Krakow in April surprised me in the best way. Spring was in the air with flowers blooming, sun glowing on medieval architecture, bustling vintage cafés—and then a random hour of snow. Classic April!
So we can all agree spring In Krakow is unpredictable, but what’s certain is you’ll get great value for money. Kraków is crammed with history, heavenly food, and top-class museums, all without the big-city price tag.
The changing skies didn’t spoil a thing. In fact, it made the trip more memorable. Kraków is one of those cities you just keep coming back to—trust me, I already have. Here’s what I got up to this time around, plus some tips to help you plan your own spring visit.
Stolarska Tower in Krakow’s City Walls
Visiting Krakow in April
Krakow Weather In April
Kraków in April can be unpredictable, and there’s even a Polish saying for it: “Kwiecień plecień, bo przeplata, trochę zimy, trochę lata”, which means “April interweaves a little bit of winter and a little bit of summer”.
You might get sunny afternoons warm enough for outdoor cafes, but also chilly mornings or sudden showers. On my trip, I needed both sunglasses and a woolly hat in the same day as sunshine turned into snowflakes. In my experience, it’s definitely a month where layering is your best friend. Travelling off-season always wins for me!
Sunny days in Krakow in April
Snowing on Floriańska Street
April Events in Krakow
Krakow’s always full of life with something going on; from food and film festivals to comedy shows and religious celebrations, both modern and traditional. There’s almost always an event worth adding to your plans. Here are a few annual events that usually happen in Krakow in April (though dates vary each year, so double-check before you go). And keep an eye out for pop-up happenings too!
- Easter Celebrations – Easter markets in Rynek Główny with stalls, food, and palms.
- Misteria Paschalia Festival – Performances of early European music with Christian roots dating back to Middle Ages and the 18th century– Held annually in Holy Week.
- Cravovia Marathon – Thousands of runners are guided through Kraków’s historic streets, starting and finishing at the Main Market Square.
- Kraków LGBT+ Film Festival – Showcases a wide variety of queer films in selected arthouse cinemas across Krakow and Poland.
- Cracow Art Week KRAKERS – Promotes contemporary art in Krakow with workshops, performances and exhibitions through mediums of from sculpture and painting to experimental music and poetry.
- Confetti Wine Fest – The largest natural, biodynamic and organic wine festival in Poland.
How Many Days Do You Need In Krakow
You can see a lot of Kraków in two or three days, especially if you stay near the Old Town. That gives you time to explore the historic centre, visit Wawel Castle, and check out Kazimierz and a few museums. If you want to take a day trip to places like Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, I’d recommend adding an extra day. On my last visit, I stayed four nights and felt it was the perfect balance of sightseeing and downtime.
Palemki: Easter-Bouquets
Best Things To Do in Krakow in April
When planning a trip to Krakow in April, it’s worth having a plan of indoor and outdoor activities.
Admire the Blossom in Planty
Planty is the green belt that wraps around Krakow’s Old Town like a peaceful buffer. Once the site of medieval city walls, this 4-kilometre park was transformed in the 19th century into a tree-lined promenade filled with benches, fountains and wide paths.
When I visited Krakow in April, the trees in Planty had burst into blossom and the daffodils had emerged from the flowerbeds – it was so pretty! As I wandered around Planty, I saw many historic statues and monuments, such as 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 best ways to get a feel for Kraków is on foot. Normally, a walking tour is my first activity, but given I visited Krakow in the snow last time, I took the opportunity to take a walking tour in the sunshine when I visited Krakow in April.
My tour began at the Barbican and St Florian’s Gate, the 14th-century northern entrance to the Old Town. Over the years, there were several attempts to tear it down; the last was in the 19th century, but it was safeguarded thanks to its surprising qualities. The gate helped block strong winds, stopped unpleasant smells and disease from spreading, and, apparently, kept ladies’ skirts from flying up. In the end, it was public health and modesty that saved the last standing piece of Kraków’s medieval fortifications.
The walking tour continued through the Old Town, a UNESCO-listed area packed with history and character. We explored the vast Main Square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, framed by elegant townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall, Krakow’s oldest commercial hub. Look out for the iron knife hanging on the wall inside the Cloth Hall, it is tied to a bloody legend involving two brothers competing to build 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 the oldest in Europe. Our final stop was at Wawel Castle, a symbol of Polish royalty and national pride, with legends, dragons, and panoramic views rolled into one stop.
