The Only Krakow Itinerary You Will Need: 4 Days in Krakow under €40 per day

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If you are planning a trip to Krakow Poland, and you need some help in writing a Krakow itinerary, look no further! 

We have put together a simple yet in depth itinerary that you can follow easily or adjust it to suit your preferences.

Also in this itinerary, we cover the best places to stay in Krakow, delicious food that you must try out, and some useful resources and tips that you can use right at the end of the post.

You will get a good mix of visiting the prime spots, medieval Old Town, different neighbourhood and explore nature.

The prices are still kept quite reasonable, and there is such a wide variety of things to do here.

We visited Krakow in October, and felt that it was perfect for the cool weather and small crowds.

If you are staying in Europe, Krakow is the perfect weekend break!

Let’s not wait any longer, so read on to find out more.

• Poland uses the Polish zloty, PLN, and is approximately 3.80 PLN to US1.00
• Timezone: UTC + 1

• 230V, 50Hz AC, 2 round pin sockets
• Tap water is deemed safe to drink, but avoid due to old plumbing

Things to do in Krakow: Save to Google Maps

Here is a Google Map that contains all the places covered in this 4 Days Krakow Itinerary. 

It contains 6 layers, one for each day, and the green icons represent the places to eat. The fifth layer shows the recommended places to stay in red, while the sixth layer shows alternative spots you can visit in purple.

How to use: Take note you will have to be signed in to your Google Account. 

• Click on the map below. It will open up in a new window. 
• If you are signed in to your Google account, the map will be saved automatically.
• Make sure to do this step so that you can easily refer back to the locations even when you are offline.
• Next time, simply open up Google Maps again and find this map under “Your Places” –> “Maps”.

Expert tip: Be sure to download offline maps in Google Maps when you have an internet connection. You might not have data or access to WiFi, and the offline version will come in super handy.

Background about Krakow Poland

Krakow is a beautiful city in Poland, and was its capital up until 1596.

Together with the capital Warsaw, Krakow (or Cracow, pronounced Kra-koff), is one of the most visited places in Poland, for many good reasons. 

It has a deep history, the city is clean and easy to get around, and is filled with stunning old buildings preserved perfectly. 

Back in World War II, Warsaw took the brunt of the bombing campaigns and Krakow was spared. 

Hence, what you see around Krakow today are original architecture dating back over hundreds of years. 

In fact, a little known fact is that evidence of humans populating this area has been dated back to over 50000 years ago! 

Located on the south side of Poland, its Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are certainly no lack of activities for all sorts of visitors. 

Did you know, the Old Town of Krakow is the largest medieval plaza remaining in Europe? It measures 40000 square metres, in other words, HUGE!

For other Poland itinerary, check out this one in Wroclaw!

Also, don’t miss out the list of 10 Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe. Hint: Krakow is in there!

How many days in Krakow?

This is not an easy question to answer, since we love Krakow so much we can easily spends weeks or months here.

But for most people, a long weekend is a good introduction to the city, while we would recommend a minimum of 4 days in Krakow to be able to cover most of the important sites.

Related: 3 days in Warsaw

Getting to Krakow

By Air

Just like the capital Warsaw, there are lots of flights that flies into Krakow, since it is the second largest city in Poland. 

There is a hive of business and tourist activity here, which means you can easily find flights in. 

Whether you are flying in domestically or internationally, you will almost certainly be landing at the new Krakow Airport, also known as John Paul II Krakow-Balice Airport. 

Take note though, some domestic airlines fly into Katowice, which is much further away, so you might want to avoid landing here.

Located just 11 km out of the city center, it makes transfers easy and quick, and there are many options to get you into the city. 

Transfers to City – By Train

For light travellers, the public train and bus services will be good options to head into town. The train will stop at Krakow Main Train Station. 

From the arrival terminal, follow the well marked signs to the train station.

You can choose to purchase a one way ticket for 9 PLN from the following spots: 

• Airport Passenger Terminal, Level 0 (cash/card)
• Train Station Ticket Machine (cash/card)
• On Board the train from conductor (cash only)

Travelling times vary from 19 minutes to 39 minutes, and they run every half an hour only. Make sure to check out the timetables before arrival so that you can plan your train ride accordingly.

