Krakow Itinerary: The Perfect 3-Day Plan (2026)

The best months for visiting are from July-September. These are when Krakow experiences moderately warm summers, whilst avoiding June which is the wettest month. Krakow receives little rain anyway, so even in June it’s not quite like Southeast Asian monsoon season. Throughout the year it receives a lot of cloud cover and average temperatures range from -3°C to 19°C. 

Your experience here will vary by season:

• Summer (June-August): The hottest months (but not unbearable). They’re also tourist peak season with the highest prices, but a great atmosphere at night.
• Winter (December-February): The cheapest months, but Polish winters can be punishing. I love Christmas time though, when there’s a festive atmosphere in central Krakow. Much quieter for tourism.
• Spring/early autumn (March-May + September): The best balance with comfortable weather, decent prices, and not too many crowds.

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In terms of tourism, peak season is undeniably in the warmer months (from June until September). More outdoor activities are offered such as sky bars and waterparks. Yet the city is enchanting and romantic during the winter months. In these months there are much fewer crowds, lower rates and a more relaxed, cozy ambiance. 

I suggest you visit in the spring when you get a balance between okay weather, and great value for money, plus the Planty Park ignites with life, and more outdoor activities are open. Arriving in summer (but not rainy June) is more expensive and crowded, but the best for weather.

Travelling to Krakow? Then plan yo’ trip the smart way! With a Krakow City Pass, you can experience the best of Krakow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive! Buy Your Pass NOW!

Krakow is a relatively small city, extending a mere 18km between its Northern and Southern perimeters. Yet, within these perimeters lies trendy medieval areas that offer all you’ll need in just a stone’s throw from your hotel! 

Looking for the best place to stay in Krakow in 3 days? This Krakow Itinerary particularly recommends the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. In this trendy area, creatives are abundant and this will be evident in all the innovative art galleries that are dispersed here. 

Given Krakow’s tumultuous history, Kazimierz also provides a sanctuary for Jews whereby Judaism flourishes freely. This area will prove to be the best for nightlife as well as gastronomy – the city’s top-rated restaurants all fall in this area! 

Best Hostel in Krakow – Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel 

Every night’s a party here! This unique hostel provides social-life, free breakfast, dinner and even free beer hour! The hostel is perfectly located in the Old Town, a 2-minute walk from the Main Square! You won’t have to delay the fun by waiting for public transport on your night out, because all the clubs are within a walkable distance!

If you prefer to stay in hostels, browse your options using our guide to the best hostels in Krakow.

Best Airbnb in Krakow: Apartment Steps Away from the Old Market

Piotr’s apartment is cosy, and right in a great spot. Communication’s easy, and Piotr gives you all the info you need. The place is spacious, nicely decorated, and exactly where you want to be. It has all the comforts, and the shower is great.

I spent 3 nights here and it was wonderful! I was even able to leave my luggage for free after checking out, which is a rarity for Airbnbs. It’s bang in the centre of Krakow, so barely a few minutes from the main square.

Best Budget Hotel in Krakow – Hotel Krakowiak

I loved staying here because it’s a budget-friendly option that’s easy to reach from the airport. Cheap and cheerful is just what we like! They even let me use the washing machine here to do my laundry.

The vibe is a little old school and dated, but when everything is clean, staff are friendly, and it’s cheap, what more could you want? Okay, location could definitely be more central, but for the price I’d say the pros outweigh the cons by some distance.

Best Luxury Hotel in Krakow – Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery By Sofitel

Only a 5-minute walk from the Main Square, this luxurious hotel is situated in the Old Town. Each room provides high-end cosmetics and a Nespresso coffee machine too. The hotel has a lounge bar, an international restaurant, and a lovely breakfast buffet every morning. You’ll also be able to unwind in the on-site spa with indoor swimming pools!

Krakow is great for a 2-3 day trip, although I’d extend that to 5-6 days if you’re a digital nomad who needs to work and travel at a slower pace.

Most attractions are walkable, but if you’re feeling fancy then you can always hop in a carriage with a horse taking you around! For a slightly more boring option, buses, trams, Bolt and Uber also exist here.

