The grounds are free to enter and offer panoramic views. Entry is free and there arent the kinds of crowds youll find at some of the more famous locations. Youll see an interesting parade of shops with a covered walkway on the other side of the road. Its 5 stops to plac Bohaterw Getta and the whole journey takes 8 minutes. 2022 Road Affair, LLC. Hamsa is unmissable at the end of the street. Adam Mickiewicz Monument image Jason Weaver.
If you buy a skip the queue ticket from Get Your Guide, you can pay upfront and print out the reservation at home. Look for the bright, orange mural on the side of the building. You can watch them being made or even take part in a workshop to create your own lollipop. Swoj Drog is a smart little riverside cafe and bookshop. ! , , ! ! ! With Alchemia, Mleczarnia, and Bar Atelier just off the square itself, theres also plenty to choose from in the surrounding streets. Early Evening: Rest at your hotel Plac Nowy is actually only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town but you can pick up trams on Starowilna. Airbnb also has a good selection of vacation rentals. Retrace your steps along witego Tomasza and turn left into ul. Youll come to a roundabout, with Bocheska on your right. Note: The extended KrakowCard includes unlimited use of buses and trams within zones I and II. From the northen end of plac Nowy, turn into Warzauera.
Turn right and cross over to Starowilna. Although it has had its troubles, this medieval castle was once the royal residence when Krakow was the capital of Poland. The ticket office is about halfway down. Finally, if walking around Krakow seems a bit pedestrian, on the Main Square youll find horse carriages that can take you around the Old Town in style. Swoj Drog sits a few minutes further on the left. Its impossible to over everything in a single trip. Our Recommendations: If youre after a well-located and modern apartment to call home during your 3-day trip to Krakow, consider Relaks Apartamenty or Aparthotel Stare Miasto. Its also a caf with a range of deliciously thick chocolate drinks, such as apple cinnamon and mint, and window views of Grodzka. Floriaska Street formed part of the Royal Road, the procession route through Stare Miasto and down to Wawel Hill. Galicia Jewish Museum is up ahead on the left. Its also worth bearing in mind that there are some excellent Krakw tours available. 9pm: Wdka Caf Bar You can amble through, looking at the souvenirs, and exit on the southern side. Corpus Christi Basilica image Jason Weaver. Only a few blocks away from the edge of the Old Town lies the old Jewish neighborhood of Kazimierz. It is traditionally unveiled with great ceremony at 11:50am each day, although it was undergoing renovation on my last visit. Carry on straight ahead, into plac Wolnica, with a parade of shops on your right. Obwarzanek are similar to pretzels and can be bought for a couple of zoty each. This is a slightly longer route but the walk takes you through the very heart of Kazimierz. 1:00pm: Bernatek Footbridge During the 1950s and 60s, there was a stunning flowering of originality around, of all things, posters for movies, which were dictated by the illustrator rather than any distribution studio. Wawel is a complex of different attractions, each of which are highlights to any Krakw visit. :: Find the cheapest flight to Krakw with 12go - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. Both options are a great way to learn more about this fascinating city. What makes this gallery so fascinating is how the photographs interact with the stories told by the other museums, not to negate them but to create a richer, more complex, picture. The main train station is about 5-8 minutes away. Beside the cathedral is a small path leading to an inner courtyard of the castle thats lined with balconies and some fresco remains. Galeria Plakatu: Cracow Poster Gallery image Jason Weaver. From here, the residents would have waited for deportation, carrying the possessions and furniture that would eventually be left behind and abandoned. Follow the park up until you reach Sienna on the left. There are holograms, models, and reconstructions, a series of genuinely entertaining films, and an exhibit on how to bury vampires, as well as many objects and trinkets. Please note, these are not open to the public on Saturday. Book this highly rated ghost tour to uncover the dark secrets of Krakow. Chances are youll end up sharing a table, but this is a friendly introduction to the city. 5:00pm: Dragons Den Mickiewicz is considered Polands national poet and his remains are buried under Wawel Cathedral. Its recommended that you book in advance during Krakows high season and during the lead up to Christmas, as the city becomes much busier. The exterior is a reconstruction of four historic Jewish shops, whilst the interior is charmingly eccentric. At the far side of the Bernatek bridge, cross over the road and continue directly ahead into Mostowa. No matter whether youre looking for budget hostels, self-catering apartments, or luxurious hotels, Krakow has got you covered. We personally use and recommend SafetyWing.
