Transport in Krakow

What to know when you decide to visit Krakow?

The main railway station and the main bus station are located near each other. Ar regards trains, there are many various types of trains you can arrive and depart from Krakow to city you choose. These days, the railway station is modernizing to provide comfortable and high quality of services. On the other hand, the bus station is also well-equipped with modern air-conditioned buses. There are boxes where you can buy tickets and find out about other information you need about transport.

There are links you will problably need to travel with PKP Intercity, regional transport in Poland and in general the timetable. 

Public transport

Public transport is well-organized in Krakow due to numerous of trams and buses (including daily and night transport). Most of monuments are situated round the main market therefore it is better to visit them by feet. Nevertheless, many bikes are rented by people who want to travel in ecological way. If you plan travel in long distance, check a timetable or plan your travel with JakDojade. Almost every page describing attractions have information about their location so it is necessary if you choose to travel with JakDojade, because there is a field of your current location and a destination place (sign an address of an attraction). The app shows you how to get somewhere and how long it takes. There are some types of tickets like one-trip tickets, season tickets. The price list is available on a website. The machines are available almost in every bus and tram so you are obligated to valid your ticket immediately. If there is no machine, a driver must sell you a ticket so you can travel legally through the city. There are also machines on the stop buses (menu in a few languages). 

Krakowska Karta Miejsca empowers you to travel with the public transport. It's a season ticket. You can buy it in Krakow (e.g. Podwale Street) but remember you need your ID and picture of you. If you are a student, don't forget your student ID, because you are entitled to half price ticket. 

How to get to Auschwitz - Birkenau

All of you heard about Auschwitz - the concentration camp near Oświęcim (Lesser Poland) at least once in whole life. Most of you think about tour to Auschwitz from Krakow.

Every year, milions of visitors from around the world walk through the gate bearing a fallacious inscription: "Arbeit mach frei" - in English - "Work sets on free".  The place has remained a living monument of death.

Trips with a private transport has a big advantage in compare with other type of transport - you might be picked up from hotel you're staying. After your guided tour of Auschwitz you will return to Hotel or City Centre - it depends on you.

Small group guided tours with a maximum of 19 people ensures personalised attention at all times. If you want to join the trip, you have some options to choose like free hotel pick up or arranged meeting at St Jan 2 Street. What is more, the lunchbox is included to the price so no worries you will not find a place to buy food. Even you are not able to undersand polish language, tours companies ensure supervision of english speaker tour leader.

In general, you can choose Auschwitz - Birkenau and Memorial Museum guided tour. This type of trip is cheaper, but food is not guaranteed. For students - surprise! Entrance fee is lower than usual for students aged up to 24 holding a valid student ID. The same case as in small group guided tours - if you do not understand polish language, you can rent a headphone (english, french, spanish, italian, german).


If you have any questions - do  not hesitate - write to me. :)

Groceries in Krakow

There are 3 places in Krakow where you can buy fresh vegetables and fruit.

Stary Kleparz registered to the history of the city. The market was located on main roads of trade in Europe. If you lived in that time, there was a specific market with many necessary products and goods. Only there you had a guarantee you would get what you wanted. Now, You can admire embroidered merchant's stall at Stary Kleparz with a picture of Divine Mother of Immaculate Conception with a child on her hand - a patron of merchants.

Nowadays, People who traded are fourth generation of merchants. They will always remember about poors and weakers.

Breaking news: it's started a strawberries season, please come to Stary Kleparz and buy it for a strawberry pie :)

Nowy Kleparz is situated on Długa Street. It's a similar place to Stary Kleparz but with different location.
Unfortunately, due to reorganization of public transport, it's difficult to reach a market. On sundays, you can exchange your book or something else for another goods without paying special fee like merchants usually do in such places. It's a great opportunity to have something interesting for your own. There is a hard time for merchants from Nowy Kleparz, because as you know, there are opened shops like Biedronka or Carrefour and so on. In connetion with this people prefer going to that shops which are nearer than e.g. stalls. Many people have moved from there to the central part of city too.

