Krakow 3 Day Itinerary

Krakow 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town Exploration

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Alchemia, a cozy café located in the heart of the Old Town known for its great coffee and brunch options.
    2. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica and marvel at its intricate Gothic altarpiece, one of Poland’s national treasures.
    3. Take a stroll around the Main Market Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe, filled with colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Climb up the Wawel Castle for a panoramic view of Krakow and visit the Royal Cathedral inside.
    2. Explore Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, filled with charming streets, colorful houses, and vibrant culture. Visit Kazimierz Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter Museum.
    3. Have lunch at Singer’s Deli, a delightful Jewish-Polish fusion restaurant in Kazimierz.

  • Evening:

    1. Take a relaxing walk along the Vistula River and watch the sunset from Planty Park that surrounds the Old Town.
    2. Dine at Pod Aniołami, a traditional Polish restaurant offering a variety of regional dishes, located just outside the Main Market Square.

Day 2: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau

  • Morning:

    1. Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its underground chapels and salt sculptures. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Krakow.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Have lunch at Restauracja Wieliczka, located inside the Salt Mine, before heading to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
    2. Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to learn about the Holocaust history. It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Day 3: Schindler’s Factory and Krakow’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day at Schindler’s Factory, now a museum dedicated to the history of World War II, particularly focusing on Oskar Schindler and his list.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit Krakow’s Pharmacy Museum and explore one of Europe’s oldest operating pharmacies, dating back to 1397.
    2. Head to the Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll among exotic plants and flowers.
    3. Grab lunch at Zapiecek for some traditional Polish dumplings (pierogi).

  • Evening:

    1. Visit Ojcow National Park and explore the limestone caves, cliffs, and unique rock formations. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive from Krakow.
    2. Have dinner at Wierzynek, one of Poland’s oldest restaurants located in the Old Town, dating back to 1364.

Things to Know:

  1. The official currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s always good to have some local currency on hand.
  2. Krakow operates a convenient public transportation system including trams, buses, and trains. You can purchase tickets at kiosks or through the E-Ticket app.
  3. The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, winter brings its own charm with Christmas markets and snowy landscapes.
  4. English is spoken by many people in Krakow, especially in the tourist areas, but it’s always good to learn a few basic Polish phrases.
  5. Be respectful when visiting historical sites and museums, and remember that you are a guest in someone else’s city.

Tips:

  1. Get the Krakow Card if you plan on visiting multiple attractions, as it offers free admission to many sites and discounts on transportation and restaurants.
  2. Try traditional Polish dishes such as bigos (hunter’s stew), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), and pierogi during your stay.
  3. Take a walking tour to learn about the city’s history and culture, or hire a guide for a more personalized experience.
  4. Don’t forget to try some delicious Polish vodka at one of the many bars in Krakow.