Living in Krakow : The Ultimate Expat Guide

Updated: January 2025

Kraków is one of the most wonderful medieval cities in Poland, Europe. Its breathtaking scenery and rich history are only an invitation to this stunning nation full of modern spaces, trendy restaurants, and bars. Furthermore, the combination of the city's housing ratings, cost of living, and healthcare are very attractive worldwide makes it an ideal choice to relocate and live in Krakow. No wonder, Krakow has become increasingly popular as an expat location in recent years. 

1. Work in Krakow, Poland
2. The Best Ways to Get Around Krakow
3. Culture and Language in Krakow 
4. Fun things to do in Krakow
5. Cost of Living in Krakow  

Work in Krakow, Poland

Over the recent years, the Polish economy has been booming; therefore, local labour markets are in constant need of employees. Expats can find multiple opportunities in the growing sectors of information technology, engineering, finance, analytics, reporting, and business services.

Recruiters are always seeking English-speaking candidates; however, they are also looking for Spanish, German, and French speakers due to the development of multinational companies. 

Work rights 

Since Poland is an EU country, members of other EU and EEA countries do not require a special work permit for employment here. Official employment for citizens coming from countries outside the EU usually involves a preliminary search for an employer, signing an employment contract, obtaining a work permit, and obtaining a Polish work D-type visa.

This process will allow you to work in Poland for up to a year and will allow you to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days. Moreover, you will need a short-term residence permit. Compared to many countries, obtaining a work visa in Poland is relatively easy and employers tend to help with this process a lot.  

Documentation for the D-type visa:

• application form
• a valid passport
• passport size photos
• payment proof of your visa fee
• proof of your travel insurance or international medical insurance
• proof of sufficient financial means for your staying in Poland
• a letter stating the purpose of your visit
• a letter confirming the necessity of your long-term stay

Employers will have to apply for an actual work permit: this may take several weeks, so it would be wise to sort this out before moving to Kraków. 

If you have not found a job yet and are feeling a bit lost, here are some useful resources to assist you with the search: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, JobsinKrakow.com, and Europe Language Jobs. 

As jobs in Poland are usually advertised on GoldenLine (Poland's LinkedIn equivalent), using social media is another great way to job hunt. Consider joining groups on Facebook dedicated to foreigners, expats, or groups where people speak different languages. I recommend the following groups: 

• ipgpracazjezykami
• LanguageJobsPoland
• LanguageJobsinKrakow
• TheKrakowExpat

Work culture 

Typical working hours in Poland are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The standard working week is 40 hours over 5 working days - 8 hours on average per day, so most people in full-time employment positions, work a 40-hour week. 

In the office, be prepared to address people by their professional title, particularly for professionals and academics. If they have a title, use it followed by their surname. 

The Polish are punctual and shake hands with everyone upon arrival and when leaving & they maintain eye contact throughout business meetings. Expect some small talk and a getting-to-know-you conversation before the business is discussed. Keep in mind that taboo conversation topics include religion, history, or politics because they all spark controversy. It’s advisable to choose the weather, traffic, or health issues as safe subjects for small talk.

As for the dress code, for business meetings, most managers wear formal clothing. During normal office hours, the dress code might be slightly less formal. Also, some companies have instituted casual Fridays when employees can choose to wear a more comfortable attire.

The Best Ways to Get Around Krakow

The best ways to get around Krakow are on foot, by bike, or by tram. Most city highlights are situated close to one another, so it doesn’t take a long time to get from one side of the city to another. 

Transport in Krakow

Public transportation in Krakow is well-developed. Daytime trams and buses run between approximately 5:00 and 23:00 with reduced hours on Saturdays and public holidays. However, night-time lines are less frequent. 

As for the public transport tickets, there are tickets for two zones called Strefa I (the area of Krakow city) and Strefa I + II (the area outside of Kraków city boundaries - the most popular destinations in Strefa II are Wieliczka and the Balice Airport). You can buy either single-fare/double-fare tickets or tickets for a specific time period (varying from 20, 50, or 90 minutes up to 24, 48, 72 hours, etc.). For instance, a 20-minute ticket costs 4 PLN (€0.95).

Another option would be to purchase family tickets (for the weekend only) for 25 PLN (€5.80). Tickets can be bought from special machines near the tram and bus stop or onboard (but you need to have small change).

