Kraków's location is unique for several reasons. In addition to having all the benefits of a large city, including very well developed public transportation, easy access to hostels and student dormitories, and numerous shopping malls and restaurants, Kraków is also very close to the Tatra Mountains (with many ski resorts and trekking routes near Zakopane), beautiful national parks—Pieniny and Ojców, and Dunajec River Gorge, which offers some interesting rafting opportunities. Additionally, Kraków is not very far from other European capitals, such as Prague and Vienna, so weekend trips to neighbouring countries pose no problem to keen travellers. Kraków is also an important transport hub, with quick and comfortable bus, train and plane connections to other cities, both in Poland and abroad.

City of kings

Kraków is the historical capital of Poland, and as such, it is very deeply rooted in Polish tradition and culture. There is almost a tangible feel of history in the atmosphere of Kraków, while at the same time it is also very vivid and teeming with life. Galleries, museums, theatres, a philharmonic and an opera house—all these places offer unforgettable experiences to art aficionados. Small wonder that Kraków attracts thousands of tourists every year, regardless of season.

The meeting place

Despite its traditional nature, Kraków is not only about history. It is, first and foremost, a melting pot of diverse cultures, where people from all over the world meet to share their knowledge, experience, and friendship. Numerous clubs and pubs guarantee quality entertainment in a welcoming environment—be it in the open, spacious area of the Market Square, or mysterious, narrow alleyways of Kazimierz. Clubs are located close to one another, so hardened merrymakers may find themselves devoting entire evenings to exploring new places. Cultural, musical and film festivals, many of which are organised by students, also liven up the city.

By plane

Kraków Aiport has a wide network of international connections with numerous global capitals and cities, it is also one of the largest cities in Poland. The Airport is located merely 11 km away from the city centre.

Distance and estimated flying time from Kraków to selected capitals:

• Amsterdam – 1 h 40 min

• Berlin – 1 h 10 min

• Chicago– 10 h 25 min

• Kiev – 1 h 30 min

• London – 2 h 5 min

• Madrid – 2 h 56 min

• Moscow – 2 h

• New Dehli – 10 h 45 min

• Paris – 1 h 55 min

• Beijing – 11 h 5 min

• Rome –1 h 40 min

• Singapore – 14 h 50 min

• Taipei – 15 h 5 min

• Vienna – 53 min

By train

As a major communication hub in the southern part of Poland, Kraków is well connected with major Polish and European cities in all directions. Fast central trains allow for comfortable travel between Kraków and Warsaw (c. 2 h 30 min), Kraków and Gdańsk (c. 5 h 10 min), or Kraków and Poznań (c. 4 h 55 min). Kraków may also be reached by train from Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna or Kiev.

By bus or car

Kraków’s main bus station is one of the busiest in this part of Poland, serving connections with all corners of the country and several international destinations. Good highway access allows for fast and comfortable travel in all directions.

Cost of living

The costs of living in Kraków differ depending on the preferred standard and lifestyle, and begins at 1100 PLN per month (300 USD). The table below includes basic costs of renting a flat, travel and food expenses.