Krakow 6 Day Itinerary

Krakow: A 6-Day Itinerary

This itinerary aims to showcase the best of Krakow’s historical and cultural attractions, with a focus on variety and flexibility. You can adjust it based on your interests and energy levels.

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Krakow (KRK airport). Transfer to your accommodation in the Old Town via taxi, Uber, or public transport (airport buses/trains are available).

  • Afternoon: Explore the charming Main Market Square, the heart of Krakow.

    • Things to know:
      • The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.
      • Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restauracja Pod Wawelem, known for its traditional Polish cuisine and stunning views of Wawel Castle.

Day 2: Jewish Quarter & Krakow History

  • Morning: Visit the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), a vibrant neighborhood with historic synagogues, museums, and restaurants. Explore the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum.

    • Things to know:
      • The Old Jewish Quarter is also a historical center for Krakow’s Jewish community.
      • Consider visiting Schindler’s Factory, a powerful museum and memorial located in the former enamel factory owned by Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of many Jews during the Holocaust.

  • Afternoon: Take a walk through Planty Park, a beautiful green space surrounding the Old Town.

  • Evening: Have dinner at Ariel Restaurant in Kazimierz, known for its Jewish-inspired cuisine and lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

  • Morning/Afternoon: Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. This is a crucial part of any Krakow visit, offering deep reflection on this dark period in history.
  • Things to know:

    • This trip will be emotionally challenging. Be prepared for a day of reflection and remembrance.

    • Allow ample time for the visit, as it is a large complex and requires several hours to explore properly.

    • Consider joining a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the site’s history.

Day 4: Wawel Castle & Royal History

  • Morning: Explore Wawel Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Polish royalty.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Wawel Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and learn about its historical significance as a place of worship and coronation for Polish monarchs.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restauracja “Pod Baranem” (The Golden Horn Restaurant) for delicious Polish cuisine in a beautiful setting.

  • Things to know:

    • The Cathedral is located within the walls of Wawel Castle and is a must-see historical landmark.

Day 5: Salt Mines & Zakopane

  • Day trip: Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a unique and fascinating underground world, renowned for its breathtaking salt sculptures and chapels.

  • Things to know:

    • The mine is located in the town of Wieliczka, just outside Krakow.

  • Accommodation:

    • This trip will likely take a full day, so consider staying at a hotel near the city center to maximize your time exploring Krakow’s other attractions.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Polish meal with a live music experience at Restauracja “Restauracja (Restaurant) name:

    • Explore the market square, visit the Cloth Hall, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Krakow’s Old Town.

Day 6: Relaxation & Culture

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the historic streets and cafes of Krakow.

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax and enjoy a delicious meal at Restauracja “Restauracja Starka”, known for its Polish dishes with a modern twist.
    • Visit Krakow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) and explore its charming squares, historic churches, and bustling market scene.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restauracja “Wierzynek”, a renowned restaurant that has hosted many dignitaries throughout history.

Accommodation options:

  • Budget: Hostel Krakow, Greg & Tom Hostel
  • Mid-range: Hotel Wentzl, Hotel Kazimierz, Hotel Stary Kraków
  • Luxury: Hotel Podwawelskie, Hotel Wawel Hill, Hotel St. George

Transportation:

  • From the airport: Public transportation options include buses (e.g., “Krakow Airport Bus” - Krakow Airport website) and taxis.

  • Within Krakow:

    • Public Transport: Krakow has a comprehensive public transport system with trams, buses, and a train to the city center. The tram network is efficient and connects most of the city’s main attractions.
    • Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the charming streets and alleys of Krakow’s Old Town.

Food:

  • Krakow offers a variety of traditional Polish dishes.

Try these restaurants: * Pierogarnia Krakowiacy: For delicious Polish pierogi (dumplings) in a cozy atmosphere. * Restauracja “Pod Baranem”: Authentic Polish cuisine with a rustic charm. * Milkbar Tomaszewski: A traditional milk bar (Bar Mleczny), offering a nostalgic taste of Poland’s past.

