Krakow Itinerary Guide

Krakow Itinerary Guide

Find the perfect trip plan for Poland's royal city, from quick getaways to a complete three-day exploration

Planning a trip to Krakow? You've come to the right place. Whether you have just one day or a long weekend, our detailed itineraries will help you experience the best of Poland's most enchanting city.

Krakow is Poland's cultural capital and a city of extraordinary beauty. Medieval Gothic churches stand beside Renaissance palaces and Art Nouveau facades. Traditional milk bars serving 10 zł pierogi sit around the corner from Michelin-worthy restaurants. Ancient underground chambers are a short drive from the bustling old town.

Our itineraries are crafted from firsthand experience. Each plan includes must-visit attractions, the best food stops, budget breakdowns in PLN, transport tips, and insider recommendations to make your Krakow trip unforgettable.

Choose Your Itinerary

1 Day

1-Day Krakow Itinerary

Cover the essential highlights in a single action-packed day. Main Market Square in the morning, St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall, Wawel Castle after lunch, and pierogi in Kazimierz for dinner.

Best for: Layovers, quick city breaks
Main Market SquareSt. Mary's BasilicaWawel CastleKazimierz
Budget: 200-400 złRead More
2 DaysPopular

2-Day Krakow Itinerary

A perfect weekend covering the Old Town and Wawel Castle on day one, then Kazimierz Jewish Quarter and Wieliczka Salt Mine on day two. Time for both landmarks and food trails.

Best for: Weekend trips
Old Town Royal RouteWawel CastleKazimierzWieliczka Salt Mine
Budget: 500-900 złRead More
3 Days

3-Day Krakow Itinerary

The full Krakow experience. Old Town landmarks, Kazimierz exploration, plus a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial or Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, with time for museums and deep neighborhood walks.

Best for: Complete experience
Auschwitz-BirkenauWieliczka Salt MineSchindler's FactoryNowa Huta
Budget: 800-1,500 złRead More

Compare Itineraries

Feature1 Day2 DaysPopular3 Days
Best ForLayovers, quick city breaksWeekend getawaysComplete experience
Key HighlightsOld Town, Wawel, KazimierzOld Town + Wieliczka Salt MineEverything + Auschwitz/Zakopane
Day TripsNoWieliczka Salt MineAuschwitz or Zakopane
Budget per person (PLN)200-400 zł500-900 zł800-1,500 zł

Explore Our Krakow Guides

🏰

Wawel Castle Guide

Royal chambers, cathedral, Dragon's Den, and visiting tips.

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🏛️

Main Market Square Guide

Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, and the heart of medieval Krakow.

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⛪

St. Mary's Basilica Guide

Gothic masterpiece with the famous Hejnal trumpet call.

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✡️

Kazimierz Guide

Jewish Quarter history, food scene, and vibrant nightlife.

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🥟

Food Guide

Pierogi, zapiekanka, obwarzanek, and 50+ must-try spots.

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💰

Budget Guide

Detailed cost breakdowns and money-saving tips in PLN.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Krakow is April to June and September to October when temperatures are comfortable at 12-25°C with mild weather and manageable crowds. May and June offer the longest days and blooming greenery. July and August are warm (20-30°C) but peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. Winter (December-February) is cold (-5 to 3°C) but magical with Christmas markets, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Avoid November and March when the weather is grey and damp.
We recommend 2-3 days as the ideal duration for Krakow. Two days lets you cover the Old Town, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz Jewish Quarter. Three days adds time for day trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau. Even one day can cover the highlights if you plan efficiently — Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, Wawel Castle, and a walk through Kazimierz can all be done in a packed day.
Yes, Krakow is one of the safest cities in Europe for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare and the city center is well-lit and busy even late at night. Exercise standard urban precautions: watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like the Main Market Square and on trams, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of overcharging at some taxi stands near the train station. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene and is generally very walkable.
Budget travelers can spend 150-250 zł/day with hostel dorms, street food like obwarzanki and zapiekanki, and walking everywhere. Mid-range is 400-700 zł/day with 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, and museum entries. Luxury travelers should budget 1,000+ zł/day for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private tours. Krakow is significantly cheaper than Western European cities, making it excellent value for money.
Poland is part of the Schengen Area, so citizens of the EU/EEA can enter freely with a valid ID card. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. If you require a Schengen visa, apply at the Polish consulate in your country at least 3 weeks before travel.

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