Day 1 is all about the main landmarks and atmosphere of the city. Day 2 covers history, WWII, and Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter which suffered greatly during the Holocaust. Day 3 will take you a little further afield so you can see what Poland has to offer just outside the Krakow area.

Hiring a car in Krakow is a brilliant way to explore this magical city. Having your own wheels to get around on gives you the ultimate freedom to explore where you want and when. If you can convince a few mates to join you, it’s actually a pretty affordable way to get around. We used DiscoverCars.com to book our rental car, and they were awesome. You can compare prices and reviews from various companies and also sort your insurance through them, too.

Rynek | St. Mary’s Basilica | Wawel Castle | Planty Park | Hotel Stary Sky Bar

If you only intend on spending one day in Krakow, then you’ve got to experience all the main attractions. Today will be a comprehensive and insightful day that allows you to explore all the key tenets of the city, while still enjoying a bit of fun and greenery! 

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Rynek 

At a Glance

• Known for: It is one of the oldest medieval town squares in Europe.
• Cost: Free!
• Best for: City breakers, architecture appreciators, foodies, and just people who love vibey places.
• Time needed: Under 3 hours
• Food nearby: Eat home-made chocolate, jam and bread for breakfast at French Charlotte’s Breakfast (have some Prosecco too because it’s never too early!)

Also regarded as the Main Square/Market Hall, Rynek was erected in the mid-1200s! Its architectural finesse is impressive and makes it a great first destination to begin exploring the city. The square is and was utilised for its grounds to conduct national celebrations, but it was also the site of public executions! 

Today it is the main meeting point for locals and tourists alike. It gets extremely populated in the morning and around lunch-time, so you’ll instantly see the vibrant life of the city on your first stop! There’s always a lot going on. During my first trip I visited at Easter time, and they had a big Easter market. Poland is a very budget-friendly destination, but the pork sandwich I had here certainly was not!

Rynek is situated in Krakow’s Old Town which has been inscribed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cultural sites! This is due to how all the facades of the buildings have been preserved. 

Take a walk around the square’s open-plan exterior and if walking isn’t your forte, why not exude royalty by riding on a horse wagon? It’ll cost you €45-100+ (you can haggle down), but you’ll feel like you’re living in Medieval times. That is, until you trot past esteemed global shops such as Zara, where you’ll have to jump off and purchase a few items! 

The massive building centrally located in Rynek is the 16th century Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and you can visit it to purchase traditional Polish souvenirs such as jewellery and rugs. 

Day 1 / Stop 2 – St. Mary’s Basilica 

• Known for: It is the prototype of Polish Gothic architecture!
• Cost: $5 USD (regular) .
• Best for: Travellers looking to learn about the local Catholic religion.
• Time needed: 15-30 minutes.
• Food nearby: Eat traditionally Polish cuisine at Szara Resto & Bar. 

What this Krakow Itinerary loves is the convenience of reaching destinations in the city! Saint Mary’s Basilica is a 13th-century Brick Gothic church that lies directly adjacent to the market hall. 

Its Bugle tower is one of the tallest structures in Krakow, reaching 80m! It exceeds the height of a 17-storey building in the city with a height of 65m. There are two different towers, both with different heights, and one being higher than the other. 

You should explore both the interior and exterior of the Church as both aspects deserve to be admired. The interior is adorned with a wooden altar that is celebrated as Poland’s most marvellous piece of Gothic artistry.

Upon completion of exploring the interior, climb up to the top of the tower! The two towers are segmented into a Bugle Tower (taller tower), as well as a Bell Tower. Tours are offered for both towers, as well as the interior.

Take note however that there are separate fees to pay for the Basilica, as well as each tower, which have admission costs of just under $4 USD each. For such a small price, you’ll be afforded the most exquisite views of the city and the surrounding hills. Do note that you can only climb up on a clear day and mostly in Summer. I only recommend it during a good sunset.

Insider Tip: Try visiting the Church closer to the nearest hour to hear the bugle sounding/calling that occurs every hour. 

