Krakow Glowny Train Station luggage storage

Whether it’s because Warsaw overshadows it or Poland itself is overlooked, Krakow is a seriously underrated travel destination in Europe. The city blends modern architecture with a charming city center that features historic landmarks like Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. Like many cities in Europe, Krakow has become an unexpected hipster haven. In-the-know travelers have discovered the Kazimierz district, a former Jewish quarter that’s been transformed into a hub of trendy bars, cafes, music venues, and art galleries. The city's criminally underrated music and art scenes also rival those of Warsaw, including the Unsound Music Festival held every fall. 

Depending on the time of year, Krakow offers plenty of options for spending time outside, from the lush Planty Park to the Vistula River, where visitors can either take a boat tour or hang out on the riverbank. While younger travelers will want to explore the modern food scene, a meal of traditional Polish food should not be overlooked. 

Unless you have a direct flight into Krakow, most travelers land in the city at the major transportation hub at Krakow Glowny Train Station, which is located in the city center within walking distance of the travel hotspots. If you’re exploring Krakow, you’ll want to have luggage storage options available. 

Here’s everything you need to know for luggage storage in Krakow:

About Krakow Train Station 

Krakow Train Station, also known as Krakow Glowny, is the main railway station in the city and one of the busiest transportation hubs in Poland. It’s well situated in the heart of the city and only a short walk from the Old Town and most of Krakow’s best tourist attractions. Glowny is well-connected to Polish cities and many other European travel hubs, making it a bustling place to land in Krakow. Easily the best aspect of Krakow Glowny Train Station is the superb location, but there are other features that make this a pleasant place to travel through. 

Glowny Station is relatively modern, with plenty of amenities for travelers, like shops and a café. When Krakow Glowny Station was remodeled, it was rerouted under the newly-built Galeria Krakowska (Kraków Mall), which opened in 2006 where the old station building once stood. Short connections at the train station allow travelers to get some shopping in. The station has a left luggage office for travelers that need a place to store bags for a few hours on a connection through Krakow. This service is limited to opening hours and is really only useful for storing bags during a short stop at the train station. Fortunately, luggage storage services are common in Krakow. Bounce has a facility nearby that’s dedicated to the train station. It’s a superior option compared to the station's left luggage facility. 

Top attractions near Krakow Train Station 

The Wawel Royal Castle luggage storage

Located on the outskirts of Krakow on a hill overlooking the city, this castle was the residence of Polish kings and queens for centuries. The castle features impressive collections of art, furniture, and weapons, but the structure itself is the main draw here, with an attractive facade and plenty of green space to walk around. There aren't any luggage lockers onsite, so you'll want to plan ahead before your visit.

The Main Market Square luggage storage

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the heart of Old Town. It's the largest medieval square in Europe and is surrounded by other landmarks like the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. It’s an easy place to stop by when you’re exploring Old Town, and the energy (especially when the weather is nice) is incredible. The market is situated well within walking distance of several luggage storage locations.

Kazimierz luggage storage

The Kazimierz district was historically Krakow’s Jewish quarter that’s been transformed into a trendy and vibrant neighborhood. History buffs can explore the district's historic synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums that pay homage to the Jewish community that once thrived here. In recent years, the district’s main drawing point has been its hip cafes, bars, restaurants (especially vegan spots), and art galleries.

Kościuszko Mound luggage storage

In 1823, a mound was raised to honor Poland’s Tadeusz Kościuszko, a war hero who defended the country against both Russia and Prussia. It’s an imposing structure that offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, and on a clear day, visitors can even see the nearby Tatra Mountains. 

Schindler's Factory luggage storage

This museum is a powerful tribute to the city's World War II history. Most people will recognize this attraction from the movie Schibdler’s List, which tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The museum’s exhibits also detail the experiences of Krakow's Jewish population during the war. This is a museum that everyone should visit, but it may be difficult for families with small children. 

Planty Park luggage storage

Once the site of the city's defensive walls, this verdant green space surrounds Krakow Old Town. It’s a tranquil oasis that’s perfect for walking and cycling or relaxing in the shade. The park is filled with lush gardens, fountains, and monuments, so there’s plenty to see. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine luggage storage

This salt mine was in operation for over 700 years and is now one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a cool museum detailing Krakow’s history as a prominent producer of salt. History buffs and engineering nerds will enjoy the antiquated manufacturing facilities and equipment. There are limited luggage storage facilities onsite, so finding a place to store bags in Krakow is recommended. 

Vistula River luggage storage

The Vistula River is the longest river in Poland, and the city’s attractive riverfront offers a stunning backdrop to the city. Families can take a boat tour along the river, or couples can relax on the riverbank and enjoy the romantic views of the city.

Transport Options at Krakow Station 

Tram luggage storage

One of the most popular ways to get around is to take a tram. The city has an extensive network of tram lines that cover most neighborhoods and nearly all the tourist hot spots. The trams are reliable, frequent, and inexpensive, with tickets available at vending machines or newspaper stands. Many tram lines service the area around Krakow's main train station. The tram stops aren't full train stations, so there aren't luggage facilities available.

Bus luggage storage

While it’s primarily geared toward commuters, one option is to take a bus. Buses are particularly useful for getting to areas not served by trams, such as the Jewish Quarter and even the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The main bus station is within walking distance of Krakow Glowny, and plenty of Bounce left luggage facilities. 

Walking

While Krakow is a huge city that sprawls out around the river, Old Town and many of the city's top attractions are within easy walking distance from the main railway station, and soaking up the charm of the city is best done by walking around and exploring. If you'll be on your feet all day, it's ideal to find a place to store luggage.

Local tips and insider info 

• Learn a few Polish phrases. While most Krakow residents speak some English, it never hurts to be able to order coffee or a beer in Polish. Learn some basic phrases like "Dzień dobry" (Good morning/afternoon), "Dziękuję" (Thank you), and "Proszę" (Please) before you travel. You can also use a tool like Google Translate on the go. 
• Take advantage of free museum days. A few of Krakow’s museums and attractions offer free admission on certain days of the week. A little research can go a long way, so check ahead of time to see which ones you can get in for free.
• Be mindful of Krakow’s history. Poland has a long and complex history regarding World War II and the Holocaust. It should go without saying, but be respectful when visiting historical sites and memorials.
• Poland has its own currency. Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN), not the euro. It’s important to have cash, so be sure to exchange your currency or withdraw cash from an ATM if you’re traveling internationally. 

Conclusion

Krakow is quickly becoming a trendy place to visit, which will be apparent walking around the Old Town or the Kazimierz neighborhood. Soaking up the history or trendy vibes will require a lot of walking around. In addition to Krakow Glowny Train Station luggage storage, there are bag storage facilities at Bounce’s Krakow Old Town luggage storage, and you can make easy connections to Warsaw Train Station and Warsaw Airport if you want to explore more of the country.