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This guide is going to cover everything you need to know about Krakow! I’ve ALWAYS wanted to visit Poland, and Krakow specifically… I’ve heard such good things! And now, I’m here to confirm allllll the good things are true. This city is truly incredible, and quickly made its way up into my top 5 favorites in the world. I visited Krakow for about 4.5 days (a few of these were travel days) in October 2023, when I spent the month backpacking and working remotely in Europe. I kept some notes of my best tips and recommendations from the trip, and have compiled them into this 3 days in Krakow guide for you today! Let’s hop in.
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Where Is Krakow, Poland Located
Kraków, also spelled Cracow or, more commonly — Krakow, is a city located within southern Poland. It lies on the Vistula River, and is one of the largest (and oldest!) cities in Poland.
Krakow is located about 3.5 hours via car or 2.5 hours via train (248 km) from Warsaw, which is the largest city and capital of Poland. The city is also easily accessible from other nearby European countries, which I’ll discuss more below.
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How To Get There
Due to its location in southern Poland, Krakow is quite close to neighboring countries like Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Hungary. From Krakow, Budapest is only 288 km away and Bratislava, Slovakia is 295 km away — both of which are accessible by train or bus.
By Plane: Airport Near Krakow, Poland
When I visited Krakow last October, I was based in Belgium for the month where I was working remotely and volunteering at a hostel in Bruges! To reach Krakow, I flew from Brussels into the Krakow airport. Kraków John Paul II International Airport is the international airport located near Kraków, in the village of Balice, 11 km west of the city. The airport is named after Pope John Paul II.
From the airport, you can easily get a ride into the historic city center. Krakow has taxis, but I recommend using Uber! It’s more affordable. The ride will take about 35 minutes into the city.
By Train
I LOVE train travel!!! And I especially love train travel in Europe!!!! If you’re traveling from nearby countries or cities for your 3 days in Krakow, I recommend taking the train if you can. Use websites like Rail Europe to explore international route maps.
The train is also the best way to travel domestically within Poland. If you’d like to extend your Poland itinerary beyond just 3 days in Krakow, maybe consider visits to Warsaw or Gdańsk. Warsaw is located 2.5 hours from Krakow by train and Gdańsk, which is located on the Baltic coast of Poland, is 5.5 hours away.
The main railway station in Krakow, Kraków Główny, is situated in the city center, only a 10-minute walk away from the Main Market Square / St. Mary’s Basilica area.
The ticket offices are open from 7 am – 9 pm, although you can purchase tickets at the machines within the station 24/7.
Address: ul. Pawia 5a
By Bus
Assuming you don’t have a car for this trip, you could also look into a coach bus option. FlixBus offers routes to Krakow from cities like Prague, Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest, Lviv, Vienna, Munich, and even the Krakow airport.
Why You Should Add A Krakow, Poland Itinerary To Your Bucket List
It’s One Of The Most Beautiful & Historic Cities In Europe
While Krakow is not the capital of Poland, it is the second-largest (and most beautiful!) city in the country. It’s known for its jaw-dropping architecture. The entire Old Town of the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It’s the first city in the world to be fully protected by UNESCO. The city also has SO much history. The Main Square has existed since the 13th century! The entire city was left untouched during the world wars, so most things are original.
Krakow was the official capital of Poland until 1596. It’s known for being one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and also traditionally has been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, economic, and cultural life. The city is full of universities, museums, theaters, and opera houses.
It’s Extremely Affordable
It’s no secret that Eastern Europe is much more affordable than Western European countries like France, Belgium, and Spain. Eastern Europe also has SO much character and far fewer tourists. I love traveling through this region, and hope to visit many more cities here in my lifetime!
I found Krakow to be extremely affordable. As mentioned in the restaurant recommendations I provide below, I paid as little as $5 USD for a full meal in Krakow… even in the city center! My accommodation was also quite affordable — for a Queen bed and private bathroom in an “apartment hotel” (Aparthotel), just steps from the Main Square, I paid less than $50 per night.
Your money goes FAR here!
It’s Culturally Significant
I love Polish culture. The food is incredible, the language is fascinating, and the country is just packed with so much important world history. Aside from the stunning architecture, there’s also so many important museums and significant cultural events that took place here. Some much more devastating than others — all of which should be learned about during your 3 days in Krakow.
