Krak W Poland 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Krakow Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on historical and cultural exploration, but can be easily tailored to your interests.

Day 1: Kraków’s Heart & History

  • Morning: Arrive in Kraków. Check into your centrally located accommodation (see “Where to Stay” suggestions).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica, marvel at the Cloth Hall, and climb the Town Hall Tower for stunning views of this central hub. Afterwards, stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, admiring the architecture and exploring:
    • Rynek Glowny: Wander through the bustling stalls of the Cloth Hall, soak in the atmosphere of the square, and check out the Town Hall Tower’s clock, which features a procession of figures representing various virtues.

“Where to Stay” (Options)

  • Hotel:

    • Hotel Stary Krakow: Located in the heart of the Old Town, this charming hotel boasts luxurious rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
    • Grand Hotel Europejski Kraków: A historical landmark offering elegant accommodations and easy access to the city’s main attractions.

  • Hostel:

    • Greg & Tom Hostel: Popular for its friendly atmosphere, central location, and affordable prices.

“Things to do” (in the Old Town)

  • Wander through Wawel Castle: Explore the majestic Royal Palace and Cathedral, witness the stunning views from the Wawel Hill, and delve into the history of Polish royalty.
  • Visit the Kraków Cloth Hall: Witness the impressive medieval architecture and browse the stalls for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

“Where to eat” (in the Old Town)

  • Lunch: Indulge in a hearty “pierogi” lunch at Pierogarnia Krakowiacy - known for its delicious, traditional Polish dumplings with a variety of fillings.
  • Dinner: Enjoy an authentic Polish meal at Restauracja Pod Baranem: This restaurant offers local cuisine like “żurek” (sour rye soup) and “bigos” (hunter’s stew) in a cozy, traditional setting.

Day 2: Jewish Heritage & History of Resistance

  • Morning: Explore the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) and its rich history. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the historic synagogues, and learn about the vibrant Jewish culture that once thrived in Kraków.
  • Afternoon: Take a walking tour focused on the history of Kazimierz and its significance as a center of Jewish life during WWII.

“Where to Eat”: (in the Jewish Quarter)

  • Savor traditional Jewish cuisine at “Milkbar”: Enjoy classic dishes like “żurówka” (Polish sour rye soup) and “pączki” (doughnuts) in a charming setting.
  • Experience the vibrant food scene: After your tour, grab a bite to eat at a milk bar, or “Bar Mleczny”, a unique Polish institution offering affordable and traditional meals.

“Where to Eat” (Other)

  • Indulge in a “zapiekanka”: This open-faced baguette sandwich with melted cheese and toppings is a popular street food option.
  • Enjoy a fine dining experience at “Restauracja Wentzl”: Try their innovative Polish cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 3:

  • Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine: Discover this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, descend deep underground, and be amazed by its intricate sculptures and chapels carved into the salt walls.
  • Enjoy a “zapiekanka” at the market: The Wawel Castle:

Day 4: A Farewell to History

  • Morning: Visit Rynek Underground, a museum showcasing the medieval history of Kraków’s Market Square.
  • Explore: Wander through the Old Town and discover its hidden treasures, such as the Rembrandt Room in the Czartoryski Museum (a must-see for art lovers).

“Things to do” (Other)

  • Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
  • Wander through the historic streets: Explore the charming alleys and squares of Kraków, soaking in the architecture, history, and culture.
  • Enjoy traditional Polish food at the “Milkbar” in the Kazimierz district.

“Things to Remember:

  • Respectful attire: Dress modestly when visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, as it is a memorial site.
  • Photography: Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum, but permitted outside the main exhibition areas.
  • Guided tours: Consider booking a guided tour in advance for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, especially if you are visiting on a specific date.

“Things to know:

  • Respectful attire: While it’s not strictly enforced, wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees is considered respectful when visiting religious sites like churches or synagogues.
  • Currency: The Polish currency is the zloty (PLN). You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels.

