Last Updated on 16th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Internationally renowned for being one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Krakow is definitely one to add to your bucket list. Even if you only have a short time to visit the city, there’s definitely enough time to get to know Krakow’s main attractions. Here’s how to spend the ultimate 3 days in Krakow itinerary.
Contents
Introducing Krakow, Poland
With cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings leading the way to charming Medieval churches, restaurants on seemingly every corner that waft delicious scents of the finest Polish food and a pulsating atmosphere throughout, there are a million reasons to love Krakow.
The city was the Polish capital until 1596 (now it’s Warsaw), and remained the capital of a Duchy until 1918. Today, Warsaw remains the capital of the Mazowieckie województwo province.
Unlike Warsaw, which was almost flattened in the Second World War, many of Krakow’s buildings date back to the Medieval age – so, as you walk around the city centre, you’re taking steps back through centuries of history.
Nowadays, the city has a bit of a reputation for being a stag and hen do party destination, and while it definitely has great nightlife and loads of fun activities, Krakow has so much more to offer.
Three days in Krakow enables you to see the highlights of the city and take a day trip out to some of the most important areas surrounding it.
Bearing this in mind, we’ve created a comprehensive itinerary focusing on spending three days in the charming Polish city. So, let’s take a look at this three-day Krakow itinerary!
Is 3 days enough time in Krakow?
Since you’re visiting a capital city, you may well be wondering if 3 days really is enough time in Krakow to get to know the city. Well, 3 days is more than enough time to see all of Krakow’s main attractions, as well as sample some of the local cuisine, and even take a day trip. If you prefer to travel at a slower pace, consider setting aside 4 or 5 days to visit Krakow.
Day One in Krakow
Main Square
Begin your Krakow experience by heading into the main square. This is the centre of Krakow life, with plenty of buildings, sculptures, museums and of course, some of Krakow’s best restaurants.
Here are some things to look out for:
- The Cloth Hall: This used to be a fabric trading centre, although nowadays it’s full of shops where you can buy Krakow souvenirs!
- St Mary’s Basilica: This is one of the most renowned historical churches in the city. You can climb to the top for a great view of the main square!
- Town Hall Tower: You can also climb to the top of this tower – perfect if St Mary’s Basilica is too busy.
- Eros Bendato Sculpture: This statue is dubbed “The Head” by locals and tourists, and is a good example of post-modern artwork in Krakow!
You can explore the area at your own leisure or do a guided walking tour to see the city’s highlights. Walkative have tours that explore all of the most significant buildings of the old town, led by knowledgable guides who can make the history of the city come alive. These tours are on a pay as you feel basis, so there’s no upfront cost – but tip generously at the end!
Wawel Castle
From Krakow’s Main Square, it’s a short walk to Wawel Castle. There’s been a castle on this site since back to the Medieval period (around 970 AD) when Krakow was the country’s capital, but the current building at Wawel was built in the 14th century.
It was a royal residence until 1795, but nowadays is open as a tourist attraction. Follow the footsteps of the Polish monarchy and learn about how it operated, while gazing at 12th century castle ruins and impressive architecture. Explore independently, or do a guided tour to learn more about this impressive building.
Lunch at Copernicus Restaurant
This restaurant is located in a hotel right by Wawel Castle, so it’s ideal if you’re hungry after so much historical exploration! With a gorgeous terrace that’s perfect for the summer months, Copernicus Restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience with tasting menus based on Polish royal cuisine.
The Jewish Quarter
Krakow once had a large Jewish population, however, during the Second World War, a huge majority of them were tragically murdered during the Nazi occupation of Poland.
Post-war, many of the remaining Jewish people moved away from Poland, but the small numbers that were left have revived Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter, into a place that reflects their identity and preserves the memory of the Jewish people who lost their lives in World War Two.
You can do guided tours around this area too, but if you want to explore at your own leisure, see the following:
- Jewish Galicia Museum: This depicts the history of the Jewish people in Krakow, with information about their businesses and lifestyle. Book your ticket in advance.
- The Old Synagogue: Dating back over 500 years, this is the oldest in Krakow.
- Ghetto Heroes Square: This moving memorial is in the old Jewish ghetto, where the Jewish residents of Krakow were forced to live before being deported to concentration camps. Nowadays, there’s a poignant memorial made from iron and bronze chairs which represent the empty chairs that the deportees left behind.
Schindler’s Factory Museum
Schindler’s Factory Museum will give you a bit more insight into the horrors of World War Two and how much Krakow was affected. Split into two parts, this museum firstly focuses on Krakow in general during the war.
Then, it continues to look at Oskar Schindler and how he saved 1,200 Jewish people by employing them in his factory, which meant that they were not deported to the death camps. His factory is now the location of the Schindler’s Factory Museum.
You might know a little about Schindler’s story if you’ve read book Schindler’s Arc or watched the Spielberg film, Schindler’s List. However, it’s worth visiting the museum to get a deeper understanding of Schindler as a person and his sacrifice to save as many Jewish people as possible.
Dinner at Orzo
Right next to Schindler’s Factory Museum sits ORZO. This contemporary restaurant has a menu full of delicious meals, including burgers, pizzas and, of course, the house Orzo pasta.
