How HelloCracow Made It Onto TripAdvisor's 'Best of the Best' List

Hello Cracow • September 17, 2025

Every traveler seeks an authentic, memorable experience. It is a search for a story, not only a sight. When a local agency wins the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award, it signals something greater. The award reflects both the quality and quantity of traveler reviews, becoming TripAdvisor's most prestigious recognition worldwide. HelloCracow now stands among the top 1% of listings, joining a very exclusive group of experiences. Such recognition naturally raises a question: what mission drives a company that transforms simple tours into unforgettable journeys?

A love letter to Krakow

For years, our team at HelloCracow has followed one powerful mission: sharing Krakow's beauty and history worldwide. We are more than a tour company, but a group of locals deeply passionate about this remarkable city. Our mission is to provide authentic, locally rooted experiences that go far beyond a simple checklist of sights. We believe travel is about connection with places, people, and the stories that bring them to life. Each tour should leave travelers with lasting memories and a true sense of Krakow's unique soul. Receiving TripAdvisor's recognition is humbling proof that our passion resonates with travelers across the globe.

The TripAdvisor 'Best of the Best' distinction

The Best of the Best award is TripAdvisor's highest honor, given only to businesses showing consistent hospitality excellence. This recognition is not a popularity contest; it is earned through a rigorous, transparent process. The award considers both quality and quantity of genuine traveler reviews gathered over a full 12-month period. Its rarity comes from placing winners in the top 1% of all TripAdvisor listings worldwide. This makes it a powerful benchmark of truly world-class service. Our Auschwitz tour was highlighted as being "among the top 1% of things to do worldwide." That recognition shows our ability to approach profound and sensitive topics with deep respect and care.

Top 10 tours for your visit to Krakow

At HelloCracow, we believe in creating experiences filled with history and genuine emotion. Our tours are carefully designed to move beyond guidebooks and reveal the city’s living story. Based on traveler feedback, these are our top 10 tours. Each one has earned us trust and recognition from visitors worldwide.

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau

A profound journey to a UNESCO World Heritage site, approached with respect, care, and professionalism. TripAdvisor recognizes this tour among the top 1% of experiences worldwide, proving its importance and exceptional quality.

BOOK HERE

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Descend into an underground world of art and history, part of the first 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover salt-carved chapels and statues, a living testament to 700 years of remarkable history.

BOOK HERE

3. Zakopane

Escape to the Tatra Mountains for breathtaking landscapes and unique highlander culture. Enjoy traditions and taste local delicacies, including smoked oscypek cheese.

BOOK HERE

4. Schindler’s Factory

Enter Oskar Schindler’s former enamel factory, now a museum telling Krakow’s gripping wartime story. Learn about his heroic actions saving over a thousand Jewish lives.

World War II museum exhibit with Nazi flag

BOOK HERE

5. Dunajec River Gorge

Combine nature and tradition with a scenic rafting adventure through the Dunajec Gorge. Skilled local rafters guide visitors along breathtaking river landscapes.

BOOK HERE

6. Zalipie Painted Village

Discover folk art traditions in a village where every home is hand-painted. This fairy-tale experience offers charm far beyond typical tourist routes.

BOOK HERE

7. Wawel & Vistula River

Explore Krakow’s royal history at Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Then enjoy a peaceful Vistula River cruise revealing hidden views.

BOOK HERE

8. Jewish Quarter Kazimierz

Walk through a district where history and bohemian culture meet. Explore synagogues, courtyards, and sites featured in Schindler’s List.

BOOK HERE

9. Street Food & Krakow's Old Town: Historical Adventure

Taste authentic Polish dishes while exploring historic streets. This tour blends culinary adventure with a fascinating journey through Krakow’s past.

BOOK HERE

10. Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica & Rynek Underground

Experience Krakow above and below ground. Visit Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the medieval streets beneath the Main Square.

BOOK HERE

Your Adventure Awaits

At HelloCracow, we believe that the best way to see a city is to experience it like a local. Our TripAdvisor 'Best of the Best' award powerfully validates this belief. So, why just take a tour when you can have a story? Explore Krakow with a certified leader in cultural tourism and discover the magic for yourself.

HelloCracow Tours

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Auschwitz vs. Salt Mine: If You Only Have One Day, Which Should You Choose?