First train: 4:45 am; Last train: 12:20 am

• 
  Timetables here
  

Transfers to City – By Bus

Taking the public bus is another easy way to get to the city center. 

In Krakow Airport, there are 2 lines during the day (208, 252) and 1 line (902) during the night to send passengers into town. 

The bus stop is easily found right outside the airport passenger terminal.

Each ride cost 4.60 PLN and takes about 50 minutes to get to the city center. 

Our advice: check out the timetable and figure out where your hotel is located and find the bus line that goes there. 

The great thing is that you can find a bus ride no matter what time you arrive in Krakow as they run almost 24/7. 

• 
  Timetables here
  

Transfer to City – By Taxi or Uber

There are licensed taxis that pick up passengers at the airport terminal exits. 

You can easily see them as their roofs are painted yellow. 

A ride to the city center should cost around 100 PLN, which is the main reason we would avoid using taxis. 

An equivalent Uber ride is roughly half the price, and there are plenty of Uber drivers around to pick you up. 

Just use the app and it will show you the nearest location to meet your driver. 

A ride into town takes around 30 minutes only. 

Transfer to City – Private Transfer

Our preferred way to get to the city center when we have a bit to splurge is to use a private transfer. 

You get the vehicle to yourselves, just like Uber, but usually in a larger vehicle that is more comfortable and can fit more than 1 piece of luggage. 

The driver will be at the arrivals area to welcome you with a sign, so it will be a breeze from touchdown to the hotel. No need to search for bus stops, train stations or pick up spots. 

The price is quite reasonable too, especially if you are sharing with a couple of friends. 

By Train

Trains from all across Europe roll into Krakow Main Station regularly. From popular big cities across the region such as Prague, Budapest, Berlin, you can easily get direct connections to Krakow. 

The trains will reach Krakow Main Station, also known as Kraków Główny Osobowy, which is a short walk over to the Old Town. 

Or you can step outside to take trams or buses to your destination. 

By Bus

Again, you can see that Krakow is very well connected, as numerous bus companies serve this location. 

Players such as Flixbus, Busfor, EuroTicket all compete to bring visitors here. 

Our only experience is with Flixbus, and while we did have a bad incident with them, the overall experience is decent and their prices are very competitive. 

On board the bus, you should be able to access WiFi and free coffee. 

By Car

Driving on Polish roads struck a fear in us initially. 

How are the Polish like? Are they aggressive? Will we be able to hold our own while driving on Poland roads? 

Flashes of bad stuff happening to us appeared regularly before we rented a car, but after all that freaking out, we are happy to report that driving in Poland is really not difficult. 

We were surprised in Krakow when we had a rental car for a day, and the drivers were quite patient and road conditions were excellent. 

Not sure why some people online are spreading the wrong news. 

While we cannot speak for other cities, Krakow is most definitely manageable.

While driving around Krakow is not necessary thanks to the excellent transport system, you can use this option. 

Parking will be a pain in the ass near the Old Town, but overall parking rates are not sky high. 

If you wish to rent a car, be sure to check the link below where you can book from RentalCars. They have cheap rates and mostly offers low cost insurance.

I want to rent a car!

Getting around Krakow

First of all, download the app for the best way to navigate Krakow with public transport. Search for Jakdojade.

Secondly, be aware that there are no metro subways here in Krakow, so the main mode of public transport will be either buses or trams. 

Getting around Krakow is very easy, and tickets for public transport are widely available. Within the Old Town, you won’t be needing any transport since it is pedestrian only.

Most tram and bus stops will have a ticket machine, or you can simply buy them on board the transport you are taking. Some newsstands sell it too. 

The machines accept cash or credit card, and can be configured to display English, so it makes life easy for you!

The same ticket can be used for both trams and buses, and are based on time limits, which means that you can make unlimited transfers as long as it is within the time span: 

• 20 minutes – 3.40 PLN
• 50 minutes – 4.60 PLN
• 90 minutes – 6 PLN
• 24 hours – 15 PLN
• 48 hours – 28 PLN
• 72 hours – 42 PLN

If you intend to use the public transport quite a bit and are likely to visit some museums, consider getting the Krakow Card instead. 

For either 2 or 3 days, you can have unlimited use on public transport and get free entry into 40 attractions across the city. 

