3 Day Krakow Itinerary: Best Things to Do

Planning a 3 day Krakow itinerary and wondering about the best things to do? Keep reading to uncover my recommendations after countless visits to the old Polish capital.

Kraków is a city that effortlessly blends medieval grandeur with a modern creative edge, making it one of the most compelling destinations in Central Europe. From the sprawling Market Square and historic Wawel Castle to the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, there’s an undeniable charm to exploring its rich history, thriving art scene, and excellent food.

3 Days in Krakow is the perfect amount of time to take in the city’s highlights while also making a worthwhile day trip to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, but if you’re only interested in staying within the city itself, it can easily be done in two.

My connection to Kraków runs deep—my family is Polish and recently moved back to Poland, meaning I find myself here often, as it’s the country’s main southern airport hub. In fact, I’ve been visiting Kraków since childhood, countless times, and each visit only deepens my appreciation for how much the city has to offer.

For those looking for a boutique, design-led Kraków itinerary, this guide will take you through the city’s most stylish stays, standout restaurants, and cultural highlights, ensuring a thoughtfully curated experience—keep reading to discover the best things to do in Kraków in three days.

Is Krakow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. While Kraków has gained a certain reputation among international travelers for its cheap beer and stag-party weekends, perhaps much like Prague, reducing it to that does the city a huge disservice.

Beneath the surface, Kraków is one of Europe’s most historically rich and architecturally impressive destinations, with a depth of culture, dining, and luxury accommodations that often surprise first-time visitors.

The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a showcase of medieval grandeur, with Rynek Główny—Europe’s largest market square—at its heart. But step beyond the postcard-perfect facades and you’ll find a city that seamlessly blends its past with a modern, upscale edge.

Historic hotels offer refined stays, while the dining scene ranges from Michelin-starred interpretations of Polish cuisine to stylish, contemporary bistros that wouldn’t feel out of place in London or Paris.

Beyond the city’s impressive landmarks—Wawel Castle, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz—there’s also an unmistakable energy here. Kraków is a university city, which means it’s vibrant, forward-thinking, and filled with hidden cocktail bars, sleek wine lounges, and intimate jazz clubs.

It’s also small and manageable and perfectly fitted into a long weekend or 3 day Krakow itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Krakow, Poland

I’ve visited Kraków in just about every season, and while the city has its charm year-round, some times are definitely better than others.

Winter, especially around Christmas, is undeniably magical—the Market Square transforms into a festive wonderland, with wooden stalls selling mulled wine, handmade ornaments, and traditional Polish treats. But it’s also bitterly cold, and unless you love subzero temperatures, it’s not the most comfortable time to explore.

January and February are best forgotten—gray, freezing, and quiet, without the festive atmosphere to make up for it.

Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and a beautiful atmosphere as the city either wakes up after winter or winds down before the cold sets in. Summer is also a great time to visit, with long days and plenty going on, though hotel rates climb, and the main sights are busier.

That said, Kraków rarely gets unbearably hot, so even in peak season, it’s still a comfortable city to explore.

Getting To and Around Krakow

Kraków is well connected, whether you’re arriving by air, rail, or road. The city’s international gateway, John Paul II Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK), is just a 20-minute drive from the center, with direct flights from major European cities and beyond.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are readily available in the city and at the airport- I always call an Uber at the airport if family isn’t picking me up. Another fast and efficient option is the train, which runs every 30 minutes and gets you to Kraków Główny, the main train station, in under 20 minutes.

For those arriving by train, Kraków Główny Station is well-situated within walking distance of the Old Town, and Poland’s rail network makes it easy to connect from Warsaw, Wrocław, or even Prague and Budapest.

Once in the city, walking is by far the best way to explore—the Old Town and Kazimierz are compact, and much of the historic center is pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, Kraków’s efficient tram system is reliable, inexpensive, and a great way to get around without relying on taxis but those are great too.

If you’re staying at one of the city’s luxury hotels, concierge services can easily arrange private cars for day trips to places like Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine a little outside the city.

Unlike Warsaw, Kraków isn’t sprawling, so you won’t need to rely heavily on public transport—just a comfortable pair of shoes and a sense of curiosity.

Where to Stay in Krakow

Kraków has some lovely, design-focused hotels that blend the city’s deep history with modern luxury. Whether you prefer an opulent palace stay or a sleek, contemporary retreat, the city’s hospitality scene offers a refined alternative to the budget hostels and chain hotels often associated with Kraków’s more mainstream tourism.

