Krakow - 4 day itinerary
Day 1 - Travel day and getting to know the city
🛬 Arrive in Krakow
The most common way for people to get into the city will be arriving by aeroplane at Krakow Airport (KRK). From here it is about short Uber ride into the centre of the city (approximately 30-45 minutes with good traffic).
Alternatively, you could arrive into the city via train into the Główny station which is just a short walk away from the Old Town. This is a great option for those who perhaps might be on an inter-railing trip.
🏨 Check into your hotel
When it comes to staying in the city, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your budget. Here are some of my recommendations.
Deluxe
Moderate
Value
🚶Walking tour of the city (2hrs 30mins approx)
What better way to get to know the city than a free walking tour around the Old Town, the centre of the city. There is a lot of history in Krakow that you can soak up and this company has incredibly knowledgable guides who are always available to answer what ever questions you have.
These tours work on a tip basis and so you can pay what you think the tour is worth.
Day 2 - Auschwitz visit
📍Auschwitz- Birkenau visit (4-7hrs approx)
There is a very dark history not far away from Krakow that holds true horrors of the past.
The Nazi concentration and death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau offers a chance to understand a place which has become a symbol of the Holocaust. It is recommend to visit both Auschwitz site and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
Majority of the second camp now lies in rubble apart from the iconic gate building where the train tracks lead through. This is the famous icon which is seen in many images and movies such as Schindler's List.
Word of warning - Naturally, this visit will be emotionally heavy and some time will be needed to process the information you will hear and witness. I am very glad that I got the opportunity to visit this museum to learn more about the eye opening things that happened.
Travel note - Auschwitz - Birkenau is 1hr 30mins away from Krakow centre. It is advised that you book transportation as part of the tour which is linked below.
Day 3 - Jewish history walking tour & Schindler's factory
🚶 Jewish history walking tour (2hrs 30mins approx)
Learn about the Jewish heritage of the city right from the time they settled through to the times of the Holocaust. This tour starts in the Jewish quarter of the Kazimierz and moves through history to the place where the ghetto was located during World War II. It also highlights iconic spots such as the Eagle Pharmacy and Hero's Square.
Again this tour operates on a tip basis and so you can pay however much you think the tour is worth.
📍Schindler's factory
Take a tour around Oscar Schindler's factory which is now a museum documenting the horrors of the Holocaust. Learn about the man himself who was able to save so many people from persecution.
Day 4 - Wieliczka Salt Mine
🧂 Salt mine
Take a trip underground to discover a whole world beneath your feet. Descend 135 meters into the UNESCO listed landmark. See the cathedral, chapels and underwater lakes that were created by the workers and get a glimpse into daily life within the mine.
Please note - In order to access the mine you will need to walk down a large amount of steps.
Travel note - Wieliczka Salt Mine is 45mins away from Krakow centre. It is advised that you book transportation as part of the tour which is linked below.
Additional recommendations
Food and drink
Top things that everyone should try when visiting are local dishes such as
- Perogies - Polish dumplings that can be either savoury or sweet.
- Bigos - chopped meat of various kinds stewed with sauerkraut, shredded fresh cabbage and spices.
- Borscht - Soup dish made from beetroots served hot or cold.
- Bagels - The bread that we all know but it originates from the Jewish communities of Poland.
- Polish sausage
🧁 Snacks
🍽️ Dinner
Other notable activities
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