Note: You must stamp your ticket immediately as you get on the tram or bus in the special small machines on-board.

You can also use mobile apps to buy tickets for buses and trams. In Kraków, tickets can be purchased through mPay , Mobilet, SkyCas, and JakDojade. If you have a Polish bank account, you can also buy public transport tickets in all Polish cities through your banking app (it should have the "public transport" tab on its home page).

Note: In order to buy a digital ticket, you need to scan a QR code, which can only be found on board the bus or tram (NOT at the stop). Have your app ready and scan the code as soon as you board the vehicle to avoid fines. The codes are placed in multiple spot all throughout the vehicle, so you don't have to worry about accessing one, even if it's crowded. Each bus and tram has its own, unique QR code. 

There are various discounts for children, students, and seniors, as well as for those who prefer to purchase weekly, monthly or annual passes. For the residents, it is better to get a Krakow card that allows you to travel on the trams for a whole month as many times as you want, it is unlimited. The price is only 90 PLN (€21) per month. To do this, use their website, create an account, and complete the application. You can see the current timetable on the website of the Municipal Transport Enterprise and at the bus/trams stops.

Also, I recommend you to upload the “Jak Dojade” app on your phone or just use their website. Just enter your starting point (current location) and your end destination, you will then see what the closest public transportation stops are and which route you can take. It’s very convenient and a must-do, especially if you are new in the city. 

Taxis 

Taxis in Kraków are plentiful and relatively cheap compared to other European countries.  So you can take an Uber, Bolt, or call Mega Taxi at 12 400 0000 and iCar at 12 653 5555. They have the best prices in the city. Of course, it’s better to use only licensed taxi companies, such taxis should have a visible price list, a taximeter, and a company logo with a phone number. 

Cycling 

Life in Krakow has never been easier! It's not only a cyclist-friendly city, but it's also the fastest way to get from point A to point B, especially during rush hour, and one of the most convenient ways of getting around the city while the weather is favourable.

Kraków offers 186km of cycle paths and contra-flow lanes. There are 100km of lanes for the sole use of bikers, while contra-flow lanes operate on 104 streets, mostly in the city centre. Several bike rental services are available on the Main Square: Chris Bike, Two wheels, KRK Bike Rental, etc. You can rent a bicycle on a per hour or per day basis. Keep in mind, they will ask you for an I.D. and a cash deposit (usually around 200 PLN - €46). One of the best places to ride a bike in Krakow remains the Bank of the Vistula river and its paved boulevards.

The two most popular cycle routes in Kraków are: 

1) Old Town to the Tyniec Abbey;

2) Wawel Castle to the Pilsudski Mound in Las Wolski forest. 

For more details, check out this website to plan your routes. 

Air Travel

As for Kraków airport, John Paul II International Airport is situated about 11 km west of Krakow’s centre. You can use the Krakow airport train - it is the fastest way to get to the city centre from the airport (around 20 min). It leaves every 30 minutes directly from Krakow Airport. 

Time of travel - 17 minutes, cost: from Kraków Airport - Kraków Main Train Station - 17 PLN (€4). 

There are three places to buy tickets: in the Arrivals Hall, on the station platform, or from the guard on the train itself.

Also, you can take a Taxi from Krakow Airport to the city centre (like I usually do). It is very comfortable and not too expensive compared to other EU cities (around 40 PLN (€9.35) - 90 PLN (€21) from airport to city centre - depends on the time of the day and traffic).  

Time of travel - 30 minutes (if there is no traffic).

There’s usually a long string of cars waiting to pick up passengers, though you can also call a taxi when you arrive or use an app (Uber, Wolt) - it’s less expensive than airport taxis. 

There is another and cheapest option - use a bus from the airport. The bus journey into central Kraków takes at least 45 minutes, so you need a 1-hour ticket for 6 PLN (€1.40). You can buy tickets from a machine in the Arrivals Hall or at the bus stop. Krakow Airport is served by three regular bus lines: 208 and 209 and 252 and one night line: 902. Don't forget to check their timetable. 

Networking 

Krakow is lively and exciting. There are various groups of foreigners that meet up every week for drinks, dinners, or to do something together. There are also different communities that support expats. If meeting new people is something you're passionate about, consider joining forums and clubs! Live in Krakow!

