Krakow Essentials

Krakow Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Zloty
Flight Time	UK 2H aprox
Time Zone	GMT = +1 hour
Language	Polish
Voltage	230 V (European two-pin plugs)

Krakow Tourist Attractions

An enchanting city full of historic buildings, religious shrines and museums, there is so much to enjoy on a Krakow city break. First stop for history lovers is sure to be the commanding Wawel Castle which is open from 10am daily and costs 12 Zloty. It houses several important museums and royal tombs and is a fascinating day out. Other museums and monuments cost from 5 - 15 zloty per person and are generally open from 10am until 6pm each day with later closing times during summer months.

Krakow Opening Hours
There is no law that regulates shopping hours in Krakow - each individual store is free to choose hours of operation. In general shops are open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday until 3pm with slightly later hours for supermarkets and larger retailers. The Main Square is the best place for souvenirs and bargain hunting with a myriad of handicraft and art shops. There are hundreds of pubs and clubs in the old town district alone which stay open at least until midnight. The famous cellar bars around the Rynek all have late licences which last well into the early hours. 

Krakow Food & Drink
Hearty and filling, most Krakow dishes contain potatoes, various meats and dumplings. Traditional herbs and spices include dill, marjoram, caraway seeds and wild mushrooms and typical dishes to try include bigos (sauerkraut and meat). Krakow is also known for its delicious herring in sour cream and a local variation on the well known Polish dish of White Barszcz with bacon - a thick soup. Every visitor should try a shot of Polish vodka, best enjoyed in company in one of Krakow's atmospheric bars.

Tipping & Etiquette In Krakow
Tipping is not a customary practice for Poles although giving a small gratuity to hotel staff and taxi drivers is common. Service charges are rarely included on restaurant bills, so a tip of around 10% is deemed sufficient for a satisfactory meal. The Poles are a fiercely proud and patriotic race and initial greetings are likely to be formal and brief. However Krakow is a youthful city with a large student population and is known for its fun loving and relaxing atmosphere.

 

• Calling the UK from Krakow – 0044 + area code minus zero + number

• Police – 997

• Ambulance – 999
• Fire - 998

Disabled Access In Krakow
Most of the significant tourist attractions are all situated within the compact medieval district which is flat, well paved and pedestrianised. However due to the architecture and age of many of its impressive buildings some visits will require assistance for wheelchair users and only a small proportion of city buses are equipped with low floors and wide doors. Since the mid 1990's all newly constructed buildings including hotels have to conform to strict planning ensuring ramps, lifts and wide access entry points. The Wawel Royal Castle, The Wieliczka Salt Mines, Ethnography Museum and Zoology Museum are just some of the attractions that provide full facilities for disabled visitors.

• GB Embassy - Al. Róz 1 00-556 Warszawa tel: +48 22 311 00 00

• Polish Embassy - 47 Portland Place London W1B 1JH tel.: +44 (0) 8707742700

Krakow City Breaks  Getting Around Krakow

Things To Do In Krakow  Krakow Weather