It really gives a good value as there are many popular sites included, such as:

• Oskar’s Schindler Factory
• Main Market Underground Museum
• Town Hall Tower
• St Mary’s Church
• National Museum

Pick up the card from the airport information counter and you can start using it right away. 

Get yours from the link down below!

Where is the best place to stay in Krakow Poland?

We feel that it is better to stay just outside of Old Town, as it can get quite busy and rowdy at times, especially at night.

Unfortunately, there are occasions when a bunch of noisy irritants descend on the city to celebrate a stag night. 

Totally uncool to see drunks on the beer bikes parading through the streets. 

We have shortlisted a few places for you to consider, across a range of budget. 

Budget: B&B Hotel Krakow Centrum, 178 PLN per night

Located right across the Vistula River from Wawel Castle, just outside of the Old Town, this bed and breakfast is an excellent choice for budget travellers who are not interested to squeeze in at hostels. 

Besides the excellent location, it comes with useful amenities such as free WiFi and a daily buffet breakfast. More money saved!

Book B&B Hotel Krakow Centrum here!

Mid range: Wonder Cracow, 496 PLN per night

This is an apartment that is right in the middle of the action. 

400 metres away from the Wawel Castle, it also gives you easy access to the Old Town and trendy Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, 

Comes with free breakfast and a kitchen, you can easily prepare light meals to bring on the go too.

Although it is central, it is not affected by street noises, making it our preferred pick for Krakow!

Book Wonder Cracow here!

Luxury: Sheraton Grand Krakow, 887 PLN per night

Commanding a great view across the Old Town and the Vistula River, choose the Deluxe Suite at the Sheraton to the utmost pampering. 

The rooms are huge, and tastefully designed.

In the hotel, you will also find an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre as well as 4 excellent bars and restaurants.

Book Sheraton Grand Krakow here!

If all else fails, try out the search box below to find the perfect accommodation for you. 

Booking.com is our preferred booking platform as they consistently offers the lowest rates among its competitors, and once you join the Genius program, you get extra discounts!

By the way, you can really support our site by booking through our links, as there is ZERO cost to you, but it gives us a small commission to maintain the site.

Booking.com

Krakow Itinerary: Basic Budget Required

• Accommodation: 180 PLN, twin sharing
• Food: 50 PLN, 2 meals, breakfast in hotel
• Transport: 12 PLN
• Total per person per day: 152 PLN, or US$36

Krakow Itinerary 1 Day

Stary Kleparz Market

Start the day early and visit this historical covered market right on the outskirts of Krakow Old Town. 

While it is not the largest market around, Stary Kleparz does offer a huge variety of local produce, from fruits and vegetables to meat shops. 

There are a few small shops selling delicious local food, offering you an insight of the daily lives of a local Pole. 

Be sure to get an apple or two, for the Polish are famous for them!

Start time: 8.00 am
Address: Rynek Kleparski, 31-150 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Take the tram and alight at Stary Kleparz stop. Tram services 2, 4, 14, 20, 24, 64 and 69 all goes here.
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 7 am – 3 pm; Sunday 8 am – 3 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

Barbican of Krakow

As you approach the Old Town from Stary Kleparz, you will be greeted by this medieval outpost that served as the entrance to the city. 

Back in the days, there were a series of defensive barriers that surrounded the royal city, and the Barbican is one of the few remaining ones today. 

It was built in Gothic style, and at its thickest measures more than a whopping 3 metres, earning itself a name for being impenetrable. 

At the top of the Barbican is an observation area, where you can visit and get a view not unlike the lookouts who used to man the Barbican, or the 130 archers who took up positions here.

In its history, it had twice defended the royal city from invaders, and you can learn more about its history when it becomes an outdoor museum from April to October.

Start time: 9.00 am
Address: Basztowa, 30-547 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 5 minutes walk from Stary Kleparz
Fee: Free to view from outside, 12 PLN for the exhibition during the months of April to October. Covered by Krakow Card. 
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 6 pm, closed during November to March
Time spent here: 1 hour

St Florian’s Gate

Otherwise known as Florianska Gate, this is the original entrance to the royal city, separated from the Barbican by a moat.

Together with the Barbican, this is one of the remaining structures that formed the city’s defences that is still around today.

Back then, the Florian Gate was when royal processions started, walking along Florianska Street and eventually reaching Wawel Castle. 

