Poland · tool
How much does Krakow cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Krakow trip before you book anything.
Krakow, Poland travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic private room outside the city center.
Street food like 'zapiekanka', milk bars (bar mleczny), and self-catering.
Single tickets or day passes on trams and buses within the city.
Free walking tours (tip expected), visiting Wawel Castle grounds, exploring Kazimierz.
Souvenirs, occasional coffee or snack.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Mix of casual restaurants, pierogi places, and a few nicer meals.
Public transport passes, occasional taxi or ride-sharing service.
Entry to Schindler's Factory, Wawel Castle interiors, Jewish Cemetery, guided tours.
Coffee, pastries, small souvenirs, drinks.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
4-5 star hotel in the Old Town or Kazimierz, or a premium apartment.
Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, high-end cafes.
Private airport transfers, taxis or ride-sharing for all journeys, possibly a private driver for day trips.
Private guided tours, exclusive experiences, potentially a day trip with private transport.
Spa treatments, premium drinks, high-quality souvenirs, theatre tickets.
Destination-specific money tips
- •While cards are widely accepted, always have some Polish Zloty (PLN) cash for smaller shops, markets, and some street food vendors.
- •Avoid using ATMs in tourist hotspots or those not affiliated with major Polish banks (like PKO Bank Polski or Bank Pekao) as they often have higher fees and worse exchange rates.
- •Tipping is not obligatory but is customary for good service in restaurants (5-10%) and for tour guides.
- •Public transport tickets can be bought from machines at stops or onboard (validate immediately); consider a day pass if making multiple journeys.
- •While many places accept cards, some smaller businesses or market stalls might be cash-only, so it's good to have a small amount of cash on hand.