Some useful Facebook groups for expats are Krakow Expats Directory, Krakow Expats, Expat Social Networking Krakow, Krakow Expats- Women´s Social Group, The Real Krakow Expats, International Events in Krakow. You can also take a look at these websites - KrakowExpats.pl, Internations, Expat.com 

Culture and Language in Krakow

Krakow is Poland's capital of culture. There are many different theatres, museums, galleries, and cinemas. Living in Kraków you will have the opportunity to visit all the amazing exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events. Also, local residents celebrate a huge number of religious holidays, each of which is related to numerous interesting customs.

Way of living 

Poland is a very religious country. There is no doubt that Catholicism has had a great influence on the Polish national character.

In addition, hospitality plays a crucial role in Polish culture. The Poles are very hospitable and often invite guests to their homes.  Guests are always greeted with a large feast and with a huge number of treats. Polish hospitality is especially impressive during the Christmas and Easter holidays when they invite numerous relatives and friends to dinner, which often includes a range of homemade dishes.

Poles are usually very open, friendly, tolerant, have a great sense of humour, and are very sociable (they are happy to enter into dialogues with strangers). However, sociability has the reverse side. The Poles are very fond of complaining. Complaints can be related to medicine, politics, prices, bus schedules, or just the weather.

Furthermore, they can be quite sentimental. They are very close to each other and are always ready to help those in trouble. They are trustful and take life easy. 

Another important value for any Pole is their family. Polish families usually tend to be large and interconnected, even if they are scattered throughout the country and the world. Many families have small cottages in the countryside where they spend quality time together. Good to notice - the percentage of divorces is very low in Poland. 

Over the past two decades, Poland has made significant progress in the area of environmental protection and reduced the pressure on the environment. The improved system reduces plastic production, emissions of toxic gases, and the size of landfills. This is done by separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable items.

Waste should now be segregated into five categories: paper, glass, metals & plastics, mixed waste, and bio-waste. Expired and unused medicines can be disposed of in special containers in most pharmacies. Batteries, light bulbs, electronics, and home appliances can be given to local electronics stores. Everyone is requested to follow the new rules. I like these new trends and I certainly try to follow these rules, sort garbage, use a minimum of plastic every day, and be generally more attentive to the environment. Many of my friends who live in Kraków or Warsaw also follow these rules.

LGBTQ+ Community

The conservative, Catholic values remain strong in Poland. The country as a whole still has a long way to go in terms of equality, having yet to recognise same-sex marriages.

While it is true that the older generation is not accustomed to seeing same-sex couples holding hands in the street and their views on the matter may vary, their children and grandchildren are progressively more liberal. 

For that reason, you may find some queer-friendly venues popping up in Krakow right now. There aren't a lot of them just yet, but progress can be observed there. We encourage you to follow the great project Zorientowany Krakow (Aware Krakow). Its mission is to spread awareness about the importance of acknowledging the need for equality in our society, and they're doing a great job!

Language 

Poland has one of the highest rates of English as a second language in the world (mostly, of course, among the younger generation). Lots of Polish people can speak English very well, but not everyone! That’s why I highly recommend trying to learn Polish as soon as possible before coming to Kraków. It is imperative to learn the language, at least at the initial level.

When first moving to Kraków, it's helpful to go with a Polish friend/colleague while dealing with formal issues (opening a bank account, visiting public offices, etc.). I am sure, Polish language courses are held across many countries where you living right now. If you prefer to start learning the language on your own, there are different websites or apps which help you learn a language and improve your skills. 

Pick up basic words and phrases at BBC Languages - Polish and Study in Poland - Polish language. I can also recommend the Duolingo app to every beginner who is looking to kick-start their language practice. Other popular apps are Babbel, Clozemaster, Busuu, Memrise. 

To learn Polish, you can also go to one of the schools in Krakow that specialize in it. For example, when I moved to Krakow, I studied Polish for 1 year at the Caleo school and am very happy with the results. Other Krakow schools with good rates where you can learn Polish are Varia Center of Polish Language, Center of Polish Language and Culture in the World, Polish Courses PROLOG, “Maly Rynek" Language School. 

In general, Polish is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world! However, don't worry so much about it, I think if you choose the right learning strategy, the process will be quite easy and fast. So you can start learning Polish right now, using some of these useful phrases. 

First of all, when greeting Polish people, it is expected to be civil and polite. For a male, the expat should use the prefix 'Pan' followed by their surname, while for women the prefix is 'Pani'. This formal exchange will be expected for quite some time before someone can use another person's first name which is generally reserved for family and friends.

