How much do I need for a trip to Krakow?

If you’re wondering how far your budget will go in a city with a reputation for great value, we’ve gathered some local prices to illustrate how much you will need for a trip to Krakow.

With an irresistible foodie scene, atmospheric streets to lose time in, and countless attractions around the city, Krakow prices offer plenty of bang for your Zloty.

To calculate how far your vacation funds will carry you, we’ve pinpointed the kind of everyday costs you will encounter in Krakow.

Chances are that you’ll be in and out of welcoming bars and cozy cafes between savoring the city’s tantalizing gastronomic scene at the diverse restaurants in Krakow. 

Food prices in Krakow are reasonable, making those temptations even more tempting, so here’s what you can expect to pay. 

Economists might measure global prices in Big Macs (USD 6.24 in Krakow, if you’re wondering), but a plate of pierogi is a better local benchmark. A plate of 10 pierogi costs 25-35 PLN (USD 7-10), with no need to supersize. 

Street food in Krakow is an economical and convenient way to satisfy a craving for authentic Polish food or food that comforts.

The iconic Obwarzanek Krakowski, aka the Krakow bagel, is a must-try. They’re sold all over, cost just a couple of Zloty, and are the ideal walk-and-munch snacks.

Here are a few other Cracovian street food moments that will fill a hole without leaving one in your wallet:

Grilled kielbasa sausages from the aging Blue Nysa van, a legendary Krakow food truck – 25 PLN (USD 7.0).

Zapiekanki, a fully-loaded pizza baguette for late-night sustenance – 12-25 PLN (USD 3-7).

Maczanka Krakowska, a juicy pulled pork sandwich and local specialty – 35 PLN (USD 9-10).

Atmospheric hideouts are a big part of the city’s charm, and independent cafes in Krakow vastly outnumber international brands. Relaxing spots for inexpensive breakfasts or light bites, bean connoisseurs will relish the specialty coffee shops and roasters increasingly popping up around around the city.

Liquid refreshment prices in Krakow are usually another hit with international visitors.

An eclectic and bubbling nightlife can take you from grungy dive bars to speakeasies bars and cocktail emporiums. Flavored vodka, fruity tinctures (nalewki), and regional wines are local elixirs to discover, often at prices that will make the night last longer than planned. Discover the variety of bars in Krakow.

Grocery prices in Krakow can be another positive when loading the Airbnb refrigerator or dining alfresco. Shopping in 2025 is generally affordable, with prices now quite stable after a noticeable spike in 2023. Local supermarkets like Biedronka offer a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy, and everyday staples at reasonable rates.

Inflation might have changed the picture, but overall prices remain more affordable in Poland than much of Western Europe.

Your feet can carry you around much of the compact and walkable center. For other journeys, Krakow’s integrated tram and bus network is the easiest way to zip around. 

City taxis are significantly more costly, although Uber and the local ridesharing app, Bolt, are budget-friendly alternatives.

In November 2025, a 20-minute journey tram or bus journey cost 4 PLN (USD 1.5). This will cover most city center journeys, with 60/90 minute tickets for longer journeys.

For extended stays, multi-day passes are good value. A 7-day pass costs 56 PLN (USD 15.40).

Poking around the historic streets of Old Town and Kazimierz is both priceless and free. But Krakow’s slow travel package would be nothing without its dizzying attractions and historical monuments.

Look out for free entry to many museums in Krakow, with many free to visit for one day per week (usually Monday or Tuesday).  

At other times, prices range from 40 PLN (USD 11) at the Rynek Underground Museum to 156 PLN (USD 43) at the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

A guided tour is an illuminating way to see the city, whether touring foodie hotspots or hearing the story behind the buildings. Skip-the-line tickets are often another advantage to booking a tour.

Although Krakow is not a shop ‘til you drop type of place, you’ll find everything you might need in malls like the ever-busy Galeria Krakowska. While the boutiques of the Old Town and vintage shops of Kazimierz offer contrasting shopping experiences alongside the big chains.

On the whole, expect European prices, although you might find a few familiar brands are cheaper than back home.

What’s a vacation without a souvenir or two? 

If you want more than a fridge magnet, several affordable keepsakes are typically Cracovian.

The city is renowned for its high-quality Baltic amber jewelry, with lots of quality examples sold in the emblematic Cloth Hall. Potent nalewki tinctures and Polish vodkas can be interesting and inexpensive gifts, as can handicrafts like local pottery and folk art. 

Check out our article about best gift and souvenir stores in Krakow.

Your Zloty might go a little further in other Polish cities, but compared to many busy destinations in Europe, Krakow is inexpensive. Hotel and restaurant prices in Krakow are noticeably lower than cities west of the Vistula.   

Countless variables will shape your experience when working out how much you’ll need in Krakow. Whether planning a blowout vacation or aiming to tailor an affordable vacation with few compromises, the Monty Experience can help you piece together the ultimate trip to match our budget.

A snapshot of prices in Krakow shows how adaptable the travel experience is. Bottom line, a daily budget of USD 200-250 during peak season will cover a 3/4 star hotel, dining in cafes and restaurants, a couple of tram journeys, and one or two attractions. 

For a week in Krakow, that’s USD 1000-1500 per person. Significant savings can be found out of season or by opting for cheaper accommodation, like Airbnb.

When you add it all up, you’ll get a better understanding of why Krakow has a reputation for great value. It’s a city where you can spoil yourself or enjoy an absorbing city break for a few pennies less than other European hotspots.