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.

The post Waiting for Christmas in Krakow: What to Do in November? appeared first on Krakow Guide.

Six fantastic programs in and around Krakow in April.

1. Step Back in Time with a Guided Tour of Old Town

Kick off your Krakow adventure by delving into the city’s rich history with a guided tour of the Old Town. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, and marvel at architectural gems like the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica and the imposing Sukiennice. Listen and learn as your guide tells you stories of kings, knights, and dragons (okay, maybe not dragons), and enjoy the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Visit Schindler’s Factory: A Journey Through History

Next stop: Schindler’s Factory, a reminder of Krakow’s tumultuous past during World War II. Visit this museum that is housed in the actual factory owned by Oskar Schindler, and embark on a journey through the darkest chapter of human history. Through interactive exhibits, personal testimonies, and archival footage, gain insight into Krakow’s Jewish community and the heroic efforts of those who risked everything to save lives. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the museum walls.

3. Even if we hate what happened there, everyone should visit Auschwitz-Birkenau at least once!

No visit to Krakow is complete without a pilgrimage to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, a haunting symbol of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Join a guided tour to explore the preserved barracks, chilling gas chambers, and poignant memorials that serve as a stark reminder of the horrors inflicted upon millions of innocent lives. It’s a sobering yet essential experience that honors the memory of those who perished and reaffirms the importance of never forgetting.

4. Go underground as you visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines

Journey beneath the surface of the Earth to discover the subterranean wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Descend deep into the labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved entirely from salt, and look at the underground chapels decorated with all sorts of salt sculptures. Learn about the mining techniques of the workers in the caves, and marvel at the beauty of this UNESCO-listed site, all while breathing in the therapeutic air believed to have health benefits. Just don’t lick the walls!

5. Raise a Glass with a Vodka Tasting

When in Poland, do as the Poles do: drink vodka! Embark on a tasting journey through Krakow’s vibrant nightlife scene and sample an array of traditional Polish vodkas, from smooth and subtle to fiery and bold. Learn about the country’s vodka traditions, toast to new friendships, and savor the distinctive flavors of this beloved drink. Na zdrowie!

6. Register for the Krakow Marathon (if it’s on!)

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or masochistic), why not join thousands of runners partaking in the annual Krakow Marathon? Lace up your sneakers, channel your inner athlete, and race through the city streets alongside thousands of fellow participants. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time runner, the exhilaration of crossing the finish line is an experience you’ll never forget. Just be sure to stretch those legs before and after!

April Weather in Krakow: Springtime Splendor

As you embark on your Krakow escapade in April, you can expect a delightful mix of springtime sunshine and occasional rainshowers. With average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 14°C (37°F to 57°F), it’s wise to pack clothes for all sorts of temperatures and weathertypes. But don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits—after all, Krakow is just as enchanting under cloudy skies as it is when the sun is shining.

Bonus Tip: Easter Markets at the Old Town Square

If your visit coincides with Easter, you should definitely visit the charming Easter markets that spring up in Krakow’s Old Town Square. Look at a wide selection of hand-painted eggs, browse stalls brimming with traditional crafts and local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as locals and visitors alike celebrate this joyous holiday. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Krakow’s cultural heritage in full bloom!

So there you have it, six sensational activities to make your first visit to Krakow in April an unforgettable experience. From history to culture, vodka to marathons, this vibrant city has something for every traveler. So, pack your bags, polish your vodka glasses, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Krakow!

If you want to learn more about ongoing and upcoming temporary programs in Krakow such as concerts, festivals, events, and exhibitions, visit our Krakow calendar.

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A lot will depend on the age of your kids as you look for family-friendly programs in Krakow. But, there are some activities that for sure will give the kids some energy and joy, and here we will share some suggestions with you. One nice thing about Krakow is that the main market square is very nice and big. Here the kids can run around quite freely, and the only thing they need to worry about is the horse carriages coming all the time. But, that is, in fact, a nice thing to remember, because enjoying a ride with one of those horse carriages is one of the most family-friendly activities of all in Krakow.

