Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, cafés, museums, and attractions. Keep some Polish złoty for market stalls, small bakeries, older milk bars, public toilets, tips, and occasional cash-only places.

Krakow is in Poland and the Schengen Area. Entry rules depend on your nationality, passport, and length of stay, so check official guidance before booking if you are unsure.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and museum days. Bring layers in spring and fall, light clothing for summer, and a warm coat, gloves, and grippy shoes in winter.

English is commonly understood in hotels, restaurants, museums, tour offices, and central shops. Polish is the local language, and a few greetings are always appreciated.

Two to three days covers the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz, Podgórze, food stops, and a museum. Add another day for Wieliczka, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Ojców, or slower café time.

Walk within the Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz, and Podgórze, then use trams and buses for longer distances. Trains and buses work well for the airport and many day trips.

Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving about 10% for good service is common in restaurants. Check whether service has already been included.

Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in Krakow. Many travelers still carry a refillable bottle, especially during summer sightseeing and long museum days.

Krakow is usually good value compared with many Western European city breaks. Costs rise around peak weekends, festivals, Christmas markets, and central Old Town dining.

Start with pierogi, obwarzanek, zapiekanka in Kazimierz, sour rye soup, potato pancakes, bigos, Polish cheesecake, poppy-seed cake, and local craft beer or nalewka.