Are you coming to Krakow for Erasmus, starting university, or simply planning a short stay and want to get your bearings quickly? This text is for you. Written in a simple, friendly tone, it combines basic information about the main attractions with practical advice for people on a tight budget and a list of places where you can enjoy excellent pierogi - from cheap takeaway options to cozy pierogi restaurants. I won't promote or compare other guides here - instead you'll get concrete tips and ideas to make life in Krakow easier.
If you want to adapt a plan for one day, a weekend or an evening out with friends - you'll find suggested routes and tips on how to combine sightseeing with good food and minimal time spent in lines.
Note: I used local observations and practical information from Polish sources - all advice is expressed in my own words so it is useful and easy to apply.
Enjoy reading and bon appétit - let's get started!
If you only have a few hours after arrival, follow this route: Main Market Square - St. Mary's Church - Cloth Hall - Wawel - Walk along the Vistula. It's classic and the best way to feel the city's atmosphere. Start early to avoid crowds and to get better light for photos.
A few practical tips: view Wawel from the outside, and if you want to enter the Castle or the Cathedral - check opening hours and possible student discounts in advance; for popular exhibitions and the Royal Chambers it's best to buy tickets ahead of time. In the afternoon head to Kazimierz - that's where you'll find a more relaxed atmosphere, cafés and many places to eat well and cheaply.
If the weather is nice, end the day on the Błonia or by the Vistula - student barbecues and outdoor meetups are often the best way to feel the city's rhythm.
If you want something more 'local' in the evening than a typical tourist restaurant, look for milk bars and small pierogi places with the menu on the wall - prices there are student-friendly.
Yes, definitely worth it. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular attractions near Krakow and offers a completely different experience than city monuments. Underground corridors, chapels carved in salt and huge chambers are impressive even if you're not a museum fan.
How to get there - the most practical options: train from Krakow Glowny to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station (a short trip, usually about 20-25 minutes), a local bus, or a quick drive. Sometimes you still need to walk a few hundred meters to the mine entrance.
How much time to allocate - the guided route in the mine usually takes 2-3 hours; add travel time and possible waiting at the entrance. In season and on weekends it's worth buying tickets in advance.
Practical tips: wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer to cover up - it's cooler underground; carry your student ID because discounts are often available; if you're on a tight budget or short on time, consider an early weekday visit.
Pierogi are a must-try. Below you'll find different options - from budget pierogi places for takeaway, through milk bars, to cozy restaurants perfect for meeting friends. The order is not a ranking - each place has its own atmosphere and different pierogi varieties.
- Pierogi place in the city centre - classic, convenient after touring the Old Town; ideal for a quick, filling meal.
- Pierogi place with a modern twist - spots that serve tradition but also creative seasonal fillings (for example goat cheese, beetroot, seasonal fruits).
- Traditional milk bar / cheap eatery - a great choice if you want to eat a lot for little; portions are often large and flavors very homely.
- Pierogi place in Kazimierz - the neighborhood's vibe adds to the experience; after walking the synagogues and streets it's worth stopping here for lunch.
- Small workshops and take-away pierogi shops - perfect when you want something cold to pack for campus or a picnic on the Błonia.
In practice: look for places labeled 'pierogarnia' or 'pierogi', check whether they offer takeaway and traditional fillings: ruskie, cabbage with mushrooms, meat, as well as vegan and sweet versions. Locals often recommend places that make their own dough and hand-pinched pierogi - that makes the biggest difference in taste.
Here are some types of places that students and Erasmus visitors usually appreciate - I also suggest what to order:
- Central pierogi place (classic): order ruskie pierogi and a meat or cabbage-with-mushrooms version. They often serve affordable portions with takeaway options.
- Modern pierogi place: try the seasonal pierogi - a great way to taste local and contemporary flavors at a reasonable price.
- Milk bar: ruskie with a pat of butter and caramelized onions - cheap, filling and very Polish.
- Takeaway pierogi workshop: buy them 'cold' or pre-cooked to finish at home; great when you want something to pack for later.