Where To Stay In Krakow, Poland
There are dozens of accommodation options in Krakow, ranging from backpacker hostels to 5-star luxury resorts. I stayed at the Rembrandt Aparthotel for my stay and HIGHLY recommend this place! As mentioned above, it was super affordable. Also, the location could not have been better. It was one block from the main city square… kind of like staying in Times Square in NYC! My room was spacious, clean, and had a cozy bed and nice en-suite bathroom. Check it out for your stay!
Address: Wiślna 8, 31-005 Kraków, Poland
3 Days In Krakow Itinerary: The Highlights
I technically spent 4 nights in Krakow, but since I was flying and traveling, I really only had 3 full days to explore — hence the 3 days in Krakow itinerary I’m providing for you! I felt like this was enough time to see the highlights, although another day or two would’ve been nice!
During your 3 days in Krakow, you should spend one entire day exploring the Old Town: seeing sights such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and shopping in Cloth Hall. I would also explore the Wawel Royal Castle. During your second day, take a tour of the Jewish Quarter. On the third day, I recommend a combo excursion that includes visits to Auschwitz and the nearby Salt Mine. This day will be long, and quite heavy, but you would be amiss to skip it.
Pro-tip: Although it may sound disrespectful and frowned upon to visit Auschwitz, you will realize that many, many people do from Krakow. There are signs scattered around the city advertising day tours to the area. More on this below.
Now for your detailed, day by day itinerary!
Krakow, Poland Itinerary: Day 1
Assuming you arrived the day / night before, this is what I’d recommend for your first full day in Krakow. First, grab coffee and breakfast at a local bakery! I don’t have any specific recommendations for this, since I rotated the cafes I visited, but there are dozens around the Old Town. There’s also a Starbucks conveniently located in the Main Square, if that’s easier. Now that you’re fueled….
Old Town + Wawel Royal Castle Walking Tour
You should spend the majority of your day today on a walking tour! The best part? MOST ARE FREE! This is my favorite hack for sightseeing any European city. You can find free walking tours online, offered in an array of languages.
I used Walkative. There’s also City Walks. Just book your slot, sign up with your email, and look for the branded umbrella / flag at your meeting point + time.
My tour met in the central Main Square at 11 am and lasted for about 3 hours. There are several sights to see right in this area, including the famous St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Cloth Hall, the oldest shopping market in Poland and one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the area. From here, you’ll walk the cobbled streets to the former home of Pope John Paul II, see the medieval university where famed astronomer Nicholas Copernicus studied, and explore the ancient city walls. Alongside the outskirts of the walls, you’ll also visit Barbican Fortress and St. Florian’s Gate.
The Barbican is a circular bastion with thick brick walls that was built in the 15th century, adjacent to the 13th century Florian Gate.
From here, you’ll visit the Krakow Castle at Wawel Hill, also known as the Wawel Royal Castle. Wawel Cathedral houses several ornate chapels and burial grounds. It was originally constructed in the early 11th century, rebuilt in 1142 & 1364, and renovated in 1712 to its current Gothic style.
Pro-tip: If you wish to tour the inside of the Castle and Cathedral, book THIS tour! Not one of the free ones!
You’ll tour the grounds of the Wawel Cathedral and Royal Palace. You’ll learn that when Krakow was the capital, the king accidentally burnt down part of this castle. He was so hated that he fled to Warsaw… which is how this city became the new capital of Poland! The tour will conclude here, where your guide will give you recommendations for lunch.
Pro-tip: This tour is “pay as you wish”, meaning you should bring some cash with you to tip at the end!
Eat Lunch At Chimera Canteen
Once you conclude your walking tour and have a basic understanding of the city’s history, I would walk back to the city center for a late lunch. Here, look for a sign for Chimera Canteen. I actually came here for lunch 2-3x AND dinner during my time in Krakow, I loved it so much. It was also so affordable — my plate of 4 sides was $5.28 USD!
Located right off the main square, this “canteen” / cafeteria entails grabbing a tray and choosing a plate of 4 or 6 sides. You’ll get to choose your options and be served from an array of salads, meats roasted on a fireplace, soup, etc. Everything served here is local, authentic Polish food and it is DELICIOUS! You can choose take away or to dine in. The interior had a lot of live plants and had a really cool, cozy industrial vibe.