Underneath the Tower of the gate, there remains a unique altar that can be easily missed. Be sure to have a look at this piece of history that is so closely tied to the city of Krakow. 

There are also 2 smaller towers beside the gate, and you can explore them further if you have purchased tickets to the Barbican. 

Start time: 10.00 am
Address: 30-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 1 minute walk from the Barbican
Fee: Free to view from outside, 12 PLN for the exhibition during the months of April to October. Covered by Krakow Card. 
Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 6 pm, closed during November to March
Time spent here: 30 minutes

Florianska Street

The main thoroughfare of the Old Town, this is where most visitors will end up, with a mish mash of merchants plying their trade on either side of its cobbled stone street.

As is the case for most Old Towns, the street is now a mixture of old meets new, where you can find many modern brands such as Starbucks, but also see the medieval buildings and metal signs that adorn its facade. 

One of Krakow’s oldest cafes, Kawiarni, lies curiously underground, and is worth a visit for a cup of coffee and to explore its traditional insides. 

Take some time to wander around Florianska and explore the charming side streets.

Start time: 10.30 am
Address: 30-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Right outside St Florian’s Gate
Fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Time spent here: 1 hour

Krakow Old Town

Rynek Glowny – The Main Market Square

After exploring parts of the Old Town, you will inevitably find your way to the Main Market Square, the largest of its kind in all of Europe. 

To say that it is impressive is an understatement, and it is here where the majority of the events take place. 

Surrounding it are beautiful colourful and classic townhouses, together with some of the best spots to enjoy a nice meal or drink. Prices are hefty though, but it is worth it for the experience. 

During the winter season, the Main Market Square turns into one of the most beautiful of Christmas markets in Europe. 

Out of winter, it remains an important part of the locals’ lives, and you must spend some time here to understand its historical significance. 

There are a considerable amount of buildings and monuments around the Market Square, and you should not miss out: 

• Pod Obrazem Mansion, where it has a painting of Our Lady on its facade
• Monument to Adam Mickiewicz

Start time: 11.45 am
Address: Rynek Glowny, Krakow
Getting here: 10 minutes walk along Florianska Street
Fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Time spent here: 1 hour

Lunch at Restauracja Morskie Oko

Take a short walk over to this local Polish restaurant facing Plac Szczepański. 

Whether you choose to sit indoors or outside, you will be well treated by the excellent and patient staff, and the restaurant serves up delicious local cuisine. 

Morskie Oko is set in a medieval building, and you dine in classic wooden tables. Inside, the design makes it look like you are dining in a rustic log cabin!

Be sure to try out pierogies and the skewers are absolutely to die for!

Start time: 1 pm
Address: Plac Szczepański 8, 31-011 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 4 minutes from Rynek Glowny
Fee: From 17 PLN
Opening hours: Daily 12 pm – 12 midnight
Time spent here: 1 hour

Town Hall Tower

Now that you have your fill, it’s time to explore more of what Old Town has to offer. 

Check out the Town Hall Tower, a red brick tower that was built way back in the 14th century. 

To reach the top, you will need to climb up 110 steps, but don’t scoff at it, for the steps are quite steep. 

When you reach the top, you will find that the original clock machinery is still in place, and there are numerous photos that tells its story. 

Unfortunately, due to its design where there are only small windows, you cannot really see much of the area around you. 

Learning about its unique past and witnessing the Gothic interior was good enough for us though. 

While you are out of the Tower, you are likely not to miss a giant head on its side, the Eros Bendato. It’s a piece of art donated to the city and is now on display here.

Start time: 2.10 pm
Address: Rynek Główny 1, 30-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 4 minutes from Morskie Oko
Fee: 9 PLN, free on Monday. Covered by Krakow Card
Opening hours: April to October, 10:30 am – 6 pm, November to December, 12 pm – 6 pm, closed the rest of the year
Time spent here: 1 hour

Krakow Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall, or locally known as Sukiennice, is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, and is an integral piece of the Market Square. 

Taking up a large part of the Square, the Cloth Hall was an important market place for traders back in the 14th century. 

During its 700 plus years of existence, it has been threatened by fire, but painstakingly restored by builders who redesigned it in Renaissance style. 

You can say that this is the oldest shopping mall in the world today.