Plac Imbramowski is a market where people vitis rarely. It's probably because of the location. One of the advantage is that the market is larger than Stary Kleparz or Nowy Kleparz. There is much larger selection of products you might need.


In my opinion, it is better to buy fresh vegetables and fruit from a market than from supermarkets where a price is usually higher and probably food stuck on the shells for long time. Market's advantage is that you can agree on a price of what you want to, contrary to the supermarkets where level of prices is already agreed.

It is gonna be a great Friday!

Have you got any plans for Friday? No? Walking along the Vistula? Good. But maybe this time you will go with your friends to the cinema!

My sugestions for today:

1. "Maleficent" 2014 (Fantasy/for families)

Titled Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) used to be a pretty, good girl, but her childhood was disturbed by a war in which she defended her homeland. The betrayal she has experienced turned her heart into stone. She cast a spell on Aurora who is a king's daughter from opposite kingdom.

Cinema:

- Cinema City Bonarka

* 6 pm (3D)

* 8:15 pm (3D)

* 10:30 pm (3D)

- Cinema City Kazimierz

* 6:40 pm (3D)

* 8:50 pm (3D)

2. "A million ways to die in the West" 2014 (Comedy)

It is a great story about a farmer who looks after sheeps somewhere in US. He is in relationship, but he is a coward and his girlfriend decided to left him for another guy. Some girl who has just arrived to the city made a farmer to believe in himself. Unfortunately, in the same time, has appeared a man (a criminal) which turned out to be that girl husband.

Cinema:
- Cinema City Bonarka
* 5:15 pm
* 7:45 pm
* 10:15 pm
- Cinema City Kazimierz
* 6:30 pm
* 9:45 pm
- Cinema City Krakow Plaza
* 6:30 pm
- Cinema City Zakopianka
* 8:45 pm

3. "Love punch" 2014 (Comedy)

Despite of the fact that Kate and Richard are divorced, they are friends. During their common life, they have put their money to pension fund which has been on the verge of bancruptcy lately. When they realized an owner of this pension fund bought a ring with a diamond for her fiance, they decided to steal it.

Cinema:
- Cinema City Bonarka
* 5:15 pm
* 7:30 pm
* 8:45 pm
* 9:45 pm
- Cinema City Kazimierz
* 5:45 pm
* 8 pm
* 10:15 pm
- Cinema City Zakopianka
* 6:45 pm
* 9 pm

Tell me in comments if you enjoy your time watching a film I recommend or not :)

How do find a job in Krakow?

There are many young, tallented, well educated people whose dreams come true.
Outsourcing is very popular amoung large companies, which thanks to a cost-saving strategy can work efficiently.

List of outsourcing in Lesser Poland:

1. . HAYS Poland LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Krakow

2.  Capgemini Poland LLC - the centre of outsourcing in Krakow

3. Sunai - TSC (Trade Service Company)

4.  Hewitt Associates 

5. IBM Poland LLC - branch in Krakow

6. HCL Poland LLC

7. Ericpol POLAND - branch in Krakow

8. Comarch 

9. Nixsys partnership

10. State Street Corporation POLAND 

11. NATEK International Consulting and Outsourcing Services, Poland

12. Pulsar Projekt

13. EUROHOST 

14. Fidelis Corp., IT

15. Outsourcing Direct

16.  Ernst & Young 

17. Sygnity JSC (Joint-Stock Company) - branch in Krakow

18. Modis Poland LLC

19. Deloitte - Office in Krakow

20. Logica Krakow

21. Translation Agency Alingua 

22. Base and Banking System LLC, Office in Krakow

23. Evolving - Office in Krakow

24. Softel LLC

25. AZSoft JSC - Contact Center 

26. Accountancy Poland, LLC capital company

27. Faber LLC accounting office

28. AFNET

29. LAP development 

30. noxIT

31. NFORMATTICA

32. Accounting Office in Krakow - FACTOR

33. Compax

34. DGM

Students usually are resistant to stress, strong, flexible, and they want to earn lots of money. They have power to move mountains. These features are most wanted by companies. But it is risky, why? Due to the fact that Krakow is a student's city, companies can recruit the best of them. The situation on the labour market is dificult, especially for young people, so they are willing to work for low wages. Despite of the fact, we (I mean Poland) have strong human capital which is developing all the time by education system and employment policy, people in working age are forced to looking for a job abroad. There is no effective tool resolving problems on the labour market in Poland. 

