Unlike Poland’s capital city of Warsaw, Krakow has a warm, small-town feel to it that will make you feel right at home among the locals. However, similar to Warsaw, the city of Krakow is also brimming with plenty of activities to do and sights to see. For this reason, Krakow has become a trendy new spot for travelers making their way through Eastern Europe. However, there is still an endless supply of hidden gems to be found throughout Krakow and plenty of authentic culture to be experienced.
Krakow was the capital of Poland until 1596 when Sigismund III moved the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to Warsaw. If we trace the history of Krakow all the way back to its roots, we can find remnants of a Stone Age settlement that later transformed into the second largest city in Poland and one of the major hubs of Polish culture. Today, Krakow is considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe and is the site of Poland’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re thinking about visiting Krakow, the best way to experience the city is by hiring a motorbike and making your way through the city on your own schedule.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Krakow. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need to get an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Poland
- What the typical cost of motorcycle hire in Krakow is
- Where the best places to rent a motorcycle in Krakow are
- Any safety issues concerned with hiring a motorcycle in Krakow
- The best things to do in Krakow by motorbike
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in Poland?
If you’re interested in renting a motorbike in Poland, whether it’s in Krakow, Warsaw, or any other Polish city, the first thing you should do is apply for an international driving permit. Indeed, it’s illegal to drive as a foreigner in Poland without an IDP and you probably won’t even be able to find anyone to rent you a motorbike if you don’t have one. Plus, if you’re caught driving as a foreigner in Poland without an IDP, you could have to pay a large fine or even be deported from the country.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you should apply at least two weeks before departing your home country because that’s how long it takes to come in the mail. You can fill out your application online here. There is a $20 application. Once you have your IDP, it will be valid for one year.
What Is the Normal Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Krakow?
If you’re planning a trip to Poland, you probably already know that prices for pretty much everything are cheaper than in many other European countries (such as Italy or Spain, for instance). Motorcycle rental in Poland is no different. If you want to rent something like a Yamaha MT-07, which is a 689cc standard motorcycle, it’s probably going to cost you around €30 per day. If you want to upgrade to something more powerful (like a BMW R1200GS), you can expect to pay about €80 per day. However, if you want to travel on the cheaper side, you can hire a motor scooter for as little as €16 per day.
In case something should go wrong while you’re driving your rental motorbike around Krakow, you should always make sure that you’re protected by an insurance policy, which should be included in the stated rental price of your motorcycle. You should also ask your rental shop if they’ll give you a reduced rate for monthly or weekly rentals if you’re planning on staying in Krakow for an extended period of time.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorcycle Hire in Krakow?
If you plan on flying into Krakow John Paul II International Airport, which is located near Krakow in the town of Balice to the west of the city, you should be able to find a motorcycle rental company online that will deliver your motorbike right to your airport terminal. There are also several rental offices located in close proximity to the airport in the town of Balice. However, if you’d rather get into the city of Krakow before renting a motorbike, there are plenty of rental shops around the city.
Within Krakow’s city limits, you should easily be able to find motorcycle hire. However, the best place to start your search is in Krakow Old Town. You can also find many rental shops in the northern part of the metropolitan area in the Warszawskie neighborhood and in the Nowy Swiat neighborhood, which is located to the south of Krakow Old Town.
Are There Any Safety Issues With Driving in Krakow?
In general, Polish drivers are fairly respectful and the roads of Krakow are relatively safe to drive on. However, mostly on the outskirts of the city, you may find that some of the roads are very narrow and riddled with potholes. Plus, if you travel out to the countryside, the road conditions will be even worse. With that being said, if you keep your wits about you and drive slowly, you should be just fine driving in Krakow.
One thing you should be aware of while in Krakow, though, is pickpockets. Pickpocketing is fairly common around Krakow as these criminals have become organized and like to prey on foreigners. If you find yourself on public transportation or in crowded areas, be mindful of your possessions. You don’t want to get the keys to your rental motorcycle stolen and then owe your rental shop a new motorbike.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Krakow With a Motorbike?
So, now you have the ability to rent some wheels in Krakow. To get you started on your adventure, here are some of the best things to do in Krakow with a rented motorcycle:
Auschwitz-Birkenau
If you’re staying in Krakow, you’re about 66 kilometers from a monument to one of the darkest periods of human history. Auschwitz-Birkenau is the biggest and most well-known concentration camp from the Holocaust and it housed over 1.3 million inmates during World War II. To be honest, a tour through Auschwitz-Birkenau, a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps, is absolutely terrifying. It’s a testament to the worst parts of the human spirit, but it’s also a piece of history that needs to be recognized and remembered.
While you’re so close to this important historical site, you should absolutely visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and pay homage to the over one million people who died there. Be aware, though, that there can often be very long lines. Entry to the complex is free, but you do have to pay for a guided tour.
Barbican
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Krakow, you should take a trip over to the Barbican, a medieval fortified outpost that is the last remaining part of the walls that once surrounded the entire city. The fortress, built at the end of the 15th century, was constructed from brick and stone and consists of seven watchtowers with a semicircular moat to protect it. The Barbican is one of the coolest buildings in the entire city and is also one of the most historically relevant.
The Barbican houses some seriously awesome events including medieval pageants and jousting competitions, so you should definitely ask about any upcoming events during your stay in Krakow. There’s also a stunning outdoor museum that’s open from April until the end of October.
Market Square
In the heart of Krakow Old Town, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find Market Square, probably the most vibrant and lively part of the entire city of Krakow. Walk along the streets and you’ll find interesting bars and taverns built into medieval buildings, tons of restaurants offering foreign and local cuisines, and tons of cafes that offer phenomenal street views.
One of the most impressive features of Market Square is the Eros Bendato statue, a massive head of Eros, the mischievous god of love from Greek mythology, lying on its side. There are also many other incredible landmarks around Market Square including the Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower.
Cruise Around Krakow on a Rental Motorcycle
While Poland isn’t the first country on many people’s bucket list, it truly is an amazing country to travel through. And Krakow is perhaps the finest city in the whole country. So, hop on a rental motorbike and start cruising around Krakow.
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