A walking tour gives you the historic insight and some curious local stories thrown in, and if you are new to the city, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings!
|| BOOK THE PRIVATE TOUR: 3-hour Old Town Highlights Tour || GROUP TOURS are available–check the free walking tours and other guided tours in Krakow
Wawel Castle in Krakow
Explore Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
About Kazimierz
Kazimierz is Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter which was founded in the 14th century. Once an independent town, it became a heart of Jewish life for centuries until World War II when they were forcibly removed and relocated to the Podgórze ghetto.
What is in Kazimierz now?
It’s a quirky mix of old and new. Cobbled streets lead you past synagogues and churches where religions lived in harrmony, old buildings are decorated with street art, and shabby-chic cafés are aplenty.
Start with a visit to the Old Synagogue, the oldest of its kind in Poland, and stop by the Galicia Jewish Museum to learn about Jewish culture through powerful photography and exhibitions. Step inside the Corpus Christi Basilica to see the gold-adorned sanctuary, and take a moment at Plac Wolnica, a former market square that’s now a peaceful place to pause.
Hang out in Plac Nowy, where the old rotunda now serves up Polish street food and hosts a morning flea market. Or wander the nearby streets of Józefa to browse independent shops and creative spaces.
Kazimierz is also known for its quirky café culture. Hevre is set in a former synagogue and still shows traces of its past, and Alchemia mixes moody lighting with vintage decor and opens into the night. Eszeweria bar is a dark ambience 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 street art scene is one thing you should add to your Kraków itinerary, especially on a rain-free day. You’ll spot colourful murals across districts like Kazimierz and Podgórze, often hidden between crumbling walls and old apartment blocks.
Some of Krakow’s urban pieces are political, others societal, and many reflect the city’s complex past. One of the most famous is the Judah mural in Kazimierz, a compelling image of Jewish heritage, or Ding Dong Dumb in Podgórze that challenges the power 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 way around Krakow on a Polish food tour was four hours well spent. I tried traditional Polish dishes like zapiekanka (baguette pizza), pierogi (dumplings), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), zurek (sour rye soup), and more. I loved hearing about old family recipes and how food ties into Polish culture and history. Plus, having a local guide meant discovering hidden spots I’d never have found on my own.
TOP TIP: Skip breakfast if you’re doing this food tour. By the time we reached the final stop for Kremówka Papieska (Pope Cake), I had run out of room, but still managed to rise to the challenge!
|| BOOK The Private 4 Hour Polish Food Tour || CHECK Group Food Tours in Krakow
Plate of pierogies (Polish dumplings)
Visit The Fascinating Museums in Krakow
If you visit Krakow in April, I would have a list of museums and galleries that you may wish to jump in to should it rain or you just need a solid break from the walking around the busier sights in the city. This time I visited Czartoryski Museum and the Polonia Wax Museum for a laugh–find out more below.
Some other recommended museums in Krakow I experienced on my previous visit to Krakow are MOCAK (The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) or Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory.
|| GRAB The Krakow Digital Museum Pass
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
Find the Lady with an Ermine painting in Czartoryski Museum
The Czartoryski Museum in Kraków has a fairly understated entrance and could easily be missed—but it’s absolutely worth stepping inside. This was the first public museum in Poland, with a remarkable story behind it. In 1796, Princess Izabela Czartoryska began gathering artworks and military trophies, including items from the Siege of Vienna, as part of a patriotic effort to preserve Polish heritage. The memorabilia was moved from her Palace in Pulawy and the Czartoryski Museum officially opened Kraków in 1801 which included historical treasures looted from Polish castles and cathedrals.
