Poland 5 Day Itinerary

5 Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charm of Poland

This itinerary focuses on Krakow, a historical and cultural hub in Poland.

Things to know:

  • Language: Polish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Polish currency is the złoty (PLN).
  • Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter brings a magical snowy atmosphere but colder temperatures.

Day 1: Krakow’s Heartbeat

  • Morning: Arrive in Krakow (Kraków Balice Airport - KRK).
  • Transportation: Take a train from the airport to the city center. Krakow has excellent train connections.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval square in Europe.
    • Marvel at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and its history as a bustling trading center.
    • Visit St. Mary’s Basilica, a stunning Gothic cathedral with a fascinating astronomical clock.
    • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner in the historic Old Town, with dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, or bigos (hunter’s stew).

Day 2: Echoes of History

  • Morning: Tour the Royal Castle of Wawel, learn about the history of the Polish monarchy and explore the breathtaking cathedral.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), immersing yourself in its vibrant history and culture. Visit the Synagogue in Krakow’s Kazimierz district, or the Old Jewish Cemetery for a unique historical experience.

Day 3: Salt Mine and Auschwitz

  • Morning: Journey to the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine (Wieliczka, Poland), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its labyrinthine chambers, chapels, and underground world.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. This sobering experience allows for reflection on the horrors of the Holocaust at the infamous concentration camp.

Day 4: Krakow’s Charm

  • Morning: Stroll through the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, exploring the charming streets, historic synagogues (Old Synagogue is a must!), and unique shops.
  • Afternoon: Visit Rynek Kleiberów Square in Kazimierz for an afternoon of people-watching and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
  • Evening: Relax at a traditional milk bar (Bar Mleczny) in Krakow for a taste of authentic Polish cuisine in a casual setting.

Day 5: Krakow’s Culture and History

  • Morning: Explore the Old Town of Krakow, a charming area with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene. Visit the Wawel Cathedral to see the stunning tombs of Polish monarchs and beautiful stained glass windows.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Wawel Castle Museum, which showcases the history and treasures of the Polish monarchy.
  • Evening: Enjoy a final traditional Polish dinner (perhaps some pierogi!), while savoring the memories of your journey through Krakow’s rich history.

Visa Requirements:

For most nationalities, including citizens of the European Union, Schengen Area countries, and those with a valid residence permit in a Schengen country, a visa is not required to visit Poland.

Visa-Free Entry:

  • Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and those with a valid Schengen visa can enter Poland without needing a separate visa.

Travel Tips:

  • Currency: While the złoty is the official currency, it’s wise to have some Euros for initial expenses until you can exchange them for local currency.
  • Transportation: The best way to experience Krakow is on foot! Explore the charming Old Town and wander through the city’s historical center.

Things to Remember:

  • Currency exchange: While Poland is part of the European Union, it hasn’t yet adopted the Euro. Exchange bureaus are readily available in the city.
  • Polish language: Learning a few basic Polish phrases like “dzień dobry” (good morning), “dziękuję” (thank you) and “przepraszam” (excuse me) will be helpful for interacting with locals who may not speak English.

Things to Consider:

  • Public transport: While convenient, it’s good to have some local currency on hand for public transport within Krakow.
  • Language barrier: Many younger Poles in cities like Krakow speak English well due to the city’s popularity among tourists.
  • Food and drinks: It’s a good idea to try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (hunter’s stew).

Enjoy your journey through Krakow!