7 days in Krakow, Poland: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Krakow, a city thriving with history, culture, and architectural marvels, has been Poland’s crowning jewel for centuries. Its fascinating blend of the old and the new will leave you spellbound as you walk through time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the iconic Wawel Castle to the bustling Market Square and the humbling Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Krakow offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Things to Consider Before Arriving in Krakow
Art and history lovers paradise
Affordable destination
Krakow’s air pollution can be a concern
✅ Perfect for foodies, architecture aficionados, and adventure-seekers
What to Bring with You
1. Comfortable walking shoes – Travelling around Krakow requires quite a bit of walking.
2. Light layers – Krakow experiences significant temperature changes between seasons.
3. Umbrella and raincoat – Krakow can be quite rainy, especially during spring and autumn.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Krakow
The best time to visit Krakow is between late May and September, when the weather is warm and the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals. However, if you prefer a festive, snowy atmosphere, December offers Christmas markets and winter charm.
How to Get into the City
1. By plane: Fly into Krakow’s John Paul II International Airport (KRK), located about 15 kilometers from the city center. From there, take the train or shuttle bus to reach the heart of Krakow.
2. By train: Several major European cities connect to Krakow via train. The journey provides a scenic experience, and the central train station, Kraków Główny, is conveniently located within walking distance of the Old Town.
3. By bus: Budget travelers can opt for intercity buses, such as Flixbus, to reach Krakow. The bus station is situated adjacent to the train station, offering easy access to the city center.
7 day city guide trip in Krakow, Poland
Day 1 – Explore the Old Town
Start your trip by wandering around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the beautiful Rynek Główny, one of Europe’s largest medieval town squares, and the famous Cloth Hall, where you can buy souvenirs or local crafts. Don’t miss St. Mary’s Basilica and climb up to the tower for an amazing view of the city. Then, visit the Wawel Castle, the symbol of Krakow and the former residence of Polish kings.
Enjoy a lunch of traditional Polish food at Milkbar Tomasza, a local eatery in the heart of the Old Town. In the afternoon, visit Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, where you can discover the history of Jews in Poland and see many synagogues.
Day 2 – Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, one of the most important historical sites in Poland. The camp, now a museum, is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully understand the history and pay respects to the victims.
Day 3 – Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains
Get away from the city and head to the beautiful Tatra Mountains. Take a bus to Zakopane, a charming town located at the foot of the mountains. Enjoy the stunning views of the Tatras and go hiking in the national park. In winter, Zakopane is a popular ski resort.
Day 4 – Wieliczka Salt Mine
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the underground chambers, galleries and chapels carved out of salt rock, including the stunning Chapel of St. Kinga, entirely made of salt.
For lunch, try some traditional Polish pierogi at Pierogarnia Krakowiacy. In the afternoon, stroll along the Vistula River and see the Dragon’s Lair, a famous statue inspired by the legend of Krakow’s mythical dragon.
Day 5 – Schindler’s Factory and Nowa Huta
Start the day with a visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum, dedicated to the life of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish workers during World War II. The museum also covers the history of Krakow during the war.
In the afternoon, take a bus to Nowa Huta, a socialist model city built during the communist era. See the impressive Central Square, the Steelworks Museum and the famous Lord’s Ark Church, a modernist architectural masterpiece.
Day 6 – Bochnia Salt Mine and Tyniec Abbey
Take a day trip to the Bochnia Salt Mine, a smaller but equally impressive salt mine located near Krakow. Visit the salt chambers, underground lakes and go down to a depth of 212 meters underground.
On the way back, stop at the Tyniec Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. Admire the Romanesque architecture, visit the museum and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 7 – Planty Park and Polish cuisine
Relax and take a stroll in the Planty Park, a beautiful park surrounding the Old Town. Enjoy the fresh air and the different gardens, fountains and statues.
For a taste of traditional Polish cuisine, have lunch at Restauracja Wierzynek, a luxurious restaurant with a rich history. In the evening, head to the Wawel Royal Castle and attend a concert or opera at the beautiful Royal Chamber.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Krakow
If you have some extra time, make sure to visit some nearby cities. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is only a three-hour train ride away. Explore the Old Town, the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Łazienki Park.
Another great city to visit is Wrocław, known as the Venice of the North due to its numerous canals and bridges. See the beautiful Cathedral Island, the stunning Old Town Market Square and the Wrocław Fountain.
