Krakow in April shocked me in the easiest way. Spring was within the air with flowers blooming, solar glowing on medieval structure, bustling classic cafés—after which a random hour of snow. Classic April!
So we are able to all agree spring In Krakow is unpredictable, however what’s sure is you’ll get nice worth for cash. Kraków is full of historical past, heavenly meals, and top-class museums, all with out the big-city price ticket.
The altering skies didn’t spoil a factor. In reality, it made the journey extra memorable. Kraków is a kind of cities you simply maintain coming again to—belief me, I have already got. Here’s what I bought as much as this time round, plus some suggestions that will help you plan your personal spring go to.
Stolarska Tower in Krakow’s City Walls
Visiting Krakow in April
Krakow Weather In April
Kraków in April may be unpredictable, and there’s even a Polish saying for it: “Kwiecień plecień, bo przeplata, trochę zimy, trochę lata”, which implies “April interweaves a little bit of winter and a little bit of summer”.
You may get sunny afternoons heat sufficient for outside cafes, but additionally chilly mornings or sudden showers. On my journey, I wanted each sun shades and a woolly hat in the identical day as sunshine was snowflakes. In my expertise, it’s positively a month the place layering is your greatest buddy. Travelling low season all the time wins for me!
Sunny days in Krakow in April
Snowing on Floriańska Street
April Events in Krakow
Krakow’s all the time vigorous with one thing occurring; from meals and movie festivals to comedy reveals and spiritual celebrations, each fashionable and conventional. There’s virtually all the time an occasion price including to your plans. Here are a number of annual occasions that normally occur in Krakow in April (although dates fluctuate annually, so double-check earlier than you go). And maintain an eye fixed out for pop-up happenings too!
Easter Celebrations – Easter markets in Rynek Główny with stalls, meals, and palms.
Misteria Paschalia Festival – Performances of early European music with Christian roots relationship again to Middle Ages and the 18th century – Held yearly in Holy Week.
Cravovia Marathon – Thousands of runners are guided via Kraków’s historic streets, beginning and ending on the Main Market Square.
Kraków LGBT+ Film Festival – Showcases all kinds of queer movies in chosen arthouse cinemas throughout Krakow and Poland.
Cracow Art Week KRAKERS – Promotes modern artwork in Krakow with workshops, performances and exhibitions via mediums of from sculpture and portray to experimental music and poetry.
Confetti Wine Fest – The largest pure, biodynamic and natural wine competition in Poland.
How Many Days Do You Need In Krakow
You can see lots of Kraków in two or three days, particularly if you happen to keep close to the Old Town. That provides you time to discover the historic centre, go to Wawel Castle, and take a look at Kazimierz and some museums. If you need to take a day journey to locations like Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, I’d suggest including an additional day. On my final go to, I stayed 4 nights and felt it was the right steadiness of sightseeing and downtime.
Palemki: Easter-Bouquets
Best Things To Do in Krakow in April
When planning a visit to Krakow in April, it’s price having a plan of indoor and outside actions.
Admire the Blossom in Planty
Planty is the inexperienced belt that wraps round Krakow’s Old Town like a peaceable buffer. Once the location of medieval metropolis partitions, this 4-kilometre park was reworked within the nineteenth century right into a tree-lined promenade full of benches, fountains and huge paths.
When I visited Krakow in April, the bushes in Planty had burst into blossom and the daffodils had emerged from the flowerbeds – it was so fairly! As I wandered round Planty, I noticed many historic statues and monuments, similar to that Nicolaus Copernicus, the famed astronomer, poet Adam Mickiewicz, and Chopin’s Piano Water Fountain.
Chopin’s Piano Water Fountain in Planty
Take a Walking Tour Of Krakow
One of the most effective methods to get a really feel for Kraków is on foot. Normally, a strolling tour is my first exercise, however given I visited Krakow within the snow final time, I took the chance to take a strolling tour within the sunshine once I visited Krakow in April.
My tour started on the Barbican and St Florian’s Gate, the 14th-century northern entrance to the Old Town. Over the years, there have been a number of makes an attempt to tear it down; the final was within the nineteenth century, however it was safeguarded because of its shocking qualities. The gate helped block sturdy winds, stopped disagreeable smells and illness from spreading, and, apparently, saved girls’ skirts from flying up. In the top, it was public well being and modesty that saved the final standing piece of Kraków’s medieval fortifications.
The strolling tour continued via the Old Town, a UNESCO-listed space filled with historical past and character. We explored the huge Main Square (Rynek Główny), one of many largest medieval squares in Europe, framed by elegant townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall, Krakow’s oldest industrial hub. Look out for the iron knife hanging on the wall contained in the Cloth Hall, it’s tied to a bloody legend involving two brothers competing to construct the basilica’s towers.