Useful Phrases:

• Hello/good morning/good afternoon -  “DzieÅ„ dobry” (jine-dobree)
• Goodbye! - “Do widzenia!” (do vee-dze-nya) 
• See you later! - “Do zobaczenia” (do zo-ba-che-nya)
• Please - “ProszÄ™” (proshe) 
• Thank you! - “DziÄ™kujÄ™!” (jen-koo-yea)
• Sorry/Exuse me - “Przepraszam” (psh-she-pra-sham)
•  I don’t understand - “Nie rozumiem” (nie ro-zoo-me-em) 
• I can't speak Polish [well]  - “Nie mówiÄ™ [dobrze] po polsku” (nye moo-vye [dob-zhe] po pol-skoo) 
• Can you help me? - “Czy może mi pan m / pani f pomóc?” (Tchih MO-zheh mee pahn / PAH-nee POH-moots?) 
• Please write it down - “Prosze to napisac” (‘prosheh toh napeesach’) 
• My name is …”Mam na imiÄ™…”(mam na eem-ye…)
• What is it?- “Co to jest?” (tso tho yeast?)
• What time is it?  - “Która jest godzina?” – (k-too-ra jest go-dyee-na?)

When you are able to communicate a little better in Polish, practice it at special meetings in Krakow “Language exchange Kraków”. 

Social Events and Holidays 

In Poland, there are official and unofficial holidays. The official ones are: New Year, Easter, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Corpus Christi, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, All Saints Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. Since Poland is such a religious country, you will notice most holidays are tied to it. 

Popular festivals in Poland are distributed practically throughout the whole year. There is an event or festivity every month in this beautiful country. 

• Undoubtedly, the most important and most popular holiday in Poland is Catholic Christmas. It plays a major part in Polish culture and tradition. The celebrations are long and pompous. During this special time, every Polish family decorates a Christmas tree, shares a Christmas wafer, sings Christmas carols, and exchanges gifts. Christmas Eve is known as “Wigilia” and is even more important than Christmas Day. This is the time families will come together to eat, drink, and share presents. New Year’s Eve (Sylwester) is celebrated in Poland like anywhere else in the world – some people go to restaurants, some stay at home with families and some go to big events and parties. In Kraków on the Main Market Square, there is the biggest open-air New Year’s Eve party! The event culminates with a beautiful display of Lights and a Laser show at midnight.

• Easter is as important as Christmas in Poland. t is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring (between 21 March and 25 April).

“Wielkanoc” is the Polish Easter celebration and it traditionally begins on Palm Sunday. Like Christmas, it’s a time of family gathering and breaking bread. Easter in Poland is very colourful, accompanied by joy and numerous religious and folk customs. The Krakow Easter markets offer a wide variety of colourful egg-shaped decorations made of ceramic and wooden material.

• Independence Day is probably the most celebrated non-religious holiday in Poland. It is celebrated on November 11th. It is a national holiday, and usually, Poles spend it with friends and family. The country is usually decked out in colours of white and red, children paint their faces and there are many organized events and gatherings, such as military parades or even marathons. 

• 1st November marks a very important day among the Holidays and Festivals in Poland. Poles observe the All Saints’ Day in memory of their friends and family members, whom they lost in tragic historical events such as World War II. It is a silent event, where people decorate the cemeteries of their loved ones with candles and flowers, attend church services, and also lighten up the surrounding graveyard.

Other important traditions and festivals are: 

• One of my favourite Polish traditions - TÅ‚usty Czwartek (or Fat Thursday). It means you can eat as many doughnuts as you want and stay guilt-free! So great that Poles have a special holiday that is dedicated only to these special treats!

• “Juwenalia” is an annual holiday given to higher education students in Poland. It started in the 15th century in Krakow. This Festival is celebrated every year before the students’ summer exams either in May or in early June. Juwenalia has a standard format, where students use colourful clothes in the parade. 

• The festival of Wianki traces, which origin goes back to as early as the Before Christ era. Wianki celebrates the occasion of the summer solstice. The manner of celebrations today includes musical concerts and cultural events followed by a show of beautiful fireworks in the sky.

• Jewish Culture Festival is the most popular among festivals in Poland. There are over 200 events of Music and theatre organized at this festival every year to promote the Polish culture in music and theatre.