With Kids in Krakow

Discover Krakow in a horse carriage

If you want to discover Krakow from a horse carriage, all you need to do is to pay a visit to the main market square. There you will see the horse carriages lined up, and you can go to any of them to enjoy a ride. The carriages have space for 6-8 people, meaning that you can take the entire family for a ride. There are different routes you can choose from, and the prices normally vary between 200-500 PLN for a ride. The length of the rides varies from 20 minutes to around 1 hour. The prices might be higher as they are shown to you on the official price list, but mostly you can do some bargaining on the price and get it a bit cheaper.

Visit the Salt Mines in Wieliczka

This program is not suitable for the youngest children who have no clue what is going on around them, but if you have kids aged 7 or older, this is a program that might be of interest to them. It is very nice to walk around inside the Salt Mines, and the simple experience of walking inside the Salt Mines, quite far beneath the entrance level is a treat for kids. The fact that they also can learn about the origin of the Salt Mines comes as a great bonus. The best way to get to the Salt Mines is by joining a group tour. But, it is important that you should join a tour in which the guide will speak a language that your kids understand. If they do not understand anything, they will not be able to pay attention, and it will just turn into a frustrating program instead.

Find a playground or maybe visit the aqua-park?

Krakow doesn’t have a lot of playgrounds in the old town area, but a quite nice one, suitable for kids aged between 2-8 years can be found as you walk along the old town walls from the Barbican in the direction of the Wawel district. You can read more about this stroll here. If you come with older kids the playground might be boring and they will quickly complain. If that is so, then you should consider taking them to the aqua-park instead. In the aqua-park, you will be able to enjoy lots of slides, jacuzzis, and other cool stuff. You can get to the water park using bus number 125, 129, 132, 138, 139, 142, 152, 182, 429, 439 or 482.

Enjoy the fresh air and watch the animals in the Zoo

Krakow has a wonderful Zoo located approximately 15 minutes outside the city center with the bus. The easiest way to get to the Zoo is by traveling by bus 134 from the Cracovia Stadion and all the way to the end station which is named Zoo. You can buy tickets for the bus using the ticket machine inside the bus. Do not forget to validate your ticket after purchasing!

The Zoo is located in a peaceful area in the forests of Krakow. Here you can see giraffes, elephants, lions, wolves, tigers, panthers, peacocks and lots of other animals. It is a real treat, and not only will the kids enjoy it, parents will have a wonderful time as well. If you plan on visiting the zoo, you will probably need a few hours to see everything inside. But, you can easily spend even more time on the inside if you let your kids play on the playground inside the zoo area, if you grab something to eat, and so on!

Kid friendly places to eat

We all need to eat, and if you look for a kid-friendly place to eat, then the easiest place is, of course, McDonald’s. The kids love it as they get a toy, you love it because you do not have to wait for hours for the food to arrive. We might not be happy about the quality, but if you come with kids then that is a compromise you will often take, just to get the food quickly and to make sure the kids stay happy. There are quite a lot of McDonald’s restaurants in Krakow so you should have no trouble finding one (if you want to find one).

If you want to eat somewhere else then you could visit Galeria Krakowska, the biggest shopping mall in town. It is located only a few hundred meters from the Barbican. There you will find a Pizza Hut restaurant, and you can also buy whatever you want from the fast food stores inside the mall.

Get quickly to your hotel

If you want to please your kids, then it can be very convenient to have a driver waiting for you at the airport. You will then get quickly to your hotel, you will not have to mess around with kids and luggage looking for the right bus, buying the right tickets, and thus, make sure that all your valuables are with you as you arrive in your hotel room (and not left in a bus somewhere or at the airport). You can read more about private airport transfers right here.

Some kids do like using public transportation, so you might consider doing this the opposite way. But, getting quickly to your hotel might, in the end, be something you do, simply because it will ease your job as a parent (or a grandparent).

Enjoy your stay with kids in Krakow!

We hope this list will help you out planning your stay in Krakow. If you have further questions or comments related to visiting Krakow with kids, use the comment field beneath.

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To you as one of our visitors that means that you do not have to sit on a crowded bus or be disturbed by the questions from tons of other people, but in quietness and peace enjoy the beauties of Krakow with your own private guide.

If you decide to go to Auschwitz or to Wieliczka you will be able to enjoy your own private guide, who is there to fully take care of you and your group. Because of this there is a driver in the car/bus in addition to the guide, making sure that you have the full attention of the guide coming with you!

Want to know more? Read about the different programs and tours in our Krakow Guide and come join us on one of these exciting tours today!

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