By Hello Cracow • July 6, 2026

If you've only got one day in Krakow, you'll probably find yourself asking the same question as thousands of other visitors: Should you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine? It's not an easy decision. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both are among the most popular day trips from the city, and both offer experiences you'll remember long after your trip is over. But that's where the similarities end. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a place of remembrance and reflection, telling the story of one of history's darkest chapters. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, meanwhile, takes you deep underground to discover an extraordinary world shaped by centuries of mining, craftsmanship, and engineering. In this guide, we'll compare both —from the experience and atmosphere to the time involved and who each tour is best suited for—so you can decide which one deserves a place on your Krakow itinerary.

Shadows of History: Exploring the Real-Life Locations of Schindler’s List in Krakow

By Hello Cracow • July 1, 2026

Walking through Krakow, it's easy to forget that behind the cafés, historic buildings, and lively streets lies one of the most significant chapters of the city's history. While Schindler's List introduced millions of people to the story of Oskar Schindler and the Holocaust in occupied Krakow, experiencing the real locations is something entirely different. The journey begins at Oskar Schindler's Factory on Lipowa Street, one of the few places where the film and history meet almost exactly. From there, the story continues through Podgorze, the district where the Nazis established the Krakow Ghetto in 1941. As you cross Pilsudski Bridge and make your way towards Kazimierz, you'll discover streets, courtyards, and buildings that still carry traces of the city's wartime past. Some of these places are authentic historical sites where the events actually unfolded. Others were carefully chosen by Steven Spielberg because they still reflected the atmosphere of 1940s Krakow during the filming of Schindler's List. Together, they create a route that blends cinema with history in a way few cities in Europe can offer.

Krakow in July: A Kaleidoscope of Culture and Celebration

By Hello Cracow • June 28, 2026

If you're planning a summer trip to Poland, July is arguably one of the best times to experience Krakow at its absolute peak. With average daytime temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C (75°F–82°F), extended daylight lasting until nearly 9 PM, and dozens of cultural events taking place across the city, Krakow transforms into one of Europe's most vibrant summer destinations. This month brings a packed calendar of festivals, open-air concerts, jazz performances, street theatre shows, food events, historical reenactments, and cultural celebrations. Whether you're exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town, relaxing by the Vistula River, or discovering the atmosphere of Kazimierz, there's always something happening around the next corner. What makes July particularly special is the way the entire city becomes a stage. Events are no longer confined to museums and concert halls. Historic courtyards, palace gardens, market squares, riverside boulevards, and hidden corners of the city regularly host performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. It's a month when Krakow's rich history and modern cultural scene blend seamlessly together. If you're searching for a destination that combines over 1,000 years of history, world-class cultural events, and an energetic summer atmosphere, Krakow delivers exactly that.

Krakow from Above: The Best Rooftop Bars and Cafes to Enjoy a Sunny June Evening

By Hello Cracow • June 17, 2026

June is one of the most enjoyable times to experience Krakow. The days are long, the evenings are pleasantly warm, and the city seems to slow down as the golden light of sunset falls across historic rooftops and church towers. After a day of sightseeing, there's something special about finding a rooftop terrace, ordering your favourite drink, and watching the city transition from day to night. Many visitors spend their time exploring Krakow's streets, squares, and landmarks without ever seeing the city from above. Yet a rooftop perspective reveals a completely different side of Krakow. From here, you can appreciate the contrast between medieval architecture, green riverside boulevards, and the modern parts of the city stretching beyond the Old Town. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, meeting friends for sunset cocktails, or simply searching for the perfect photo opportunity, Krakow's rooftop venues offer some of the most memorable views you'll find anywhere in the city. In this guide, we've gathered our favourite rooftop bars and cafés where you can enjoy the best of Krakow on a sunny June evening.

Panoramic Peaks: The Best Tatra Mountain Viewpoints Accessible Without a Long Hike

By Hello Cracow • June 8, 2026

The Tatra Mountains, forming the striking natural border between Poland and Slovakia, are well known for their dramatic alpine landscapes, jagged peaks, and steep, demanding trails. While they are a paradise for experienced hikers and mountaineers, you don’t need to commit to an exhausting multi-hour trek to truly appreciate their beauty. Many visitors coming to the region are simply looking to take in the views in a more relaxed way, without the physical strain of long or technical hikes. Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a slow-paced holiday, or just prefer gentle sightseeing over challenging ascents, the Tatras still offer plenty of opportunities to experience their grandeur. In fact, the area is dotted with easily accessible viewpoints and scenic spots that deliver an impressive visual payoff with very little effort. From panoramic valleys to sweeping mountain backdrops, you can enjoy the essence of the Tatras at a comfortable pace, letting the landscape speak for itself without rushing or pushing your limits.

