Krakow 4 Day Itinerary

Krakow 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and Wawel Castle

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Alchemia Cafe, known for its bohemian atmosphere and specialty coffee.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and Wawel Castle. Don’t miss the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica and the Wawel Dragon.
  • Evening: Dine at Pod Aniołami, a traditional Krakow restaurant offering Polish cuisine with live folk music performances.
  • Night: Explore the bars and clubs in Kazimierz, such as Alchemia or Noir Tea Room & Bar.

Day 2: Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) and Schindler’s Factory

  • Morning: Have a breakfast at Moishe’s Bagels, a popular bagel spot in Kazimierz.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kazimierz district, including the Remuh Synagogue, Isaac Synagogue, and the Pharmacy Museum. Don’t forget to cross the iconic Schindler’s Bridge (Krzyżowa Street).
  • Evening: Head to Schindler’s Factory for an insightful visit into the city’s history during World War II.
  • Night: Dine at Wierzynek Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in Poland, offering a variety of traditional Polish dishes.

Day 3: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Krakus Mound

  • Morning: Depart for Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest salt mines, located just outside of Krakow. Book a guided tour to explore its underground chambers and chapels.
  • Afternoon: Head to Krakus Mound (Góra Krakusza), an ancient fortification dating back to the 9th century, for panoramic views of the city.
  • Evening: Return to Krakow and dine at Piekarnia na Grodzkich, a bakery offering delicious Polish pastries and sandwiches.
  • Night: Relax at Pod Baranem or Wawa Pub, both located in the Old Town and known for their extensive beer selections.

Day 4: Planty Park, Krakow University, and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

  • Morning: Start your day with a leisurely walk along Planty Park, a green belt surrounding the Old Town. Stop by the Jagiellonian University and admire its stunning architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) in the Main Market Square to explore local artisans’ stalls, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Dine at Wierzynek Restaurant for a second time or try Kuchnia Szara Targowa, another traditional Polish restaurant with live music performances.
  • Night: Enjoy a final drink at Boska Warszawa, a bar located in an old church, or Czeski Pod Orlem, a pub with a lively atmosphere.

Transportation: Krakow has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the K201 airport shuttle. You can purchase tickets at newsstands or onboard vehicles. Taxis are also available but may be pricier.

Things to Know:

  • Krakow’s Old Town can get crowded during peak tourist season, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for a more relaxed experience.
  • Polish is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Tips are included in restaurant bills, but rounding up to the nearest whole amount is appreciated by service staff.

Tips:

  • Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), and gołąbki (cabbage rolls).
  • Don’t forget to explore the beautiful bars, cafes, and shops tucked away in Kazimierz’s narrow alleys.
  • Take a walk along the Vistula River for scenic views of Wawel Castle and the city skyline.
  • If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial or the picturesque town of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains.