Kraków, Poland-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Kraków, Poland

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

Morning

  • Arrive at John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
  • Take a taxi or bus (M2) to your accommodation in the city center (~10-15 minutes)

Afternoon

  • Check-in at Hotel Pod Rożem, a cozy hotel with excellent location and service
  • Visit the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest medieval squares in Europe
    • See the stunning Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka)
    • Admire the beautiful facades and buildings surrounding the square

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Sokolec, a traditional Polish restaurant with delicious local cuisine
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town (Stare Miasto), exploring its narrow streets and picturesque alleys

Day 2: Wawel Hill and Kazimierz District

Morning

  • Visit Wawel Hill (Wzgórze Wawelskie), the former capital of Poland’s coronation site
    • Explore the stunning Wawel Castle (Zamek Wawelski)
    • See the impressive Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Helena

Afternoon

  • Head to the Kazimierz District, a charming area with a rich Jewish history
    • Visit the Remuh Synagogue (Synagoga Remuha), one of the oldest synagogues in Poland
    • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Kazimierz, admiring its unique architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Kuchnia u Grzegorza, a cozy restaurant with excellent Polish cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Vistula River (Wisła), enjoying the scenic views of Kraków’s skyline

Day 3: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Surroundings

Morning

  • Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (~30 minutes from Kraków)
    • Explore the underground salt mine, learning about its history and significance
    • Take a guided tour of the mine’s impressive chambers and tunnels

Afternoon

  • Head to Klein Salzburg (Małe Zakopce), a picturesque village with charming architecture
    • Visit the Wawel National Park, a beautiful area with scenic hiking trails and wildlife

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Trzy Czarne, a traditional Polish restaurant with delicious local cuisine
  • Return to Kraków for the night, exploring its vibrant nightlife

Day 4: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Morning

  • Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (~1.5 hours from Kraków)
    • Learn about the history of the concentration camp and its significance
    • Take a guided tour of the museum’s exhibits and memorials

Afternoon

  • Return to Kraków for some free time, exploring the city’s many shops and markets
  • Visit the Kraków Barbican (Barbakan), a 16th-century fortress with stunning views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Schinderwirth, a traditional Polish restaurant with delicious local cuisine
  • Take a stroll through the Planty Park, a beautiful area with scenic walking trails and wildlife

Day 5: Tatra Mountains and Zakopane

Morning

  • Visit the Tatra Mountains, a stunning mountain range (~1.5 hours from Kraków)
    • Explore the picturesque town of Zakopane, known for its charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere
    • Take a ride on the Tatra Mountain Railway (Kolejka na Tatarach), offering breathtaking views of the mountains

Afternoon

  • Head to the Morskie Oko Lake, a beautiful lake with stunning mountain scenery
    • Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake’s scenic shoreline

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Wierchy Restaurant, a cozy restaurant with excellent local cuisine
  • Return to Kraków for the night, reflecting on your time in Poland

Day 6: Wawel Hill and Kazimierz District Revisited

Morning

  • Visit Wawel Hill, revisiting the stunning castle and cathedral
    • Explore the narrow streets of the Kazimierz District, admiring its unique architecture and history

Afternoon

  • Head to the Jewish History Museum (Muzeum Historii Żydów w Krakowie), learning about the history of Jewish people in Poland
    • Visit the Remuh Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Poland

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Sokolec, a traditional Polish restaurant with delicious local cuisine
  • Take a stroll through the Old Town (Stare Miasto), reflecting on your time in Kraków

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some free time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city’s many markets and shops
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure

Tips and Recommendations:

  • Try traditional Polish cuisine, such as pierogi, zapiekanka, and bigos.
  • Visit the local markets, such as the Main Market Square, to buy fresh produce and souvenirs.
  • Take a guided tour of Kraków’s Old Town and Kazimierz District to learn about its history and significance.
  • Explore the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane for stunning mountain scenery and picturesque towns.
  • Learn some basic Polish phrases, such as “cześć” (hello), “dziękuję” (thank you), and “żegnaj” (goodbye).

Transportation:

  • Kraków has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Taxis are also widely available, but be sure to agree on the price before starting your journey.
  • The airport is located about 10-15 minutes from the city center by taxi or bus.

Accommodation:

  • Book a hotel in the city center for easy access to major attractions.
  • Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb for a more budget-friendly option.
  • Be sure to check the hotel’s location and reviews before booking.

Things to Know:

  • Kraków is a relatively safe city, but be aware of pickpocketing and petty crime in crowded areas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and historical sites.
  • Learn about Poland’s history and culture to appreciate its significance and beauty.