12 Things to Do in Krakow in October

Whether you are a lover of culture, outdoor sports, or simply enjoy walking around the city, Krakow in October is a good choice. Temperatures are usually around 10º and although it often rains, you still have enough hours of sunshine to enjoy an unforgettable trip.

In Krakow there is always a lot to see and do. In this post I tell you the cultural proposals of the city in October (you have theater, lots of music, books) and the best outdoor proposals in the city before winter arrives. If you are one of those who don't want to miss anything when you travel, keep reading!

Krakow is a historic, medieval city. This makes it an unbeatable setting to enjoy a concert. The places where concerts are held create a unique atmosphere. Here are some options:

• Tickets for Chopin's piano concert in Krakow, from $28: A renowned pianist will perform the works of this famous composer for about an hour.
• Tickets for folklore show with dinner in Krakow, from ** $45**: Held in Michalik's cave in the center of Krakow, you will delve into Polish folklore while enjoying a traditional menu.

Interesting facts

• Where: in the historical center of the city.
• When: Depending on the type of concert, it is held on one day of the week or another around 19:00 - 19:30 h.
• Price: From 20 ¤.
• Reservations: Yes, the number of seats is limited.
• I recommend it if... You want to enjoy an exclusive activity or you are a music lover.

What better plan for the month of October, when the weather is still good, than to book an excursion to Ojców National Park and Pieskowa Skala Castle from Krakow, an ideal way to connect with Poland's nature.

Grottoes, cliffs, caves and gorges will amaze you on this approximately four-hour trip.

You will see some emblematic places such as the Eagle's Nest route and, of course, you will visit the Pieskowa Skala Castle, as well as the ruins of the Ojcow Palace and the Hercules Mallet. Don't hesitate!

Interesting facts

• Where: Ojców National Park.
• When: Every day of the week, at approximately 9 am.
• Price: From 110 ¤.
• Do you have to book?: Yes, it is essential to book the excursion to Ojców National Park.
• I recommend it if... You want to explore one of the most beautiful places in Poland.

And the month of October, especially on the eve of Halloween, is the ideal time to book a ghost tour, a plan of about two hours in which a guide will tell you the most terrifying stories of Krakow. Stories and legends starring serial killers, ghosts, vampires, dragons and alchemists.

Organized at night, the tour will pass through some emblematic places such as the Royal Wawel Castle or St. Florian's Gate.

Interesting facts

• Where: Cracow city center.
• When: Monday to Sunday in the evening.
• Price: From 17 ¤.
• Reservations: Yes, do not hesitate to book the ghost tour in advance to avoid being left without a place.
• I recommend it if... You like ghost stories and horror.

Krakow is a perfect city for bike lovers. The streets are perfectly adapted so you can get everywhere on two wheels and October is the perfect month to tour it like this: it's not crowded like in summer and not covered with snow like in winter.

Besides, it is a very flat city, so you don't have to be going up and down hills to see the old facades of the center.

You can book a bike tour in Krakow and take a beautiful tour of the city center, pedaling through the old town and Planty Park (the largest park in the city).

Interesting facts

• Where: Through the center of Krakow.
• When? Check the weather forecast before planning a cycling day. October is a great time to enjoy this activity, but there is a chance of rain.
• Price: You can book a 4-hour tour from 26 €.
• Reservation: Yes, you have to book the bike tour in Krakow.
• I recommend it if... you are a good cyclist and enjoy cycling.

Visiting Krakow in October gives you the possibility to alternate cultural plans such as theaters or museums with other outdoor alternatives, which you will not be able to do if you travel in winter. If you add to this that the city has very beautiful corners, such as the banks of the Vistula, you can take advantage of the last days of autumn weather to enjoy a picnic.

The river that runs through Krakow is a perfect park to take a break and get to know the city in a quiet way. Eating on its banks, sitting on the grassy benches, is a Krakow summer classic that you can still enjoy in October. Just bring a picnic blanket to sit on the grass and a coat.

Or, if you already have lunch plans, you can enjoy a break in the beautiful scenery or book a cruise on the Vistula River.

Interesting facts

• Where: On and by the Vistula River.
• When: Whenever you want, weather permitting.
• Price: From 18 €.
• Do you have to book: Yes, you have to book a cruise on the Vistula River.
• I recommend it if... you want to take some amazing pictures of your trip.