It could change your life. Note: Milkbar Tomasza is closed on Monday. If youre a fan of Tate Modern, for example, this could make a good alternative to spending the afternoon in Kazimierz. Cross over ul. Vodka production is a long and venerable tradition in Poland, with many flavours, variations and local traditions. With the Bagatela Theatre on the right corner and the C.K. Bracka. Recommendation: If you didnt already opt for the city tour in the electric car mentioned early, consider doing a segway tour (or a more traditional walking tour) of Old Town instead. Then stop in at Restauracja Polska for a simple, traditional Polish meal while its still light out. Plates are roughly 4 each. A day trip isnt enough time to fully explore all of Zakopanes trails or sights like Morskie Oko, but the towns delightful character and superb scenery are definitely worth the journey. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. Judah Square mural image Jason Weaver. Parts of the city are beautiful enough to just sit outside with a coffee or beer and watch the world go by. Alternatively, why not find a spot on Main Square to have a drink and some food as you people watch? Three days in Krakw lets you explore the key sightseeing districts in the centre of the city and to head out of town for at least one day trip. Then, out, to the riverside and a statue of a fire-breathing dragon. Visitors to Zakopane in winter can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, whereas the mountainous hiking trails are open during Polands warmer months. Keep your eyes open: Tytano is on the left, opposite ul. [ , . Walk along plac Dominikaski then take the first left into Stolarska. As for backpackers, Krakow caters to all sorts with both party hostels and the more laid-back variety. 12noon: Lunch: Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa The majority of restaurants listed have vegan and vegetarian options and many will cater to other diets, such as gluten-free. ! If youre spent any time in some of Krakws museums, youll realise that Poland has a strong history of resistance against oppression and this, in recent years, has seen a great focus of interest and pride. It owes its popularity to a mix of beautiful landmarks and dark, complex history, all wrapped up in an affordable city getaway. Since Krakow is one of Polands most popular tourist destinations, theres no shortage of accommodation options. Make sure you have decent footwear and some kind of protection against the rain. Admission is free on Tuesdays, but places are always booked up early. Its a bit crowded when you first enter the museum, as groups come and go, but it quickly settles into a peaceful and atmospheric wander through over 700 years of vivid history. , : , .
When arriving at Krakow John Paul II International Airport you have a few options to reach the city center. The best way to find one after another is to simply follow Grodzka Street as it runs south straight through the Old Town. Print your reservation out, as a digital confirmation will not always be accepted in Poland. Situated to the west and south of the city centre lie two large earth-mounds, Kociuszko Mound and Krakus Mound. 9:00am: Breakfast: Swoj Drog
Pasa 13 less than 30m down on the left. Please note: the gallery closes at 2pm on Saturday and is closed completely on Sunday. Despite being a fascinating city to explore, Krakow also happens to offer several opportunities for day trips. Facing the Jewish Museum and Old Synagogue, with Hamsa behind you, walk left along Na Przejciu. Alternatively, there is a regular train that can bring passengers to Krakows Main Station, which is only a short walk from Old Town. Krakw Climate when is best to go to Krakw? See our guide Auschwitz-Birkenau Krakow Day Trip and How To Get To Auschwitz-Birkenau From Krakw page for full details. But the monument also conveys are more hopeful message. Cards are accepted. Grodzka forms the final leg of the Royal Route up to Wawel and has a number of impressive churches and other points of interest (see below). They specialise in breakfasts from around the world, including Polish and Arabic, costing roughly 5,50 each. :: Wondering where to stay in Krakow before you book your hotel? After that youll venture over to the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. Its literally right beneath the Main Square. Also found on the square is the lone Town Hall tower and St Marys Basilica with its mismatched spires. See another side of Krakow with a nighttime stroll through the city center while a guide does their best to spook you. For only around $10 a week, its really a no-brainer. Widely considered to be one of Krakws finest Polish restaurants, with a thumbs up from Michelin, the Galician menu has traditional favourites like duck and goose, and an excellent choice of wines.
2:00pm: Wawel Hill ! Entrance to the Dragons Den image Jason Weaver. Next door is MOCAK, one of Polands newest major art galleries, and a snapshot of Polish contemporary work. You shouldnt have any trouble getting in and entry is free with a KrakowCard. All the same, World of Amber in Grodzka is like a sumptuous and beguiling cave of beautiful objects, from Deco-style bracelets to objects like boats and chess sets. If this intrigues you, feel free to come back and explore later this afternoon. If youre an art lover, then consider heading over to the nearby Czartoryski Museum. Book a day tour to Zakopane from Krakow here! Head to the corner of the Cloth Hall opposite St. Marys Basilica. World of Amber is right next door to Ciuciu Cukier Artist on Grodzka. All Rights Reserved. :: Book an airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals. Highly recommended. Ghetto Heroes Square image Jason Weaver.
