Thinking of spending 3 days in Krakow and wondering if it’s enough? We’ve done it—and yes, it’s the perfect amount of time to explore. Poland’s second-largest city and former royal capital is famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, rich history, and impressive architecture. At the same time, it’s modern, vibrant, incredibly welcoming and perfect for a short trip. This itinerary will show you how to make the most of your time here, without feeling rushed.
One of the oldest cities in Poland knows how to make a big impression in a short amount of time.
Is 3 days enough in Krakow?
Definitely. With 3 days in Krakow, you’ll have enough time to discover its historic heart, visit the top landmarks, and even take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. We explored the city over three full days and had time to enjoy its highlights and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites.
3 days in Krakow itinerary
This itinerary covers everything you’ll need to know, including what to see, where to stay and how to get around.
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3 days in Krakow – day 1 itinerary
You will spend your first day in the city centre exploring Wawel Hill, the Royal Route, and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. There are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied for the entire day.
1. Wawel Castle
Start your 3 days in Krakow with a walk to Wawel Castle. An architectural complex rises above the left bank of the Vistula River, on Wawel Hill just a short walk from the Old Town. It’s a symbol of national pride and power and one of the most important landmarks in Poland. You can reach it by the short Kanonicza Street, which is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful streets.
The Wawel Castle complex offers a rich history, captivating art, legends, and views that will blow your mind away. It is where the heart of Polish history still beats, with roots that trace back to the 10th century.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Wawel Castle was home to Polish kings and queens for approximately 500 years. The current castle dates back to the 14th century and was expanded over the ages. It has a mix of nearly all European architectural styles, including Renaissance and Baroque. Wawel, together with the Historic Centre of Krakow and the Wieliczka Salt Mine was one of Poland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, Wawel Castle is one of the best art museums in the country, It even ranks among the most visited art museums in the world.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO SKIP:
The castle complex is large, so plan to spend at least half a day here. You’ll want to visit the State Rooms, Crown Treasury, Armoury, and the Image of the Golden Age. The ‘Art of the Orient’ exhibition has Europe’s largest Ottoman tent collection—don’t miss it. The Sandomierska Tower gives you the best views. Kids will love the Dragon’s Den and the famous fire-breathing statue nearby. Skip tiny Royal Gardens, the First Floor Galleries, the Lost Wawel and the Church of Saint Gereon if you’re short on time—they’re easy to miss.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The castle grounds are free to enter, but for the attractions, you must purchase individual tickets. The ticket system is confusing—you need a separate ticket for each exhibit. If you want to explore the castle and the cathedral inside, come early and plan what you want to see. Tickets often sell out fast.
2. Wawel Cathedral
Many tourists leave once they see the Wawel Castle complex, but don’t leave Wawel Hill too soon. Behind the castle walls sits one of Poland’s most sacred buildings—Wawel Cathedral. It’s the final resting place for Polish monarchs and national heroes since the 14th century.
The current Catholic cathedral you see today is the third built on this site. It has stood for nearly 1,000 years but the site itself is even older. Two earlier cathedrals once stood here, each one replaced after destruction. What rose in the 14th century is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a blend of styles, each layer tells a different part of Poland’s past. You’ll spot everything from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical details in the cathedral’s façade and interior. Step inside and feel the weight of centuries. The Royal Tombs are still and powerful, holding the remains of kings and patriots.
Climb the Sigismund Bell Tower and see a golden dome which lights up Wawel Hill.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- ADMISSION FEE: Entrance to Wawel Cathedral is free, so you can step inside without paying. If you want to see the Royal Tombs, Sigismund Bell Tower, and the museum, you must buy a ticket. As of April 2025, the combined ticket costs 25 złoty (about £5). You can also rent an audio guide in English or other languages for an extra 14 złoty (£2.80). It’s a great way to understand the rich history while you explore at your own pace.
- Keep in mind that the Cathedral Museum is closed on Sundays, and the Archdiocesan Museum is closed on Mondays. These closures may change during holidays, so it’s worth double-checking the official website before you visit.
- OPENING TIMES: From April through October, opening hours are 9 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it opens at 12:30 PM and closes at 5 PM. In the colder months (from November to March), Wawel Cathedral closes at 4 PM every day. Try to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
3. Royal Road
The Royal Road follows the historic coronation path through the city when Krakow served as the royal capital. It starts at St. Florian’s Gate and flows through Florianska Street, into the Main Square, and ends at Wawel Hill. Once walked by kings and queens, this route of the ancient coronation procession passes some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Follow the same route as royalty, and see Krakow’s grandest churches, towers, and market squares.
4. St. Peter and Paul’s Church
St. Peter and Paul’s Church is one of the city’s most overlooked landmarks. Located at 54 Grodzka Street, this Roman Catholic church stands out for its early Baroque style and elegant stone façade. It may lack a tower on the front façade, but it doesn’t need one to impress. St. Peter and Paul’s Church is, in fact, one of the best examples of early Baroque in Poland.
Built in the 16th century by Jesuits, it marked a turning point in church design. What makes it different? Most churches in Krakow used red brick materials on the exterior. This one chose dolomite stone and Italian design instead, showing the strong influence of the Jesuits and Catholic reform in Europe. That’s rare for this Polish city.
