Is Krakow expensive? The short answer is no – Krakow is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for tourists. The average daily cost is $76, making it significantly cheaper than Western European cities while offering world-class attractions, delicious cuisine, and rich history. Whether you’re wondering if Krakow is expensive for tourists or how much you’ll spend on food and drinks, this comprehensive guide breaks down every cost you’ll encounter in Poland’s cultural capital.
How Expensive is Krakow Compared to Other European Cities?
Krakow stands out as remarkably budget-friendly when compared to other major European destinations. Plan for the daily average cost of your trip to Krakow to be around €45-155 per person per day, which is substantially lower than cities like Vienna, Prague, or Berlin.
Here’s how Krakow compares to similar Central European destinations:
| City | Average Daily Cost (Budget) | Average Daily Cost (Mid-range) | Beer (0.5L) | Restaurant Meal |
| Krakow | €30-50 | €75-120 | €2-3 | €7-15 |
| Prague | €40-65 | €85-140 | €3-4 | €10-18 |
| Vienna | €55-85 | €120-180 | €4-5 | €15-25 |
| Budapest | €35-55 | €70-115 | €2-3 | €8-16 |
| Warsaw | €40-60 | €80-130 | €3-4 | €9-17 |
This comparison clearly shows why travelers consistently ask “is Krakow expensive or cheap?” – it’s definitively on the affordable side of the European spectrum.
Is Krakow Expensive for Accommodation?
Accommodation in Krakow offers excellent value across all budget ranges. Unlike pricier European capitals, you won’t break the bank finding quality places to stay.
Budget Accommodation (€15-35/night)
- Hostel dormitories: €12-25
- Private hostel rooms: €25-35
- Budget guesthouses: €20-30
Mid-Range Hotels (€35-80/night)
- 3-star hotels: €35-55
- Boutique hotels: €50-80
- Apartment rentals: €40-70
Luxury Hotels (€80-200+/night)
- 4-star hotels: €80-120
- 5-star luxury: €120-200+
- Historic palaces: €150-300+
Money-Saving Tip: Stay in Kazimierz district for authentic atmosphere at lower prices than the Old Town, while still being within walking distance of major attractions.
Is Food Expensive in Krakow? Restaurant and Dining Costs
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Krakow is the incredibly affordable and delicious food scene. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 7 € per person. A three course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be around 14-18 €.
Restaurant Price Breakdown
Street Food & Snacks
- Zapiekanka (Polish pizza): €2-4
- Pierogi from food stalls: €3-5
- Obwarzanek (bagel): €0.50-1
Casual Dining
- Traditional Polish restaurant: €7-12 per main
- International cuisine: €8-15 per main
- Pub food with beer: €10-18 total
Fine Dining
- Upscale restaurants: €20-35 per person
- Michelin-recommended: €40-60 per person
- Wine pairing dinner: €60-100 per person
Grocery Shopping
- Weekly groceries for two: €30-50
- Fresh bread: €0.50-1
- Local beer (store): €1-2
- Fresh produce: Very affordable
Is It Expensive to Eat Out in Krakow?
Absolutely not! Expect to pay between 10zl and 35zl for a main course generally speaking (approximately €2.50-8.50), making dining out incredibly accessible. Even in tourist areas like the Main Square, prices remain reasonable compared to other European city centers.
Transportation Costs: Getting Around Krakow
Krakow’s public transportation system is both efficient and budget-friendly. Kraków’s public transport system is extremely cheap, making it easy to explore the city without spending much on getting around.
Public Transport Prices
- Single ticket (20 minutes): €0.65
- Single ticket (50 minutes): €0.90
- 24-hour pass: €3.60
- 72-hour pass: €8.50
- Weekly pass: €12
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Taxi: 7zł (1,60€) + 2,30zł (0,53€) / km (day)
- Uber/Bolt: Similar pricing to taxis
- Airport to city center: €8-15
- Cross-city ride: €5-12
Walking and Cycling
- Bike rental: €8-15/day
- City bikes (public system): €0.50/30 minutes
- Most attractions in Old Town walkable
Attraction and Entertainment Costs
Krakow offers incredible value for cultural experiences and entertainment, with many free or low-cost options alongside world-class paid attractions.
