Krakow 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center of Krakow

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Moja Kawa (Plac Nowy 5) which offers a wide selection of coffee and brunch dishes.
  • Visit the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) – the largest medieval town square in Europe, home to Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Town Hall Tower.

• Afternoon:

  • Take a short walk to Wawel Castle (Wawel Zamek) – the former royal residence with stunning views over the Vistula River. Don’t forget to check out the Wawel Cathedral and its unique collection of tombs.
  • Explore the nearby Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) – known for its vibrant history, colorful street art, and delicious food. Visit the Remuh Synagogue or the Israeli-Jewish Museum.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Pod Norenami (Szeroka 24), a traditional Polish restaurant in Kazimierz, offering regional specialties and live music.
  • End your day with a drink at Alchemia (Estery 5) – a cozy bar known for its unique cocktails and extensive beer list.

Day 2: Discovering Krakow’s Surroundings

• Morning:

  • Head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (ul. Rynek Wielicki 1) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring underground chapels, statues, and even an underground lake.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 20) – a poignant reminder of World War II history, located approximately an hour drive from Krakow.
  • Return to Krakow and enjoy lunch at Mleczarnia (Flisacka 1), a modern and creative restaurant offering vegetarian and vegan options.

• Evening:

  • Take a stroll along the Vistula River, admiring the beautiful sunset views.
  • Dine at Kucharka (ul. Krupnicza 3) – another excellent choice for traditional Polish cuisine in a charming setting.

Where to Stay:

• Mid-range: Apartamenty Centrum - centrally located, clean and comfortable apartments with great value for money.
• Luxury: The Victoria Park Hotel Krakow - a 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, a spa, and an excellent location.

Things to Know:

• Krakow’s Old Town can get quite crowded during the day, so consider visiting some attractions earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
• Polish currency is the złoty (PLN). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
• English is spoken widely in Krakow, and most signs and menus are in both Polish and English.

Transportation:

• The city center can be easily explored on foot or by tram (Krakowiak card). For trips outside the city, consider using trains or organized tours.

Tips:

• Don’t miss the nightly Hejnał Mariacki – a trumpet call played every hour from the top of St. Mary’s Basilica, signifying an event that took place during a Tatar attack in 1241.
• Polish hospitality is famous worldwide. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals and ask for recommendations!