On both ends of the Cloth Hall, you will find Gargoyles designed by Santi Gucci overlooking the pedestrian street that runs underneath.

Today, you should visit it to hunt down unique hand made trinkets, all sold at a reasonable price.

Start time: 3.15 pm
Address: Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Right in front of the Town Hall Tower
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

St Mary’s Basilica

Yet another hallmark of Krakow Old Town Square, St Mary’s Basilica is an imposing twin tower that follows the same red brick design as the Town Hall Tower. 

In one of the two towers sitting on top, you will see a crowd gather every hour to hear the bugle call (hejnal mariacki). They call it the Bugle Tower.

Don’t be surprised if you realise that the tune is being cut off abruptly, as it is paying tribute to the bugler who was shot while trying to warn of the Mongol invaders.

It is here where you can get the best view of Old Town, as you ascend the Bugle Tower. 

Both the Bugle and Bell Towers are open to the public, but strict admission rules apply. 

While the views are fantastic, what will catch your attention are definitely the tall wooden altarpiece combined with the brilliant stained glass on its ceilings. 

Absolutely magnificent. 

Next to St Mary’s is a small stone church, St Adalbert’s Church, which has a 1000 year history. Consider popping in for a look too. 

Start time: 4.20 pm
Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Right in front of the Cloth Hall
Fee: Bugle Tower: 15 PLN; Bell Tower: 15 PLN. Covered by Krakow Card.
Opening hours: 
Bugle Tower:
April to October, Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday, 1:10 pm – 5:30 pm; March,
November, December, Tuesday to Saturday, 9:10 am – 11:30 am and 1:10 pm – 5:30 pm.
Closed at all other times
Bell Tower: by appointment only at small office beside the Basilica, April to October only
Time spent here: 1 hour

Rynek Underground

Right below the Main Market Square lies this behemoth of a museum. 

Built in 2010, the Rynek Underground Museum has quickly become one of the most popular ones in Krakow, and it showcases excavated merchants’ stalls from the Middle Ages.

We did not manage to visit it, but have heard some good reviews about it.

What we do know is that the entrance is on one side of the Cloth Hall, while the ticket counter is on the other end of Cloth Hall, for reasons unknown to us!

Start time: 5.30 pm
Address: Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Access from Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica end
Fee: 19 PLN. Covered by Krakow Card
Opening hours: 
April to October, Monday, 10 am – 8 pm; Tuesday, 10 am – 4 pm; Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm;
November to March, Wednesday to Monday, 10 am – 8 pm; Tuesday 10 am – 4 pm
Time spent here: 2 hours

Dinner at Sioux

Not far away from the Main Market Square is Sioux, serving up delicious steaks in a country barn style setting. 

The proportions are big enough to feed two, so you might want to consider sharing, especially if you are in a group. 

Start time: 7.45 pm
Address: Rynek Główny 22, 31-008 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 1 minute walk over from Cloth Hall
Fee: From 44 PLN for mains
Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 11:30 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

4 Days in Krakow: Day 2

Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp

We decided to put this day trip on day 2, which gives you time to put things into perspective after your visit, and you will need almost a full day here.

There are so many stories being told about the horrors of the Auschwitz concentration camp, but you really have to be there to feel the true sense of the atrocities committed. 

Initially, we struggled to decide if we wanted to do this trip, as it seems to depressing of an activity to undertake while on a holiday. 

But eventually, we felt that we should include it in our Krakow itinerary as we really wanted to understand more about this historic event and place.

It didn’t disappoint. 

We know of people who got really emotional during and after their visit, and it’s not hard to see why. 

While we are not Jews and we do not have any family or friends involved in the war, we could feel the pain and suffering of those affected. 

It is a tragic story in our history, and the takeaway should strongly be one of peace and no more of this BS. 

We booked a shared transport from a company who then hooked us up with a guide there. 

Although our ears struggled to understand the guide at times, our eyes did not miss out the exhibits, especially the haunting railway track where the people arriving were dealt their fate.

To keep it short, this is a must do while you are in Krakow, since it is the nearest major city away from Oswiecim, the town where the Auschwitz and Birkenau sites are located.

Also, be sure to pack a sandwich or you can buy some food at the cafeteria during your visit. The timings are quite tight, so you will not have time to sit down for a meal. 

