The useful stuff
you need here.
Sunday shopping, money, tap water, toilets, opening hours and emergency information — the small practical details that suddenly matter when you are already in Krakow.
Six things worth knowing immediately.
These are the questions that usually become important only after you arrive. Keep the official links for anything that can change.
Calculating the current 2026 Sunday-shopping calendar.
Do not assume the shopping centre will be open.
Polish law restricts trade on most Sundays and public holidays, while specific statutory exceptions still allow some businesses to operate. In 2026 there are eight designated trading Sundays. Individual businesses can still set their own opening hours.
The boring things that make a trip easier.
A few minutes here can save an annoying detour later.
Cash, cards & ATMs
Prices are in Polish złoty (PLN). Card payments are widespread, but some small businesses may prefer or require cash.
- Keep a small amount of PLN for low-value purchases.
- If an ATM or terminal offers conversion into your home currency, compare the rate before accepting it.
- Check your own bank’s foreign-transaction and ATM fees.
Drinking water
Krakow Waterworks says tap water is safe to drink directly and meets applicable Polish and European standards.
- Water hardness differs by supply zone.
- Temporary local outages can still happen during faults or maintenance.
- If your building has a specific local notice, follow that notice.
Public toilets
Krakow maintains municipal toilets across the centre and other parts of the city. Opening hours vary, including seasonal schedules.
- Central locations include the Main Square and several points around Planty.
- Accessibility differs between facilities.
- Use the official current list rather than an old tourist map.
Public holidays & closures
Public holidays can affect shops, public institutions, museums and services, but the effect is not identical everywhere.
- Check the exact venue rather than assuming everything is closed.
- Public transport may use a holiday timetable.
- Restaurants and tourist-oriented businesses may operate differently from normal retail.
Mobile data & Wi-Fi
Mobile coverage is generally straightforward around Krakow, and accommodation, cafés and many public-facing venues provide Wi-Fi.
- EU/EEA visitors should check their operator’s roaming terms.
- Do not rely on public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions without appropriate precautions.
- Download anything essential before a longer trip outside the city.
Language
Polish is the local language. English is commonly encountered in tourism and central Krakow, but it is still useful to keep addresses and essential details written down.
- Show the written street or stop name when pronunciation is difficult.
- Keep your accommodation address saved offline.
- For emergencies, give your location as clearly as possible.
One number worth remembering.
In an urgent emergency involving health, life, property or public safety in Poland, use the national emergency system.
When the detail can change, use the source.
LiveKrakow gives you the quick answer. These official pages are better for rules, current city infrastructure and situations where precision matters.
More answers for everyday Krakow.
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