Krakow-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

  • Morning: Start your day at Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Admire the stunning St. Mary’s Basilica and the iconic Cloth Hall.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the nearby Krakow Barbican, a 16th-century defensive fortification that offers great views of the city.
  • Lunchtime: Head to Browar Prozna, a popular brewery restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine. Try their famous pierogi ruskie (potato and cheese dumplings) or zapiekanka (an open-faced sandwich topped with mushrooms, cheese, and ham).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Wawel Hill complex, which includes Wawel Castle, the Cathedral, and the State Rooms.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Polish folk music at St. Mary’s Church, followed by dinner at Kamienica Pod Baranem, a cozy restaurant serving regional dishes.

Recommended Accommodation:

  • Hotel Europa 2: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Krakow, within walking distance to the Old Town.
  • Hostel Kracow: A budget-friendly hostel offering dorms and private rooms, perfect for solo travelers or groups.

Getting Around:

  • Krakow has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses (numbered lines) and trams. You can buy tickets at newsstands or ticket machines.
  • Walking is the best way to explore Krakow’s historic center. The city is relatively flat, making it easy to navigate on foot.

Tips & Essentials:

  • Buy a Krakow Card, which grants access to many attractions and public transportation for 24-48 hours.
  • Don’t miss the daily horse-drawn carriage rides in the Old Town.
  • Be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season (June-August).
  • Try some traditional Polish pastries like pączki or makowiec at a local bakery.

Day 2: Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and Kazimierz

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is located about an hour’s drive from Krakow.
  • Lunchtime: Head back to Krakow and have lunch at Slowik, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, which was once a separate city. Visit the Remuh Synagogue and the Jewish History Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Sopot, a modern restaurant serving creative Polish cuisine.

Recommended Accommodation:

  • Hotel MGallery by Sofitel Krakow: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Kazimierz, within walking distance to many Jewish cultural attractions.

Day 3: Discover Wieliczka Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory

  • Morning: Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s over 700 years old. Take a guided tour through the mine’s underground tunnels.
  • Lunchtime: Have lunch at Karczma pod Baranem, a traditional Polish restaurant serving hearty dishes like bigos and pierogi.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, which features an impressive collection of modern art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restauracja Schindler’s Factory, a unique restaurant located in a former factory building.

Recommended Accommodation:

  • Hotel Sheraton Grand Krakow: A 5-star hotel located near the city center, within walking distance to many attractions.

Day 4: Relax in Park Krasiński and Explore the Nowa Huta district

  • Morning: Visit Park Krasiński, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Lunchtime: Have lunch at Restauracja Ulica Krakowska, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Nowa Huta district, which was once a socialist housing complex. Visit the Nowa Huta Museum and take a stroll through the area’s beautiful parks and gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restauracja Nowa Huta, a modern restaurant serving creative Polish cuisine.

Tips & Essentials:

  • Don’t miss the street art scene in Krakow, which features many colorful murals and graffiti throughout the city.
  • Take a stroll along the Vistula River, which offers beautiful views of the city.
  • Try some traditional Polish coffee culture at a local café or bakery.