In time to come, we will write a more detailed post about our day trip to Auschwitz, so keep a lookout for that.

Start time: 9 am
Address: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
Getting here: 1.5 hours from Krakow
Fee: 130 PLN
Opening hours: Opens at 7.30 am
Time spent here: 7 hours, approximate

3 Days in Krakow: Day 3

St Joseph Church

On the third day of the itinerary, we need to start off early, as there is quite a fair bit to cover today. 

Begin by making your way to the St Joseph Church, otherwise known as Église Saint-Joseph, which sits on the gentle hills in the district of Podgorze.

The district is actually one of our favourite places to hang out, as it doesn’t get too crowded and there are lots of cool bars to check out.

Talking about this particular church, we feel that it is pretty symbolic of the kind of architecture that one can expect to run into while in Krakow. 

This neo-gothic design is stunning, and the placement of the church facing the Rynek Podgorski enhances its aura. 

With a wide open frontage, you can easily take some beautiful pictures while admiring this century old masterpiece. 

Tip: there is a lovely cafe along the right side of the triangular square (back facing church). We cannot remember the name, but it should be Rynek Podgorski 4. Fresh brew coffee and yummy cakes for breakfast!

Start time: 8 am
Address: Zamoyskiego 2, 30-523 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Get onto a tram and alight at Korona station, which is steps away from Rynek Podgorski. From here, you will be able to see the church.
Fee: Free
Opening hours: You can only enter half an hour before and after mass, check the schedule here.
Time spent here: 30 – 60 minutes, if you include time for breakfast

Jewish Ghetto Heroes Square

When you get here, you will notice something peculiar: there are lots of iron and bronze chairs dispersed around the Ghetto Heroes Square, 33 to be precise. 

They are here as a symbol of the tragedy faced by the Jews during World War II, as this is the heart of the Krakow Jewish Ghetto, an area where Jews were imprisoned. 

During this period of terror, there was one non Jewish inhabitant here, a pharmacist named Tadeusz Pankiewicz. 

His Eagle pharmacy helped countless Jews with medical aid, and you can still see it today on one side of the square. It is now a museum showcasing some of the artefacts left behind from those days. 

Take note the museum is covered by the Krakow Card.

Start time: 9 am
Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta 30-001, 30-547 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 10 minutes walk from St Joseph Church
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 30 minutes

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

Surely you have heard of Schindler’s List, an epic movie from 1993 about the story of how one man saved over a thousand Jews. 

Well, that was based on a true story, and on this stop, you get to learn more about the man behind it: Oskar Schindler. 

During the World War, Oskar was a businessman, and he owned an enamel factory. He used this factory to employ Jews, effectively saving them from certain death. 

Today, the Oskar Schindler Factory has been converted into a museum, and you can learn about the story of Krakow during Nazi occupation. 

Also, there is a contemporary art museum MOCAK, next door, which is open to public too.

You can explore the museum on your own, or get a guide to bring you around.

Start time: 10 am
Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 10 minutes walk from Ghetto Hero’s Square
Fee: 24 PLN, free on Mondays. Covered by Krakow Card
Opening hours:
November to March, Monday, 10 am – 2 pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
April to October, Monday, 10 am – 4 pm (till 2 pm on first Monday of the month), Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 8 pm
Time spent here: 1.5 hours

Walk through Podgorze to Lunch Spot

If you are not too hungry yet, we would suggest you take a walk to the Jewish Quarter through the Podgorze district, probably via Piwna Street.

But if you are, skip this section and take a Uber straight to the lunch place described in the next section. 

This is a great chance to look at a local neighbourhood and there are some cool street art waiting to be discovered here. 

One of those that you simply cannot miss is the aptly named Ding Dong Dumb, a painting of a bell on a side of a building that drew a lot of controversy when it was unveiled in 2011. 

It is said to illustrate the relationship between the people and the Catholic Church, where it seems to use the giant bell to influence and control the people. 

Right in front of the mural, you will find another piece of street art in the form of a seesaw, with a horse head on each end.

Crossing the Father Bernatek’s Bridge will bring you close to the lunch spot.

On this bridge, you will find some interesting art installations, in the form of acrobats on cables. They actually move when the wind picks up. Pretty cool!

