Kraków, Poland-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Main Market Square

  • 9:00 AM - Arrival: Arrive in Kraków and check-in at your hotel (see recommendations below).
  • 10:00 AM - Wawel Castle and Cathedral: Visit the stunning Wawel Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the residence of Polish kings. Explore the beautiful St. Mary’s Church and admire the impressive views from its tower.
  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Head to the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) for lunch at Café Camelot , a cozy café with delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 1:30 PM - Main Market Square: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Main Market Square, which features:
    • St. Mary’s Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki), a stunning Gothic church with an impressive wooden ceiling.
    • The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a beautifully restored medieval trading hall.
    • Street performers and vendors selling local crafts and souvenirs.
  • 5:00 PM - Traditional Polish Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restauracja Pod Baranem , which serves traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: Discover the Jewish Quarter

  • 9:30 AM - Kazimierz District: Visit the historic Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the charming streets and alleys, admiring the picturesque architecture.
  • 11:00 AM - Remuh Synagogue: Stop by the Remuh Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Poland (est. 1558). Explore its beautiful courtyard and admire the intricate stone carvings.
  • 1:00 PM - Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Klezmer Hois , a cozy restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine with a modern twist.
  • 3:00 PM - Jewish Museum of Kraków: Visit the Jewish Museum of Kraków, which showcases the history and culture of Kraków’s Jewish community.

Day 3: Visit the Schindler Factory

  • 10:00 AM - Oskar Schindler Factory: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in the former factory of Oskar Schindler (made famous by Steven Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List”). Explore the exhibitions and learn about the history of the factory during World War II.
  • 1:00 PM - Lunch: Grab lunch at Factory Café , located within the museum complex.
  • 3:00 PM - Kazimierz District (continued): Continue exploring the charming streets and alleys of the Kazimierz district, perhaps visiting the iconic Kraków Jewish Community Center.

Day 4: Relax in the Park

  • 10:00 AM - Park Jordana: Spend a relaxing morning strolling through Park Jordana, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Admire the lovely gardens and sculptures.
  • 12:30 PM - Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Park Café , located within the park complex.
  • 2:00 PM - Visit the Botanical Garden: Visit the stunning Kraków Botanical Garden, which features a wide variety of plant species from around the world.

Day 5: Visit the Royal Wawel Hill

  • 10:00 AM - Wawel Hill: Visit the picturesque Wawel Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the Vistula River and the city. Explore the beautiful botanical gardens and the impressive architecture.
  • 12:30 PM - Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Wawel Café , located near the hill.

Other Recommendations

  • Accommodations: Stay at a hotel in the Old Town (Stare Miasto) or Kazimierz district, such as:
    • Hotel Copernicus
    • Hotel Pod Roza
    • Hostel Krakowska
  • Transportation: Use public transportation ( buses and trams) to get around the city. You can also use taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for variable weather, especially in spring and autumn.
    • Try some traditional Polish food, such as pierogi, bigos, or zapiekanka.
    • Learn a few basic phrases in Polish to interact with locals.

Things to Know

  • Kraków is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially on the Main Market Square.
  • Don’t drink tap water; instead, purchase bottled water or drinks from reputable vendors.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June-August) for a more relaxed experience.

Language: Polish is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Still, it’s helpful to learn basic phrases in Polish, such as: + Cześć (CHESH-tah) - Hello + Dziękuję (JEN-koo-yeh) - Thank you + Proszę (PROH-sheh) - Please

Enjoy your time in Kraków!