Krakow-7-day-itinerary

Krakow 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK) and take a taxi or bus (209, 292) to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel or hostel in the city center. Recommended options include:
  • Evening: Explore the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and enjoy traditional Polish cuisine at:

Day 2: Wawel Hill and the Old Town

  • Morning: Visit Wawel Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Krakow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) and visit:
    • Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
    • St. Mary’s Basilica
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner at:

Day 3: Jewish Quarter and Schindler’s Factory

  • Morning: Explore the historic Kazimierz district, including:
    • Remuh Synagogue
    • Old Jewish Cemetery
    • Galicia Jewish Museum
  • Afternoon: Visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, now a museum showcasing Krakow’s history during WWII.
  • Evening: Try some delicious street food at:

Day 4: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum ( approx. 1-hour drive from Krakow).
  • Afternoon: Return to Krakow and relax at:
    • Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane)
    • Wawel Hill for sunset
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Polish dinner at:

Day 5: Nowa Huta and Mounds

  • Morning: Visit the Nowa Huta district, known for its socialist realism architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) and the Piłsudski Mound (Kopiec Piłsudskiego), offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Evening: Try some local craft beer at:

Day 6: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zakopane (approx. 2-hour drive from Krakow) in the Tatra Mountains.
  • Afternoon: Hike to the top of Gubalowka Hill for breathtaking views or take a funicular ride to the top.
  • Evening: Return to Krakow and enjoy dinner at:

Day 7: Last-Minute Explorations

  • Morning: Visit any attractions you missed earlier, such as:
    • National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe)
    • Krakow Barbican
  • Afternoon: Do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or relax at your accommodation.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at:

Things to Know

  • Language: Polish, but many locals speak English
  • Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)
  • Weather: Krakow can be chilly and rainy, even in summer. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Krakow is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions with your belongings.

Transportation

  • Airport: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK)
  • Public Transport: Bus and tram network (MPK Krakow) or taxi services like Krakow Taxis
  • Walking: Krakow’s historic center is pedestrian-friendly

Tips

  • Buy tickets to popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.
  • Try traditional Polish cuisine, such as pierogi, bigos, and zapiekanka.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn a few basic Polish phrases, like “dziękuję” (thank you) and “przepraszam” (excuse me).

Other Things of Interest

  • Festivals: Krakow Film Festival (May), Krakow Jazz Festival (June), Wawel Festival (July)
  • Day Trips: Wieliczka Salt Mines, Ojców National Park
  • Museums: Czartoryski Museum, Polish Aviation Museum

Remember to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the beauty of Krakow!