Poland takes Easter seriously—like really seriously. But that doesn’t mean your trip will be boring. Quite the opposite. You just need to know the rhythm of the city during the holiday.

🕰️ The Big Question: What’s Open in Krakow During Easter?

Let’s break it down day by day, so you don’t end up hunting for ketchup at 9 PM on Easter Sunday (spoiler: that won’t go well 😄).

✝️ Good Friday

• Not an official public holiday in Poland
• Shops: Mostly open
• Supermarkets: Open (sometimes shorter hours)
• Museums: Open as usual
• Restaurants & cafés: Open

👉 Translation: This is a great sightseeing day.

🧺 Holy Saturday

• A unique cultural day (you’ll see locals blessing Easter baskets at churches 🥚)
• Shops: Open, but often close early (around 2–4 PM)
• Supermarkets: Open (shorter hours)
• Museums: Mostly open
• Restaurants: Open

👉 Pro tip: Do your shopping early—this is your last “normal” day.

🐣 Easter Sunday

• The quietest day of the year
• Shops: ❌ Closed
• Supermarkets: ❌ Closed
• Museums: Mostly closed (with a few tourist exceptions)
• Restaurants: ✔️ Some open (especially in Old Town, but limited)

👉 Expect peaceful streets, family lunches, and a very calm atmosphere.

💦 Easter Monday (Śmigus-Dyngus)

• Yes… this is the famous “water fight day” 💦
• Shops: ❌ Closed
• Supermarkets: ❌ Closed
• Museums: Mixed (many still closed)
• Restaurants & cafés: ✔️ More open than Sunday

👉 You might get splashed. Consider it a free cultural experience.

🛍️ So… Will You Starve?

No 😄 But you do need to plan.

• Stock up on snacks and essentials on Friday or Saturday
• Book restaurants in advance for Sunday
• Stay somewhere central—more places stay open in tourist areas

🏛️ What About Museums and Attractions?

Here’s the honest answer:

• Friday & Saturday: Great for museums and sightseeing
• Sunday: Many closed (but walking around Krakow is still magical)
• Monday: Slowly reopening

Want ideas for what to see? Check out the best highlights on the 👉 Krakow attractions page

🕯️ Can You Visit Auschwitz During Easter?

Yes—but plan ahead carefully.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is:

• Open most days during Easter
• Sometimes with reduced hours on Easter Sunday or Monday

⚠️ Important:

• Tickets sell out quickly (especially during holidays)
• Guided tours are strongly recommended

👉 You can read more and plan your visit here:
Auschwitz concentration camp visitor guide

🧂 What About the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Good news!

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is:

• Open throughout Easter
• One of the safest bets for a holiday activity

👉 Just like Auschwitz:

• Book in advance
• Expect crowds

👉 Full details here:
Wieliczka Salt Mine visitor info

🌸 Easter Markets in Krakow

If you’re lucky with timing, Krakow’s Easter markets are a huge highlight.

Think:

• Handmade crafts 🧺
• Traditional food 🍰
• Colorful decorations 🌷

👉 Explore what’s on here:
Krakow Easter markets and events

🌍 How Does Krakow Compare to Other Cities?

If you’re planning a multi-city trip, Krakow is actually more closed during Easter than many Western European cities.

👉 For comparison, check out how things work in Prague here:
Opening times in Prague during Easter – what to expect

👉 Short version:

• Prague = more open
• Krakow = more traditional

😎 Final Thoughts (And Survival Tips)

• ✔️ Friday = sightseeing day
• ✔️ Saturday = shopping + early dinner
• ❌ Sunday = chill, walk, eat where you can
• 💦 Monday = avoid water ambushes

Krakow during Easter isn’t about rushing between shops—it’s about atmosphere, traditions, and slowing down a bit.

And honestly? Walking through the Old Town on a quiet Easter Sunday, with church bells echoing and fewer crowds… that’s a travel moment you won’t forget.