Outside, statues of the twelve apostles stand in silence and line the entrance. Inside, you’ll find an elegant 18th-century altar and statues of Polish saints who helped shape the country’s identity. But what surprises the most is the church’s Foucault pendulum—the longest in Poland (46.5 m or 152 ft). Every Thursday, it swings across the ceiling, silently proving Earth’s rotation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can visit St. Peter and Paul’s Church for free daily except Mondays.
5. Main Market square
Rynek Główny
It’s easy to see why many tourists put the Main Market Square high on their bucket list when they spend three days in Krakow. The Main Market Square covers nearly 10 acres and stretches 200 m (656 ft) in each direction. Today, it’s one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe.
Rynek Główny has been the centre of Krakow since 1257 after the Mongol invasion forced the city to rebuild. Surrounded by pastel-coloured townhouses with busy cafes and restaurants, the square pulses with life day and night. It lies along the Royal Route and hosted coronations, processions, and markets for over 700 years. UNESCO included it in the World Heritage list in 1978 alongside Krakow’s Old Town for a reason.
6. Cloth Hall
Right in the middle of the Main Market Square stands the Sukiennice Cloth Hall. Originally a 13th-century cloth market, the building was redesigned in the Renaissance era with arcades, stone masks, and a row of domes. For centuries, it connected the city with the world and was the heart of trade in Krakow. International traders from Italy and far beyond came here to exchange rare spices from the East, silk and leather. Local merchants sold textiles and salt from the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Today, the lower level features wooden stalls that sell local handcrafted items, crafts, and jewellery. The souvenirs here often come straight from local artists and workshops. Above the market, art lovers will find the Sukiennice Museum, which displays 19th-century Polish art. It’s part of the National Museum and has four enormous rooms with paintings and sculptures from various periods.
TIP:
For a relaxing break, head to the Sukiennice Restaurant upstairs. Sit on the terrace with coffee or lunch and enjoy panoramic views of the square.
LUNCH BREAK – Where to try the best Pierogi on the Square
Pierogi
After exploring the Cloth Hall, sit down and enjoy a local lunch. We tried three places on the square, Restauracja Sukiennice, Max 18 Restauracja, and Spaghetti Pizzeria & Ristorante. All three spots offered quick service, affordable prices, and outdoor seating. For a true local experience, pair your pierogi with local beer.
7. St Mary’s Basilica
If you only visit one church during your 3 days in Krakow, make it St. Mary’s Basilica. This famous brick Gothic church stands proudly on the Main Market Square. Two towers of different heights give it a striking look, and both have unique stories. The taller one stands over 80 m (262 ft) tall and used to serve as a lookout. The shorter one houses the church bells.
Built on the ruins of a church destroyed by Mongols, today’s basilica dates back to the 14th century. It’s a testament to Polish Gothic architecture and one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The inside of the basilica is even more breathtaking. The blue star-covered ceiling, vivid stained glass, and gold details make this place magical. Most people come to see the 15th-century wooden altarpiece, carved by a Nuremberg master, Veit Stoss. It’s the largest Gothic altar in the world and took 12 years to complete.
FUN FACTS:
The Veit Stoss Altarpiece is approximately 13 m (42 ft) high and 11 m (36 ft) wide when fully opened. Carved from three types of wood, it depicts dramatic scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. Veit Stoss carved over 200 wooden figures for this masterpiece. The tallest ones are made from trees that were already 500 years old when shaped, making them over 1,000 years old today.
During the Nazi occupation of Krakow during World War II, the Germans stole the altar and took it to Germany. They hid it in the Nuremberg Castle. After the war, Germany returned the altarpiece back to Poland in 1946.
TIP:
Come before noon to witness the daily unveiling of the altar at 11:50 AM.
GOOD TO KNOW:
St. Mary’s Basilica is open from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM Mon-Sat, and from 2 PM to 6 PM on Sundays and holidays. On Sundays, the altar is open from 2:10 PM. Entry by donation (15 PLN/£3), as of April 2025.
8. St. Mary’s Trumpet Call
Don’t miss the trumpet call played from St Mary’s Basilica Tower. Every hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a live trumpeter plays the Hejnal Mariacki from the taller tower. The call is played in all four cardinal directions and the melody ends suddenly. The tune breaks off mid-way to honour the brave trumpeter shot in the throat while warning of the Mongol attack.
9. St Mary’s Basilica Tower
Climb the steps of the Bugle Tower for panoramic views of Krakow’s Main Market Square. Don’t miss it, as it’s one of the unique things to see when you spend 3 days in Krakow. You might also catch the trumpeter performing the Hejnal Mariacki if timed right.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Bugle Tower is open from April to October, with varying hours. In April, it’s open on weekends (Friday to Sunday), excluding Easter. Entry is 20 PLN (£4), as of April 2025. Time slots are every 30 mins from 10:10 AM to 5:30 PM. Our time slot was from 12:40 PM to 1:10 PM – works well for this itinerary.