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Wawel Castle 

• Known for: Ancient Polish Kings once lived here!
• Cost: $3-27 USD (depends on what you want to see).
• Best for: A bit of culture and history.
• Time needed: 2-4 hours.
• Food nearby: Eat a combination of Polish and Italian cuisine at the nearby Trattoria Wawel.

From the church, walk down Grodzka Street to the settlement of the first Polish ruler, Mieszko I, to Wawel Castle up on the hill! It was once the residence of King Casimir III the Great and other famed Polish Kings at the period when Krakow was the ancient capital of Poland! This status of being the capital terminated in 1596, when Warsaw took its title. 

My favourite thing here isn’t even inside the castle. The Wawel Dragon stands on the nearby path, and every few minutes, a stream of fire will come from its mouth! Don’t stand too close, as you can feel the heat, even though the dragon’s mouth is several metres above ground level. It’s free to witness this spectacle, and you don’t need to have tickets for the castle.

Today, the Castle acts as Krakow’s most valued symbolic and historic site, whereby permanent exhibitions are held on the second floor of the castle. This is called the Wawel Royal Castle State Art Collection, a national cultural establishment. The objective of the castle is to conserve historical artifacts that denote the essence of Polish heritage and history. 

You have to pay separately for each area you visit. Prices start from $3 USD for the Royal Gardens, going up to $27 USD for the 1st and 2nd floor of the castle combined.

Insider Tip: Depending on your travel dates, it’s always good to know that there is free entry to the castle every Monday between April and October between 9:30am – 13:00pm. For the rest of the year, November until March, free entry is granted between 10:00am – 16:00 on Sundays.  

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Planty Park 

• Known for: Several monuments of Polish historical figures.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: A nice relaxing stop.
• Time needed: 1 hour.
• Food nearby: Eat traditional Polish cuisine at Szara Resto & Bar. 

The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is enclosed by shady greenery! From Wawel Castle, you’ll be at the Southernmost part of the Planty. It is one of the city’s largest parks. It comprises of distinct gardens that are each unique. It serves as a retreat and oasis from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and is conveniently accessible from all sections of the Old Town. 

It’s more of a quiet stroll than a standout activity that will become the highlight of your trip. This is a nice spot to slow things down a little.

Within the boundaries of the park in the old town, Krakow’s most renowned destinations can be found – so this is a great vantage point to just relax after exploring the Old Town. Take a stroll around the Park and admire all the fountains, ponds and statues that pay homage to notable Polish historical figures. 

Once you’ve finished your walk-about of the park, head toward the Vistula River – an ecological Krakow landmark. You can also gather groceries from a nearby food shop named Zabka which is a quick 5-minute walk away. 

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Have Sundowners at Hotel Stary Sky Bar

• Known for: You’ll be having drinks at the winner of the Paris’ Prestigious Prix Villegiature Award for Hotel Design! 
• Cost: Free to walk around, drink prices vary! 
• Best for: A nice way to end the day – couples especially will enjoy this!
• Time needed: 1+ hours.
• Food nearby: Eat traditional Polish cuisine at the Hotel Stary’s restaurant in the lobby, 3 Rybki.

What could possibly be better than having a cocktail on the terrace of a 15th-century Merchant House replica? Well, the award-winning Hotel Stary, centrally located in the Old Town provides spectacular views of the Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica on its rooftop terrace/bar. 

It’s a romantic stop, great for winding down after a fun day of adventures. The views are fantastic, but it’s only open from April-October each year.

You simply have to try their cocktails, even if you share one! The view from the top is breathtaking, with a mix of Gothic Churches, golden spires and the luscious greenery of the nearby Planty Park! It truly pays tribute to Krakow’s essence in its 360-degree view of it. If your finances permit, we suggest you try their delicious desserts and if not, order any of their Polish brews, Zywiec. 

Jewish Ghetto | Jagiellonian University | Old Synagogue | Schindler’s Factory

Our itinerary for 2 days in Krakow is pretty intense. With such a widespread and troubled past, the Holocaust needs to be commemorated respectfully. Today we will invite you into some of the oldest structures in the city (and continent), and engage with the travesty that was the Holocaust. 