👉 Want more inspiration for your trip? Explore the full 👉 Krakow Guide

The post 🐣 Opening Times in Krakow During Easter – What’s Open, What’s Closed, and What You Can Actually Do appeared first on Krakow Guide.

As we move through 2026, the question on everyone’s mind—from local hoteliers to international tour operators—is simple: Are the tourists back to pre-COVID levels, or has the landscape of Polish travel permanently shifted?

The Enduring Allure: Why They Come

The reason for Kraków’s popularity hasn’t changed. The city serves as the gateway to some of the most significant sites in Central Europe. Two attractions, in particular, continue to drive massive passenger inflows:

• The Wieliczka Salt Mine: An underground labyrinth of salt-carved chapels and emerald lakes. For those planning a visit, exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine remains a top priority for nearly every arrival.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau: A site of immense historical gravity. Millions of people travel to Kraków specifically to pay their respects and learn at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, making it a cornerstone of the region’s educational tourism.

The Numbers: John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

To see if the city has truly recovered, we must look at the gates of the city: Kraków Airport in Balice. In 2019, the airport set a staggering record, handling roughly 8.4 million passengers. It was a peak that many thought would take a decade to reclaim.

However, the 2024 and 2025 data tells a surprising story of resilience. By the end of 2024, Kraków Airport didn’t just meet its pre-pandemic numbers; it surpassed them, hitting over 10 million passengers for the first time in its history. As of early 2026, the trajectory remains upward. The “COVID gap” has been officially closed, replaced by a new era of expansion fueled by both low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, and the return of legacy airlines.

For travelers landing today, navigating the final leg of the journey is the next step. You can find detailed information on Kraków airport transfers and private bookings to ensure a smooth transition from the terminal to the historic Old Town.

The “Shadow” Gateways: Katowice and Beyond

While Balice is the primary hub, it isn’t the only way tourists reach Kraków. A significant portion of “Kraków tourists” actually land at Katowice Airport (KTW), located about 90 kilometers away.

Katowice has carved out a niche as the “charter and low-cost” alternative. In 2024, Katowice Airport handled over 5.6 million passengers, a significant portion of whom utilized the direct shuttle buses to Kraków. When you combine the record-breaking stats of Kraków with the official Katowice Airport statistics, it becomes clear that the total number of people entering the Lesser Poland and Silesian regions is higher than it ever was in 2019.

Additionally, the Warsaw hubs (WAW and WMI) contribute to the tally. With the high-speed Pendolino train connecting Warsaw to Kraków in just over two hours, many international travelers from North America and Asia land in the capital but spend the bulk of their holiday—and their budget—in Kraków.

Is the Tourism “Vibe” Different?

While the numbers are higher, the way people visit has changed. In 2019, Kraków was heavily reliant on the “Stag and Hen” weekend market. In 2026, there is a visible shift toward “quality over quantity.”

The city has seen a rise in:

1. Digital Nomads: Travelers staying for weeks rather than days, utilizing Kraków’s growing tech infrastructure.
2. Cultural Deep-Dives: Increased interest in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) and the city’s burgeoning culinary scene, which has gained international accolades.
3. Regional Exploration: More tourists are using Kraków as a base to visit the Tatra Mountains in Zakopane, diversifying the impact of their visit.

The Competition: Prague and Budapest

Kraków remains in a tight “Triple Threat” competition with Prague and Budapest. While Prague often feels the strain of over-tourism more acutely, Kraków has managed to balance its growth relatively well. The city’s infrastructure, including the expanded airport terminal and improved rail links, has allowed it to absorb the 10-million-passenger milestone without the same level of “tourist fatigue” seen in other European capitals.

Conclusion: A Full Recovery and Beyond

Are tourists coming to Kraków like they did before COVID? No—they are coming in even greater numbers. The combination of world-class historical sites, a favorable exchange rate for many Western visitors, and a modern, efficient airport has turned Kraków from a “rising star” into a permanent “superstar” of European travel.

