Budget slow travel tips for Krakow

Unlike buildings in other European cities, the structures in Krakow, Poland, survived World War II. This is because the Nazis actually viewed Krakow as their own – they wanted to make the city a place for officers to live and work. The German group wrongfully claimed it was rightfully part of their empire. Decades later, we budget slow travelers enjoyed the city’s cultural sites. After our two weeks there, we can suggest some budget travel tips.

Budget slow travel tips for Krakow

Take at least one ‘free’ walking tour. These tip-based tours found in cities across the globe (we use GuruWalk) give loads of information on a city’s history, tips on where to eat, get the best sunset views, etc. We took two tours in Krakow – the essential lay-of-the-land tour, and the Jewish Quarter tour.

Search for free admission days in museums. There are plenty to explore in Krakow. I estimate we saved at least $200 by taking advantage of the free admission days to museums. Sometimes the ‘free’ tour guides will have QR codes with all of this information at the ready, so you don’t have to hunt them all down.

Wander around crypts and churches. The Veit Stoss altarpiece is a famous piece at St. Mary’s Basilica on the old town square. Some churches have crypts with English explanations on important Poles whose remains rest there, such as at the Church of saints Peter and Paul. Other churches have special features, such as the unusual floral and geometric paintings inside the Franciscan Church, near where Pope John Paul II stayed when he was in the city. There is even a rotunda dating back to 1,000 A.D. under the castle.
Note: the basilica and the castle aren’t always free — either go to a mass or pay admission to the basilica; the castle is free one day a week, and does not always include the underground sites.

For cheap eats, try zapiekanki! These are like pizzas on a sliced baguettes, like an open-faced sandwich that is about a foot long. The original is vegetarian – toasted with cheese and mushrooms. You can order more toppings, including meat. These ‘Polish pizzas’ became popular during the communist days when families didn’t have much of a selection in their cupboards. Today, a zapiekanka for lunch, dinner – or a snack – is a popular and tasty street food option. We went here.

Walk, walk, walk! Exploring Krakow is so easy — it’s an extremely walkable city. If you do need public transportation, the buses and trams run frequently, are easy to navigate, and relatively cheap — 4 zloty for a timed ride. You get 20 minutes once you validate your ticket on board.