What it actually costs
When to go
Cold (-5°C), grey, and air quality is often poor (smog from coal heating in winter).
Wawel Castle: book the specific chamber you want online (Crown Treasury, State Rooms). Free Monday entry — but limited slots disappear fast.
What locals know
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) is the best neighbourhood for food, bars, and nightlife. Better than Old Town in every way.
Milk bars (bar mleczny) serve traditional Polish food for zł 15-25 per meal. Kuchnia Domowa and Bar Mleczny Gornik are authentic.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: book the English-language tour online. The underground chapel is jaw-dropping.
Nowa Huta (communist-era district) is a fascinating walking tour — planned socialist utopia architecture, completely different from the medieval centre.
Honest warnings
Auschwitz-Birkenau: book free timed tickets months ahead on the official site. Without them you can only visit independently from 4pm.
Stag/hen party tourism has damaged Krakow's reputation. Locals are tired of drunk tourists — be respectful.
Exchange booths (Kantor) near Main Square have bad rates. Walk 2 blocks off the square for honest exchange.
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