Auschwitz in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Booking Tickets Before They Sell Out

By Hello Cracow • June 5, 2026

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most meaningful experiences for travelers coming to Poland. Due to the site's growing popularity and limited daily visitor capacity, planning your visit has become increasingly important in 2026. Many visitors are surprised to discover that entry passes and guided tours are often fully booked weeks before they arrive in Krakow. To avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth experience, it is worth organizing your visit early. With proper planning, you can focus on understanding the historical significance of the Memorial and reflecting on its powerful message rather than worrying about ticket availability or transportation arrangements.

7 Common mistakes tourists make when visiting Krakow (and how to avoid them)

By Hello Cracow • May 26, 2026

Planning a trip to Krakow? Then there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive. Every year, tourists make the same avoidable mistakes — overpaying at currency exchange points, booking popular attractions too late, or using taxis that charge far more than they should. And while Krakow is generally a very safe, affordable, and tourist-friendly city, knowing a few local tips can make your experience much smoother. The good news is that most of these problems are incredibly easy to avoid once you know what to look out for. In this guide, we’ll share the most common tourist mistakes in Krakow and simple ways to avoid them, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the city’s cafés, history, nightlife, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Krakow in June: A Kaleidoscope of Culture and Celebration

By Hello Cracow • May 19, 2026

Krakow in June represents the height of the city's cultural season, offering a perfect blend of warm, sunny weather and the longest evenings of the year for festivals and outdoor exploration. Visiting during this month allows one to experience legendary street parades and world-class musical celebrations while the city's parks and gardens are in full, vibrant bloom. This period marks a poetic transition in the royal capital, where historical reflection meets the vibrant first blooms of the season. We witness the city shedding its spring layers and transforming into an expansive open-air stage. The golden hour lingers late over the Vistula River, and the fragrance of blooming linden trees fills the air, providing a stunning backdrop for the many tours and adventures that explore the heart of the Old Town. June invites every visitor to join a continuous celebration of life and heritage, from the quiet charm of sun-drenched courtyards to the lively energy of the city's bustling squares.

Quad Biking in the Tatra Mountains: The Ultimate Off-Road Adventure near Krakow

By Hello Cracow • May 17, 2026

You can easily trade Krakow’s historic charm for the raw energy of the Tatra Mountains in a single day. A scenic two-hour drive connects the city's cobblestones with the rugged trails of the highlands, where alpine forests and mountain meadows replace the urban landscape. This adventure takes you directly from your hotel to the heart of the wilderness, offering a full immersion into the Polish mountains through the roar of an ATV engine and the crisp, high-altitude air. At Hello Cracow, we find that the most impactful trips are those that blend high-adrenaline action with deep relaxation. This curated journey combines a professional off-road quad session with a visit to a spectacular Skywalk featuring a 360-degree panoramic platform overlooking the peaks. Completing the experience with a long soak in luxury thermal baths makes for a seamless 11-hour expedition. By handling every logistical detail, we ensure you spend your time focusing on the thrill of the trail and the beauty of the landscape.

48 Hours in Krakow: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Itinerary

By Hello Cracow • May 5, 2026

Walking through Krakow feels like stepping into a story that is still being written. The 700-year-old stone walls of the Cloth Hall house modern craftsmen, and underground cellars once used by kings now host some of the most vibrant jazz clubs in Europe. There is a unique rhythm to this city, especially when the trumpet signal echoes from St. Mary’s Basilica over the morning crowd. Forty-eight hours gives you the perfect window to experience this blend of grand heritage and modern energy, where even a short walk reveals layers of history tucked away in hidden courtyards. Krakow remains a favorite for travelers because it feels remarkably genuine. While many historic centers across Europe can feel disconnected from daily life, Krakow’s heart belongs to its residents. This creates an atmosphere where medieval architecture serves as a backdrop for a thriving social scene. The city offers the royal elegance of Vienna and the moody, gothic charm of Prague, yet it maintains an artistic soul that is uniquely its own (we've discussed it more in this article ). Even as we move into 2026, Krakow stands out as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. You can enjoy world-class dining in historic settings for the price of a simple meal in London or Paris. To help you plan, we’ve even put together a real-world budget breakdown for 2026 here .