Whenever I go to a city I always like to visit its flea markets, and the open-air flea markets in Krakow are mythical. You can find everything: antiques, vinyls, souvenirs, rarities of all kinds. Let yourself be surprised by the stalls and the atmosphere, it is a unique way to get to know Krakow.

October is the perfect month to rummage through the stalls: without the hustle and bustle of the high season and with temperatures that still allow you to enjoy the outdoors. The flea market is held on Sundays at the Market Hall (HaliTargowa). Don't miss it!

Interesting facts

• Where: At the Market Hall (Hala Targowa).
• When: Sundays.
• Price: Free of charge.
• Reservations: No, the market is held in a large open-air area. Just go there and start enjoying your Sunday.
• I recommend it if... you love to find rarities and small treasures.

Throughout the month of October, a festival for lovers of the performing arts is being organized at the Rotunda Center theater. It is called Kraków Theatrical Reminiscences and is a cycle of experimental and avant-garde theater that has been held since 1975.

In the program you can find every year the best of Polish theater along with some proposals from other countries. Every year the program is organized around a specific motif or theme. For more than 40 editions it has been filling the halls with new ideas to tell stories on stage. It is sure to get a round of applause.

Interesting facts

• Where: Many performances are held at the Rotunda Cultural Centre at 1 Oleandry St., although the organizers try to include new venues each year.
• When: Although the specific dates vary from year to year, the festival is held throughout October.
• Price: Prices vary depending on the show you are interested in.
• Reservations: You can buy tickets at the box office, but I advise you to make reservations so you don't miss the show you want.
• I recommend it if... you are interested in contemporary Polish culture and performing arts.

The International Book Fair in Krakow is Poland's most important event in the field of publishing. If you love books and everything related to the world of publishing, you can't miss this event that takes place at the end of October at the International Exhibition and Convention Center Expo Krakow.

The Krakow International Book Fair is a very popular event: visitors from many countries come to the city just for this event. If this is your case and you want to know how to get there from the airport, follow these tips for your trip to Krakow.

In addition to the exhibitors with newly printed novelties from all over the world, you can enjoy talks and meetings with publishers, translators, booksellers and book lovers. And, of course, the authors, who are there presenting their works and talking to readers. A perfect plan to get your hands on the books of the moment and get them signed.

Interesting facts

• Where: at the International Exhibition and Convention Center Expo Krakow. The address is Galicyjska 9.
• When: The exact dates change every year, but the Fair is held in mid to late October.
• Price: Please check the Fair website to confirm prices each year.
• Reservations: Yes, tickets are sold out.
• I recommend it if... you are a book lover.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of gospel is African-American culture, but Krakow's religious tradition makes the city the perfect place to celebrate this amazing gospel festival.

With the support of the Polish Ministry of Culture, the festival organization is going to reach the 20th edition. Most of the artists are of Polish origin, but other nationalities are not excluded. If you are interested in this music, there are also lectures, meetings, workshops... and above all a lot of rhythm.

Interesting facts

• When: Mid-October.
• Where: The concerts that make up this series are held in various places, such as the Krakow Hall (address: Al. Focha 40) or the Pauline Monastery (at ul. Skaleczna, 15).
• Price: Many of the concerts are free. I recommend that you check the organization's website for exact details.
• Reservations: For concerts where reservations are possible, I recommend that you make them.
• I recommend it if... you are in the mood for an unforgettable musical evening.

The Unsound festival is a showcase of contemporary music of new creations. It was founded in 2003 and since then it has been growing even internationally. Its experimental style makes it difficult to classify and has built a reputation for pushing innovative styles.

These concerts are quite an experience. If you're interested in contemporary music, great, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. If you feel like giving it a try, the Unsound Festival is a unique opportunity to get started in musical experimentation. Enjoy!

Interesting facts

• Where: The festival concerts are held at various locations in Krakow. It is famous for reusing abandoned spaces as concert halls.
• When: Mid-October
• Price: Prices vary depending on the concert you are interested in.
• Reservations: Yes, it is better to buy your ticket in advance.
• I recommend it if... you enjoy being surprised by new experiences.

The Sacrum Profanum is a very special music festival held in Krakow for several months including October. It is famous not only because it offers the public masterpieces of classical music, but also jazz music and a wide repertoire of 20th century music. It is one of the best-known cultural events in the Polish capital and has more public support.

The aim of the festival, which has been held since 2003, is to disseminate musical culture and enjoy a varied and select program. If you are a music lover, you cannot miss it.

