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Want to explore Kraków, one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe? Good news: you can reach this Polish city without flying from France—just take a connecting flight via Berlin, Munich, or Prague, and often spend a night on a night train. With its medieval heritage, great dining spots, and lively neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone!
There is no direct connection between France and Kraków. Expect at least one transfer, and ideally an overnight train ride. You’ll arrive at Kraków Główny, the central station, located about a ten-minute walk from the Market Square.
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In any case, expect at least 16 hours of total train travel—which, in practice, amounts to a full day of travel with either an overnight stay on board or a stopover along the way. And if you’re passing through Berlin or Prague, why not take the opportunity to spend a day there?
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It all begins at Rynek Główny, the vast Market Square, in the heart of a historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center stands the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Not far away, the two uneven towers of St. Mary’s Basilica watch over the square. Listen closely: every hour, a trumpeter plays the hejnał, a melody that is abruptly cut off mid-note. It’s a nod to a medieval legend.
Hidden beneath your feet is the Underground Rynek, a museum tour set up beneath the Cloth Hall. It immerses you in the city’s history through artifacts and interactive exhibits. To take a break between visits, head to the Planty, the green belt that encircles the entire Old Town along the site of the old city walls.
To the south, Wawel Hill overlooks the Vistula River. The royal castle and the cathedral there tell the story of centuries of Polish history, as Kraków was the country’s capital until the end of the 16th century.
A few streets away, Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, offers a completely different atmosphere, with its synagogues, cozy cafés, and art galleries. This is also where you’ll get to try zapiekanki, those long, gratinated open-faced sandwiches sold at the food stalls in the rotunda on Nowy Square.
Across the river, the Podgórze neighborhood preserves the memory of the World War II ghetto. It is home to Oskar Schindler’s former factory, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to the city during the occupation.
To get a bird's-eye view, climb Kościuszko Hill: with a little luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the Tatra Mountains.
Krakow is also a great base for exploring the region by train:
In winter, the Christmas market stalls take over the Rynek, around St. Mary’s Basilica. Kraków is also one of the stops on our winter night train loop through Central Europe.
From Kraków, the Polish rail network makes it easy to explore the rest of the country. You can reach Warsaw by high-speed train in less than 3 hours—a trip we’ve covered in detail in our dedicated guide. Wrocław, on the EuroCity line to Berlin, also makes for a great stop on the way back.
Internationally, Kraków is a true hub for night trains. In the evening, you can head back to Prague, or to Vienna and Munich on the PKP Intercity EuroNight. Part of this train splits off en route to Bratislava and Budapest.
And if you're stopping over in the Austrian capital, here are some things to enjoy during your visit:
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