Other popular holidays include: Children’s Day, International Women's Day, Victory Day, Andzheyki, and Mother's Day.

To stay updated with all the other local events (and there are many!), consult krakow.pl, the official site of the city. 

Fun things to do in Krakow

Krakow will not disappoint you when it comes to entertainment. There are many interesting things to do in this atmospheric city. I recommend you to use this website to see updated entertainment events in Krakow.

Food Places 

Kraków has been chosen as the "European Capital of Gastronomic Culture" for 2019. Restaurants are plentiful in Krakow and here you will find more than just Polish cuisine. Must-try Polish dishes are:

• pierogi – dumplings with various fillings;
• kielbasa – local sausages; bigos – cabbage stew with pork and/or kielbasa;
• naleÅ›niki - thin pancakes with almost any filling you can dream of;
• żurek - a unique sour rye soup with sausage, potatoes, and eggs;
• placki ziemniaczane – potato pancakes, usually served with goulash or sour cream.

Some of my favourite restaurants to enjoy polish cuisine are Miod Malina restaurant and Pod Aniolami restaurant. As for trendy restaurants, some of my favourites are Boccanera, Nadwislanska Resto,  Plac Nowy 1, and Nota Resto. Since this year, Krakow has its first restaurant with a Michelin star. Bottiglieri 1881 gets one Michelin star for 2020. If you prefer to go for drinks after work, I recommend Scandale Royal, Sababa, Lastriko, Hevre. 

For more amazing places to eat and drink in Kraków, check out my online guidebook - or follow my Instagram blog about Krakow

The most popular apps for ordering in are Pyszne.pl, GLOVO, and Uber Eats. 

Nightlife 

Everyone here likes to hang out: locals, expats, students, and, of course, tourists. That's why it never gets boring! Most of the clubs and bars in Krakow are located in two popular areas: the Old Town and Kazimierz (former Jewish Quarter). At night, the city becomes super lively and noisy (especially on Fridays and Saturdays). There is a space for every taste in Krakow:

• ÅšwiÄ™ta Krowa club: located in the very heart of Krakow’s Old Town on Florianska Street. Dim lighting and an Eastern-inspired interior create a cozy bar atmosphere, but the venue also hosts club nights playing electro, house, techno, and drum N bass.
• Prozak 2.0:  is one of the oldest underground clubs in Krakow, located in the Old Town area as well. It is usually very crowded, especially during the weekends. Within the exposed brick interior, which boasts a Funktion One sound system, expect to find a mixed crowd of locals and tourists enjoying house and techno.
• Szpitalna 1: is another club historically located in the heart of Kraków. It is home to Poland's finest and eclectic DJs. 
• From open deck sessions for aspiring DJs to synthesizer-building workshops, Szpitalna 1’s always got something community-building going on. In midweek you’re also likely to happen upon jazz, open mic nights, and comedy.
• If you prefer more glamorous and modern clubs, pay attention to these clubs: Shine club, Choice Club and Frantic Club. Here is beautiful interiors, delicious cocktails, and usually a mix of pop, house, R&B, EDM, and hip-hop spun by both Polish and international DJs. 
• For Latino rhythms lovers, there is Teatro Cubano. It feels like you are teleporting through the streets of real Havana! Here you can enjoy delicious and cheap Cuba Libres,  listen to live concerts, watch Latin dance shows, learn salsa, sing along and dance all night long. 
• Kazimierz bars, cafes, and pubs are among the top-rated nightlife venues of Krakow. Singer, Eszeweria, and Alchemia are legendary places in the bustling Jewish quarter. It’s all about vintage décor and the decadent atmosphere there. These bars are super popular hangouts among both locals and expats. In Alchemia you will find a concert for every type of music lover. 

Museums, Theaters, Galleries

Kraków is an ideal city for lovers of art, history, and culture. Here you can find a great selection of different museums, art galleries and Wawel, the famous royal castle in the heart of the city! 

Almost all museums have a quite low admission fee, moreover, many of them also have free admission on certain days. So it’s better to check their websites before you go. 

The main building of the National Museum in Krakow is the main venue for temporary exhibitions, such as Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "The lady with the ermine," which was a temporary exhibition in 2017.  

I also recommend you to visit the Gallery of The 19th-Century Polish Art located in Sukiennice is a branch of the National Museum, it focuses solely on Polish art from the XIX century.