If you're in the mood to experiment - look for fried pierogi or dessert fillings (fruit, sweet cheese) as a sweet finish to your walk.
Krakow has many student-friendly places. Here are practical tricks:
- Daily specials and milk bars are the best way to get cheap, home-style meals.
- Takeaway pierogi and delis with ready-made food often work out cheaper than tourist restaurants.
- Use student discounts - museums, public transport and some cultural events offer cheaper tickets based on a student card or the international ISIC card.
- Buy tickets for popular attractions outside peak hours or in promotional bundles - sometimes it's worth spending time organizing to save money.
- If you plan to stay longer, consider a city-student card or longer-term transport passes - they usually cost less than single tickets.
Trams and buses are the most convenient way to get around Krakow. Mobile apps show timetables and real-time arrivals, which is very helpful for people new to the city.
A few practical tips: buy tickets at machines, in apps or at kiosks; inspectors are common, so remember to validate/activate your ticket. For short distances between the Old Town and Kazimierz it's better to walk - it's only a few minutes and the route is very interesting.
To get to Wieliczka it's easiest to take the train from Krakow Glowny - a quick option and often the most time-predictable.
If you plan trips outside the city, check the schedules of regional rail and suburban buses; universities sometimes organize transport for faculty events or integration trips.
1-day: Morning at the Main Market Square and Wawel - afternoon in Kazimierz - evening by the Vistula with pierogi or pizza.
Weekend (2 days): Day 1: Old Town + museums (pick 1-2 exhibitions) + evening in Kazimierz. Day 2: Wieliczka (morning and midday) + return to Krakow and a walk on the Błonia or along the Planty.
Evening with friends: start with dinner in a pierogi place or a milk bar, then a walk around Kazimierz, and finish with relaxing by the Vistula or in one of the cozy cafés.
Remember to set your own pace - student time is also time for rest and for finding your favorite spots.
Krakow is generally safe, but as in any tourist city it's worth taking basic precautions: watch your personal belongings in crowded places, be careful of pickpockets especially at the Market Square and on public transport, and keep your phone and wallet in a zippered pocket.
If you plan longer walks, take water and comfortable shoes; in Wieliczka remember warmer clothing - it's cooler underground than on the surface. In case of medical emergencies you can find nearest emergency departments and pharmacies using map apps and local information bases.
For formal matters - registrations, university formalities or residence documents - keep copies and scanned documents stored safely online.
- Student ID / ISIC - useful for discounts.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Krakow is a walking city.
- Small backpack or bag for daily outings.
- Clothing for variable weather - especially in spring and autumn.
- Powerbank and city apps (tickets/timetables).
- Copies/scans of documents and some cash - you can't always pay by card everywhere.
Is Krakow expensive for a student? - It depends on lifestyle, but choosing milk bars, takeaway pierogi and student discounts makes it possible to live here cheaply.
How can I avoid long queues to attractions? - Visit early on weekdays, buy tickets online and choose less busy visiting times.
Do I need to book a visit to Wieliczka in advance? - In season and on weekends it's advisable, especially if you want a specific time slot.
Where is best to eat pierogi on a small budget? - Look for milk bars and takeaway pierogi workshops - they offer the best combination of taste and price.
Is it easy to find student accommodation in Krakow? - It depends on timing; start searching early and check university groups and listings aimed at students.
Don't rush. Krakow is a town full of details - from monuments to small cafés and local shops. The most memorable experiences often aren't listed in a guidebook but appear during walks and conversations with locals.
When looking for good pierogi - follow the smell, the flow of local customers and the simplicity of the menu. The best places often don't shout with advertising but serve solid, handmade portions.
Meet people: students and Erasmus communities are active both at and outside university - join events, trips and don't be afraid to ask for advice.
If you want, I can prepare a personalized route for you (1 day, weekend, budget food plan) - tell me how much time you have and your preferences!
Thank you for your trust and good luck discovering Krakow and Wieliczka - enjoy your meals and have a great stay!