Address: Świętej Anny 3, 31-008 Kraków, Poland
Listen To The Krakow Trumpeter
The most prominent building in Krakow’s Old Town is St. Mary’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1497. It is beautiful! It contains a stained-glass window from 1370 and a magnificent altar that was built in the late 1400s by Veit Stoss.
This gothic, Catholic cathedral has two different towers — which are uniquely different sizes, so one can function as a look out tower.
St. Mary’s Basilica is open to individual visitors and tourist groups every day from 11:30 am – 6 pm when no Mass is being conducted. Half of the church is open to tourists, including the presbytery and its main altar. It costs 15 PLN (about $3.80 USD) to visit. I recommend checking out the inside… it’s beautiful!
However, my #1 recommendation for Krakow is actually on the OUTSIDE of the cathedral. That is to listen to the world-famous Krakow Trumpeter! The single most famous thing you can see in Krakow is the trumpet player in St. Mary’s Cathedral. There are 5 of them (this is a coveted position!), and they rotate shifts playing every hour, on the hour (24 hours a day, 365 days a year). It’s been a tradition for hundreds of years, as trumpets originally signaled the opening + closing of city gates, along with fires! He will wave to the people in the square at the end once he’s played from all the windows / directions!
Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Dinner At Pizzatopia
If you want a casual (and cheap!) dinner tonight, head to Pizzatopia! This local chain was SO good. You can choose your type of dough and all of your toppings and have a custom pie prepared + cooked for you in a wood-fired oven! Plus, it’s so fast. You can sit in the restaurant or bring it to go.
Address: Szewska 22, 31-009 Kraków, Poland
Pro-tip: Looking to check out the local pub scene? I recommend booking a guided Pub, Bar, and Club crawl so you can meet people along the way, stay with a group, and learn the best spots for nightlife!
Krakow, Poland Itinerary: Day 2
Now that you’ve explored most of the Old Town of Krakow, today’s focus is the Jewish Quarter. Plus, take some more time to stroll the Old Town. I snapped some more pics, bought souvenirs, and tried another cafe or two after my tour.
Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
The historic Jewish Quarter of Krakow, also known as Kazimierz, is a region of the city known for significant sites, such as the Tempel Synagogue (oldest in Krakow) and the Krakow Jewish Community Center, which serves as a vital hub for the city’s community. It feels different from the rest of Krakow, and should absolutely be visited. I recommend taking a guided walking tour here so you can best understand the heavy history of the area.
A Brief History Of Jews In Krakow
Jews started to settle in the Kazimierz region of Krakow in the 12th century, working as bankers, merchants, craftsmen, and restauranteurs. Their rich and religious culture was thriving up until WWII, when most Jewish people were displaced from Krakow in 1939.
In 1941, Jews were forcibly removed from their homes and moved to a ghetto (Podgórze), which became closed off from other parts of the city. Many tragic events occured here — which you’ll learn about during your tour, including starvation and death. Many Jewish Poles were killed during the liquidation of the ghetto, and those who survived were moved to a concentration camp: mainly Auschwitz or Dachau. Only 10% of Jews from Krakow survived the war, and most never returned to Poland.
The small population of Jews that did return to Poland, or remained in Krakow, have revived their cultural identity within the city, specifically within Kazimierz. Although it is a difficult place to visit, I believe you would be amiss to not learn about this side of Polish history during your time in Krakow.
What To See In The Jewish Quarter
The Old Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Krakow and an important religious center in the city. Your tour may not bring you inside, but you will definitely visit the outside. Perhaps revisit on your own time to enjoy the architecture and over 500 years of history on the interior.
Address: Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków, Poland
Ghetto Heroes Square is where my walking tour ended. It was once the biggest open space in the Krakow Ghetto, and unfortunately — is there site where Polish families were torn apart, executed, and mass deported to death camps. Today, the city honors the memory of these people with its chair sculptures. These monumental iron and bronze chairs symbolize the tragic deaths and empty seats that the residents of the ghetto left behind.
Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta, 30-547 Kraków, Poland
Plug this place into your maps if you’re craving amazing local street food! This area has street food booths located within the main New Square. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike, and is perfect for dining on a budget.
Address: Okrąglak – Plac Nowy 4B
Finally, Szeroka Street is located in the Kazimierz district in Krakow. Since the late 15th century, Jewish people began to settle in the surroundings of Szeroka Street. Today, it is one of the main roads in the neighborhood for dining, nightlife, and shopping.