Moreover, just a few steps from the previous museum, you can visit another great Main Market Underground Museum. It is very modern, interactive, and overall fun for people of all ages. The permanent exhibition depicts the everyday life of people inhabiting Krakow from the 13th to 18th centuries. 

If you are interested in contemporary art, then MOCAK – Museum of Contemporary Art and Bunkier Sztuki are a must-visit. 

Here are also some of my favourites museums that impressed me: The Ethnographic Museum, Krakow’s Jagiellonian University Museum, Wawel Castle, and the Wawel Cathedral Museum, Manggha – Museum of Japanese Art and Technology in Krakow, Jozef Mehoffer House and Hipolit House. 

There are also several theatres in Krakow, from historical to modern ones. 

My favourite is Juliusz SÅ‚owacki Theatre - a 19th-century Eclectic theatre-opera house located in the heart of Kraków and included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s absolutely beautiful both on the outside and on the inside. 

Another popular theatre is also located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town - Stary Teatr (Old Theatre) It is the second-oldest theatre in Poland. 

Other must-visit theaters in Kraków are: Bagatela theatre, The Krakow Opera, Ludowy theatre, Teatr Łaźnia Nowa, Teatr Nowy, Teatr Variété, Teatr Groteska, Scena Kameralna. 

Outdoor Activities 

There are several popular places located in Kraków and its vicinity where you can relax, enjoy the weather, sunbathe, and even do some swimming: Plaża BudzyÅ„ 8km from Krakow, Zalew Bagry 4 km, Beach at Przylasek Rusiecki 20km, Kryspinów Lagoon 15 km from Kraków, PrzystaÅ„ Brzegi 10km, Dzika plaża 7 km. 

If you love mountain activities, then you are lucky to live in Kraków! Of course, it’s because of the picturesque Zakopane - a town lying at the foot of the Tatra Mountains (the highest mountain range of the Carpathians). It is located just 120 kilometres away from Krakow. 

It is a great place to visit at any time of the year and enjoy breathtaking landscapes, mountains, and a great culture and tradition of the highlander. Also, you can go to Beskid Wyspowy - a picturesque mountain range to visit near Krakow and enjoy beautiful views, nature, interesting hiking trails, and fresh air.

The highest peak of Island Beskid is Mogielica - it reaches 1170 metres. There's a wooden 22-meter high lookout tower on the peak, which gives a better chance to admire a fantastic mountainscape. It is less popular among tourists and not as crowded as Zakopane. 

Sports 

For the ex-pats, there are plenty of options to get involved in Krakow. You shouldn’t have too much difficulty in finding a group, club, or facility to join.

Football is one of the most popular team games, with hundreds of teams across the country at various different levels. Poles enjoy football as much as every other European nation. 

Besides football, basketball, ice hockey, and volleyball are probably the most favourite sports of Krakowians, both to play and watch.

Also playing tennis and cycling in Krakow – are quite popular pastime activities among the residents and ex-pats as well.

Zakopane in the Tatras is just a two-hour drive from Kraków, and it is a great opportunity for hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, ski-jumping, and mountain biking. 

Of course, in Krakow, there are many fitness centres, gyms, swimming pools, where you can work out every day and keep yourself healthy and sporty. 

Shopping 

Krakow is hardly a shoppers' paradise in the traditional sense of the expression. Still, it has several nice shopping malls where you can find many big international fashion names – H&M, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango, Bershka as well as Polish brands such as Vistula, Tatuum, Kazar, RyÅ‚ko, Reserved. 

Galeria Krakowska - is definitely the most popular shopping mall in Kraków perfectly located in the heart of the city, next to the main railway station. It has 270 shops, cafes, and restaurants on three floors on every taste and budget. 

Galeria Kazimierz - is another popular shopping mall which is located in Kazimierz district. Here, you will find a wide range of over 160 stores, restaurants, and cafes to relax in, and a cinema showing local and international movies.

Another modern shopping centre in Northern Krakow is also worth visiting is Centrum Handlowe Serenada. Serenada offers 170 shops, several restaurants, and more than 1000 parking spaces. It also includes leaders such as Krokus Shopping Centre with Auchan hypermarket, OBI DIY store, the Multikino Cinema, and the Aqua Park. 

In the southern part of Krakow, there is the Bonarka City Center, which is the biggest shopping mall in the city. It has over 300 shops including Auchan, Leroy Merlin, Media Expert, plenty of services, more than 30 restaurants and cafes as well as the biggest cinema multiplex in Krakow, Cinema City.

