Plan your visit

Kraków is a vibrant and welcoming city, offering a wealth of attractions and experiences – from its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town to its renowned museums, lively cafés, and green riverfront spaces. The city also provides a range of historical, culinary, and cultural opportunities for visitors to explore.

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Where to stay

As a major tourist destination, Kraków offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Below is a list of recommended hotels to choose from. You may also find it helpful to consult the interactive map to identify accommodation conveniently located near the conference venue.

Please note that participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance. ECPR cannot be held liable for any costs related to travel or accommodation.

Getting to and around Kraków

From the airport

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (also known as the Balice Airport) is a 20–30 minute drive from the city centre and conference venue, depending on traffic.

By train

The regional SKA1 train provides a convenient and reliable connection between Kraków Airport and the city centre. The journey to Kraków Główny (the Main Railway Station) takes approximately 20 minutes, with regular departures throughout the day.

From Kraków Główny, visitors can continue to Jagiellonian University on foot, by tram, or by bus. Ticket machines are available both at the airport station and on the platform. Visit the official website for schedules, fares, and travel details.

Important note: When using public transport in Kraków, you may board and exit through any door.

By taxi or rideshare

Taxis, Uber, and Bolt are all widely available at the airport. Travel time is typically around 25–30 minutes, although journeys take longer during peak hours.

Official airport taxis operate using fixed pricing zones. Uber and Bolt may offer lower fares, typically around 50 PLN.

Around the city

Kraków’s public transport network connects most parts of the city through an extensive system of trams and buses.

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines located at many bus and tram stops. Please note that tickets are no longer sold directly by bus or tram drivers and must be purchased before boarding. Once onboard, tickets must be validated immediately using the machines near the doors.

Ticket inspectors regularly check compliance, and failure to validate may result in a fine.

For routes, timetables, and journey planning, please refer to:

Important note: Drinking alcohol in public places – including parks, streets, and bus stops – is prohibited in Kraków and actively enforced by the local authorities. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed and designated premises, such as outdoor café or restaurant seating areas.

Currency and payments

The official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). While some businesses may accept Euro, it is generally best to use złoty for most transactions.

Exchange offices, known as kantor in Polish, are common around the city center and often offer better rates than hotels. ATMs are widely available and accept most international debit and credit cards, usually providing favorable exchange rates.

Card payments are generally accepted across Kraków, however, carrying a small amount of cash can still be useful for smaller purchases.

Where to eat

Drinking alcohol in public places – including parks, streets, and bus stops – is prohibited in Kraków and actively enforced by the local authorities. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed and designated premises, such as outdoor café or restaurant seating areas.

On-campus dining

The Bistro
Faculty of International and Political Studies
Mezzanine level, opposite the entrance

Campus Restaurant
Faculty of International and Political Studies
Floor -1

Kwant Bistro BJ
Jagellonian Library Bistro
Oleandry 3 (4-minute walk)
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Restaurants and cafés near the venue

Organic Coffee & More Coffee and light bites, 7-minute walk

MURAL Food Park Street food, 7-minute walk

Doskoi Kraków Japanese, 11-minute walk

VELO Food & Bar Light bites and small plants, 11-minute walk

Wydział Smaku Pizza, 6-minute walk

Poco Loco Mexican, 6-minute walk

Café Lisboa Coffee and light bites, 6-minute walk

Vegan Af Ramen Vegan ramen, 7-minute walk

Żabka | Prosto z pieca Fast food and takeaway, 5-minute walk

Molam Thai Thai,9-minute walk

Raw Nest Healthy options, 6-minute walk

Restaurants and cafés to try around Krakow

Sakana Sushi&Sticks Kraków Al. 3 Maja 9

Stołówka Nawojka Władysława Reymonta 11

Restauracja Krakus Władysława Reymonta 15

Diamond Kebab Reymonta Władysława Reymonta 22

Strefa Park – Reymonta Władysława Reymonta 18

Ris‑Bar Władysława Reymonta 11

The city is also home to several Michelin-recommended restaurants. Click here to check the locations.

Places to see

Explore Kraków with official guides, including downloadable itineraries and themed resources, available here, alongside the popular places to visit as listed below.

You may also visit the Kraków Official Tourism Page for additional travel information and recommendations.

Historic Kraków

Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral
This iconic complex served as the seat of Polish kings for centuries. The castle showcases royal chambers, art collections, and stunning courtyards, while the cathedral offers beautifully ornate interiors and the resting places of national heroes.

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
This is considered as the heart of Kraków and the largest medieval square in Europe. Surrounding the square are cafés, historic buildings, and notable landmarks including St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and the Town Hall Tower.

Rynek Underground
Hidden beneath the Main Square, this interactive museum reveals the medieval foundations of the city. Exhibits, artifacts, and atmospheric lighting bring Kraków’s early history to life.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
A UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their historic underground chambers and centuries-old mining heritage.

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Mannerist architectural and park landscape and its long-standing tradition as a place of pilgrimage

Museums and culture

Kazimierz
A cultural and historic district filled with synagogues, cozy cafés, street art, and museums. It’s a meaningful area to explore, offering insight into Jewish heritage and the revival of local culture.

Schindler’s Factory Museum
Located in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, this museum provides a powerful look at life in Kraków during World War II through immersive, well-designed exhibits.

Czartoryski Museum
A treasure-filled museum housing European art, artifacts, and national collections. Perfect for history and art lovers.

Views and outdoor spaces

Kościuszko Mound
A scenic viewpoint dedicated to Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. Climb to the top for panoramic views across Kraków’s skyline.

Krakus Mound
One of the city’s oldest landmarks, believed to be tied to the legendary founder of Kraków. It’s a peaceful place for a walk and a great vantage point at sunset.

Off the beaten path

Nowa Huta
A unique district showcasing socialist-realist architecture and post-war urban planning. Ideal for visitors interested in an alternative, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Tours

Make the most of your time in Kraków by booking one of the guided walking tours, local excursions, or sightseeing opportunities offered by the local providers below.

Please note that all bookings and payments are made directly with the respective providers. Any enquiries regarding reservations, availability, amendments, cancellations, or payments should be directed to the relevant provider using the contact details provided.

Walking Tours – City Walks Kraków

City Walks Kraków offers guided walking tours exploring the city's history, culture, and landmarks. You may find the following tours particularly interesting during your time at the conference:

Free Old Town and Castle Tour – Weekdays at 11:00
World War II in Kraków: Jewish Quarter and Ghetto Tour – Daily at 15:30

These tours operate on a pay-as-you-wish basis. At the end of the tour, you are free to contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate.

If you wish to join as part of a larger group, please email info@citywalkskrakow.com.

Booking deadline: 21 August

Book Here

Local Tours – SeeKraków

In addition to its historic city centre, Kraków provides easy access to a range of attractions across southern Poland, including cultural landmarks and the surrounding countryside. If you are interested in local tours or day trips, you may book with SeeKraków.

For general questions and enquiries, please email Przemysław Mercik.

For urgent matters relating to existing bookings, please contact bookings@seekrakow.com (+48 506 379 678).