Start time: 11.30 am
Address: Piwna 3A, 33-332 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 10 minutes walk from Oskar Schindler’s Factory
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 30 minutes

Lunch at Marchewka z Groszkiem

The food here is so good we end up returning a few times! 

Fresh and delicious local fare, served by well trained staff, there’s really nothing much we can ask for at our favourite restaurant in Krakow, conveniently located in Kazimierz.

Bonus: we would describe the price of the food here as below average, which makes it wallet friendly as well!  

Beer lovers will appreciate Marchewka too, as there is a huge variety of craft and local beer at very reasonable prices.

Start time: 12.10 pm
Address: Mostowa 2, 31-061 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 10 minutes walk from Ding Dong Dumb
Fee: From 15 PLN
Opening hours: Daily 9 am – 10 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

Explore Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is the most enigmatic and eclectic district in Krakow, and it is not hard to see why when you walk through its alleys. 

You can immediately tell that it looks different from the rest of Krakow, with its vibe and cultural throwback to the Jewish community that lived here, this is a place you definitely cannot miss out when in Krakow. 

On Wide Street (Ulica Szeroka), the Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga) is ever present as it towers across the neighbourhood. 

Move on to Jewish Square (Plac Nowy) where it is surrounded by lovely traditional houses, amidst some of the hippest cafes. You should also try out a zapiekanka, a Polish pizza baguette!

Those interested in history should visit the Jewish Galicia Museum, that shows the lives of Polish Jews.

Just wander around and get lost, you will explore more in this way, and the quarter is small enough not to tire you out. 

Start time: 1.15 pm
Address: Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz
Getting here: Start walking from Marchewka restaurant
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 2 hours

Wawel Castle and its surrounds

Within a short walk from Kazimierz, from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, you will reach the compounds of Wawel Castle. 

But before walking up the slopes up, take a slight detour to check out the fire breathing Wawel Dragon, Smok Wawelski. 

The Dragon of Wawel Hill sits at the bottom of the hill, within a park that straddles the Vistula River.

On a clear day, it is an excellent day to take a walk along the riverfront, but today we are here to witness the fire show that happens every few minutes (sorry we did not time it!). 

Proceed on to Wawel Castle after the show, the crown jewel of Krakow. 

This amazing Castle is the most important landmark to Krakow, and to a large extent, represents Poland as a national monument. 

There is a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered, and you can do so on the grounds of the castle, or within it where you can find the opulent State Rooms and Crown Treasury. 

To really complete the whole Wawel Castle complex, you would need a day or two, but as there is a time constraint, walking the grounds of Wawel Hill and choosing a couple of main attractions will be your best option.

To save yourself the hassle, you should consider signing up for a guided tour, as you get a guide plus priority access to exhibits that would normally require advanced bookings. 

Start time: 3.30 pm
Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 15 minutes walk from Kazimierz
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Lots of different timings, check here.
Time spent here: 2.5 hours

Kanonicza Street

From Wawel Castle, head over to Old Town. 

Wander around Kanonicza Street, the oldest street in Krakow and the last stretch of the Royal processions before they ascend to Wawel Castle.

This short street will knock you off your feet with its medieval charm, blessed with classic Baroque and Renaissance designs.

Start time: 6 pm
Address: Kanonicza Street
Getting here: 3 minutes walk from Wawel Castle
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 10 minutes

Grodzka Street

Make a right turn to get over to Grodzka Street, where you can find 2 beloved churches here, Saints Peter and Paul Church and St Andrews Church. 

They are quite rare examples of Romanesque architecture in Poland as most of them have been destroyed, but these are some of the best preserved ones. 

Along Grodzka Street is also where you can find numerous restaurants and cafes, making it one of the liveliest streets in Old Town.

Start time: 6.10 pm
Address: Grodzka Street
Getting here: 1 minute walk from Kanonicza
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 15 minutes

Dinner at Pod Aniolami Restaurant

Right along the busy Grodzka Street, you will find Pod Aniolami, and excellent local cuisine restaurant. 

Very nice atmosphere, where the interior is made up of stone archways, giving it a historic vibe.

While it is not the cheapest around, the quality and taste more than makes up for it. Be sure to try out the grill here, that’s their specialty.