Krakow Town Hall Tower
From there, we headed into Collegium Maius, the courtyard of the 14th century Jagiellonian University—one of many oldest in Europe. Our closing cease was at Wawel Castle, an emblem of Polish royalty and nationwide delight, with legends, dragons, and panoramic views rolled into one cease.
A strolling tour provides you the historic perception and a few curious native tales thrown in, and in case you are new to town, it’s a incredible method to get your bearings!
|| BOOK THE PRIVATE TOUR: 3-hour Old Town Highlights Tour || GROUP TOURS can be found–verify the free strolling excursions and different guided excursions in Krakow
Wawel Castle in Krakow
Explore Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
About Kazimierz
Kazimierz is Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter which was based within the 14th century. Once an impartial city, it turned a coronary heart of Jewish life for hundreds of years till World War II after they had been forcibly eliminated and relocated to the Podgórze ghetto.
What is in Kazimierz now?
It’s a unusual mixture of previous and new. Cobbled streets lead you previous synagogues and church buildings the place religions lived in harrmony, previous buildings are adorned with road artwork, and shabby-chic cafés are aplenty.
Start with a go to to the Old Synagogue, the oldest of its sort in Poland, and cease by the Galicia Jewish Museum to find out about Jewish tradition via highly effective images and exhibitions. Step contained in the Corpus Christi Basilica to see the gold-adorned sanctuary, and take a second at Plac Wolnica, a former market sq. that’s now a peaceable place to pause.
Hang out in Plac Nowy, the place the previous rotunda now serves up Polish road meals and hosts a morning flea market. Or wander the close by streets of Józefa to browse impartial retailers and artistic areas.
Kazimierz can also be identified for its quirky café tradition. Hevre is ready in a former synagogue and nonetheless reveals traces of its previous, and Alchemia mixes moody lighting with classic decor and opens into the night time. Eszeweria bar is a darkish atmosphere with bohemian vibes.
|| BOOK A STREET ART TOUR or READ MY BLOG ON URBAN ART IN KRAKOW
Jewish House
Corpus Christi Basilica
Discover Krakow’s Street Art
Exploring the road artwork scene is one factor it is best to add to your Kraków itinerary, particularly on a rain-free day. You’ll spot vibrant murals throughout districts like Kazimierz and Podgórze, typically hidden between crumbling partitions and previous residence blocks.
Some of Krakow’s city items are political, others societal, and plenty of mirror town’s advanced previous. One of probably the most well-known is the Judah mural in Kazimierz, a compelling picture of Jewish heritage, or Ding Dong Dumb in Podgórze that challenges the facility of the Catholic Church.
|| BOOK A STREET ART TOUR or READ MY BLOG ON URBAN ART IN KRAKOW
Mural No 658 by M-City
Take a Polish Food Tour by A Local
Eating my approach round Krakow on a Polish meals tour was 4 hours nicely spent. I attempted conventional Polish dishes like zapiekanka (baguette pizza), pierogi (dumplings), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), zurek (bitter rye soup), and extra. I cherished listening to about previous household recipes and the way meals ties into Polish tradition and historical past. Plus, having an area information meant discovering hidden spots I’d by no means have discovered alone.
TOP TIP: Skip breakfast if you happen to’re doing this meals tour. By the time we reached the ultimate cease for Kremówka Papieska (Pope Cake), I had run out of room, however nonetheless managed to rise to the problem!
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Plate of pierogies (Polish dumplings)
Visit The Fascinating Museums in Krakow
If you go to Krakow in April, I might have a listing of museums and galleries that you could be want to soar in to ought to it rain otherwise you simply want a strong break from the strolling across the busier sights within the metropolis. This time I visited Czartoryski Museum and the Polonia Wax Museum for fun–discover out extra beneath.
Some different advisable museums in Krakow I skilled on my earlier go to to Krakow are MOCAK (The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) or Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory.
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Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
Find the Lady with an Ermine portray in Czartoryski Museum
The Czartoryski Museum in Kraków has a reasonably understated entrance and will simply be missed—however it’s completely price stepping inside. This was the primary public museum in Poland, with a exceptional story behind it. In 1796, Princess Izabela Czartoryska started gathering artworks and army trophies, together with gadgets from the Siege of Vienna, as a part of a patriotic effort to protect Polish heritage. The memorabilia was moved from her Palace in Pulawy and the Czartoryski Museum formally opened Kraków in 1801 which included historic treasures looted from Polish castles and cathedrals.