Whether you are descending into the depths of a salt mine or walking the quiet paths of Auschwitz, you will be joined by millions of others who have rediscovered the magic of Poland. The recovery is not just complete; it is the foundation for a new, record-breaking chapter in Kraków’s long history.

The post Kraków’s Tourism Renaissance: Have the Crowds Returned to the Royal City? appeared first on Krakow Guide.

The ultimate place to look is at our “What’s going on in Krakow” page, but here you can find a summary mentioning some of the most important and coolest upcoming events in Krakow in 2025.

The highlights in Krakow in 2025.

Billie Eilish Takes Over Tauron Arena

Alright, music fans, get ready as Billie Eilish is coming to Krakow to do two concerts with her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour! She’ll be lighting up Tauron Arena on June 3rd and 4th with her moody beats and awesome stage presence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just vibing to “Bad Guy,” these shows are gonna be electric. Tickets are already a hot commodity, so don’t sleep on this one!

Easter Market: Springtime Magic

Spring in Krakow means the Easter Market, and it’s the coziest way to kick off the season. Usually popping up in late March or early April around the Main Square, this market’s all about colorful stalls, handmade crafts, and some seriously tasty Polish treats like pierogi and smoked cheese. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the festive vibes, grab some unique souvenirs, and maybe even catch a folk performance or two.

Christmas Market: Winter Wonderland Vibes

Fast forward to December, and Krakow’s Christmas Market turns the Main Square into a legit fairy tale. Think twinkling lights, wooden stalls packed with ornaments, and the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air. It’s the ultimate spot to get into the holiday spirit, snag some last-minute gifts, and warm up with a hot oscypek (that’s grilled sheep cheese, and it’s unreal). Bundle up and enjoy—Krakow does Christmas like nowhere else.

Rod Stewart Rocks the House

Sir Rod Stewart’s bringing his raspy voice and timeless hits to Krakow in 2025! This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s got a one-night gig planned on May 8th, and you can bet it’ll be a party. “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”—all the classics are coming your way. If you love a good singalong, this is your night.

Krakow Film Festival

Movie buffs, mark your calendars for late May to early June, because the Krakow Film Festival is back for its 65th year. This isn’t just any film fest—it’s one of Poland’s oldest, showcasing docs, shorts, and animations from around the world. You’ll get to catch screenings at cool venues across the city, plus Q&As with filmmakers. It’s artsy, it’s inspiring, and it’s a total vibe.

Scorpions: 60 Years of Rocking

Rock legends Scorpions are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a stop in Krakow on June 18th. These guys have been headbanging since the ‘60s, and they’re bringing all that nostalgia to Tauron Arena. Expect “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and some serious guitar riffs—perfect for anyone who loves a night of pure, unfiltered rock energy.

Bryan Adams Rolls into Town

Get ready to belt out “Summer of ’69” because Bryan Adams is hitting Krakow on July 31st at Tauron Arena. His “Roll With the Punches” tour is all about those timeless hits and that gravelly voice we can’t get enough of. It’s gonna be a summer night to remember—grab your crew and get ready to sing your heart out.

Robbie Williams: Pop Showmanship at Its Best

Robbie Williams is swinging into Krakow on September 9th, and this guy knows how to put on a show. Expect all the hits—“Angels,” “Let Me Entertain You”—plus his signature charm and some epic crowd moments. It’s pop perfection with a side of swagger, and it’s gonna be a blast.

Katy Perry’s Pop Extravaganza

Katy Perry’s lighting up Krakow on October 28th, and you know she’s bringing the fireworks (literal and figurative). Tauron Arena’s gonna be popping with her colorful energy, killer vocals, and tracks like “Roar” and “Firework.” If you’re into big, bold pop shows, this one’s a must-see.

Sting Brings the Classics

Sting’s “3.0” tour rolls into Krakow on October 20th, and it’s gonna be a night of pure class. From Police bangers like “Roxanne” to his solo gems, this legend’s got a setlist that’ll hit you right in the feels. Tauron Arena’s the spot—don’t miss this chance to see a master at work.