Interesting facts

• Where: At the ICE Kraków Congress Centre. The address is ul. Konopnickiej 17.
• When: Early October.
• Price: Prices vary depending on the concert you want to attend.
• Reservations: Yes, reservations are required.
• I recommend it if... you feel like treating yourself to a good concert.

There are four mounds around the city of Krakow. The best known is called Kopiec, is located in the district of Nowa Huta and is a historical place, as legend has it that there lie the remains of Princess Wanda, who drowned in the Vistula River.

Leaving aside the legend, what is clear is that from its top you can see the sunset or sunrise over the old city. It is a worthwhile visit and October is probably the last time of the year when you can enjoy this excursion. The winter months are too cold, and Krakow's sky is often covered with clouds, so it is not so appetizing to start the day outdoors. Take advantage of this opportunity if your visit coincides with a week of good weather!

Interesting facts

• Where: The Wanda Mound is located in the Nowa Huta district of Krakow.
• When: In Krakow it is sunrise around 7 am in October.
• Price: It is free.
• Reservation required: No, the entrance is free.
• I recommend it if... you want to take an unforgettable view.

In Krakow there is always plenty to see and do and what better month than October which is the beginning of the middle season for tourism. After the warmth of summer, the weather has started to turn cold. However, it is not yet winter, so you may be lucky and your trip may fall on days of up to 18º. In that case you will be able to enjoy the beautiful walks around the city on foot.

In any case, it will most likely be cold. The average October temperature in Krakow is around 9º during the day (at night, the average temperature drops to around 5º). It is usually cloudy and raining about half of the days of the month. I recommend that you check the forecasts a week in advance so that you are well prepared.

Most tourists choose summer to visit Krakow, so in October you can enjoy the city without crowds. In addition, the winter cold has not yet begun (the snow season in Krakow usually starts in November), so it is a good time to get to know this city.

Of course: the hours of sunshine are no longer the same as in summer. They are still long compared to the winter months, but by 7:00 pm it is already dark. One advantage you can enjoy if you choose October to see Krakow is watching the leaves fall from the trees. Polish autumn offers visitors an uncrowded city with good weather for traveling.

Remember that they do not use the euro in Poland, so it is important to withdraw money in ATMs (agencies sometimes charge extra fees). That said, Krakow is not an expensive destination. On the contrary, it has low-cost airlines and, once in the city, you can stay and eat at a reasonable price.

The high season has ended in October, so you can find accommodation for a more modest price than in August. Krakow is a very touristic city, so you have a wide offer: you can find a double room in well located hotels for about 50€ per night, and if you don't mind not staying in the historical center, you can find a room for about half the price.

Are these tips useful? Here I tell you everything you need to know to travel to Krakow well prepared and avoid mishaps on your trip.

Krakow in October has weather that is changing from summer to winter. It is the end of the tourist season, which starts in May. Chances are that it will already be cold and you will encounter clouds and rain. Therefore, I recommend you to be well prepared: Pack a thin sweater in your suitcase like the ones you are wearing in Spain at this time of the year, but don't forget to pack winter clothes as well. Of course, your suitcase will depend on what you plan to do in Krakow in autumn.

To enjoy your trip, it is essential to be well wrapped up if you visit Krakow in October. I don't just mean a good coat: bring a hat and gloves, a good raincoat or umbrella and a change of shoes. This way you will be able to enjoy the city comfortably, without getting (too) cold. It's unlikely, but sometimes snowfalls come ahead of schedule and cover Krakow in October instead of November.

And if you still don't have your dates set and are deciding when is the best time to travel to Krakow, I'll tell you all the pros and cons of each season, so you can choose the perfect time for your trip.

Krakow is a city with a lot to offer It has history, architecture, nature, gastronomy... and October is the perfect time to enjoy it. In addition to the plans I just told you about, I think you might be interested in these alternatives:

• When you travel to Krakow, there are some excursions that are really worthwhile, such as the visit to the salt mines They were declared National Heritage by UNESCO and are an impressive excavation 300 meters below the ground just 12 kilometers from Krakow. If you have time to make a trip out of the city, I recommend it 100%.
• One activity that I really like when I travel is to take a gastronomic tour. Polish cuisine is varied and surprising. Let yourself be conquered and... enjoy!
• I recommend you to find out about the tours that organize excursions around the Polish capital. It is a very convenient way not to miss anything.
• Also, do not forget to visit the ten most beautiful churches in Krakow.