Krak W Poland 7 Day Itinerary

Kraków, Poland: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive in Kraków and check-in to your accommodation. Recommended stay: Hotel Pod Różą or Mama’s Home Apartments.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit:
    • Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
    • St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)
    • Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Polish cuisine at Restauracja Pod Baranem. Try their famous pierogi and bigos.

Day 2: Wawel Hill and the Jewish Quarter

  • Morning: Visit:
    • Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska) and Castle (Zamek Królewski)
    • Explore the surrounding Wawel Hill
  • Afternoon: Head to the Kazimierz district, the historic Jewish Quarter. Visit:
    • Remuh Synagogue (Synagoga Remu)
    • Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary Cmentarz Żydowski)
    • Galicia Jewish Museum (Muzeum Galicja)
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Jewish dinner at Alef. Try their delicious falafel and shakshuka.

Day 3: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (approximately 1-hour drive from Kraków).
  • Afternoon: Return to Kraków and visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum (Muzeum Fabryki Schindlera) to learn about Kraków’s history during WWII.
  • Evening: Relax with a stroll along the Vistula River and enjoy dinner at Restauracja U Muniaka.

Day 4: Tyniec Abbey and the Countryside

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Tyniec Abbey (Opactwo Benedyktynów w Tyńcu), a Benedictine monastery from the 11th century.
  • Afternoon: Explore the picturesque Polish countryside. Take a walk or bike ride in the nearby forests.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kuchnia u Doroty, serving modern Polish cuisine.

Day 5: Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zakopane, a charming town in the Tatra Mountains (approximately 2-hour drive from Kraków).
  • Afternoon: Explore Zakopane’s historic center, visit the Morskie Oko lake, and take a funicular ride to the top of Gubalowka Hill.
  • Evening: Return to Kraków and enjoy dinner at Restauracja Czarna Owca.

Day 6: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe) to learn about Polish history, art, and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the contemporary art scene at the Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art (Galeria Sztuki Współczesnej Bunkier).
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restauracja Miód Malina, serving modern Polish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Kraków, bringing back memories of this beautiful city.

Things to Know

  • Language: Polish, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Polish złoty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Weather: Kraków can be chilly, even in summer. Pack layers and comfortable shoes.
  • Safety: Kraków is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Airport: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK)
  • City center: easily accessible by taxi or public transportation (bus/tram)
  • Walking: Kraków’s historic center is pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate on foot.
  • Public transportation: efficient and affordable, with a network of buses and trams.

Tips

  • Buy a Kraków City Card for discounts and free admission to many attractions.
  • Try traditional Polish food at local markets or food stalls.
  • Be respectful when visiting religious sites and museums.
  • Learn some basic Polish phrases to show appreciation for the culture and people.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, and relaxation, giving you a well-rounded experience of Kraków and its surroundings. Enjoy your trip!