I will admit, it’s pretty harrowing learning about everything that happened. Infamous concentration camp Auschwitz isn’t far from here, and many residents of Krakow ended up there. On this day it’s important to learn about wartime Krakow’s bleak history. It will be much heavier than day 1, and certainly less enjoyable, but far more memorable.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Kazimierz And The Jewish Ghetto in Podgorze

• Known for: Remnants of the original Ghetto and Holocaust still remain here.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Learning about the dark side of Europe’s history.
• Time needed: I recommend a 2-3 hour walking tour.
• Food nearby: Indulge in the finest Israeli/Jewish dishes at Hamsa (try their Hummus dishes)! 

This is one of the most important things to do in Krakow. Prior to World War II, over a quarter of the city’s population was Jewish. This figure immediately dwindled during the commencement of the Nazi regime/rule. Two years later, in 1941, the city’s governing body relocated the remaining Jews into a new 20-hectare housing district that was nestled along the banks of the Vistula River. 

Four entrances granted access into the ghetto as it later became walled-off from the rest of the city, confining and segregating all those within its overcrowded parameters. It became one of the 5 establishments constructed by the Nazis for Jews to reside in within Poland. 

Kazimierz remains as the cultural hub of the Jewish community, whereas Podgorze is home to the ghetto. It’s without doubt one of the most meaningful corners of Krakow to explore. I found a free walking tour with a local guide who explained the history and significance of the place. I recommend doing the same so you can really learn about what happened.

Presently, you’ll be able to walk around the ghetto and find some remaining fragments of the ghetto walls in the suburb of Podgorze. This Krakow Itinerary suggests you visit the Ghetto Heroes Square, wherein 33 empty chairs have been emplaced to commemorate the Jews that once lived here. 

The atmosphere here felt pretty eerie to me. When you know what happened, it’s not just “shops and houses and a bunch of random chairs” that you see on first glance, you realise that dark things happened in this spot, and you’ll spend much of the day reflecting on that.

Insider Tip: Once you have completed the walk-about, pass by the iconic Josefa and Szeroka Streets that will lead you to the 145-meter long Bridge of Locks. This bridge extends over the Vistula River, permitting excellent views and it is very picturesque. 

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Jagiellonian University

• Known for: It is one of the oldest surviving/maintained universities globally.
• Cost: $3 USD to visit the standard exhibition.
• Best for: Backpackers looking to appreciate some great architecture, and learn all about Poland’s culture.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.
• Food nearby: If it’s a nice day go sit in the garden seating area of the lovely La Campana Restaurant.

The oldest university in Poland, and second-oldest in central-Europe, this university is a must-see on any itinerary in Krakow! It was established in 1364 by King Casimir III, who resided in Wawel Castle. At the time of its founding, Krakow was the capital of Poland, meaning it was a highly valued institution. 

The University has been directly influenced by World War II which is evident in its history of altering its name. This was due to it being Germanised and then Polanised again. Today it hosts over 36,000 students, making it a vital organ for Krakow’s workforce and intellectual capital. 

The University also houses one of the oldest buildings within medieval Krakow. It is called Collegium Maius, or the Greater College, which goes back 7 centuries. For me, this is the main attraction. It’s almost like exploring Hogwarts, with artifacts and paintings that have stood for hundreds of years. There’s also a clock show every couple of hours, briefly showcasing the history.

Tours are a great addition to a weekend in Krakow, and guided tours (in English) are provided around the University, as well as to its abundant museums which are each distinct. There are varied tours, so be sure to research as to what exactly you would like to view. 

In these tours, you’ll be able to view the everyday destinations of the students such as the lecture halls (even the one where Nicolaus Copernicus drew his doodles). Along with this, you’ll gain insight into the University’s history as well as view the oldest globe in the world that displays America! It’s a fascinating museum-type experience.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Old Synagogue 

• Known for: It is the oldest synagogue in Poland.
• Cost: $4-6 USD.
• Best for: Learning about the religious side of Jewish Krakow.
• Time needed: Around 1 hour.
• Food nearby: Grab a scrumptious burger from Gruba Bula, adjacent to the synagogue.