If it’s your first time in Krakow, it’s best to stay in the city center where you’re within walking distance from all the top sights, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and shops. Here are some of the best options for a more upscale stay.

Hotel Copernicus – Set in a beautifully restored Renaissance townhouse on the oldest street in Kraków, this boutique hotel exudes old-world charm. Expect vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, and a spa hidden in an ancient brick cellar. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of Wawel Castle.

Stradom House – One of the city’s newest and most exciting openings, Stradom House is a stylish blend of history and contemporary design. Housed in a former monastery, the hotel features chic interiors, a lively atmosphere, and an impressive wellness space, making it one of Kraków’s top luxury addresses.

The Bonerowski Palace – If you’re looking for something grand, this five-star palace hotel right on the Main Market Square delivers. Think chandeliers, high ceilings, and an unbeatable location. Some rooms have views directly onto St. Mary’s Basilica, putting you right in the heart of Kraków’s historic center.

Hotel Stary – A longtime favorite for those who appreciate understated luxury, Hotel Stary sits just off the Main Market Square in a restored medieval building. Its rooftop terrace is a standout, offering sweeping views of the city, while the underground spa—with its stone-walled pools—adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Hotel H15 Luxury Palace – A true palace stay with a modern twist, this hotel is known for its exquisite restoration, merging 16th-century grandeur with contemporary luxury- I love the decor here. The spa is one of the best in the city, and the attention to detail in the interiors makes for a particularly elegant experience.

Where to Eat

Kraków’s food scene is a mix of classic Polish flavors, modern fine dining, and global influences, making it one of Poland’s most exciting culinary destinations. You’ll be able to find indulgent tasting menus, stylish spots for contemporary dining, comforting plates of traditional pierogi, and the city’s best coffee.

As I keep coming back to Krakow, I’ll update this list as and when I find newer recommendations. One of the best things to do in Krakow is to dive into some of these top dining spots.

Restaurants

• Bottiglieria 1881 – Kraków’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an intricate tasting menu in an intimate, dimly lit cellar.
• Folga – A fresh, modern take on Polish cuisine with beautifully plated dishes in a relaxed yet refined setting.
• Hana Sushi – One of the best spots for Japanese food in the city, known for pristine fish and artful presentation.
• Molam Thai – A sleek, design-forward restaurant delivering bold, authentic, yet creative Thai flavors.
• Karakter – A must for adventurous eaters, featuring offbeat cuts, bold flavors, and an impressive wine selection.
• Morskie Oko – Traditional Polish highland cuisine in a rustic, wood-paneled setting reminiscent of the Tatra Mountains.
• Szara Gęś – Polish classics elevated with a sophisticated, contemporary approach, set in a historic Old Town townhouse.

Cafés

• Mleczarnia – A cozy, vintage-style café in Kazimierz with antique furniture, and soft lighting, – a charming space for afternoon coffee and cake.
• Aura – Tucked inside the bustling Stary Kleparz market, serving specialty coffee alongside a seasonal, locally sourced menu. This spot is a little out of the center but they do the best coffee I’ve tried in the city.
• Megiddo Cafe & Bakery– Very charming, modern cafe in a former synagogue in Kazimierz.

3 Day Krakow Itinerary for First-Time Travelers

Krakow Itinerary Day One

Your first day in Kraków is all about soaking in the city’s rich history while enjoying its vibrant, creative side.

You’ll start in the grand Old Town before venturing into Kazimierz, the city’s former Jewish Quarter-turned cool, artsy neighborhood. Expect a mix of medieval architecture, cutting-edge galleries, and some of the best food and drink spots in the city.

Krakow Market Square (Rynek Glowny) & St. Mary’s Basilica

Kraków’s Rynek Główny is the heart of the city and one of Europe’s largest and most impressive medieval squares. It’s a lively mix of historic landmarks, elegant townhouses, and buzzing cafés, all anchored by the iconic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), where merchants have traded goods since the Renaissance.

The square is a perfect place to soak up the city’s atmosphere— admiring the horse-drawn carriages, or exploring the Rynek Underground Museum, which reveals the city’s medieval past beneath the square.

Dominating the skyline is St. Mary’s Basilica, one of Kraków’s most striking landmarks. This Gothic church is best known for its breathtaking wooden altarpiece, a masterpiece by Veit Stoss (make sure to buy a ticket to go inside), and the famous hejnal trumpet call, played from the taller of its two asymmetrical towers every hour.