Przystanek Pierogi
For dinner tonight (and lunch the next day, probably!) I can’t recommend this pierogi shop enough! It is tiny, but mighty, and centrally located on a street adjacent to the main central square in Old Town. I ate here 2-3x during my 3 days in Krakow (it’s also around the corner from the hotel I recommended above!).
Pierogis are traditional Polish food, and the #1 local dish you must try during your 3 days in Krakow. Pierogi are filled dumplings made by wrapping unleavened dough around a filling and cooked in boiling water. They are occasionally flavored with a savory or sweet garnish, although most fillings are savory: potato, cheese, sauerkraut, ground meat, and mushrooms.
Address: ul. Szewska 25
Krakow, Poland Itinerary: Day 3
As I mentioned above, it is common to visit Auschwitz on a Krakow, Poland itinerary. Use your own judgement to decide if this is the way you want to spend your time, and continue reading to learn more before you do.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Many tours offer visits to both the salt mines and Auschwitz in one day. On my tour, we visited Auschwitz in the morning and the salt mines in the afternoon, before returning to Krakow in the evening. If you don’t want to visit Auschwitz, I would still recommend the salt mine! Here is all the information you need to know:
Located about 20 minutes (12.6 km) outside of the city center of Krakow, lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which has been operational for at least 700 years. Aside from its impressive history, this underground city is impressive for its sheer size. Notice I used the term “underground city”… that is exactly what this place felt like! The 190 MILES (300 KM!!!!) of underground tunnels contain a functioning sanatorium, a museum, several chapels, and even event space. This place is so grand, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Only 1% of the mine is open to tourists (just 3 levels). There are 9 total, and it’s still a working mine!
The entire underground tour takes about 2 hours. You will walk with a guide through various tunnels and into very large chambers to view ornate carvings, statues, and rooms. There are fully functioning restrooms located beneath the surface, in addition to a full-blown cafe for snacks + refreshments.
Pro-tip: I sometimes feel claustrophobic in underground caverns while traveling and had no problems here! The worst part, in my opinion, was the walk down all the stairs. Also, on the way up, you will take an elevator with several other people, however, it wasn’t fully enclosed. It was actually more like a cage and there are staff members all over who manage + oversee its operations. The tour itself was fantastic and you’ll really enjoy it during your 3 days in Krakow!
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum
On the final day of my Krakow, Poland itinerary, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum. It is open to the public and you will hear about visiting a lot if you’re in Krakow since it’s only 1 hour away and most do choose to visit. Touring both camps takes about 3.5-4 hours, and is sure to bring up many emotions. Learning about the tragedies that occurred here, while visiting the rooms and spaces in which they took place, is incredibly overwhelming, saddening, and emotionally exhausting. For this reason, it is not recommended children under age 14 visit. Furthermore, I visited as a solo female traveler, and wish I had the support of a loved one with me. You will move through the tour mostly in silence, so there are a lot of thoughts and emotions that will arise over the course of several hours.
This day was one I chose not to document through photos (although they are allowed), but through my words. I processed through journaling to remember how it felt to be here, and will be keeping this reflection to myself.
Logistics To Visit Auschwitz
However, I want to share some important basics + logistics to know so you can plan, if you choose to visit:
- Admission to the grounds is free of charge. Entry cards should be reserved ahead of time, or you can book a group tour where a guide can handle these logistics for you.
- You will have to go through security checks before entering. Book your tour in advance, and be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your tour.
- Fees are charged for guided tours. Visitors must be brought through the grounds with an Auschwitz Memorial guide, many of whom are descendants of those who lost their lives here. You will be given headphones to listen to your guide, as to keep respect for a solemn environment.
- The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the Museum does not exceed dimensions: 35x25x15 cm.
Lastly, I want to leave you all with a quote my guide shared at the end of our time together: “I think people from all around the world should come here to learn. So it doesn’t happen again. History repeats itself, it’s happening now. Thank you for making the choice to visit.”
And with that, we are at the end of all my best tips and recommendations for 3 days in Krakow, Poland. I hope this Krakow, Poland itinerary helps you plan your own trip. I loved my time here and the experiences I had, and the people I met, will forever be in my heart. See you next time.
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