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 usually hover around 10 degrees Celsius and although it often rains, you still have enough sunshine to enjoy an unforgettable trip.

There is always plenty to see and do in Krakow. In this post I'll tell you about the city's cultural offerings in October (there's theatre, lots of music, books) and the best outdoor activities in the city before winter arrives. If you're one of those who don't want to miss anything when you travel, read on!

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

• Chopin piano concert tickets in Krakow, from CAD 40: A renowned pianist will perform the works of this famous composer for about an hour.
• Tickets for a folklore show with dinner in Krakow, from ** CAD 65**: Held in Michalik's Cave in the centre of Krakow, you will delve into Polish folklore while enjoying a traditional menu.

Useful facts

• Where: In the historic city centre.
• When: Depending on the type of concert, it is held on different days of the week from 19:00 - 19:30 h.
• Price: From €20.
• Do you have to book?: Yes, the number of places is limited.
• I recommend it if... You want to enjoy an exclusive activity or if you are a music lover.

What better plan for October, when the weather is still good, than to book a trip to Ojców National Park and Pieskowa Skala Castle from Kraków, 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 get to know 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, you must book the Ojców National Park tour.
• I recommend it if... You want to explore one of the most beautiful places in Poland.

The month of October, especially on the eve of Halloween, is the perfect time to book a ghost tour, a two-hour tour with a guide who will tell you the most terrifying stories of Kraków. Tales and legends featuring serial killers, ghosts, vampires, dragons and alchemists.

Organised at night, the tour will pass by some of the most emblematic places such as the Royal Wawel Castle or St. Florian's Gate.

Interesting facts

• Where: Cracow city centre
• When: Monday to Sunday in the evening.
• Price: From 17 ¤.
• Do you have to book: Yes, don't hesitate to book the ghost tour in advance so that you don't miss out.
• I recommend it if... You like ghost stories and horror.

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

It's also a very flat city, so you don't have to go up and down hills to see the old facades in the centre.

You can book a bike tour of Krakow and take a beautiful ride through the city centre, cycling through the Old Town and Planty Park (the largest park in the city).

Interesting facts

• Where: Krakow city centre.
• When? Check the weather forecast before planning a cycling trip. 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.
• Do you have to book: Yes, you have to book the Krakow bike tour.
• I recommend it if... you are a good cyclist and enjoy cycling.

Visiting Kraków in October gives you the chance to alternate cultural events such as theatres and museums with outdoor activities, which you won't be able to do if you travel in winter. If you add to this the fact that the city has beautiful spots, 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 Kraków is a perfect park to take a break and get to know the city in a peaceful way. Eating on its banks, sitting on the grassy benches, is a Kraków 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 Vistula river cruise.
• I recommend it if... you want to take some amazing pictures of your trip.

Whenever I go to a city I like to visit its flea markets, and the open-air flea markets in Kraków are legendary. You can find everything: antiques, vinyls, souvenirs, rarities of all kinds. Let yourself be surprised by the stalls and the atmosphere, it's a unique way of getting 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 open air. The flea market is held on Sundays in the Market Hall (HaliTargowa). Don't miss it!

Useful information

• Where: Market Hall (Hala Targowa).
• When: Sundays
• Price: Free of charge.
• Do you have to book? 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 little treasures.

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

Every year the programme includes the best of Polish theatre along with performances from other countries. Every year the programme is organised around a specific motif or theme. For more than 40 years now, it has been filling the halls with new ideas for telling stories on stage. It is sure to get a round of applause.

Useful information

• Where: Many performances are held at the Rotunda Cultural Centre at 1 Oleandry Street, although the organisers 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.
• Do you have to book: You can buy tickets at the box office, but I advise you to book in advance 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 the most important publishing event in Poland. If you love books and everything related to publishing, you can't miss this event, which takes place at the end of October at the International Exhibition and Convention Center Expo Krakow.

The International Book Fair in Krakow 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 take them home 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 you think of gospel is African-American culture, but Krakow's religious tradition makes the city the perfect place to host this amazing gospel festival.

With the support of the Polish Ministry of Culture, the festival is set to reach its 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 talks, meetings, workshops... and above all a lot of rhythm.

Interesting facts

• When: Mid-October.
• Where: The concerts are held at various venues, such as the Krakow Hall (address: Al. Focha 40) or the Pauline Monastery (ul. Skaleczna, 15).
• Price: Many of the concerts are free. I recommend that you check the organisation's website for exact details.
• Booking: For concerts where booking is possible, I recommend you book.
• I recommend it if... you are in the mood for an unforgettable musical evening.

The Unsound festival is a showcase for contemporary music of new creations. It was founded in 2003 and since then 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 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 a taste of musical experimentation. Enjoy!

Interesting facts

• Where: The festival's concerts are held at various venues in Krakow. It is famous for reusing abandoned spaces as concert venues.
• 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 letting yourself be surprised by new experiences.

The Sacrum Profanum is a very special music festival that takes place in Cracow for several months including October. It is famous not only for its classical masterpieces, but also for its jazz music and a wide repertoire of 20th century music. It is one of the best-known cultural events in the Polish capital and one of the most popular with the public.

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

Useful information

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

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

Leaving aside the legend, what is clear is that from the 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 skies are often overcast, so it's not so appealing 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 Kraków.
• When: In Krakow it is sunrise at around 7am in October.
• Price: It is free.
• Reservation required: No, admission is free.
• I recommend it if... you want to get an unforgettable view.

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

In any case, it is most likely to be cold. The average October temperature in Kraków is around 9°C during the day (in the evenings, the average temperature drops to around 5°C). It tends to be cloudy and rainy for about half the days of the month. I recommend that you check the forecast a week in advance so that you are well prepared.

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

However, the hours of sunshine are not the same as in summer. They are still long compared to the winter months, but by 19:00 it's already dark. One advantage you can enjoy if you choose October to see Kraków is watching the leaves fall from the trees. Polish autumn offers visitors an uncrowded city with great travelling weather.

Remember that they don't use the euro in Poland, so it's important to withdraw money from cash machines (agencies sometimes charge extra fees). That said, Krakow is not an expensive destination. On the contrary, there are low-cost airlines and, once in the city, you can stay and eat reasonably cheaply.

The high season has ended in October, so you can find accommodation for a cheaper price than in August. Krakow is a very touristy city, so you have a wide choice: you can find a double room in well-located hotels for around 50€ a night, and if you don't mind not staying in the historic centre, you can find a room for around half that.

Did you find these tips useful? Here's everything you need to know to travel to Krakow well prepared and avoid travel mishaps.

Krakow in October has a climate 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. That's why I recommend you to be well prepared: Pack a thin jumper in your suitcase like the ones you're wearing in Spain at this time of 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 's essential that you pack warmly if you visit Krakow in October. I don't just mean a good coat: take a hat and gloves, a good mackintosh or umbrella and a spare pair of shoes. This way you can enjoy the city comfortably, without getting (too) cold. It's unlikely, but sometimes snowfall is ahead of schedule and covers Krakow in October instead of November.

And if you're still trying to decide when is the best time to visit Krakow, here are 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've 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 a visit to the salt mines They were declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO and are an impressive excavation 300 metres below the ground just 12 kilometres from Krakow. If you have time to get out of the city, I recommend it 100%.
• One activity that I really enjoy when I travel is 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 organise excursions around the Polish capital. It's a very convenient way to make sure you don't miss anything.
• Also, don't forget to visit the ten most beautiful churches in Krakow.