Krakow 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Main Market Square

  • Arrive at John Paul II International Airport
  • Take a taxi or bus (bus #252) from the airport to your accommodation in the city center ( approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Check-in to your hotel: Hotel Copernicus or Hotel Stary
  • Visit the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Explore the colorful buildings, street performers, and local vendors
    • Visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a 16th-century building now housing shops and restaurants
    • Stop by St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) for a quick look at its stunning interior
  • Dinner: Try some traditional Polish cuisine at Galeria Krakowska, a restaurant located in the heart of the square

Day 2: Wawel Hill and Kazimierz

  • Start the day with breakfast at your hotel or try some local pastries at Bajeczny Cukiernia
  • Visit Wawel Hill, a historic site that’s home to:
    • The stunning Wawel Cathedral (Katedra na Wawelu)
    • The State Rooms of the Wawel Castle (Pałac Królewski na Wawelu)
    • The Museum of the History of Polish Kings (Muzeum Historii Państwa Polskiego)
  • Head to Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter:
    • Visit the Remuh Synagogue (Synagoga Remuh) and the nearby Cemetery
    • Walk along ul. Józefa and explore the charming streets, shops, and cafes
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Jewish cuisine at Schindler’s Factory, a museum turned restaurant

Day 3: Schindler’s Factory and Nowa Huta

  • Visit Schindler’s Factory, a museum showcasing Krakow’s history during WWII:
    • Learn about the city’s Jewish community and the impact of the war
    • Explore the restored factory building and its exhibits
  • Head to Nowa Huta, a communist-era housing estate turned trendy neighborhood:
    • Take a stroll along ul. Mireckiego and admire the unique architecture
    • Visit the Museum of the History of Nowa Huta (Muzeum Historii Nowej Huty)
  • Dinner: Try some modern Polish cuisine at Alchemia, a restaurant located in the heart of Nowa Huta

Day 4: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

  • Take a guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former concentration camp:
    • Learn about the history of the camp and its significance
    • Visit the exhibits and memorials on site
  • Return to Krakow for lunch and exploration

Day 5: The Tatra Mountains

  • Take a day trip to the Tatra Mountains (Tatry):
    • Visit Zakopane, a charming mountain town:
      • Explore the lively streets and markets
      • Visit the Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie)
    • Head into the mountains for hiking or take a scenic train ride
  • Dinner: Try some traditional highland cuisine at Giewont, a restaurant located in Zakopane

Day 6: Wieliczka Salt Mine

  • Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
    • Take an guided tour of the mine and its unique salt deposits
    • Learn about the history and significance of the mine
  • Return to Krakow for dinner and exploration

Day 7: Last Day in Krakow

  • Spend your last day in Krakow exploring any areas you missed or revisiting favorite spots:
    • Visit the Krakowskie Przedmieście, a charming street lined with shops and cafes
    • Stop by the Wisla River (Wisła) for a stroll or picnic
  • Farewell dinner: Try some traditional Polish cuisine at Krowarzywa, a restaurant located in the heart of Krakow

Things to Know

  • Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)
  • Language: Polish, but many locals speak English
  • Weather: Krakow has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: affordable and widely available
    • Bus: buses run regularly throughout the city
    • Bike: renting a bike is a great way to explore the city

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Polish phrases, such as “Cześć” (hello) and “Dziękuję” (thank you)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Polish cuisine and drinks, such as pierogi and Żytnia

Other Things of Interest

  • Krakow has a rich history and cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and festivals throughout the year.
  • The city is home to several universities, including the Jagiellonian University (Uniwersytet Jagielloński), one of the oldest in Europe.
  • Krakow has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.