Krakow Marathon & Running Competitions

For the active crowd, the Krakow Marathon is a big deal, usually happening in April (the 22nd edition’s on deck for 2025 and will be held on April 6). It’s a scenic run through the city’s historic streets—think cobblestones, castles, and cheering locals. Plus, there are other running comps throughout the year, like half-marathons and fun runs, so lace up those sneakers and join the action!

Bonus: Poland-Wide Adventures

If you’re up for a little road trip, Poland’s got more in store! Imagine Dragons is rocking Warsaw with two shows on July 18th and 19th at PGE Narodowy—pure stadium energy. Iron Maiden’s bringing their “Run For Your Lives” tour to Warsaw on August 2nd, also at PGE Narodowy, for some heavy metal madness. Over in Wroclaw, Ed Sheeran’s “+ – = ÷ x” tour hits Tarczyński Arena on August 15th and 16th—perfect for “Shape of You” singalongs. And don’t sleep on Andrea Bocelli’s stop in Wroclaw on January 25th at Atlas Arena—his voice is unreal. Poland’s a treasure trove of events in 2025, so why not make it a full-on adventure?

Four all-year around activities in Krakow

Are you coming to Krakow without any special event in mind? Here you have four amazing programs that you should test and enjoy, waiting for you in Krakow no matter what time of the year you are coming.

A Trip to Auschwitz

If you’re up for a deep, reflective experience, a trip to Auschwitz is a must. Just an hour’s drive from Krakow, this former concentration camp turned memorial is a powerful look into history. Guided tours run daily, and they’ll walk you through the haunting grounds of Auschwitz I and the sprawling Birkenau site. It’s heavy, no doubt, but it’s a chance to pay respects and understand a pivotal piece of the past. Book ahead—spots fill up fast.

Guided Tour of the Old Town: History Meets Vibes

Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO gem, and a guided tour here is the way to go if you want the full scoop. You’ll wander through cobblestone streets, hit up the massive Main Square, and check out St. Mary’s Basilica with its jaw-dropping wooden altarpiece. Guides spill all the juicy details—like how the Cloth Hall’s been a trading hub for centuries. It’s chill, it’s scenic, and you’ll leave with a solid feel for Krakow’s soul.

Horse Carriage Trip Around the Old Town

Want to level up the Old Town experience? Hop in a horse-drawn carriage and clip-clop your way through the streets. It’s a laid-back ride that takes you past Wawel Castle, the funky Kazimierz district, and all the pretty squares. The drivers often toss in some fun local stories, and it’s a perfect way to soak in the sights—especially at dusk when the city starts to glow. Pro tip: bring a blanket if it’s chilly!

Wieliczka Salt Mines: An Underground Wonder

Just a quick 20-minute trip from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mines are straight-up mind-blowing. This UNESCO site’s been around since the 13th century, and you’ll head 135 meters underground to explore insane salt-carved chambers, chapels, and even a massive cathedral—yep, all made of salt! The guided tours are super engaging, and the salty air’s supposed to be good for you too. It’s a mix of history, art, and pure wow-factor—don’t skip it.

Krakow’s 2025 lineup is stacked, and whether you’re into music, markets, movies, or marathons, there’s something here to get you hyped. Start planning now—this year’s gonna be one for the books!

The post The Coolest Events in Krakow in 2025 appeared first on Krakow Guide.

Not only can you take a closer look at him, but you can also sit down in his sled and get a nice picture together with Santa Claus? Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic program, combined with the chance to walk around in the zoo and enjoy the peace and joy of watching the animals?

• You can read more about Krakow Zoo here.

*The featured image of this article is borrowed from the Facebook website of Krakow.pl.

The post Santa Claus is coming to Krakow Zoo! appeared first on Krakow Guide.