Other Restaurants:

  • Restauracja “Pod Wawelem”: Traditional dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

  • Walking: The mine is a great place to experience the history and culture of Krakow, as it offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past. *

Things to consider for your itinerary:

  • Time of year: Krakow has four distinct seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather but can be busy with tourists. Summer is peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Winter is beautiful but cold - the salt mine may be a great option for a cold day!
  • Interests: Tailor your itinerary to your own interests.

Other potential activities:

  • Visit Wawel Castle: Explore the stunning architecture of this historical landmark and learn about its role as the seat of Polish power.

    • Explore Wawel Cathedral: See the elaborate tombs, chapels, and stained glass windows of this historic church.

  • Enjoy a traditional Polish meal: Try pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls) in a local “milk bar” for an authentic taste of Krakow’s history.

Other potential activities:

  • Wander through the Old Town: Discover the charm of the medieval city center, including the Cloth Hall and Wawel Castle

  • Experience the Jewish Quarter: Explore the synagogues, museums, and cemeteries to learn about the Jewish heritage in Krakow.

  • Explore the Rynek Główny: This is a must-see for any visitor to Krakow.

Tips:

  • Book tickets for the Salt Mines online in advance: This will save you time and money.

  • Learn some basic Polish phrases: Even if it’s just “dzień dobry” (good morning) and “dziękuję” (thank you), a little effort to learn the local language will go a long way.

  • Try a traditional Polish dish like pierogi or bigos: These are both delicious and filling, and will help you to experience the local culture.

  • Embrace the Traditional Cuisine:

    • “Pierogarnia Krakowiacy” is a great place to try a variety of traditional food in Krakow.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: The Jewish Museum, Schindler’s Factory, and the Wawel Cathedral are all located within the Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) and offer a glimpse into the city’s tumultuous past. *

  • Book a table at a restaurant:

    • “Milkbar” restaurants often serve delicious traditional Polish food at affordable prices.

  • Visit Wawel Cathedral:

    • Explore the history of Krakow’s Jewish community, which was once a thriving center in the city.

  • Explore the Old Town:

    • Wawel Cathedral: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the tower.

    • Wawel Castle:

      • Learn about the history of the building: The “Milkbar” is a great place to visit and learn about the history of Krakow’s iconic landmarks.
      • Try the traditional Polish food at “Pod Milkbar”: This popular restaurant in Wawel offers a variety of dishes, including pierogi.

Other considerations for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau:

  • Allow ample time: The museum is large and requires a significant amount of time to properly experience.

  • Respect the solemnity of the place: Remember that this is a site where millions were murdered and murdered.

  • Learn about the history of the Holocaust:

  • Consider visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Krakow: The museum offers a poignant reflection on the horrors experienced by those imprisoned at the camp.

Enjoy “The Wawel Hill”:

  • Visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum: A moving museum that tells the story of Oskar Schindler and his efforts to save Jewish lives.
  • Take a guided tour: The museum has many complex exhibits, and a guide can help you understand them better.
  • Reflect on the past: Allow yourself time to reflect on the experiences of those who were imprisoned at the camp.

Remember the history of the “Auschwitz-Birkenau” museum:

  • Research the history:

Familiarize yourself with the historical context before visiting.

  • Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: Learn about the complex history of the site and the experiences of those who were imprisoned there.

  • Remember to reflect: Remember the lives lost and the horrors they faced, but also remember that it’s a story of resilience and hope.

Enjoy the city:

  • Explore Wawel Castle’s beautiful gardens and courtyards.
  • Visit the Old Town Square (Rynek Główny) for its iconic architecture and bustling atmosphere.
  • Wander through the historic Jewish Quarter and visit the Schindler’s Factory.

This is just a starting point, of course. You can adjust it to your own interests and time constraints by:

  • Choosing a specific period in Krakow’s history to focus on.
  • Adding or removing days for other activities.

Remember:

  • Krakow is a city with a rich and complex history.
  • The “Wawel Hill” is a great place to start your exploration of the city’s past, as it offers stunning views and historical significance.

Enjoy your trip!