They also offer a range of cocktails and other drinks, so it’s the perfect starting point if you’d like to have a night out visiting some of Krakow’s best bars!
Day Two in Krakow
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a short trip out of the city, but it’s a half-day tour that you can easily do on the morning of your second day in Krakow. One of the oldest salt mines in the world and a UNESCO listed site, this mine is renowned for its elaborate carvings and underground chapels. You can do a full tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow, which includes transport, entrance and hotel drop off.
Krakow Food Tour
In the afternoon, head out on a Krakow food tour! With a local guide, you’ll taste some of the best food in the city, including delicious pierogi (Polish dumplings) and local cheese. Then, you’ll head to a main location where you’ll eat a full Polish meal – just make sure that you come hungry!
Day Three in Krakow
Day trip to Auschwitz
Auschwitz is a difficult place to visit, but it’s a very important spot if you want to get a better understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust in World War Two.
Auschwitz was the largest and most notorious concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Europe during the second world war. Men, women and children from all over the continent were sent here, most to their deaths.
Auschwitz was actually a complex of concentration camps, and tours cover Auschwitz 1 and 2, plus the exhibition about the war in Auschwitz 1.
You can book a tour online at https://visit.auschwitz.org/, although you’ll need to make your own way there if you do (there are direct buses directly from Krakow). Alternatively, you can join a guided tour direct from Krakow.
Zakopane and Tartra Mountains day trip
If you can’t or don’t want to visit Auschwitz, or if you have an extra day in the city, I’d recommend also doing a day (or overnight) trip to Zakopane. This is particularly perfect in winter, as Zakopane is Poland’s winter capital.
However, it’s worth visiting throughout the seasons too. This day trip takes you around the beautiful town and gives you the chance to go up in a cable car over the mountains, try some local cheese and other products, and soak in a spa with gorgeous mountain views!
If you have more than 3 days in Krakow
Kanonicza
One of the most historic streets in Krakow is Kanonicza, which was actually originally part of the hamlet of Okół and was incorporated into Krakow at the turn of the 15th-century. Today, highlights of the street include Baroque and Renaissance architecture and the National Museum – Palace of Bishop Erasmus Ciolek.
Floriańska
Yet another important street in Krakow is Floriańska, which is one of the main streets in the city and slices right through the heart of the old town. During your 3 days in Krakow, you will undoubtedly pass through the street.
St. Florian’s Gate
One of the key highlights of any stroll along St Florian’s Street is the St Florian’s Gate, which dates back to the first half of the 14th century and is a prime example of Gothic architecture in Krakow. The gate is one of the last surviving parts of the historic city walls.
Kraków Barbican
A fortified outpost which was once connected to the city walls (back when the entirety of Krakow was encircled in a defensive wall), the Kraków Barbican leads into the old city. For a fee, you can enter inside and admire the architecture which dates all the way back to the end of the 1400s.
Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
One of the most important churches in Krakow is the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which was constructed between between 1597–1619 by Giovanni Maria Bernardoni. The church is a beautiful blend of Italian architecture meets Polish architecture and orchestra concerts are held in the ecclesiastical building throughout the year.
St Andrew’s Church
Yet another fascinating church worth checking out during your trip is the church of St Andrew’s, which is known in Polish as Kościół św. Andrzeja. Constructed in the Romanesque style, the church dates back to the 11th-century and was once used for defensive purposes.
Rynek Underground Museum
The Rynek Underground Museum is situated directly beneath the market square of the city and takes visitors four metres below the surface of the current city. Exhibitions are all about the medieval history of Krakow.
Where to stay in Krakow
Mundo Hostel merges the atmosphere of a backpacker accommodation with privacy and a slice of luxury, with modern rooms and a large patio with a bar serving fresh Polish beer. It’s ideal if you want to keep prices low and meet like-minded travellers but still enjoy a little P&Q! Check prices and availability here.
Hotel Wentzl is ideal if you want to stay right in the heart of the city – it has views over Market Square. Feel at home as you wake up in one of their cosy rooms, which are decorated in traditional style, and enjoy the sumptuous breakfast buffet each morning. Check prices and availability here.
As the name suggests, Hotel H15 Luxury Palace doesn’t spare anything when it comes to luxury. Enjoy traditional rooms that echo the grandeur of the past while still containing all of the mod-cons you need. There’s a restaurant serving Polish cuisine, a bar and an indoor swimming pool and spa – perfect for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing. Check prices and availability here.
A final note on planning a trip to Warsaw
Krakow is a timeless city that’s absolutely brimming with history. Although it’s gained popularity in recent years as a stag and hen do destination, it has so much more to offer than cheap beer and good nightlife.
One of the most historic cities in Poland, its vibrant culture and history are unmatchable. Three days in Krakow is enough to scratch the surface, but we bet you’ll be planning your next trip as soon as you depart!
Enjoyed reading about how to spend three days in Warsaw? Pin this article now, read it again later:
Claire Martin is a travel blogger and freelance writer who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove around Australia, travelled from Bali to London without flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Claire’s Footsteps.