But...

If you know foreign languages and you are not afraid of using them in practice, you rule! There is higher probability you will be hired by a company you've always dreamt of. 

Most of outsourcing companies have organized competitions from time to time in which you can win an internship. It is important to gain experience because during recruitment process recruiters often look at your resume (part with experience). Remember about it and use opportunities you've been given by others. 

Top 10 cheap accomodation in Krakow

Have you ever wonder where to stay for one night in Krakow?
I made some research for me and I would like to share my opinion with you.

1. Cybulskiego Guest Rooms (Cybulskiego 6 Street)

Advantages:
- Near the Main Square
- Neat the Railway Station
- No limit of time when you have to be quiet at night
- Internet/Wi-Fi
- Credit cards are acceptable
- Access to the laundry
- For families with children
- For people with pets
- Price includes breakfast, towels, luggage storage, bedding
- Parking is available

Disadvantages:
- Average price
- Check-in time (the earliest 1 p.m.)
- Rooms for no smokers

2. Mint's Place (Floriańska 51/5 Street)

Advantages:
- Near the Main Square
- No limit of time when you have to be quiet at night
- Internet/Wi-Fi
- Access to the laundry
- Wake up call

Disadvantages:
- Shared kitchen
- Price doesn't include towels

3. High Life Hostel (Starowiślna 16/4 Street)

Advantages:

- Near the Main Square
- Near the Kazimierz District
- Credit cards are acceptable
 - Wake up call
- Place for barbecue
- For people with pets
- Price includes towels, bedding, luggage storage
- Parking is available
- Game room
- Renting bikes
- Reception available 24/7

Disadvantages:

- Self-catering

4. Football Corner Hostel (Wróblewskiego 3/4 Street)

Advantages:

- Access to the kitchen (cooker, kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge)
- Laptop with access to the Internet
- Printer, hair dryer, social games, laundry with dryer are available

Disadvantages:

- Shared kitchen
- Price doesn't include breakfast and towels

5. Moon Hostel New (Halicka 11 Street)

Advantages:

- Low price
- Price includes coffee, tea, bedding
- Access to the laundry
- Possibility to rent a bike
- Reception open 24/7
- Cleaning of rooms
- Credit cards are acceptable

Disadvantages:

- Shared kitchen

6. Pink Panther's Hotel (Św. Tomasza 8 Street)

Advantages:

- Near the Main Square, Rainway Station, Wawel Castle
- Reception available 24/7
- Free coffee and tea for all day
- Luggage storage available after you check out
- Organize daily events like speghetti dinner or wine evening
- Credit cards are acceptable

Disadvantages:

- Especially for students

7. Greg&Tom Beer House Hostel (Floriańska 43 Street)

Advantages:

- Credit cards are acceptable
- No limit of time when you have to be quiet at night
- Near the Main Square
- Game rooms available
- Price includes breakfasts
- Access to the kitchen
- WiFi available in rooms
- Free print

Disadvantages:

- Not for organized group over 6 people
- People who don't live in hostel cannot be here between 10 pm and 8 am

8. Ars Hostel&Bar (Koletek 7 Street)

Advantages:

- Reception available 24/7
- Access to the bar
- Free documents print
- Access to the laundry
- Free WiFi
- Price includes renting a bike
- Near the Wawel Castle

Disadvantages:

- Shared kitchen

9. Tramp Aparthostel (Św. Tomasza 30 Street)

Advantages:

- Near the Main Square
- For families with children
- Reception available 24/7
- Library and game rooms available
- Free WiFi
- Price includes bedding
- Credit cards are acceptable

Disadvantages:

- Smoking no allowed
- Price doesn't include towels

10. Let's Rock Hostel (Grodzka 34 Street)

Advantages:

- Reception available 24/7
- Price includes breakfasts
- No limit of time when you have to be quiet at night
- Organize daily events like movie night, karaoke
- Free coffee and tea

Disadvantages:

 - Price doesn't include towels

Quick trip through the Kazimierz District

At the beginning, we have started on the Szeroka Street.

