Quick Summary
- Explore Europe's largest medieval Main Market Square
- Marvel at St. Mary's Basilica and its Gothic altarpiece
- Walk through the medieval Floriańska Gate and Barbican
- Discover the royal Wawel Castle and Cathedral
- Wander the atmospheric Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
- Tour the powerful Schindler's Factory museum
- Descend into the UNESCO Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Visit the deeply moving Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
- Climb Krakus Mound for panoramic sunset views
Three days in Krakow is the sweet spot for a first visit to Poland's royal city. It gives you enough time to explore the medieval grandeur of the Old Town, discover the moving history and creative energy of Kazimierz and Podgórze, and take two unmissable day trips — the magical underground world of Wieliczka Salt Mine and the profoundly important Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial — all without feeling rushed.
This itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic local experiences, from the Gothic splendor of St. Mary's Basilica to the zapiekanki stalls of Plac Nowy, from the royal tapestries of Wawel Castle to the underground salt chapels of Wieliczka. Day 1 covers the Old Town and Wawel, Day 2 explores Kazimierz and Podgórze, and Day 3 takes you to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that bookend the spectrum of human achievement — the artistic wonder of Wieliczka and the solemn memorial of Auschwitz.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Explore the best of Krakow's Old Town from the Main Market Square through the medieval fortifications to the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle, finishing with a walk through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town in the evening.
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
Start Day 1 at the Main Market Square. Arrive early at 8:00 AM to photograph Europe's largest medieval town square in the morning light. Grab an obwarzanek from a blue street cart, listen for the Hejnał trumpet call, and soak in the atmosphere before the tour groups arrive.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Early morning (8-9 AM) or evening for atmosphere
Nearby Food
- Café Noworolski
- Wierzynek Restaurant
- Obwarzanek street carts
Pro Tips
- Morning golden hour light makes for the best photographs of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's
- Have breakfast at Café Noworolski or grab an obwarzanek and coffee from a cart
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
Rynek Główny, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)
Cross the square to St. Mary's Basilica. Purchase your ticket at the office on Plac Mariacki and enter to see the breathtaking blue-and-gold star-painted ceiling and the world's largest medieval wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss. The interior is one of the most stunning church interiors in all of Europe.
Details
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM (tourist visits) (Closed: Sunday morning (services only))
- Entry: Indians 15 zł, Foreigners 15 zł
- Best Time: Morning when the altarpiece opens at 11:50 AM
Nearby Food
- Café Camelot
- Hawełka Restaurant
- Pod Aniołami
Pro Tips
- Tickets are sold at the small office around the right side of the church
- No photography inside — take your time to absorb the artistry
St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)
Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
Step inside the Cloth Hall to browse the ground-floor market stalls selling amber jewelry, hand-painted wooden boxes, and traditional Polish handicrafts. Pick up souvenirs and optionally visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art upstairs.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Market: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Gallery: Tue-Sun 10 AM - 6 PM (Closed: Gallery closed Mondays)
- Entry: Indians Market: Free; Gallery: 25 zł, Foreigners Market: Free; Gallery: 25 zł
- Best Time: Morning when stalls are fully stocked
Nearby Food
- Café Szał in the Cloth Hall
- Noworolski Café
- Chimera Salad Bar
Pro Tips
- Prices are fixed at most stalls — bargaining is not expected
- Hand-carved wooden chess sets and amber pendants make great gifts
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Floriańska Gate & Barbican
Walk north along ulica Floriańska to the medieval Floriańska Gate, the only surviving gate from Krakow's original city walls. Continue through the narrow neck passage to the Barbican, a magnificent circular Gothic fortress. Explore the defensive structure and walk through the Planty park that traces the old city walls.
Details
- Hours: Daily (April-October), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed: November-March (exterior visible))
- Entry: Indians Barbican: 12 zł; Gate: 9 zł, Foreigners Barbican: 12 zł; Gate: 9 zł
- Best Time: Morning
Nearby Food
- Jama Michalika Cafe
- Bunkier Café
- Street vendors along Planty
Pro Tips
- Ulica Floriańska is lined with shops and galleries — great for browsing on the way
- The Barbican is open April-October; in winter you can admire it from outside
Floriańska Gate & Barbican
Basztowa, 31-154 Kraków, Poland
Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral
Walk south along the Royal Road to Wawel Hill. Spend the afternoon exploring the Wawel Royal Castle — visit the State Rooms to see the Flemish tapestries, tour the Crown Treasury and Armoury, and enter the Cathedral where Polish kings were crowned. Admire the gilded Sigismund Chapel and descend through the Dragon's Den to the fire-breathing dragon statue on the riverbank.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (varies by season) (Closed: Monday (grounds open))
- Entry: Indians Grounds: Free; State Rooms: 30 zł; Cathedral: Free (museum 14 zł), Foreigners Grounds: Free; State Rooms: 30 zł; Cathedral: Free (museum 14 zł)
- Best Time: Morning (9:30-12 PM) before tickets sell out
Nearby Food
- Pod Wawelem Restaurant
- Café Europejska
- Smok Wawelski food trucks
Pro Tips
- Book tickets online at wawel.krakow.pl to avoid queues
- The State Rooms and Crown Treasury are the two must-see exhibitions
Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral
Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Wawel Cathedral & Royal Tombs
Visit Wawel Cathedral, Poland's most important church. Enter the nave for free, then purchase a ticket for the royal tombs, museum, and bell tower. Descend into the crypts where Polish kings and national heroes rest, and climb the tower to see the massive Sigismund Bell.