The Old Synagogue in Krakow is an Orthodox one in Kazimierz. It is the oldest surviving synagogue in a country whose population was once brimming with Judaism. This is an important cultural stop. It will give you more perspective on what life was like for Jews in the pre-war period.

Many exhibitions are held here that dispense knowledge about Judaic life and culture. Precious symbols are explained and certain customs displayed. It is now used as a museum rather than an active synagogue, so the exhibition times are flexible and visiting hours are more accessible.

Traditional Orthodox Jewish clothing will be presented to you to try and keep alive the ancient traditions that were disrupted and disseminated in WWII. The synagogue serves as a reminder about the vital role the Jews played in the country economically before the mass destruction. 

There are two halls and in the Southern hall, paintings and pictures are on display with intricate descriptions. These delve into the everyday modern mannerisms of Jews globally and the customs they follow. It is truly one of the most refreshing and reassuring things to do in Krakow, because it shows how Judaism has prevailed through the war.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Schindler’s Factory 

• Known for: One of the most important sites of life-saving in the Holocaust.
• Cost: $16 USD, but free on Mondays. Tickets sell out months in advance.
• Best for: Learning more about Krakow’s Nazi history.
• Time needed: Up to 2 hours.
• Food nearby: Lighten up the mood by eating a delicious burger in the outdoor seating at Orzo People Music Nature Restaurant.

Oskar Schindler is world-renowned and showed his kindness toward the oppressed Jews of Krakow. Rather than allowing 1,200 Jews to be sent to Auschwitz, he negotiated to keep his workers from being deported. This was due to his learning of the inhumane conditions by which the Jewish citizens were being treated. 

The building is now home to two different and unlinked museums – Schindler’s Factory Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK). The museum isn’t just about Schindler. It also covers what life was like in wartime Krakow, and further information on the city as a whole.

Due to his compassionate nature and efforts, a movie was created by the acclaimed Steven Spielberg to dispense Schindler’s actions to the world. It was only in 2010 when the museum opened and tributed all those that were affected by Schindler, as well as Schindler himself. 

Guided tours are offered which is what I recommend, however, note that you are indeed able to visit independently. With a tour, experienced guides will reveal the most vital facts, while also noting certain others that may be lesser-known. If going alone, I suggest to buy a combined ticket. This grants you access to the Factory, Old Synagogue, Eagle’s Pharmacy and former Gestapo headquarters. 

This is a pretty harrowing experience, so keep that in mind. It’s not a fun smiley trip like seeing the Wawel Dragon. In fact I’d say it’s pretty horrible at times. You will learn a lot here though.

Insider Tip: On Mondays, you could be fortunate enough to visit the permanent exhibition for free! But this is only possible if you book it on their website far in advance! 

IN A RUSH? THIS IS OUR FAVOURITE HOSTEL IN KRAKOW!

View on Hostelworld

Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel

Every night’s a party here! This unique hostel provides social-life, free breakfast, dinner and even free beer hour! The hostel is perfectly located in the Old Town, a 2-minute walk from the Main Square!

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• Free WiFi

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Wieliczka Salt Mine | Przylasek Rusiecki Beach | Stained Glass Museum | Polmos Lancut Distillery | Kociuszko Mound

If you plan on spending at least 3 days in Krakow, then you are in for a treat! A 2-day itinerary in Krakow only allows you to see the inner city. Day trips from Krakow are plentiful, due to its rich history and intricate interconnection with WWII.

You should choose where to spend extra time based on your own interests. You can do day trips here covering different museums, cultural/foodie experiences, nature, and more. Technically you can visit Auschwitz on a day trip as I did first time around, but I don’t recommend this. There’s a lot to pack in there, and it’s better to stay in Oswiecim.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

• Known for: A UNESCO World Heritage site with sculptures made of salt.
• Cost: $44 USD including a compulsory tour, although you can slash a third of this cost by doing a Polish language tour.
• Best for: Families and history fans.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.
• Food nearby: Sztolnia Wielczka is a proper Polish restaurant best known for its yummy dumplings!