For a panoramic view of the square, climb the tower—on a clear day, you can see across the city to Wawel Castle.

Explore the Old Town

Kraków’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe, a compact maze of cobbled streets, grand townhouses, and hidden courtyards that transport you back centuries. Enclosed by the leafy Planty Park, which traces the outline of the former city walls, this historic district is perfect for wandering at a leisurely pace, taking in architectural details, and stumbling upon quiet corners away from the crowds.

After you’ve visited the Main Square and St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of the best things to do in Krakow Old Town is to start your exploration at Floriańska Street, the main thoroughfare, leading from the Florian Gate toward the Market Square. Once part of the Royal Route, this street is lined with ornate buildings, old-world shops, and historic cafés.

At the northern end, the Florian Gate and the adjacent Barbican, a circular brick fortress dating back to the 15th century, give a glimpse into Kraków’s medieval defenses. From here, pop into Stary Kleparz, a historic farmer’s market for coffee and Polish produce shopping.

For a quieter, more atmospheric detour, step into the university quarter, home to the Jagiellonian University’s Collegium Maius. This beautifully preserved Gothic courtyard is where Copernicus once studied, and its small museum houses centuries-old astronomical instruments and manuscripts.

Nearby, the Church of St. Anne is one of the finest Baroque churches in Poland, its intricate interior a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors.

No visit to the Old Town is complete without a stop at Café Camelot, a Kraków institution tucked away on a side street just minutes from the Market Square. With its mismatched antique furniture, soft lighting, and nostalgic atmosphere, it feels like stepping into a different era.

Explore Kazimierz & Hidden Courtyards

In the afternoon, make your way to Kazimierz, a district that once thrived as the center of Jewish life in Kraków. Today, it’s an eclectic mix of historic synagogues, indie galleries, and some of the best cafés and bars in the city.

Start at the Galicia Jewish Museum, which offers a contemporary perspective on Jewish history and culture in Poland, before visiting the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, one of the oldest and most significant Jewish sites in the city.

If you’re in the mood to explore, wander through the hidden courtyards off Józefa Street, where you’ll find boutique shops, local artisan studios, and the effortlessly cool Street Art Corner, which showcases Polish street art and experimental design.

Head to Mleczarnia, a very cool vintage cafe for a coffee and afternoon cake, and opposite you’ll find the famous passage where parts of the movie Schindler’s List were filmed.

Discover Kazimierz’s Nightlife

Kazimierz comes alive after dark, with a mix of casual, artsy hangouts and stylish dining spots. Start your evening with a drink at Eszeweria, a candlelit bar with an intimate, bohemian atmosphere.

For dinner, Bottiglieria 1881 is the ultimate splurge—Kraków’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an intricate tasting menu in a beautifully restored cellar. If you’re after something more relaxed, Folga serves excellent fish and seafood dishes with a Polish twist. For Japanese, I also love Hana Sushi.

For those looking for more things to do in Krakow at night, Alchemia is a Kazimierz institution with dim lighting, vintage furniture, and a hidden back room that often hosts live jazz or DJ sets- I actually spent New Year’s Eve of 2022 here and it was such a great night.

If you’re up for a late one, Hevre, a former synagogue turned atmospheric bar and cultural space, is the place to be.

Anyone wanting to stay in the old town center looking for things to do in Krakow at night, make sure to check out Wodka Bar, a space dedicated to the Polish spirit where you can taste many different flavored vodkas.

Krakow Itinerary Day Two

Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is a symbol of Poland’s royal past and one of the most significant cultural sites in the country. Perched atop Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, the castle complex is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of expansions, reconstructions, and political shifts.

From Gothic fortifications to Renaissance courtyards and Baroque chapels, every corner of Wawel tells a story of power, ambition, and artistry.

At the heart of the complex is the Royal Castle, once home to Poland’s monarchs before the capital moved to Warsaw. The State Rooms showcase impressive tapestries, ornate ceilings, and priceless artwork, while the Royal Private Apartments give a glimpse into the lavish interiors where kings and queens once resided.

One of the highlights is the Sigismund Chapel, an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture with its striking golden dome.

Adjacent to the castle is Wawel Cathedral, a sacred and politically significant site where Polish kings were crowned and buried. Inside, visitors can see the elaborate tombs of past rulers, the grandiose Baroque altars, and the enormous Sigismund Bell, which has tolled for Poland’s most important events since the 16th century.