After suffering damage during wars, undergoing nationalisation, and eventually extensive renovations, the museum reopened with a new glass-roofed entrance that fills the space with natural light. MNK Muzeum Czartoryskich is famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine and Rembrandt’s Landscape with the Good Samaritan. It’s crazy to think these masterpieces are hanging in Poland, and you can get surprisingly close to them. The permanent collection at Czartoryski Museum includes 21 halls, with paintings from the Middle Ages through to the 17th century, housing Egyptian antiquities, Eastern art and a large assemblage of artefacts and manuscripts connected to Polish history.
|| 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 reason the Polonia Wax Museum went viral, and it’s not for lifelike figures. In fact, it’s the total opposite. The waxworks are so wildly off that you can’t help but laugh (and take a few selfies while you’re at it). It’s unintentionally hilarious and weirdly brilliant—definitely one for your “so bad it’s good” list.
The British Royal Family greet you at the entrance, with Queen Elizabeth’s wispy hair and a version of Kate and William you’d struggle to recognise. Pop stars from different eras raise eyebrows, Hollywood icons lose their sparkle, and the dungeon of dictators has an odd, satirical feel. So if you’re up for a bit of light-hearted entertainment, this place delivers.
Waxwork of Mick Jagger at the Polonia Wax Museum
Devour Cheap Eats in A Milk Bar
Popping into a milk bar in Kraków is like time-travelling straight into Poland’s communist past, but with better food. These no-frills canteens were originally set up to by the government to promote milk over moonshine, and Poland’s first ever milk bar (bar mleczny) opened right on Kraków’s main square in 1948.
During the communist era, they became go-to places for cheap, home-style meals, especially for workers. Today, you can still grab a plate of pierogi, a bowl of zurek, and a glass of compote (or a vodka, if you’re feeling it) for pocket change. It’s fast, it’s filling, and it’s the kind of food that hits the spot.
Milk Bar in Krakow
Take A Day Trip From Krakow
Kraków is perfectly placed for day trips, whether you’re into nature, history, or something a bit unusual. If the weather’s on your side, heading south to the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane is a brilliant way to escape the city for a day for fresh mountain air and hiking trails.. Whatever the forecast, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must. I found it deeply moving and confronting, but it’s something I believe everyone should experience. Then there’s the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just outside the city. I’ve been twice and still find it fascinating, especially the underground chapel, completely carved from salt.
|| FIND DAY TOURS IN KRAKOW || READ MY BLOG ON DAY TRIPS FROM KRAKOW
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Planning Your Krakow Trip
Getting To Krakow
There are several flight options to Krakow from the UK and European airports. If you are flying from the UK, check Jet2 flights to Krakow as they depart from 13 UK airports. Living in the north, it’s always convenient to be able to get my flight from Manchester Airport.
Reaching Kraków by train is simple, with regular connections from major cities like Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, and Berlin. Check the train schedules to Krakowif you are travelling from other European countries. The main train station, Kraków Główny, is right next to the Old Town, so you can start exploring as soon as you arrive.
Find A Fab Hotel In Krakow
For a city break, a central location and a yummy breakfast are top priority, and the Golden Tulip Krakow City Centre with Jet2 Holidays ticks both those boxes. The 4-star hotel is situated just a short walk from St Florian’s Gate (Brama Floriańska) on the city walls, right near the action.
Other boutique options to consider are Plantonia Aparthotel, Poland’s first vegan-friendly and sustainable hotel, with ecological principles and luxury in its 24 modern apartments. Or Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow – MGallery, which has earned the a Green Key certification for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability
FAQs: Krakow in April
Is April a good time to go to Krakow?
April is definitely a good time to visit Kraków. While there’s always a steady flow of tourists, especially around Easter, it’s still less crowded than in summer. The weather can be unpredictable (as I found out), but spring blossoms and the return of outdoor cafes give the city a lively energy.
Is Krakow Worth Visiting?
Kraków is absolutely worth visiting! I’ve already been twice and wouldn’t hesitate to go back again. Winter in Krakow felt completely different to spring, so I’m curious to see what summer’s like. The food and drink are great value, the cafes and bars have loads of character, and the mix of medieval buildings and fascinating museums keeps things interesting. Best of all, you can see most of it on your own two feet, no need for public transport.
Is Krakow safe?
Kraków is generally very safe for both visitors and locals, with a low crime rate. Like any popular city, it’s wise to stay alert in crowded areas and watch out for pickpockets, especially around the Old Town and train stations. I found it a welcoming city and never felt nervous, even at night.
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PIN To Visit Krakow in April
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