First of all, Krakow is a beautiful city all year around. As a result, if you want to explore the city of Krakow without being surrounded by thousands of tourists, November is a fantastic month. It can get quite cold, but not too cold (of course depending on where you are from and what you are used to). But, we believe that November is one of the best months in the year if you want to visit Krakow. Why is that? These are some of the main reason!

When you enter the Salt Mines, it doesn’t matter what month of the year it is!

As you come to Krakow, you will for sure read and hear about the Salt Mines. If you are reading this article, you are probably doing your home work and planning ahead before you even come to Krakow. The Salt Mines is a fantastic place to visit just outside Krakow. Here you will travel down into the earth and look at fantastic concert halls and smaller rooms filled with salt sculptures and a magical atmosphere. Since the number of tourists in Krakow is much lower in November than during the rest of the year, you are much more likely to find tickets last-minute, and you will also avoid long queues. And if we haven’t said it already, when you enter the Salt Mines, you will forget about the weather outside at once, because it has a steady temperature throughout the year on the onside. So, whether it is -5 Celsius or +35 Celsius, or if it is raining or snowing, you couldn’t care less as you visit the Salt Mines in Wieliczka.

If you are lucky, you might be able to visit the opening day of the annual Christmas market at the main square.

The annual Christmas market at the main square in Krakow normally open in the end of November (between November 24-31). You can find the exact dates (once they have been published) at our page about the Christmas markets in Krakow. People travel from all across Europe to Krakow to shop at these markets, but also to taste hot wine, eat sausage, and to experience Polish Christmas atmosphere.

The Christmas markets are really beautiful and after sunset, they get even more awesome as the lights are turned on and the market literally shines in the dark. Once again, if you arrive in the last week of November, this is definitely an activity that you should look out for!

Go to a folklore dinner or a concert.

It is obvious that you will walk around the old town of Krakow to learn and discover. But, what else should you do? November is a perfect month to attend some special indoor program, since it might not be the nicest month to eat your dinner outdoors. There are several good options you can choose from, but among the most popular evening programs in Krakow you have indoor piano concerts, and you also have dance shows in which you can eat and drink as much as you want while watching traditional Polish folkdance.

Many might say that you will be bored if you have to watch folkdance and listen to folk music five evenings in a row, and that might be true. But, as a one night program, these are activities you can definitely consider.

Want to see snow? Travel to Zakopane!

Would you like to see high mountains and maybe even travel or hike to the top of them? One of the best options if you are in Krakow is to do a day trip to Zakopane. You can travel between the cities in 1 1/2 hours and it will take you out of a traditional city, into a mountain heaven. Here you can go hiking, travel with cable cars to much higher mountains, go skiing, or just sit in a wooden cabin and drink some hot chocolate. Zakopane is also nice for shopping and just sipping in of some fresh mountain air.

No trip to Krakow is complete if you haven’t been to Auschwitz.

It doesn’t matter if we write an article about January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December… no trip to Krakow is complete without visiting Auschwitz. It doesn’t matter if it is cold or warm outside, if it is raining, the wind is blowing, or if the sun is shining. Auschwitz is one of those places anyone coming to Krakow must visit (except for children who might not understand it yet).

Auschwitz is one of the most terrible places to visit on earth, and that is exactly why it is so important. If you have never been there, it is a place where you will learn about what happened there during the Concentration Camps, and also about the politics that led to the construction of the camps, and how it was possible for something so cruel to happen without the “civilized” world raging against what was going on.

All in all, Auschwitz is the place you must visit, even though it will destroy your appetite and ruin your day (in many ways).

Look at our calendar to find information about upcoming events.

November isn’t the most busy month of the year, but sometimes there are special concerts, exhibitions, running competitions, festivals, or markets taking place at this time of the year. We try to write about the most important events in Krakow, and you can see if there will be any special upcoming event in Krakow as you come to the city in our Krakow calendar.

These are some thoughts and ideas about what you can do in Krakow in November, and what you should do in Krakow in November. Do you have any other ideas, thoughts, or suggestions for activities ideal in November? We would love to read your thoughts in the comment field below.

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