Krak W Poland 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary: Kraków, Poland

Accommodation: Consider staying in the Kazimierz district for a vibrant atmosphere, or Stare Miasto (Old Town) for historical charm.

  • Recommended Hotels: Hotel Stary**, Hotel Copernicus**, Apartamenty Krakowskie

Transportation:

  • Walking: Kraków is very walkable!
  • Public Transport: Efficient trams and buses connect the city. Purchase a “Kraków Card” for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.
  • Uber/Taxis: Readily available but can be more expensive than public transport.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN) - ATMs are widely available.
  • Language: Polish, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
  • Tipping: 10% is standard for good service.

Day 1: Arrival and Old Town Exploration

  • Arrive at Kraków Airport (KRK). Take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Explore Stare Miasto (Old Town):
    • Visit Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) - the largest medieval square in Europe.
    • Admire St. Mary’s Basilica and its iconic trumpet call every hour.
  • Dinner: Try traditional Polish cuisine at “Restauracja Pod Baranem” or “Restauracja Wentzl.”

Day 2: Wawel Hill and Jewish Quarter

  • Morning: Climb Wawel Hill for breathtaking views of the city. Explore Wawel Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Afternoon: Discover Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter. Visit synagogues, admire street art, and learn about its rich history at the Galicia Jewish Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy a Klezmer concert in Kazimierz for a taste of traditional Jewish music.

Day 3: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Salt Mine

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a sobering reminder of the Holocaust. Allow ample time for reflection (approx. 4-5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved from salt.

Day 4: Relaxation and Local Flavors

  • Morning: Relax in Planty Park, Kraków’s green belt surrounding the Old Town.
  • Afternoon: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Polish dishes like pierogi or bigos.
  • Evening: Enjoy a craft beer tasting at “Browar Piw Pawilonek” or “Cerveceria Cracovia.”

Day 5: Art and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum in Kraków for a glimpse into Polish art history.
  • Afternoon: Explore MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art Kraków) for modern and contemporary works.
  • Evening: Attend a performance at the Kraków Opera or one of the city’s many theaters.

Day 6: Day Trip to Zakopane

  • Take a scenic train ride to Zakopane, a charming mountain town in the Tatra Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views, traditional wooden architecture, and hiking trails.
  • Evening: Return to Kraków and enjoy a farewell dinner at “Pod Wawelem” for panoramic city views.

Day 7: Departure

  • Depart from Kraków Airport (KRK).

Other Things of Interest:

  • Schindler’s Factory Museum: Learn about Oskar Schindler’s heroic efforts during WWII.
  • Wawel Cathedral: Admire the Gothic architecture and tombs of Polish kings.
  • Cloth Hall: Browse souvenirs and admire the Renaissance architecture in Rynek Główny.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Kraków Card for discounts on attractions and public transport.
  • Learn some basic Polish phrases - locals appreciate the effort!
  • Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
  • Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), and kielbasa (sausage).
  • Enjoy Kraków’s vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.