Krakow 2 Day Itinerary

Krakow: A 2-Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the historical highlights of Krakow, aiming to give you a taste of its rich past and culture.

Day 1: Exploring Krakow’s Old Town & Jewish Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), one of Europe’s largest medieval squares.

    • Wander the streets: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and admire the architecture of the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Wawel Castle complex.

  • Where to eat:

    • Breakfast: Try a traditional Polish breakfast at “Cafe Camelot” in the Old Town for a taste of local flavor.
    • Lunch: Indulge in a hearty pierogi meal at “Pierogarnia Magda” - these are Polish dumplings and a must-try!

  • Things to know: The Main Market Square is surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity. Be aware of crowds, especially during peak season.

  • Places to see:

    • St. Mary’s Basilica: Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and admire the intricate stained glass windows.
    • Wawel Castle: Explore the royal palace, cathedral, and dragon’s den (yes, really!) in this historical landmark.
    • Rynek Underground Museum: Discover the fascinating history of Krakow’s medieval marketplace through an archaeological lens.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Wawel Cathedral: A beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it’s a treasure trove of art and history.

  • Explore the underground museum: Learn about the medieval history of Krakow’s Main Market Square.

  • Where to eat: Enjoy a traditional Polish lunch at “Restauracja Pod Wawelem” near the Wawel Castle for a taste of local cuisine.

  • Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride: A classic way to see and experience the beauty of Krakow.

  • Wander through the Cloth Hall: This historic building is a great place to find souvenirs, art, and traditional crafts.

Day 2: Beyond the Old Town & Jewish Quarter

  • Morning: Explore the Wawel Cathedral, an iconic historical landmark with a rich past.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Rynek Underground Museum: This unique museum allows you to delve into the history of the city beneath the surface.
    • Wander through the Planty Park: Enjoy this beautiful green space that surrounds the Old Town.

  • Where to see:

    • Krakow’s Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz): Walk around the charming streets and explore the rich history and culture of Krakow’s Jewish community, including synagogues like “The Old Synagogue” and “Synagoga Tempel”.
    • Schindler’s Factory: A poignant reminder of Krakow’s wartime past, this museum explores the impact of Oskar Schindler’s actions on the city.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner at “Restauracja Starka”, known for its delicious and authentic dishes.

Things to know:

  • Schindler’s Factory:

    • This museum is dedicated to the history of Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust during World War II.
    • It offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial history of Krakow and the impact it had on Jewish people during the war.

  • Schindler’s Factory:

    • A moving experience that helps visitors understand the horrors of the Holocaust and the bravery shown by Schindler, who employed Jewish workers in his factory to save them from deportation and extermination.

Day 2: Things to see & do

  • Visit the Wawel Castle: Explore the opulent chambers and royal treasures of this historical landmark.

  • Explore the history of Krakow’s Jewish community: Learn about their struggles during World War II and the importance of remembering their stories.

  • Things to know:

    • The Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, is a historic district in Krakow with a unique blend of Jewish and Polish culture.

Day 2: Places to eat:

  • Cafe Wawel: Enjoy traditional Polish food and pastries in a beautiful setting.

  • The “Old Town” (Stare Miasto) is a must-see:

    • Admire the stunning architecture and soak up the historical atmosphere.
    • Things to see:
      • The iconic Cloth Hall: A reminder of the bustling trade that once took place in this area.
      • Wawel Cathedral (again!) is a beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the Polish kings and queens.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the “Main Market Square”: This itinerary encourages you to experience the “Wawel Castle” complex and its historical significance, especially in relation to Krakow’s history as a center of trade and culture.

  • Where to stay:

    • Kazimierz:
      • Consider staying in a “hotel” in the charming and historic “Main Market Square” for a unique experience.

The “Wawel Castle”, the historical heart of Krakow, is a must-visit.