Major Attractions
- Wawel Castle: €8-15 (depending on route)
- St. Mary’s Basilica: €3-5
- Schindler’s Factory Museum: €12
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: €25-35
- Auschwitz-Birkenau (from Krakow): €45-65 (including transport)
Free Attractions
- Main Market Square exploration
- Wawel Hill gardens
- Vistula River walks
- Street performances and festivals
- Many churches and courtyards
Nightlife and Entertainment
- Beer in pubs: €2-4
- Cocktails: €5-8
- Club entry: €5-15
- Concert tickets: €15-40
- Theater performances: €10-25
Is Krakow Expensive to Visit? Sample Daily Budgets
Based on current prices and traveler experiences, here are realistic daily budget ranges for different travel styles:
Ultra-Budget (€25-35/day)
- Hostel dorm: €15
- Street food/grocery meals: €8-12
- Public transport day pass: €3.60
- Free attractions only: €0
- One beer: €2-3
Budget Traveler (€35-55/day)
- Budget hotel/private hostel room: €25
- Mix of casual dining: €15-20
- Transport and short taxi rides: €5
- 1-2 paid attractions: €8-15
- Evening drinks: €5-8
Mid-Range Explorer (€70-120/day)
- 3-star hotel: €45
- Restaurant meals: €25-35
- Taxis and tours: €15-20
- Multiple attractions: €15-25
- Entertainment and drinks: €15-25
Luxury Experience (€150-250+/day)
- 4-5 star hotel: €100+
- Fine dining: €50-80
- Private tours/premium experiences: €50-100
- Premium entertainment: €30-50
- High-end shopping: Variable
Money-Saving Tips for Visiting Krakow
Smart Booking Strategies
- Book accommodation outside peak summer months (July-August)
- Look for hotels in Kazimierz or Podgórze districts
- Use comparison sites but book directly with hotels for best rates
Food and Dining Hacks
- Eat lunch specials (often €5-8 for full meals)
- Shop at local markets like Hala Targowa
- Try milk bars (bar mleczny) for authentic, cheap Polish food
- Happy hour drinks typically 4-7 PM
Transportation Savings
- Buy longer-duration transport passes for better value
- Walk between Old Town attractions (most are close together)
- Use city bikes for longer distances
- Share taxis with other travelers
Attraction Discounts
- Student discounts widely available
- Group rates for tours
- Free museum days (usually once monthly)
- Combination tickets for multiple attractions
Seasonal Price Variations
Understanding when Krakow is most and least expensive can significantly impact your budget:
Peak Season (June-August)
- 30-50% higher accommodation prices
- Crowded restaurants may have higher prices
- More expensive tours due to demand
- Flight costs at their highest
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
- Moderate prices
- Better availability
- Pleasant weather
- Good balance of cost and experience
Low Season (November-March)
- Lowest accommodation rates
- Restaurant deals more common
- Some attractions may have reduced hours
- Flight bargains available
Is Krakow Expensive? The Verdict
Is Krakow expensive or cheap? Definitively cheap by European standards. For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $30-$50/day to visit Krakow, making it one of Europe’s best value destinations.
The city offers an exceptional quality-to-price ratio that’s hard to match elsewhere in Europe. You can enjoy world-class museums, stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife without the premium prices of Western European capitals.
Key Takeaways:
- Daily budget needed: €30-155 depending on travel style
- Food costs: Very affordable, with excellent restaurant meals under €15
- Transportation: Extremely cheap and efficient public transport
- Attractions: Great value with many free options
- Best value: Mid-range travel style offers luxury experiences at budget prices
Why Krakow Offers Unbeatable Value
Poland’s membership in the EU combined with its own currency (Polish Złoty) creates a sweet spot for international visitors. You get European infrastructure, safety, and quality standards at significantly lower costs than countries using the Euro.
The city’s compact size means you’ll spend less on transportation, while the competitive restaurant scene keeps food prices low even in tourist areas. Unlike many European destinations where you need to venture far from city centers for affordable options, Krakow maintains reasonable prices throughout its historic core.
Planning Your Krakow Budget
When planning your trip, remember that Krakow rewards visitors who do a bit of research. The city offers incredible experiences across all budget levels, from free walking tours through the UNESCO-listed Old Town to world-class dining experiences that would cost triple in Paris or London.
Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or planning a luxury getaway, Krakow adapts to your budget rather than forcing you to adapt to high prices. This flexibility, combined with the city’s undeniable charm and rich history, explains why millions of visitors return year after year.
Ready to explore Krakow? With this comprehensive cost guide, you can plan your perfect trip knowing exactly what to expect. And don’t forget to secure luggage storage in Krakow to make your exploration even more enjoyable – because the best travel experiences come when you’re hands-free and worry-free.
