Krakow≈ €420–€590 pp
Return flight
≈€55
Stay
≈€426
Food & local
≈€111

Includes the return fare from London Gatwick. An estimate, not a quote — each booking happens separately with its supplier. How we work this out.

Stays

Stays in Krakow

From €43/night · Typical €82 · 230 stays · for your 6 nights

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Getting to Krakow

  • AirportJohn Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK)
  • Transfer optionsTrain, bus, taxi

The airport lies about 11 km from the city centre, with trains, buses and taxis linking directly to Kraków.

These fares are not for your selected dates.

Flexible-date fares from London Gatwick

August from 125 return

Typical €247 · 7 nights

Mon 31 Aug

Wizz Air

See August flights (opens in a new tab)

September from 104 return

Typical €112 · 11 nights

Tue 8 Sept

easyJet

See September flights (opens in a new tab)

October from 55 return cheapest

Direct · 6 nights

Wed 14 Oct

Wizz Air

See October flights (opens in a new tab)

Indicative, per traveller. You book with Aviasales.

Cheapest and typical return fare to Krakow by month, from London Gatwick.
See fare details — 3 months as a table

Pick a month to set your trip to its real dates.

MonthLowestTypicalOptions
Aug125€2476
Sep104€1125
Oct552

Areas of Krakow

A few places people base themselves, and who each tends to suit.

  • Stare Miasto (Old Town)Best for first visits, putting the main square and central sights immediately around you.
  • KazimierzFormer Jewish quarter suited to foodies and nightlife fans wanting a more local, creative feel.
  • PodgórzeRiverside district across the Vistula, combining history with a quieter, up-and-coming atmosphere.
  • DębnikiPeaceful residential area useful for families and those preferring quiet nights near the river.
  • LudwinówNearby riverside neighbourhood offering a calm base still walkable or tram-linked to central areas.

When to go

Monthly climate normals (ERA5 reanalysis, 2022–2024). Gold months are the best weather fit.

Best overall
May · June · July · August
Hottest
August · 26°C
Wettest
September · 98mm
  • Jan70mm
  • Feb63mm
  • Mar11°41mm
  • Apr13°70mm
  • May20°58mm (good month)
  • Jun24°64mm (good month)
  • Jul26°97mm (good month)
  • Aug26°74mm (good month)
  • Sep21°98mm
  • Oct16°55mm
  • Nov47mm
  • Dec65mm

What each season is like

Spring
March to May brings comfortable walking and rising cafe life; shoulder months feel less crowded than peak summer.
Summer
June to August sees the busiest visitor numbers and full nightlife; central districts can feel saturated on weekends.
Autumn
September to November offers calmer streets, cooler evenings and a more local feel around Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Winter
December to February is cold but atmospheric, with shorter days; trips lean on indoor venues and festive markets.

What’s on in Krakow

See all events in Krakow on Wanderistan (opens in a new tab)

Good to know about Krakow

Worth it for

Stare Miasto and Kazimierz sit within walking distance, giving concentrated history in a smaller, calmer city than Warsaw.

Keep in mind

Old Town and parts of Kazimierz can feel crowded and busy, especially in summer and on weekends.

Why go

  • Stare Miasto and Kazimierz sit within walking distance, giving concentrated history in a smaller, calmer city than Warsaw.
  • Podgórze and riverside districts like Dębniki and Ludwinów offer quieter, more local bases still close enough to reach the centre on foot.
  • The airport lies relatively close to the city compared with many European hubs, simplifying arrivals and departures.

Worth knowing

  • Old Town and parts of Kazimierz can feel crowded and busy, especially in summer and on weekends.
  • Air connections are improving but still more limited than larger hubs, so flight options may be fewer and more indirect.
  • Winter cold and early darkness shorten the walkable part of the day.