Krakow has been named as Europe’s cheapest city break – but is it as cheap as people say? (Image: Natalie King)
With the cost of living skyrocketing in many European cities and issues ranging from overcrowding to anti-tourism protests plaguing popular city break destinations, many holidaymakers are on the hunt for more affordable locations for short getaways.
Poland often emerges as a top choice for budget-friendly city breaks, with Krakow being a particular favourite among thrifty travellers. As Poland’s second-largest city, Krakow boasts charming cobblestone streets, inexpensive food and drink, and a wealth of historical and cultural sites to discover. But does it hold the title for the cheapest city break?
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Krakow’s cloth hall dates back to the 13th century (Image: Getty)
I visited Krakow in September, just after the school holidays had ended, to take a look at the prices during the shoulder season. With temperatures still hovering around 26C at the beginning of the month, it seemed an ideal time to visit.
The city was busy, but not nearly as packed as many other destinations during this period, and there were still outdoor events taking place in the main town square in the evening, thanks to the mild temperatures.
There are several budget friendly ways to get to Krakow, with Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air all providing direct routes that take just over two hours. I found fares with Ryanair starting from £19.99 each way, although this doesn’t include a second bag if you wish to bring more than a small handbag or backpack.
Accommodation
I had the pleasure of staying at the TRIBE hotel in Krakow, which only officially opened in September. Just a three-minute stroll from St. Florian’s Gate, the gateway to the historic old town, this four-star hotel offers rooms from £96 per night.
The hotel is modern and comfortable, with the added convenience of being situated next to a tram stop to help you zip around the city. While there are cheaper options available, its prime location makes it an excellent base for short breaks.
I stayed at the TRIBE Hotel in Krakow which has just opened (Image: Natalie King)
Transport
When it comes to travel and excursions, Krakow’s public transport is cheap, clean, and dependable, so there’s no need to pay for a taxi. The journey from the airport to the city centre takes less than half an hour by train and costs a mere 13PLN (approximately £2.67).
The city itself is compact and easily navigable on foot, but the trams are useful if you’ve been on your feet all day. Short journeys of up to 20 minutes cost roughly £0.50, while a 48-hour ticket, ideal for weekend getaways, is just over £7.
Things to do
In the heart of the old town lies the Czartoryski Museum, one of Poland’s oldest museums and a favourite amongst tourists. Entry may set you back nearly £13, but the vast museum is a maze of rooms full of historic treasures, and you could easily spend hours there.
It’s worth booking a guided tour as the sheer volume of exhibits can be overwhelming. Highlights include an original Rembrandt and the museum’s most renowned piece, Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci.
Lady with an Ermine – and me with an ermine (Image: Natalie King)
The cost of outings varies. There are many affordable activities to do in the city itself, or you can venture further afield to visit attractions such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This breathtaking subterranean network of mines includes chapels, sculptures, and intricately carved walls, all hidden beneath the earth’s surface. Tickets start from 143 PLN, which is nearly £30, but it’s certainly worth the visit.
Many tourists to the city will be keen to visit Auschwitz. There are many tour operators offering full-day packages, which range from £60-80. However, you can take the train and enter for free without a tour guide, but it is advisable to book the tour with an educator, which costs 130PLN (around £26.63), to gain more insight into the site’s history.
If you have limited time in the city, keep an eye out for the Melex tours. These electric golf carts whizz around the old town, taking you to landmarks such as the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower, with short guided tours starting from as little as £10.
Melex tours are cheap and a great way to get around (Image: Natalie King)
Food and drink
Most food and drink prices in Krakow are reasonable. Being in the Old Town, you’ll find things slightly more expensive, but that’s true of any tourist spot. In the Old Town, a huge variety of restaurants await you. Fancy trying the local cuisine? A generous plate of pierogi can be enjoyed for less than £10.
Alternatively, grab a quick lunch from one of the Zabka convenience stores. This Polish brand is seemingly found on every corner and offers snacks and sandwiches for around £2.50. You can even pair your lunch with a cold beer for less than £1. It certainly beats a Tesco meal deal.
Of course, many Brits are curious about the cost of beer and want to know, does Krakow have cheap pints? When compared to other destinations, yes. A pint in the main square of the Old Town set me back £4.50, but this was in the most touristy area of the city and came with a view of the town square. A couple of streets away, pints were more around the £3 mark.
So, does Krakow offer the cheapest city break in Europe?
Some prices weren’t as low as I expected, but overall aspects like food, drink, and transport provided excellent value for money, particularly when compared to other European breaks I’ve recently been on. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring beautiful cities, it’s an ideal choice for a weekend getaway.
Book your holiday
Stay there: Prices at the TRIBE Krakow start from £96 per night based on two adults sharing a room. Members of ALL Accor can enjoy up to 10% off public rates as well as earning reward points which can be redeemed on stays and experiences across the world.
Get there: Ryanair offers fares from £14.99 each way to Krakow from London Luton.