Details
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Entry: Indians Cathedral: Free; Museum + tombs + bell: 14 zł, Foreigners Cathedral: Free; Museum + tombs + bell: 14 zł
- Best Time: After visiting the castle
Nearby Food
- Pod Wawelem Restaurant
- Restauracja Wentzl
Pro Tips
- The cathedral itself is free — only the museum, tombs, and tower require a 14 zł ticket
- Touching the Sigismund Bell clapper is said to bring good luck
Wawel Cathedral & Royal Tombs
Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Where to Eat
Café Noworolski or Main Square street carts
Cafe breakfast or street food
10-40 zł
Try: Obwarzanek, Polish coffee, Sernik (cheesecake)
Pod Aniołami or Chimera Salad Bar
Traditional Polish cuisine
30-70 zł
Try: Pierogi, Żurek, Kotlet schabowy
Restauracja Wentzl or Miód Malina
Fine Polish dining
60-120 zł
Try: Roast duck, Bigos (hunter's stew), Polish mead
Discover Krakow's most atmospheric neighborhoods: the historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with its synagogues, street art, and street food, then cross the river to Podgórze for Schindler's Factory, Ghetto Heroes Square, and sunset views from Krakus Mound.
Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga)
Start Day 2 at the Old Synagogue on ulica Szeroka. Explore the museum dedicated to Krakow's Jewish history and culture. Cross the street to visit the Remuh Synagogue and its hauntingly beautiful Renaissance-era cemetery.
Details
- Hours: Monday 10 AM - 2 PM, Tue-Sun 9 AM - 5 PM, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed: First Tuesday of month)
- Entry: Indians 15 zł, Foreigners 15 zł
- Best Time: Morning for quiet contemplation
Nearby Food
- Ariel Restaurant
- Klezmer-Hois
- Szalom Restaurant
Pro Tips
- Begin at the Old Synagogue to get context for the rest of Kazimierz
- Men need to cover their heads in the synagogues — paper kippot are provided
Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga)
Ulica Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków, Poland
Plac Nowy & Kazimierz Street Art Walk
Walk to Plac Nowy for Krakow's most iconic street food. Order a classic zapiekanka from the Okrąglak's half-moon windows. Then explore the surrounding streets — walk along ulica Józefa for street art, browse vintage shops, and peek into independent galleries.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Zapiekanki stalls 10 AM - late night
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Late morning for food and shopping, evening for nightlife
Nearby Food
- Okrąglak zapiekanki
- Hamsa Hummus & Happiness
- Starka Restaurant
Pro Tips
- Pick the shortest queue at the zapiekanki stalls — quality is similar at all of them
- Ulica Józefa has the best concentration of street art and vintage shops
Plac Nowy & Kazimierz Street Art Walk
Plac Nowy, 31-056 Kraków, Poland
Schindler's Factory (Fabryka Schindlera)
Cross the Vistula to Podgórze and visit Schindler's Factory. The permanent exhibition is an immersive and deeply moving experience through multimedia installations and personal artifacts. Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully absorb this essential museum.
