When you are in Wieliczka, one of Europe’s most captivating cities awaits just a couple of minutes away. Krakow is a place where history and the energy of a modern city come together. Each street tells a different story – from medieval walls to Renaissance courtyards, modern malls and cafés, which makes it a perfect place for both a day trip and an evening stroll.
Practical information for visitors
Getting from the Grand Sal Hotel to the centre of Krakow is quick and convenient – it takes about 20 minutes by car and 25 minutes by train. Visitors can also take advantage of the bus service. Line 304 will take you all the way to Krakow’s Central Station. You can visit quite a few attractions in the Old Town free of charge – exploring on foot allows you to discover the most beautiful corners of the city. If you would like to visit attractions that usually require buying a ticket, check whether they offer free admission on certain days of the week or selected months. Krakow is welcoming regardless of the season – it tempts with winter fairs and concerts, and atmospheric restaurants with gardens and open-air events throughout the summer. And our hotel near Krakow is a perfect place for visitors who want to combine relaxation with a visit to the heart of Krakow.
What can you see in Krakow?
The Main Market Square – the largest medieval square in Europe, surrounded by beautiful townhouses – is the heart of the city. There, you will find a unique, elongated façade – the Cloth Hall. It is located just a couple of steps from the St Mary’s Basilica – every hour, you can hear the bugle call played from its tower. After a short walk along Grodzka Street you will reach the Wawel Royal Castle with its cathedral, royal crypts and Renaissance courtyard overlooking the Vistula River.
As you continue your tour, you will find yourself in Kazimierz – the former Jewish district, which is now filled with atmospheric restaurants, galleries and cafés. Krakow is also home to the green Planty Park surrounding the Old Town, the Vistula Boulevards – a perfect place for a stroll or a run, as well as the Kościuszko Mound with its picturesque panorama of the city.
City of culture and events
Krakow is living and breathing culture – that much is obvious. The calendar features concerts, film, literary and music festivals. It is also the capital of museums and art galleries with classical collections and modern multimedia exhibitions. The city also offers numerous educational attractions for families with children, including the Experimental Garden, the Zoological Garden and interactive museums.
Krakow is a place where history meets modern rhythm. A stroll along its streets can be a journey through the centuries – from royal times to the present day. Krakow can be a place of reflection and reverie, as well as a vibrant space filled with energy and entertainment.
The short distance between Krakow and the Grand Sal Hotel makes a visit to the capital of Lesser Poland a perfect way to complement a stay in Wieliczka. One day is enough to fall in love with its atmosphere, and every time you return you can discover more unknown places and stories.
The magic of Krakow in a nutshell
Krakow is a city that captivates from the very first stroll. Its historic centre, recognised by UNESCO as part of the world heritage, impresses with its medieval layout and the unique atmosphere of the Main Market Square. The Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica and the bugle call that can be heard every hour bring history and everyday life together.
It is also the cultural heart of Poland – theatres, galleries, the philharmonic hall and numerous festivals create a space where tradition meets modern art. There is something for everyone, from exhibitions and concerts to intimate cafés and atmospheric corners of the Kazimierz district.
Krakow attracts entire families – children can discover the world by playing in interactive museums and visiting other educational attractions, while adults can savour these moments together. The city impresses on every visit with its monuments and small details that make up its unique ambience.
A city that never loses its charm
Krakow is a space where history and modernity coexist. Every stroll through its streets makes you discover new stories and corners that can be surprising to visitors and locals alike.
Every visit can leave you surprised all over again!
This is one of the cities that will call you over and over again. Whether you are visiting Krakow for the first or the tenth time, you will always discover something new. New stories await behind each corner – monumental façades tell the tale of kings and artists, while small cafés or cobbled alleyways create the city’s unique atmosphere. This mix of imposing buildings and subtle details makes Krakow interesting and entices you to come again.
Why choose a hotel near Krakow?
One of the most comfortable hotels in the Krakow area, such as the Grand Sal Hotel, is a perfect choice for those who want to be close to the city while spending time in a quieter place. Visitors often choose this location because:
- the atmosphere is much cosier than in the heart of Krakow;
- they can avoid the hustle and bustle typical of a large city;
- they have convenient access to the main attractions of Lesser Poland (Kraków, Wieliczka, Niepołomice),
- they have easier time finding hotels that offer free parking, larger rooms and additional facilities;
- they take advantage of the attractive price-to-quality ratio offered by hotels near Krakow.
The combination of quiet surroundings and excellent connections means that accommodation in the vicinity of Krakow is often more comfortable than staying in the city centre.
Which guests staying near Krakow visit the city?
Some of the visitors staying at hotels in and around Krakow claim that everybody should see Krakow at least once in a lifetime – and not just as a stop during a school trip. The former capital of Poland attracts visitors with both its rich history, unique atmosphere and culture. Its diverse offering can satisfy the appetite of opera, philharmonic and theatre lovers, as well as tourists looking for more laid-back activities – the city has atmospheric venues with live music and top-class restaurants, some of which have won Michelin stars.
Not surprisingly, travellers who want to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and sights, and then return for the night to a quieter, more intimate and relaxing place choose hotels in the Krakow area.