Tips for a Great Trip:

  • Visit during the off-season: You’ll find fewer crowds and potentially lower prices if you travel outside of peak season.
  • Learn some Polish phrases: While many people in Krakow speak English, knowing a few basic phrases will go a long way with locals. “Dziękuję” (thank you) and “Przepraszam” (excuse me).
  • Carry cash: Many smaller shops and restaurants in Krakow don’t accept credit cards.

Things to Consider:

  • Transportation: Krakow is a walkable city, but the public transport system is excellent. Use buses and trams to get around easily. Within the city, you can use the “tram”, the “bus”, or even walk.
  • Where to stay: The Old Town is a great place to stay for its central location and charm.

“Things to do” (continued)

  • Visit the Wawel Cathedral: Explore the historical significance of this site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Krakow’s rich history.

**“Things to Eat” (Other)

  • Try “pierogi”, a classic Polish dish that can be enjoyed in many varieties.
  • Sample traditional Polish dishes such as “bigos” (hunter’s stew) and “kielbasa” (sausage).**
  • Enjoy a hearty “zurek” - a sour rye soup, usually served with sausage and boiled eggs, is a great way to experience a Polish classic.

Remember: This itinerary can be tailored to your interests.

For example, if you’re interested in a specific type of history (like WWII history), you can add more details about that.**

Transportation:

  • Public transport: Krakow has an excellent public transport system with buses and trams.
  • Walking: The city is very walkable, especially the Old Town, and walking tours are a popular way to see it.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available but be sure to agree on a price before starting your journey.

“Things to Enjoy” (in Krakow)

  • Explore the Wawel Castle, a historical landmark with stunning architecture and beautiful views of the city.
  • Try traditional “pierogi” in Krakow’s market.
  • Visit the Jewish Quarter: The historic Jewish Quarter is a fascinating place to explore the history and culture of this ancient community.

Things to See:

You can easily find delicious “pierogi” at numerous restaurants and eateries throughout Krakow.

Where to stay:

  • Hotel: Consider staying in the heart of the Old Town for a vibrant experience, or venture out to the charming Kazimierz district.
  • Apartment: For a more immersive stay, rent an apartment in the Old Town.
  • Hostel: Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet other travelers and experience the social side of backpacking.

Bonus:

  • Explore the Wawel Cathedral: Learn about the history of this magnificent building, which has served as a place of worship for centuries.

Remember: This is just a starting point! You can customize the itinerary by adding specific activities that interest you.

Additional Tips:

  • Consider visiting in the evenings: The atmosphere in the Jewish Quarter changes dramatically at night.

  • Enjoy local cuisine:

  • “Zapiekanka” are a great option for a cheap and tasty meal.

  • Try “pierogarnia”: You’ll find these restaurants serving up traditional Polish fare like pierogi (stuffed dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (a hearty sauerkraut stew) in the evenings.

  • Learn some basic Polish phrases: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few words in Polish, like “dzień dobry” (good day) and “dziękuję” (thank you), will be appreciated by locals.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Always stay alert to avoid pickpockets and other crime.

  • Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine: The salt mine is a popular attraction, but it’s also a great place to learn about the history and geology of the region.

Remember:

  • Plan ahead: Book your tickets in advance, especially if visiting during peak season.
  • Take photos: Capture memories of your trip with photos!

“Enjoy “Where to Eat” (continued)

  • “Polski” restaurant:

  • Try the “pierogi” with traditional fillings like potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, or cabbage and meat.

  • Be sure to visit “Wawel” during your stay in Krakow.

  • Pack for the journey: Pack light but smart.

  • Learn about the history: The Old Town:

  • “Enjoy” a variety of traditional Polish dishes:

“Things to consider when exploring”:

  • Respect local customs: This can be a great way to learn about Polish culture and experience the city in a different way.

  • Explore the city’s museums and historical sites:

  • The history of “pierogi”:

  • Learn about “pierogi” and their cultural significance:

Other things you can do:

  • Take a walk through the Old Town: The Jewish Quarter:
  • Visit a traditional “milk bar”, or “Bar Mleczny”, for a taste of local food.

Try “Piernik” (gingerbread cookies)