Details
- Hours: Monday 10 AM - 2 PM (free), Tue-Sun 9 AM - 8 PM, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed: First Tuesday of month)
- Entry: Indians 32 zł (Tue-Sun); Free on Mondays, Foreigners 32 zł (Tue-Sun); Free on Mondays
- Best Time: Early afternoon to avoid school groups
Nearby Food
- Krakow Bistro
- Bunkier Café Podgórze
- Drukarnia Restaurant
Pro Tips
- Book tickets online at bilety.mhk.pl at least 2-3 days in advance
- Allow 1.5-2 hours minimum — rushing does this museum a disservice
Schindler's Factory (Fabryka Schindlera)
Ulica Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland
Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta)
Walk to Ghetto Heroes Square. Stand among the 70 empty metal chairs memorializing deported Jewish families. Visit the Eagle Pharmacy museum to learn about the Polish pharmacist who secretly aided ghetto residents. Walk to ulica Lwowska to see a preserved fragment of the original ghetto wall.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Afternoon for quiet reflection
Nearby Food
- Krakow Bistro
- Bunkier Café
Pro Tips
- This is a place for quiet reflection — be respectful
- The Eagle Pharmacy museum (14 zł) provides essential context
Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta)
Plac Bohaterów Getta, 30-547 Kraków, Poland
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)
End Day 2 with a sunset hike up Krakus Mound. The 5-minute climb rewards you with a 360-degree panorama — the Old Town skyline, Wawel Castle, the Vistula River, and on clear days, the Tatra Mountains. Bring a zapiekanka and a Polish beer from Kazimierz for a sunset picnic.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Sunset for the most dramatic views
Nearby Food
- Bring a picnic from Kazimierz
- Food trucks at the base in summer
Pro Tips
- Grab takeaway food and drinks from Kazimierz before heading up
- The climb is steep but short — wear comfortable shoes
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)
Kopiec Krakusa, 30-555 Kraków, Poland
Where to Eat
Bagelmama or Kazimierz cafes
Cafe breakfast
15-35 zł
Try: Bagels, Shakshuka, Polish coffee
Plac Nowy zapiekanki / Hamsa
Street food / Middle Eastern
15-45 zł
Try: Zapiekanka, Hummus platters, Polish kielbasa
Starka or Klezmer-Hois
Polish-Jewish cuisine
45-100 zł
Try: Jewish-style carp, Duck with apples, Live klezmer music
A full day dedicated to two of Poland's most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the magical underground world of Wieliczka Salt Mine in the morning and the profoundly moving Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in the afternoon.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka)
Take the early bus 304 from Krakow (30 minutes) to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Join the guided tour that descends 135 metres underground through 20 chambers carved entirely from salt. The Chapel of St. Kinga is the jaw-dropping highlight — a vast underground church with salt chandeliers, altars, and relief sculptures. The tour covers 3.5 km over about 2 hours.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM (varies by season)
- Entry: Indians 100-120 zł (tourist route), Foreigners 100-120 zł (tourist route)
- Best Time: First tour of the day (8:00-8:30 AM) to avoid crowds
Nearby Food
- Underground restaurant in the mine
- Cafes in Wieliczka town center
Pro Tips
- Book tickets online in advance — tours fill up in peak season
- Wear warm clothes — it is a constant 14°C underground regardless of the weather above
Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka)
Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Travel from Wieliczka back to Krakow and join an organized afternoon tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau (1.5-hour drive). Alternatively, take the bus from Krakow bus station to Oświęcim. Visit Auschwitz I with its infamous gate, exhibition blocks, and gas chamber, then take the free shuttle to the vast Birkenau extermination camp. This is one of the most emotionally challenging but essential experiences in Europe.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (varies by season) (Closed: January 1, Easter Sunday, December 25)
- Entry: Indians Free (individual); Guided tour: 75-85 zł, Foreigners Free (individual); Guided tour: 75-85 zł
- Best Time: Afternoon (if combining with Wieliczka in the morning)
Nearby Food
- Cafeteria at the visitor center
- Restaurants in Oświęcim town
Pro Tips
- Book an organized tour from Krakow (120-180 zł) for the easiest logistics — they handle transport and entry
- Alternatively, take the bus from Krakow MDA bus station (14 zł, 1.5 hours) and visit independently (free with pre-booked timed entry)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
Where to Eat
Hotel breakfast or Krakow bakery
Quick breakfast before early departure
10-30 zł
Try: Drożdżówka (sweet bun), Coffee, Kanapka (sandwich)
Underground restaurant at Wieliczka or packed lunch
Mine restaurant / Packed lunch
20-50 zł
Try: Traditional Polish soup, Pierogi
Pod Aniołami or Szara Gęś
Traditional Polish fine dining
60-140 zł
Try: Roast duck, Wild boar, Tatar (steak tartare)
Pro Tips for Your Trip
Book Day 3 Tours in Advance
Both Wieliczka Salt Mine tours and Auschwitz-Birkenau visits require advance booking, especially May-September. Book Wieliczka at wieliczka-saltmine.com and Auschwitz at auschwitz.org or through an organized tour operator at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
Consider an Organized Day 3 Tour
Several operators offer combined Wieliczka + Auschwitz day trips from Krakow (400-500 zł). While long, this covers both UNESCO sites in one day with transport included. Alternatively, do one in the morning and one in the afternoon independently.
Zakopane Alternative for Day 3
If the Auschwitz visit feels too emotionally heavy, swap the afternoon for a half-day trip to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains (2-hour drive). Enjoy mountain scenery, take the funicular to Gubałówka Hill, and try oscypek cheese and grilled kielbasa from street vendors.
Dress for the Underground
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a constant 14°C underground, regardless of summer temperatures above. Bring a warm layer even in July. Wear comfortable shoes — the tourist route covers 3.5 km with 800 steps. At Auschwitz, Birkenau is mostly outdoors with no shade — bring water and sun protection in summer.
Budget for Entry Fees on Day 3
Day 3 is the most expensive day: Wieliczka Salt Mine (100-120 zł), Auschwitz guided tour (75-85 zł or 120-180 zł with organized transport), plus bus/transport costs. Total budget 200-350 zł for the day. Consider carrying cash as some buses accept cash only.
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Written by
Krakow Itinerary Team
A team of Krakow travel experts and long-term residents passionate about sharing the best of Poland's royal city. With over a decade of combined experience exploring every corner from the Old Town to Nowa Huta, we know Krakow inside out.
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