1. The first point on your map is Helena Rubinstein's House. She was a Pole of Jewish origin, born in Krakow in 1872. Helena was a founder of cosmetics company named Helena Rubinstein Inc. She was regarded as a one of the richest women of the time. Nowadays, luxury creams and powders are signed her name. Her childhood was not a bed of roses at all. Visit this House situated on Szeroka 14 Street. 

2. Then, you have to see Remuh Synagogue located on Szeroka 40 Street. The synagogue is one of two active synagogues in the city where are held devotions. The Synagogue with Remuh Cementery create a unique team of Jewish architecture. 

3. Next, another point in your trip is the Old Synagogue situated on the Szeroka 24 Street. the Old Synagogue is one of the oldest survived in Poland. The monument was founded by Czech Jews who arrived to Krakow in 1389. One of the most important event in the synagogue history was a speech of Tadeusz Kościuszko, who encouraged Jews to fight for the freedom of our common homeland. The Historical Museum of Krakow is planning to restore a historical fence of the synagogue which was made in the 20th century by Zygmunt Hendel.  

4. The biggest synagogue in Kazimierz District is the Issac Synagogue situated on the corner two streets: Kupa 18 Street and Isaac Street. The monument has been regarded as the richest synagouge in the city for many years. During the World War II, the interior of the synagogue was distroyed with their valuable equipment forever. Since 1997, the synagogue has been opened for tourists. 

5. Then, Reformed synagogue located on the Miodowa 24 Street. During the World War II the synagogue was distroyed by Nazis who turned it into a stable for horses. In the early 90s of the 20th century, the World Monuments Fund in New York entered the synagogue on the list of Jewish Heritage Program in Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks to the WMF, were started a renovation work in 1994. 

6. Next, the New Square, popularly known as Jewish Square. In the middle of the square is rotunda, popularly named as saucepan (by locals). This is a pavilion built in 1900, consisting of two objects: inner hall and "ring" with different shops. These buildings are separated by a corridor.  Currently, the square operates on weekdays as a market where you can buy vegetables and valuable antiques. Around the square there are many cafes and pubs. 

7. Church of Corpus Christi was founded by Kazimierz Wielki about 1340. The first church was wooden. Construction of  a new church was started in 1385. Thanks to Pope John Paul II, the church has been raised to the dignity of a minor basilica. Organy, which is musical instrument used mostly in churchs, 

are the largest instrument in Krakow. Moreover, they are designed for 83 voices. 

8. The Wolnica Square is a part of the original market of Kazimierz, created in 1335. the square has been as big as present the Main Square in Krakow many years ago. It has served similar functions like trade (exchange of goods). Since the end of World War II, in the town hall in the middle of the square has headquartered the Ethnographic Museum with its collection of folk art. 

9. Then, Church of Sts. Catherine of Alexandria and Margaret in Krakow. The team of churchs is the best examples of gotics architecture in Poland. The interesting thing is that the church has been never completed. Because of two earthquakes, the church was seriously destroyed in 1443 and 1786. It is a phenomenon due to the fact that earthquakes are rare in Poland.  

10. The church and monastery of the Pauline on the Rock. "On the Rock" comes from the location of the team of churchs. IOn the courtyard in front of the temple there is a pond of St. Stanislaus of the 17th century stone fence. Near the pond stands the Altar of the Three Millennia. 

11. Crypt of Merit on the Rock also called the Cementery of the Great Poles is situated in the basement of the church the Pauline. The Crypt was created in 1880 according to the project of professor Łepkowski.

Get to know Jewish history on walking tour of Kazimierz.