Its best to reserve well in advance and turn up early to pick up your ticket. Its a stunning view. Youll certainly need to put your feet up for a while. However, you can also book a tour of just the salt mine. To fully grasp the horror and personal side to this period, it really helps to take in a tour of the area. Visitor numbers easy off a little in May, June, and September as you edge into the shoulder season. With a history spanning back to the 13th century, these mines offer considerable cultural and historic importance. This three-day schedule includes many key attractions, focusing on the Old Town, a day trip to either Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Saltmines, as well as the Kazimierz and Podgrze districts. Walk back into the Main Square and follow the southern edge until you reach ul. Nearby lies the vast Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The people of Krakw are patient hosts and exellent English is spoken in most places. Highly recommended! The CRICOTEKA arts centre image Jason Weaver. Regardless, the scale of deep blue vaulted ceilings and the sumptuous stained glass windows are still essential viewing. 5.30pm: Massolit Books & Caf For the best hostel prices, check out Hostelworld. The square was also a place to socialise and a base for resistance. There is a lot to see and do in Krakw. If so, the mighty Pod Wawelem restaurant is a perfect place for a hearty eastern European lunch. Youll see a McDonalds directly to your left and the two towers of St. Marys Basilica at the very end of the street. 10:00am: Ghetto Heroes Square and Pharmacy Under the Eagle Wander up for about 10 minutes, past Saints Peter and Paul and Mid Malina. When searching for accommodation in Krakow, two great places to start are Booking.com and Airbnb, as both offer a great selection of options across the city. 8:00am: Wieliczka Saltmines Ok, lets get back to our perfect Krakow itinerary and the best things to do in Krakow in 3 days. Venturing north through the picturesque city streets of Krakows Old Town youll come to what remains of the old Krakow City Walls. 4pm: Pasa 13 Continue down for about four more minutes and Vegab is on the left. The bakery is great too, with delicious fresh nibbles being pumped all day on the premises. , , , : , Squid Game , . The area becomes very residential with blocks of flats but keep going straight ahead. You can use the official reservation system. Free cancellations too. Continue up Grodzka to the crossroads at plac Wszystkich witych. An English speaking driver-guide will take you on an unforgettable journey and show you all the most interesting and important spots in the city. Theres also plenty of places to stop for lunch. But I wouldnt rely on them to get you back. To get the most out of your visit, consider booking a tour from Krakow. Turn left at the end into Jakuba, then first right into Miodowa. This story actually forms a relatively small part of the museums evocation of Jewish life in Krakw through the 20th century. 2pm: Ciuciu Cukier Artist At the Maachowskich Palace, halfway up on the left hand side, turn left into Szewska. Leave Kanonicza, cross over Podzamcze and follow the path to your right up the hill to Wawel. ! Even if walking isnt your thing, Krakow is home to an extensive and inexpensive public transport network of trams and buses to help you get about easily. You can pre-book a tour with transport pickup included for just after 8am, which will last roughly 4 hours in total. Like many of the urban food spots springing up around Krakw, its rough round the edges, but youll definitely find something good to eat here. Theres a bit of pushing and the church gets very full but, in my experience, the queue moves quickly and everybody gets inside without too much fuss. There are a number of murals dotted around Kazimierz. Youll also get free entry with a KrakowCard but will also need to visit the ticket office. Its technically possible to get here by river taxi, so check the jetty timetables to whats running. Milkbar Tomasza does a great breakfast for a reasonable price, and is very popular with Krakws residents. Really not far from the center of Krakow lies the UNESCO-recognized Wieliczka Salt Mine. This little candy store makes sweets by hand with natural ingredients and techniques that date to the 17th and 18th century. To the south of Krakow lies the large Tatra Mountain range that divides Poland with Slovakia. In either season, take the cable car up to Gubawka mountain and admire the view out over Zakopane below. Look for the small glass pyramid and fountain to point you in the right direction. Take a short walk along witego Krzya and turn into Mikoajska. The exhibition entrance is on the outside of the Cloth Hall building, at 1 Rynek Gwny. Recommendation: If you want to learn about Krakows culture, lifestyle and history, join this super popular city tour conducted in an eco-friendly electric car. Like that other great American-European bookshop, Shakespeare and Company, Massolit also belongs to a tradition worth fighting for. As you will have discovered, the Old Town is packed with a fantastic range of places to eat and drink, and the standard is generally good. One of Tytanos many places to eat and drink image Jason Weaver. If its a fine evening, you can sit by the river to recuperate or make your way back to your hotel for a couple of hours. :: Find out how to get your phone set up with a SIM card in Krakw. All Rights Reserved. Look for the subway and use it to cross the main road. There are a few plush hotels down here and the former house of John Paul II on the right. Surrounding the city are plenty of interesting destinations that can be explored in a full day or even half a day if you only have 3 days in Krakow. 8:00pm: Food and Drink: Old Town, Tytano, or Forum Przestrzenie . Turn right into Dajwr. However, before we get to our Krakow itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance.