Start time: 6.30 pm
Address: Grodzka 35, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 1 minute walk from Grodzka
Fee: From 32 PLN
Opening hours: Daily 12 pm – 11 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

Krakow Itinerary 4 Days: Day 4

Tytano

If Budapest has ruins bars, Krakow has Tytano, a lifestyle complex that took over a cluster of old buildings and turned them into a hip place to hang out. 

Come early for breakfast, where there are many good options such as the Veganic Restaurant and Mr Pancake. 

If you are feeling brave enough, you can check out a milk bar right at the end of the street, Bar mleczny Górnik. 

Start time: 9 am
Address: Dolnych Młynów 10, 33-332 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: Take a tram to Batorego stop, then walk 4 minutes to Tytano
Fee: From 15 PLN
Opening hours: Daily 9 am till late
Time spent here: 1 hour

Related: 2 Days in Budapest Itinerary

Krakow Zoo

We did not have a chance to explore the Krakow Zoo, but our friends told us it was fun and filled with some pretty animals like giraffes, jaguars and elephants.

It is clean and easy to navigate, and we did see lots of families with children when we passed by on our way to Pilsudski’s Mound. 

Lunch should be taken in the zoo’s cafe, or you can consider packing a picnic along with you. 

If you find it difficult to get here on your own, you can consider a transport service that includes the tickets. You will get picked up from your hotel with return service.

Start time: 10 am
Address: Aleja Kasy Oszczędności Miasta Krakowa 14, 30-232 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 12 minutes walk from Tytano to Cracovia Blonia bus station and take service 134 direct to zoo entrance
Fee: 18 PLN
Opening hours: Daily 9 am till late
Time spent here: 2 – 3 hours

Pilsudski’s Mound

From the bus stop at the Krakow Zoo, you can take a leisurely walk through the wooded area of La Wolski forest to reach Pilsudski’s Mound. 

This particular mound receives much less attention than Kosciuszko Mound, hence it is so much more peaceful and totally not crowded at all.

The walk from the zoo takes less than an hour, and there are lots of opportunities to side track and explore the forest. 

If you are knowledgeable, you can pick mushrooms off the forest floor, or simply take in the fresh air and lovely environment. 

During the walk, you will also circumvent the zoo, which gives you a glimpse of some of the animals living in here.

Pilsudski’s Mound may come across as a peculiar landmark, together with the other 3 mounds across Krakow, as they look like inverted bowls with lines drawn around them. 

But whatever impression you might have, visiting one is a must, as they are tributes to important figures in Polish history.

Pilsudski’s Mound is the highest at 383 metres above sea level, and offers a panoramic view across the city of Krakow.

If you are lucky, you can actually make out the Tatra Mountains in the distance.

We suggest packing a picnic along with you where there are lots of open green spaces to relax and enjoy your lunch. 

Start time: 10 am
Address: Kopiec Piłsudskiego, 30-001 Kraków, Poland
Getting here: 45 minutes walk from Krakow Zoo
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 2.5 hours 

There is still time in the afternoon to explore more of Krakow, and here are some that you can consider, or even use them to replace the ones above. We will add these into the Google Map too, using a new layer named “Alternative Spots”

• Wawel Cathedral
• St Stanislaus Church at Skalka
• Galeria Krakowsak (huge shopping mall)
• Krakus Mound
• Hunt down craft beer pubs
• Liban Quarry
• Nowa Huta district, remnant of Soviet Era
• Pope John Paul monuments and sites
• Fragment of Ghetto Wall
• Day trips from Krakow: Zakopane 

Related: 9 Amazing Things to do in Zakopane

Guided Tour Options

In case you wish to explore some guided tour options, here are our recommendations. 

Krakow Itinerary: Is Krakow worth visiting?

Lucky you, to be able to visit Krakow, as it is one of our favourite cities in Europe, where we had a blast and made good friends. We know you are going to love it.

We are already planning a return trip there with our friends, so that should tell you how much we love Krakow.

Are you visiting Krakow soon or already been there? Tell us what you thought about it too! Remember to check out our Resources page for all your pre-trip planning needs!

Hopefully you found these travel tips useful, and enjoy Krakow!

Be sure to share this itinerary with your friends on social media and pin it to Pinterest!

Logistics before visiting Krakow Poland

Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.

Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities in Krakow.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you.
All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.