Beneath the castle lies the Dragon’s Den, a legendary cave that, according to myth, was once home to a fearsome dragon slain by a clever shoemaker. Today, a fire-breathing dragon sculpture stands outside as a playful nod to Kraków’s folklore.

Schindler’s Factory

Schindler’s Factory is one of Kraków’s most poignant historical sites, offering an in-depth look at life in the city during the Nazi occupation of World War II.

Housed in the former enamel factory of Oskar Schindler, the museum presents a powerful narrative of both the brutality of war and the resilience of humanity. Through a series of immersive exhibits featuring personal testimonies, archival footage, and meticulously curated artifacts, visitors gain a vivid understanding of how ordinary citizens navigated one of history’s darkest periods.

A visit here is a must and not only an educational experience but also a deeply moving reminder of the impact one individual can have in saving lives amid widespread despair.

Explore Podgórze and Krakow’s Art Scene

Just across the Vistula River from Kazimierz, the Podgórze district offers a quieter, more introspective side of Kraków. Once the site of the Jewish Ghetto during World War II, it is now an area layered with history, striking memorials, and a growing creative scene.

Start at Ghetto Heroes Square, where 70 metal chairs stand as a haunting tribute to the thousands of Jewish residents forced into the ghetto. Nearby, the Eagle Pharmacy Museum tells the story of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist who risked his life to aid Jewish citizens during the war.

Podgórze is also home to one of Kraków’s most striking churches, St. Joseph’s Church. With its neo-Gothic spires and ornate brick façade, it’s one of the most beautiful, yet often overlooked, landmarks in the city. The church dominates Podgórze’s central square and is particularly impressive in the late afternoon when the light catches its intricate details.

Then, dive into Kraków’s creative side. Stop by Galeria Starmach, a contemporary art gallery specializing in post-war Polish art. Check out MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków, housed in a former industrial complex. Its collection features thought-provoking works from Polish and international artists, often with a political or conceptual edge.

For a quiet moment away from the city streets, make your way to Kopiec Kraka (Krakus Mound). This ancient burial mound is one of the oldest structures in Kraków, shrouded in legend and mystery. It’s also a prime spot for panoramic city views, especially at sunset on a clear day when the skyline glows in soft golden light.

Krakow Itinerary Day Three

Day Trip to Auschwitz or Wieliczka Salt Mine

For your final day in Kraków, venture beyond the city to visit one of two remarkable UNESCO-listed sites: Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Both are deeply significant in their own way—one a somber memorial to history, the other an underground marvel of craftsmanship.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is an intense but necessary experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of World War II history. Located about an hour’s drive from Kraków, this former Nazi concentration and extermination camp is now a museum and memorial dedicated to the millions who suffered and perished here.

The guided tours take visitors through Auschwitz I, where the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate stands, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger part of the complex where train tracks once carried prisoners to their fate.

Personal artifacts, photographs, and preserved barracks bring history into sharp focus, making this one of the most sobering yet impactful places you can visit in Poland.

To get to Auschwitz-Birkenau, you can take a train from Krakow Glowny or a bus from the main bus station to Oswiecim. Both options take over an hour. From here it’s a short taxi ride to the memorial museum.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to plan your route, you can take a tour. This Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket is one of the best tours to visit in a day from Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

If you prefer something less heavy during your 3 day Krakow itinerary, the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers an entirely different experience—one that feels almost surreal. Just a 30-minute drive from Kraków, this underground labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, and sculptures is carved entirely from salt.

The mine has been in operation for over 700 years and stretches nearly 300 meters underground.

Highlights include the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga, a vast cathedral-like space illuminated by salt chandeliers, as well as intricate carvings, underground lakes, and an eerie stillness that adds to the magic.

Getting to the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Kraków is straightforward, as it’s only about 30 minutes away. The easiest option is to take a train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia, with departures every 30 minutes and a short walk to the mine entrance.

Alternatively, local buses and minibuses run frequently from various points in the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Bolt or Uber are also convenient, especially if you prefer a direct and comfortable ride.

If you prefer the convenience of a tour, I recommend this Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow (hotel pick-up included).

Visit Both in One Day

If you’re short on time, it’s possible to visit both sites in a single day by booking a guided tour. This won’t be possible, however, using public transport as the sites are far away from one another. These tours usually begin with Auschwitz-Birkenau in the morning before continuing to the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the afternoon.

While it makes for a long and emotionally intense day, it’s an efficient way to see two of Poland’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. Here are the best two tours I recommend.

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How will you be spending your 3 nights in Krakow? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.