If you prefer luxury brands and up-market fashion items,  then Pasaż 13 Vitkac will be the perfect shopping place for you. Pasaż 13 Vitkac is stylish and very well-designed and actually housed within two historical houses on the Main Market Square. 

In addition, Kraków has a great number of antique shops, flea markets, vintage clothing shops, and second-hand shops, mostly in the Kazimierz district. 

Due to a recent law, shops in Poland are now closed every Sunday except the last one – again, with a few exceptions in months with holidays that fall on other days. Each working Sunday is widely advertised in advance (for example on the radio and the TV), so you definitely won't miss them. 

Cost of Living 

Kraków is considered one of the cheapest European countries. 

Rent and Utilities

Undoubtedly, the cost of rent depends on the type of apartment and its location, the closer to the centre – the more expensive. 

Often, many companies provide housing for expats or at least help in finding an apartment. Anyway, if you need to search for housing yourself, you can do it on these websites: gumtree.pl, olx.pl, and otodom.pl. 

You can also contact a real estate agent (as the number of expats is growing, so you will most likely be served in English). 

Apartment rental agreements are usually concluded for a period of 1 year or more, but sometimes it is possible to rent an apartment for 6 months. The term of termination of the agreement is usually set for 2-3 months. A deposit equal to the monthly rent is usually returned at the end of the rental period (if you have not violated anything) or remains as payment for the last month of your stay.

The price of monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in a normal area in Kraków is around  3000 - 8000 PLN (€700 - €1880).

The price of Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat in Kraków is around 1300 PLN (€310).

The price of Monthly rent for a 45 m2 furnished studio in a normal area in Kraków is around 2000 - 4000 PLN (€470 - €936).

The price of Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 studio in Kraków is around 777 PLN (€182).

The price of the Internet for 1 month in Kraków is from 50 - 120 PLN (€12 - €28). Usually, the minimum term for concluding a contract with an Internet service provider is 1 year.

Food and Groceries 

Compared to other European countries, food prices in Poland are on average around 20-30% lower. Food takes one of the most important places when calculating your expenses. The most popular groceries among Kraków residents are Auchan, Lidl, Carrefour, Biedronka, etc. There are also small local shops such as Å»abka or Fresh Market, where the prices are quite higher. 

Here is an approximate price list of some basic products:

Taxes 

Tax administration in Poland lies in the hands of two kinds of authorities:

1.    governmental ones (corporate income tax (CIT), personal income tax (PIT), value-added tax (VAT), excise duty, civil transactions tax). 2.    local governmental ones (real estate tax, vehicle tax).

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Poland is currently set at 32% for income above 120 000 PLN (€28 100), according to the measures introduced on January 1st, 2022.  A taxpayer in Poland, therefore, pays the standard 10 800 PLN (€2530), plus 32% of the excess above 120 000 PLN. Polish tax residents pay PIT on their worldwide income. Non-residents are subject to Polish PIT on their Polish-sourced income only. The rates remain unchanged in 2025.

In March 2022, the Polish government announced a reduction of the income tax from 17% to 12% for those earning up to 120 000 PLN. This is still valid in 2025. 

Lowering the tax rate will apply to all taxpayers in that bracket who receive income taxed according to the general rules, including employees, pensioners, as well as entrepreneurs, who have not chosen a flat-rate income tax or lump-sum taxation.

Expats will also need to register for the tax if they are spending more than 183 days of the tax year in Poland. However, the drawback to having a progressive tax system is that Poland charges between 19% and 32% on income but the expat will need to declare all of their worldwide income for tax purposes. When registering for tax, the expat will be given a 10-digit identification number which is also needed for social security payments. This can be applied for at any of the country’s local public tax offices.

Medical care 

Over the past 20 years, the Polish health system has significantly changed, the quality of medical services has improved and funding has increased. Poland has its own insurance system. It is the responsibility of the national health Foundation (NFZ). With insurance, you can apply to both public medical institutions and visit private clinics. This is very convenient. Insurance premiums for working people are usually paid by the employer. Insurance is obligatory for residents, and coverage is nearly universal.

If you are self-employed, social contributions are not automatically deducted from your bank account. You will have to pay them on your own, every month. If you start a business in Poland you can benefit from reduced social contribution rates for the first 24 months. The average cost of a private basic health insurance package in Poland is from 70 to 365 PLN per month (€16 - €85). 