This is perhaps the most famous Krakow day trip you can do. Situated in the town of Wieliczka, mining salt in that region has dated back to as far as the Neolithic Era (3000 B.C.)! 

The salt mine is situated a mere 16 kilometers away from Krakow, and a train departs every 30 minutes from the Main Station which will only take you 20-minutes to ride! It is also reachable by bus by riding Line 304. Fascinatingly, mining salt in that region has dated back to as far as the Neolithic Era (3000 B.C.)! 

Visitors are granted with exploring its underground path which spans roughly 3 kilometers, comprising of 20 chambers. All this for $44 USD admission cost! A particular favourite of mine is the Chapel of St. Kinga! Intricately sculpted 100 meters below the surface of the ground with extravagant altars and crystal chandeliers lies this other-worldly Chapel. 

It feels pretty unique down here. In the summer it’s a nice cool place to get away from the Polish summer heat, which admittedly is hardly Saharan in discomfort levels. It’s not possible to do independently without a tour as it can be unsafe.

Take a Dip in the Przylasek Rusiecki Beach

• Known for: Offering a beach and water activities in southern Poland.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Anyone who likes water activities such as Kayaking.
• Time needed: 1-4 hours
• Food nearby: Restauracja Nadwislanka Jazz has some solid burgers on offer.

If you’re wondering about what to see in Krakow in 3 days, but feel like you’ve exhausted all the historic sites, then this is your ideal retreat! Krakow is not famed for its lakes or swimming life. Sure, you have the Vistula River, but people are not allowed to swim there. 

I found it easy to get here with the 146 bus. It’s great fun to visit on a sunny day in the summer, would skip it between October and March though.

You’ll have to be willing to have a bit of a longer travel time in order to reap the benefits of a clean-water reservoir! The lake may be remote, but there is a lifeguard on duty at the lake to keep you safe.

Fortunately, the largest of the reservoirs is the one that allows swimming and bathing. What’s more is that you can rent swimming equipment too from the Wake Camp – one of Krakow’s aquatic centers. Here, you’ll have access to exclusive beaches that are affixed with hammocks and the ability to rent canoes, wakeboards and water-skis. There are even volleyball and badminton courts! However, take note that this is only available in the months of June, July, August. 

Unleash Your Inner-Artist at the Museum of Stained Glass

• Known for: A studio-turned-museum where you can watch artists create stained glass, and make your own!
• Cost: $21 USD including a tour.
• Best for: Art lovers and crafty backpackers.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.
• Food nearby: If you fancy a break from pierogi, Italo opposite has some top Italian cuisine. Mamma mia!

Much is included in the tour here. You know that you’ll be gaining the most authentic experience and insights, because this is actually the oldest functioning glass studio in Poland – it has been operating for a long time.  

You can take a tour of the museum that takes you through the years of stained glass production.

For $76 USD you can even participate in a workshop. You’ll also be given all the necessary equipment to sculpt your own souvenir as well as wrapping material to ensure that it doesn’t break on the way home. 

This is for travellers who want something a little different. I mean, it’s not every day you get to make stained glass, right?? The workshop makes it a little less Broke Backpacker-friendly, and a little more of a luxury one-off, but if you have some spare change, I defo recommend it!

Get Tipsy from Luxurious Vodka at the Polmos Lancut Distillery

• Known for: Being where Polish vodka (specifically Lancut vodka) is made.
• Cost: $15 USD + whatever you spend on some good voddie.
• Best for: Alcoholics… nah, anyone who enjoys a good tipple will love it here. Not child-friendly though… obviously.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.
• Food nearby: You’ve got tons of options in the town centre here.

Roughly 90-minutes away from Krakow (by train) lies a neoclassical manor house that produces some of the world’s most coveted and opulent vodka! It is said that the distillery attains 10% of the market, and exports worldwide. 