After struggling harm throughout wars, present process nationalisation, and finally intensive renovations, the museum reopened with a brand new glass-roofed entrance that fills the area with pure mild. MNK Muzeum Czartoryskich is known for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine and Rembrandt’s Landscape with the Good Samaritan. It’s loopy to suppose these masterpieces are hanging in Poland, and you may get surprisingly near them. The everlasting assortment at Czartoryski Museum consists of 21 halls, with work from the Middle Ages via to the seventeenth century, housing Egyptian antiquities, Eastern artwork and a big assemblage of artefacts and manuscripts related to Polish historical past.
|| BOOK A Tour Of Czartoryski Museum || GRAB The Krakow Digital Museum Pass
Entrance to Czartoryski Museum
Lady with an Ermine
Have a Giggle In Polonia Wax Museum
There’s a cause the Polonia Wax Museum went viral, and it’s not for lifelike figures. In reality, it’s the entire reverse. The waxworks are so wildly off that you would be able to’t assist however chortle (and take a number of selfies whilst you’re at it). It’s unintentionally hilarious and weirdly good—positively one on your “so bad it’s good” checklist.
The British Royal Family greet you on the entrance, with Queen Elizabeth’s wispy hair and a model of Kate and William you’d battle to recognise. Pop stars from totally different eras elevate eyebrows, Hollywood icons lose their sparkle, and the dungeon of dictators has an odd, satirical really feel. So if you happen to’re up for a little bit of light-hearted leisure, this place delivers.
Waxwork of Mick Jagger on the Polonia Wax Museum
Devour Cheap Eats in A Milk Bar
Popping right into a milk bar in Kraków is like time-travelling straight into Poland’s communist previous, however with higher meals. These no-frills canteens had been initially set as much as by the federal government to advertise milk over moonshine, and Poland’s first ever milk bar (bar mleczny) opened proper on Kraków’s major sq. in 1948.
During the communist period, they turned go-to locations for affordable, home-style meals, particularly for employees. Today, you possibly can nonetheless seize a plate of pierogi, a bowl of zurek, and a glass of compote (or a vodka, if you happen to’re feeling it) for pocket change. It’s quick, it’s filling, and it’s the type of meals that hits the spot.
Milk Bar in Krakow
Take A Day Trip From Krakow
Kraków is completely positioned for day journeys, whether or not you’re into nature, historical past, or one thing a bit uncommon. If the climate’s in your facet, heading south to the Tatra Mountains round Zakopane is an excellent method to escape town for a day for contemporary mountain air and mountain climbing trails.. Whatever the forecast, a go to to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a should. I discovered it deeply shifting and confronting, however it’s one thing I imagine everybody ought to expertise. Then there’s the Wieliczka Salt Mine, simply outdoors town. I’ve been twice and nonetheless discover it fascinating, particularly the underground chapel, utterly carved from salt.
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Wieliczka Salt Mine
Planning Your Krakow Trip
Getting To Krakow
There are a number of flight choices to Krakow from the UK and European airports. If you might be flying from the UK, verify Jet2 flights to Krakow as they depart from 13 UK airports. Living within the north, it’s all the time handy to have the ability to get my flight from Manchester Airport.
Reaching Kraków by prepare is straightforward, with common connections from main cities like Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, and Berlin. Check the prepare schedules to Krakow in case you are travelling from different European international locations. The major prepare station, Kraków Główny, is true subsequent to the Old Town, so you can begin exploring as quickly as you arrive.
Find A Fab Hotel In Krakow
For a metropolis break, a central location and a yummy breakfast are high precedence, and the Golden Tulip Krakow City Centre with Jet2 Holidays ticks each these containers. The 4-star resort is located only a brief stroll from St Florian’s Gate (Brama Floriańska) on town partitions, proper close to the motion.
Other boutique choices to think about are Plantonia Aparthotel, Poland’s first vegan-friendly and sustainable resort, with ecological rules and luxurious in its 24 fashionable residences. Or Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow – MGallery, which has earned the a Green Key certification for its dedication to environmental safety and sustainability
FAQs: Krakow in April
Is April time to go to Krakow?
April is certainly time to go to Kraków. While there’s all the time a gradual move of vacationers, particularly round Easter, it’s nonetheless much less crowded than in summer season. The climate may be unpredictable (as I came upon), however spring blossoms and the return of out of doors cafes give town a vigorous power.
Is Krakow Worth Visiting?
Kraków is totally price visiting! I’ve already been twice and wouldn’t hesitate to return once more. Winter in Krakow felt utterly totally different to spring, so I’m curious to see what summer season’s like. The foods and drinks are nice worth, the cafes and bars have a great deal of character, and the combination of medieval buildings and interesting museums retains issues fascinating. Best of all, you possibly can see most of it by yourself two ft, no want for public transport.
Is Krakow secure?
Kraków is mostly very secure for each guests and locals, with a low crime charge. Like any standard metropolis, it’s sensible to remain alert in crowded areas and be careful for pickpockets, particularly across the Old Town and prepare stations. I discovered it a welcoming metropolis and by no means felt nervous, even at night time.
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PIN To Visit Krakow in April
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