What to Wear in Kraków

Kraków is relaxed about clothes. Casual, practical outfits are fine almost everywhere, and only the smartest restaurants and the opera expect more. Plan instead for walking and the weather.

The Old Town is paved with cobbles and granite setts, and you'll walk a lot: the Market Square to Wawel, on to Kazimierz and across to Podgórze. Comfortable shoes with a firm sole make the difference. Leave thin-soled sandals and heels for dinner.

The weather changes quickly, especially in spring and autumn, so dress in layers you can add or remove. Summer days can be hot, with sudden thunderstorms, so carry a light rain jacket. In winter, from December to February, temperatures often stay below zero, and the wind along the river is cold. Bring a warm, windproof coat, a hat, gloves and shoes that cope with snow and slush.

Churches in Kraków are busy places of worship. Cover your shoulders and avoid very short shorts when you go inside St Mary's, Wawel Cathedral or the churches on Grodzka Street.

Auschwitz-Birkenau deserves particular thought. The museum asks visitors to dress in a manner that suits a place of remembrance, so avoid beachwear, slogans or anything flippant. You'll be outdoors for much of the visit, and Birkenau is large and exposed, so dress for the weather: sun protection in summer, very warm layers in winter. Bags larger than a small handbag or daypack aren't allowed inside; our Auschwitz guide gives the size limit.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine stays around 17 to 18°C all year, so a light layer is useful in summer. The route has hundreds of steps down, so wear shoes with grip. Details are in our day trips guide.

Packing list

• Comfortable shoes with a firm sole for cobbles
• Layers for changeable weather
• A light rain jacket or compact umbrella
• A warm, windproof coat, hat and gloves from November to March
• Clothes that cover the shoulders for churches
• A small bag or daypack that fits the Auschwitz size limit
• A European two-pin plug adapter