The manor house is a museum that hosts a collection of tapestries and furniture, dating through the centuries. The distillery acquired the house in 1970 and is therefore very traditional in its manners. 

For your final stop of the tour, you’ll be exposed to the massive vodka collection that they maintain, from old-age ones to modern ones! What renders this distillery as tastefully Polish is that they source all their ingredients such as liquids, herbs and fruits solely from Poland! 

You’d do this over the standard Krakow experiences if you want to enjoy something a little more boozy, but also experience Polish vodka, which doesn’t quite have the same PR as its Russian equivalent. It’s a little more niche, a lot more cultural, and a ton of fun!

Visit the Kosciuszko Mound

• Known for: Great views, and a cool structure.
• Cost: $9 USD.
• Best for: Couples who want to soak up the romantic sunset views.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours is enough in my opinion.
• Food nearby: You have a wide range of options including Polish food (obviously), pizza, Indian, McDonald’s, and more.

Here you will be awarded with an intriguing lesson about Polish heritage, while having panoramic views of the city and the river! The mound is a reconstruction and remodelling of Krakus Mound (the oldest and highest point in Krakow) and Wanda’s Mound (the supposed resting place of Princess Wanda). The president of Poland in 2002, Aleksander Kwaniewski, declared it a historical monument.

This is also due to the positioning of the chapel of St. Bronislawa as well as its fort within close proximity to the mound! The neo-Gothic style Chapel, was constructed in the mid-19th-century. Its purpose was to replace the Polish Church that the Austrians destroyed at the time of the Austrian Partition. It was therefore built within a fortress. 

This fortress enclosed a historic burial mound that the Polish army utilised as a watch-point for defense against enemies. Today, you can visit the mound between 9:30am until whenever the sun sets, which varies greatly between the seasons. So, plan this in advance. Within the fortress, temporary exhibitions are held and you’ll be able to buy a ticket that will grant you access to both the permanent and temporary ones. 

It’s a scenic spot with a little history behind it, and some cracking views. It’s good for a quiet stop if you have a spare bit of time, rather than a major destination on your trip.

Insider Tip: If you are planning a trip to Krakow around February 4, March 24 or October 15, you’ll be given free entry to the mound. 

Grab Yo' Self a Rental Car!

One of the best ways to travel off-the-beaten-path is to hire your own wheels. If you can convince a few mates to join you, it can actually be pretty affordable… and bloody good time!

Check Rental Car Prices

Krakow is, fortunately, a very safe city comparable to any other metropolitan European city. It is fairly homogenous, and is often regarded as the safest Polish city, which is contradictory, because it is also the country’s most popular city for tourists to visit.

Crime statistics have revealed a gradual decrease in crime rates in the city. This does not mean you shouldn’t take precautions. Pickpockets do slyly thrive in tourist hotspot areas, so ensure you are watching your valuables at all times. 

Viiolent crimes are practically unheard of, and you can walk around at midnight here with your phone out, which is my litmus test for judging a city’s safety. I definitely wouldn’t do that in any African city, or even the likes of Paris or London these days.

Take note that scamming is becoming more apparent in the city. Often the scammer will try to trick you into revealing your credit card details by acting like a receptionist and asking you to confirm them. Never give these details out under any circumstances.

The same can be said for policemen and taxi-drivers – always authenticate the individual’s role before revealing information. With police, always go to the nearest station if someone stops you, or ring the real police to verify (112 or 998). With taxis, I suggest using Uber which is cheap, common, and avoids scams due to fixed prices.

I’ve been to over 100 countries, and would consider Krakow amongst my top 10 safest cities visited. If you know to be wary of potential scams (which aren’t common anyway), then you should be fine here.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Krakow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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Day trips from Krakow often involve commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, and can therefore be somewhat limited. This Krakow Itinerary has sourced a combination of historical, naturistic and cultural tours to give you variety on your trip. 

From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Guided Tour

At least 1.2 million Jews were exiled to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and 1.1 million out of those were brutally murdered. With Krakow being situated so near to the Concentration Camp (only 70km), it would be a crime not to include this inhumane camp in your itinerary in Krakow. 