There are many private institutions offering health care in Kraków as well as a wide range of specialized doctors. You can find almost all specialities and clinics that offer special treatments and operations. Note that costs will be significantly higher than in the public sector.

Films and books set in Krakow

Movies

• The Chronicles of Narnia

The story narrates the adventures of a group of children who, purely by chance, discover the existence of the realm of Narnia, a place where animals talk and where Good is in conflict with Evil.

• The Pianist (2002)

The plot is based on the narration of what the Jewish pianist experienced from the outbreak of World War II with the invasion of Poland by German troops, covering the occupation of Warsaw, the creation, life, escape and survival outside the ghetto, until the liberation of the city by the Red Army.

• Shindler’s List (1993)

The true story of Oscar Schindler, a German industrialist who, risking his life and career, managed to save thousands of Jews from a tragic fate. A must-see film, part of our cultural heritage, to remind us that in the worst tragedies we can be humans.

• The Witcher (2001)

Let us move on to something somewhat lighter. In a world inhabited by humans, elves, dwarves, and other magical species, the balance is always unstable. The civilised races have to coexist with the monsters that threaten them and for this reason, mutant warriors capable of killing them have been created: the Witchers.

Books  

• The Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy by Tadeusz Pankiewicz

When, on the 3rd of March 1941, the Jewish ghetto was created on the outskirts of Krakow, Tadeusz Pankiewicz involuntarily became its inhabitant. Although he is not Jewish, he runs the only pharmacy in the neighbourhood: against all odds and against the logic of survival, he decides to stay and keep his shop open, resisting various attempts to evict him, peremptory orders to close it and move it. 

• A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True by Brigid Pasulka

Winner of the 2010 Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award, Brigid Pasulka is a descendant of Polish immigrants to the US. In this fascinating novel, she writes passionately about Krakow and its surrounding areas, recreating the lives and legends of her ancestors and their time period. Along the way, she tells not one but two amazing stories through the legacy of one family, throwing in half a century of Polish history. This book will help you appreciate of Krakow in the old days, as well as the courage and conviction it took for immigrants to leave in search of a better life elsewhere. 

• The Doll by BolesÅ‚aw Prus 

Stanisław Wokulski began his career as a waiter at Hopfer's, a restaurant in Warsaw. The scion of an impoverished noble family, he dreams of a future in science. After taking part in the 1863 uprising against Tsarist Russia, which failed, he was sentenced to exile in Siberia.

• Legendary Cracow: Tales Known and Unknown by Ewa Basiura

Tales, stories, and legends that will help you understand and get to know better the beautiful city of Krakow and its secrets: from the reason for its name to the vicissitudes of magicians and alchemists, to the saints and customs of the Krakovians, this book will accompany you on your discovery of Krakow!

Krakow Playlist

Close your eyes and imagine the cobblestone-lined streets of Krakow, the people passing by, its historical depth, and inspiring architecture. This playlist inspired by the city will help you feel Krakow on a deeper level:

Conclusion 

Although Krakow is one of the largest cities in Poland compared to other European cities, the cost of living is quite attractive. Krakow has a quite high quality of life, with great options for entertainment and excellent transport infrastructure. This city, just like most big cities in Poland, is quite safe. The Kraków labour market is relatively open to expats. There are a significant number of job offers for native English speakers, even for those who do not speak Polish. Most of these offers are in the multinational corporations in Krakow. Getting a job in Kraków is considerably easier if you are a non-EU citizen, compared to getting a job in Germany and the UK.

For those looking to move to Europe to broaden your career path, Kraków might be a great option. For me personally, the only disadvantage of Krakow in terms of quality of life is pollution, but every year the local government tries to improve the situation. Anyway, each city has its pros and cons, but in general, I consider Krakow one of the most comfortable cities to live in.

Author’s bio 

Margo Smirnova - lifestyle blogger, city photographer, founder of Instagram-blog about Kraków @krakowcityguide and project about the most stylish hotels in Europe http://stylishcityhotels.net  Author of a 130-page online guidebook which included the most amazing places in Krakow (cafes, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, shops, hotels, apartments, exclusive virtual tour of Krakow, tips & recommendations) - https://krakowcityguide.info/ . Moved to Kraków in 2016 from Moscow, Russia.