Ciuciu Cukier Artist image Jason Weaver. Though busy, its usually okay to just turn up. Check flights to Krakow from the USA (from $412) and UK (from 31). A hearty breakfast will set you back about 5, including a drink. Massolit Bakery and Caf image Jason Weaver. Check outGreg & Tom Party Hostelfor the ultimate party experience, or Mosquito Hostelfor a more peaceful stay. Theres a vegan option with lentil sausages and tofu bacon. Turn up into Planty Park, in the opposite direction to the Castle. The 6,000 metre area is now an imaginative and engaging state-of-the-art museum explaing Krakws history, directly beneath the pavement of the Main Square. Cross over and down into ul. Wodka Cafe Bar is just on the left. The building itself is now hidden by huge advertising posters but you can spot it easily enough by the fun fair and deckchairs outside. Galeria Plakatu is about halfway up. To the side of Hamsa is Once Upon A Time In Kazimierz, a curious restaurant at 1 Szeroka Street. But, if you book a tour through Get Your Guide, you need only turn up at the stated meeting point and everything else will be organised for you. For recommendations, take a look at our list of the best Airbnbs in Krakow. It now houses a vast museum that explores life in occupied Krakow through various mediums. For those wanting to learn more about Krakow, check out the underground Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. Recommendation: If you are a foodie, consider joining a food tasting tour to learn more about the local food culture and sample some traditional Polish dishes. Its called Kcik but theres no street sign on the corner. Certain areas get crowded in summer we have tried to accommodate this but the itinerary should also work out of season. Understandably, the queues are long, especially when people want to see the unveiling of the altar. Its impossible to miss. This important historic landmark has to be one of the best places to visit in Krakow, hands down. From Schindlers Factory, make your way back to Ghetto Heroes Square, across, and back up Krakus and Nadwilaska, past CRICOTEKA. You might consider a bike tour or something more unusual like a ghost tour. To your right is the entrance to Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Tucked innoculously behind the faade of two historic town houses, Pasa 13 is what you might call a boutique shopping mall. As youll probably know from Steven Spielbergs 1993 film, Oskar Schindler was a wartime industrialist who managed to protect a number of local Jews by employing them in this factory. Theres only one place for you to properly start your Krakow visit, the citys wonderful Old Town. Visitors can either choose to reach Auschwitz with a tour or by public transport. 9:00am: Rynek Gwny Make sure you bring a print out with you, as a digital copy may not be accepted. Follow the street to the very end and turn right into Franciszkaska. Theres a small charge for children. book a guided tour of Wawel Castle with an expert guide here! Its marked with a #21 on the wall and says Podziemia Rynku on the door. Youll get in free with a KrakowCard. Continue up Stolarska and turn left into Pasa Bielaka. Rynek Underground Museum Ticket Office image Jason Weaver. At the end, the square opens up before you. The walk takes just under 10 minutes. On the opposite side of the Wawel complex, the fortifications overlook the river Vistula. 2.30pm: World of Amber Pay when you check out. You can buy a ticket combined with Schindlers Factory and there are several excellent tours to Podgrze and Kazimierz. To learn more about Krakow during the Second World War, consider a visit to Oskar Schindlers Factory Museum. The walls are lined with books, including a range of Polish translations into English and other languages. Consider which area of Krakw you book accommodation in, as this will impact any sightseeing or activities. If youre planning a day trip to Auschwitz, for example, you may have an early start much easier to stay somewhere close to the pickup point.
Retrace your steps back to plac Bohaterw Getta. Below the castle down by the river, watch in awe as a local legend comes to life with the Wawel Dragon, a fire-breathing dragon statue. See our range of itineraries to suit your stay in Krakw: :: Find available Krakw hotels on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. On the other side of the underpass, youll see the contemporary art gallery MOCAK ahead of you. There are also Android and iOS apps but I found the web version worked better. Obwarzanek vendor on Grodzka Street image Jason Weaver, Church of Saints Peter and Paul image Jason Weaver. , . If youre curious about seeing more of Poland, check out this 10 day itinerary of Poland next. Keep your eyes open for the bench dedicated to Jan Karski, a member of the Polish underground and one of the first to report on the concentration camps. To maximize your time in Krakow, there are tours that combine a tour of the salt mine with a visit to Auschwitz Birkenau, like this one for example. Krakow, like the rest of Poland, sees it peak in tourist numbers during the summer months of July and August. Make sure to stop by Plac Nowy Market and soak in the old-world feel of this gritty square in the middle of the Jewish quarter. Even in these months, the temperature wont drop off too badly, and coupled with cheaper prices, the shoulder season is ideally the best time to visit Krakow. A tour of this neighborhood is advisable so that you can properly delve into its past and find spots otherwise overlooked. See our separate page Wieliczka Saltmines Krakow Day Trip for full details and our dedicated How To Get To Wieliczka Saltmines From Krakw page.