On this tour, an educated tour-guide will teach you about the occurrences within the concentration camp during the period of the Nazi Occupation. It will be a full-day tour that will display both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site hat has the remains of the deadly gas chambers and crematoriums. 

As I said earlier, I suggest staying nearby rather than cramming in a day trip from Krakow. But if you’re in a rush, this is possible.

Zakopane Tour with Hot Bath Pools and Hotel Pickup

During this full-day tour, you’ll be picked up and transported to the resort town of Zakopane, which is near the border of Slovakia! At the feet of the Tatras Mountains, this is an ideal escape from city life for the day! 

On the tour you’ll be elevated to the top of the Gubalowka Mountain at 1120 meters! This also is regarded as a popular ski destination due to its peak having high snow concentrations during the winter months (or until May). The tour will also extend into the small town of Zakopane and its most famed street, Krupówki, that is adorned with 1900s wooden chalets. Complete your wholesome day by unwinding in the nearby thermal baths!   

From Krakow: Full-Day Wadowice & Czestochowa Tour

This jam-packed full-day tour will make you fall in love with Poland’s smaller towns! Enjoy a complimentary hotel pickup and a short drive to the main square of Wadowice (the birthplace of Pope John Paul II). 

You’ll venture into the museum that commemorates him, with the entry fee covered in the tour’s cost. Your guide will then show you where to taste the coveted cream cakes found here – kremowka. 

Thereafter, you’ll be transported to Czestochowa, another historic town. You’ll be shown the best local spots by a Pauline monk! Some favourites include the Jasna Gora Monastery where the esteemed painting of the Black Madonna can be found! 

Tour of Old Town 

Krakow’s  Old Town is a historic center, and definitely a favourite of backpackers in Europe. It has been inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its rich culture and medieval facades that have been sustained. On this tour you will follow the Royal Route which passes through the University District toward the grandeur Wawel Castle. 

Along the way on this Krakow walking tour, you’ll feel like you’re lost in a fairy-tale and you’ll be educated on the Old Town’s most valued structures, as well as the undermined ones. Be sure to engage with the cultural hub of Poland’s core and inquire about it with your guide!

Chocholowska Thermal Baths From Krakow

Given that you’re in Southern Poland in Krakow, that means you are in close proximity to the Podhale region! This region is often referred to as the Polish highlands because of its attaining the Tatra and the Carpathian Mountains. In this lovely ravine area, the Chocholowska Baths are known to be the largest thermal complex! If you’re a backpacker in Krakow who needs a good rest and relaxation, this is the spot!

The water here is extracted and sourced from as far below as 3600 meters below the surface! Due to soaking the rocks, the water is nutritive and soothing for your skin! So, unwind in the 8 varied whirlpools, a brine bath swimming pool, and an outdoor swimming pool. What this Krakow Itinerary especially reccomends is the lovely restaurants that are on site too! You can take public transportation to and from here.

Why Krakow Is Worth More Than a Quick Weekend

Krakow stands out for its beauty, history, depth, energy and walkability. It offers everything from fun historical destinations (Wawel Castle), to much deeper and darker spots including the Jewish Quarter, where you can learn much about the grim history of the Holocaust.

It works for both short breaks and longer stays. I recommend 3 days in Krakow as the sweet spot. It’s enough time to see everything of interest if travelling and packing a lot into your days. As a digital nomad however, I’d spend a week if this was my first time to get a good exploring/working balance in.

From medieval streets to meaningful historic sites, you can feel like you’re stepping back in time to when Europe was safer and really conserved its traditions. The nightlife and food scene is spot on, and this student-friendly city has a cracking nightlife. Plus there are many easy day trips.

Krakow rewards careful planning with a little extra time for wandering around. I’ve been in both the spring and summer, and would say it’s best when the sun is shining and the cold has subsided. Instead of visiting packed beaches in Portugal or major landmarks in Paris, consider Krakow for a calmer and quieter gem.