A hilltop castle overlooking a bend in the Vistula River, a medieval Old Town crowned by a quirky clock tower from which a trumpet fanfare sounds each hour, and a reputation for hearty beer and pierogies form the soul of Kraków. Largely spared the widespread destruction of World War II, the city preserves much of its medieval charm. Yet Kraków has not remained frozen in time: it has embraced change and quietly become a hub for modern industry and innovation.
In recent years Poland has attracted a deep pool of tech talent and entrepreneurs. New startups have sprung up across the country and the World Bank has ranked Poland among the top places to start and grow a company. Kraków benefits from a skilled, largely English-speaking workforce, relatively low costs, and a pleasant quality of life that appeals to employees tired of the pace of larger capitals like Warsaw.
Several homegrown startups and international companies have made Kraków their base or opened operations here. CallPage, a website widget that converts visitors into sales calls, claims significant boosts in conversion for its clients and has attracted attention from major brands and investors. FaceMetrics, another local firm, develops mobile apps focused on meditation, sleep and stress management and is working on Nicola, an app that uses a tablet’s camera to monitor a child’s gaze and facial cues to suggest breaks from screen time and encourage reading.
Global firms have also chosen Kraków for research and support centers. SignalFx, a cloud-monitoring company headquartered in California, launched a research, development and support office in the city to tap into local engineering talent and the proximity of several universities. Meanwhile, the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Center opened in fall 2018 just outside Old Town, joining the ranks of advanced particle-accelerator research facilities and supporting work in nanotechnology, crystallography, pharmacology and other fields.
To accommodate the growing flow of companies and talent, the region is investing in infrastructure. Kraków Airport has outlined a 20-year plan that envisions up to 10,000 new jobs, an expanded terminal and a new 9,000-foot runway, aiming for capacity near 12 million passengers annually by 2036. As part of that expansion, the airport became a base for Wizz Air, adding multiple new routes, while carriers such as LOT Polish Airlines and American Airlines have announced or expanded direct services, improving access for international travelers.
Checking in with Supratim Dam
International Marketing Manager, CallPage
Please describe CallPage for those who aren’t familiar with the company.
CallPage helps businesses grow through call tracking, analytics and by generating inbound sales calls directly from their websites. Founded in 2015, the company serves more than 3,000 clients worldwide and combines behavioral data analysis with a real-time callback widget that connects visitors to a salesperson in about 28 seconds. By offering sociological insights alongside sales tools, CallPage blends marketing creativity with data-driven processes to improve conversion rates.
How has the tech/startup industry changed in Kraków in the past five to 10 years? What has been the catalyst for change?
Tech and innovation have long been central to Kraków thanks to its strong universities and scientific institutions. Over the last decade the local startup scene has matured: early successes have fostered an ecosystem of mentors, investors and talent. Key factors driving growth include access to well-educated professionals, competitive costs, connectivity to European and global markets, and a high quality of life that helps attract and retain employees. Increased investment—both private and public—has accelerated momentum, placing Kraków on the cusp of greater recognition as a startup center.
How does CallPage fit into Kraków’s tech scene? How does the tech environment contribute to CallPage’s success?
CallPage contributes to Kraków’s ecosystem by mentoring and partnering with other startups and by demonstrating that companies built here can scale globally. The local talent pool, motivated teams and growing number of success stories create an environment that raises expectations and ambition. That competitive, innovation-driven atmosphere has helped CallPage recruit strong talent and expand its product offerings.
What do you see for the future of tech and startups in Kraków?
CallPage expects the city’s startup scene to continue flourishing. Successful ideas and strong execution inspire others to innovate, and as more companies scale, Kraków’s ecosystem will likely deepen—with new products and services that have meaningful impact on everyday life.
Diversions
Ryszard Kukliński monument at Galeria Krakowska, the largest shopping mall in Kraków
PHOTO: © ROLAND NAGY – DREAMSTIME.COM
From grand medieval structures to legends of dragons, Kraków is a city steeped in history. Begin in the atmospheric Old Town, where the main square invites relaxed people-watching and the hourly trumpet call from St. Mary’s Basilica still stops mid-note—an echo of a 13th-century trumpeter who, legend says, was killed warning the city of an attack.
Perched on Wawel Hill, Wawel Castle is one of Poland’s largest and showcases a blend of architectural styles as it serves today as a museum of art and history. Beyond Old Town, Kazimierz—the historic Jewish Quarter—contains centuries-old synagogues and memorials alongside a lively scene of cafés, bars and street art. The neighborhood remembers a painful past while evolving into a creative, alternative district.
Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore Kraków and its surroundings. Follow trails along the Vistula River and continue into the peaceful countryside for scenic, long rides.
Coming and Going
U.S. citizens with passports valid for at least six months may enter Poland without a visa for stays under 90 days.
Official language: Polish
Lodging
Betmanowska Main Square Residence
Luxurious apartments and suites overlooking Kraków’s Market Square offer an unbeatable central location in Old Town.
Rynek Główny 44, Old Town
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Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Situated between the Jewish Quarter and Old Town, this renovated 19th-century building contains elegant rooms and suites in a convenient location.
Joselewicza 19
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PURO Hotel
A Polish-designed brand with two Kraków locations, PURO features a bohemian-modern aesthetic—spacious, green and art-forward.
Ogrodowa 10, Old Town; Halicka 14A, Jewish Quarter
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Just the Facts
Time zone: GMT +2
Phone code: Country code 48; City code 12
Currency: Polish złoty
Key industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism
Dining
ART Restaurant
Described as “Polish cuisine reinvented,” Art offers contemporary dishes near Wawel Castle and hosts live music. Winner of the 2019 World Luxury Restaurant Award.
Kanonicza 15, Old Town
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Old Town Restaurant Wine & Bar
Traditional Polish fare such as goulash, dumplings and pork knuckle served alongside local spirits in the Jewish Quarter.
Świętego Sebastiana 25, Jewish Quarter
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Zielona Kuchnia
A garden-style restaurant a short walk from Old Town, known for lighter takes on Polish classics like herb gnocchi and Polish beef steaks.
Ambrożego Grabowskiego 8, Piasek
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Info to Go
John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport is about seven miles from the city center. A direct train connects the airport with Kraków’s central station in 20–30 minutes for roughly $2.33; tickets are available from platform machines (card) or from the conductor (cash). Several bus lines (208, 252 and 308) link the airport with the city in about 50 minutes; tickets cost around $1.19 and can be purchased at machines, in the arrivals terminal or from the driver. Rental cars, private buses and taxis can also be arranged through airport services.