10. Rynek Underground
If you want to soak up the city’s rich past, add the Rynek Underground Museum to your 3 days in Krakow itinerary. As the name suggests, just 4 m (13 ft) beneath the famous Main Market Square lies one of Poland’s most fascinating museums. After a large excavation near the Cloth Hall, archaeologists discovered medieval artefacts, including coins, clothing and jewellery. They also found the foundations of the previous Cloth Hall and the remains of merchant stalls from centuries past.
The Rynek Underground Museum shows you what life was like in Krakow 700 years ago. This multimedia museum is full of interactive displays, holograms and touchscreens. Digital projections guide you through the medieval marketplace with cobbled roads. See the remnants of a settlement, which the Mongols destroyed in the 13th century. Don’t miss the old cemetery, the richest early medieval necropolis in Lesser Poland. One of the most mysterious finds is an 11th-century grave believed to hold a vampire.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- ADMISSION FEE (As of April 2025): The entry ticket to the Rynek Underground Museum costs 40 PLN (£8) or free every Tuesday.
- OPENING TIMES: 10 AM–7 PM (Mon, Wed, Thurs), until 2 PM on Tues, open till 8 PM (Fri & Sat). Closed every second Monday of the month.
- Book in advance — The Rynek Underground Museum gets fully booked quickly.
- ENTRY LOCATION: Outside the Cloth Hall, opposite St. Mary’s Basilica at 1 Rynek Główny.
- TICKET OFFICE: The other side of the Cloth Hall at 21 Rynek Główny (labelled “Podziemia Rynku” on the door).
11. Town Hall Tower
You might not expect to find a leaning tower here, but the Town Hall Tower is one of Krakow’s quirkiest and most photogenic sites. Located on the western side of the Main Market Square, this 75-metre (246 ft) red-brick tower leans almost half a metre to one side. It’s the only part that remains from Krakow’s original 14th-century Town Hall, demolished in the 19th century to open up the square.
Inside, you’ll find a small exhibition about the square’s history and photography of the Main Market Square. But the real reason people visit is for the breathtaking views from the top. If you’re up for the climb, the panoramic scene of the Main Market Square is unforgettable — especially on a sunny day.
TIP:
If you only have time for one tower climb, pick St. Mary’s Basilica Tower for the bugle call and higher view.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- ENTRY FEE (As of April 2025): Free on Mondays, 20 PLN (approximately £4) on other days.
- OPENING TIMES: 10 AM–6 PM (Tue–Sun), 10 AM–3 PM (Mon).
12. Florianska Street
Take a stroll down Florianska Street – one of the most famous streets in the Old Town. Starting from the Main Square, it leads straight to St Florian’s Gate. This beautiful pedestrian street is full of boutique shops, restaurants, and souvenir spots. It’s also the starting point of the historic Royal Route.
13. St Florian’s Gate
St Florian’s Gate is one of the last surviving pieces of Krakow’s old defences. Built in the late 13th century, it was one of seven key gates that used to guard the city. After a Mongol attack destroyed much of the area, the city added thick walls and towers for protection. Of the original 47 towers, only three remain today and link to this gate. The gate’s arched passage and watchtower are an excellent spot for photos and a highlight of any city walk.
14. Barbican
Right outside the gate stands the Barbican – a huge circular defensive structure with a long history. Built in the 15th century, this fortified outpost guarded the entrance to the city. In the past, it was connected to Florian’s Gate by a walled passage which served as a checkpoint for everyone who entered the city. Surrounded by a moat, it stood strong against attacks. Today, the Barbican is one of the most unique places you can visit during your 3 days in Krakow. Only two other Barbicans like this exist in all of Europe. It’s an amazing reminder of the city’s rich history, offering a rare look into the city’s medieval defence system.
3 days in Krakow – day 2 itinerary
On your second day, we recommend you wake up early to beat the crowds. You will explore the Auschwitz concentration camp, the Oskar Schindler Factory and the attractions nearby. You will also visit the former Jewish district.
15. Auschwitz Birkenau
On the second day of your 3 days in Krakow, consider visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. While emotionally challenging, this visit provides a crucial understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II.
UNDERSTANDING THE TRAGEDY:
Auschwitz was the largest of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camps. Over 1.3 million individuals were deported here. More than 1.1 million lost their lives here through various means, including starvation, forced labour, disease, executions, and medical experiments.
The site comprises two main camps: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Auschwitz I features preserved structures like barracks and gas chambers. Exhibitions also display the personal belongings of victims, including shoes, cookware, and even human hair. Auschwitz II-Birkenau, a larger and more expansive concentration camp, lies in ruins. It features the remnants of the extermination camp, including the infamous railway tracks which the Nazis used for the transportation of victims.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Admission to Auschwitz-Birkenau is free. However, we highly recommend guided tours to fully comprehend the site’s history. These tours, available in multiple languages, last about 3.5 hours. The tours provide detailed historical context and personal stories that self-guided visits lack. Without a guide, the lack of informational signage will limit your understanding.
Booking ahead is essential due to the limited availability of the tours.
HOW TO GET TO AUSCHWITZ (Oświęcim in Polish)
TRAINS: Direct trains from Krakow to Oświęcim take approximately 2 hours. From the station, local buses (numbers 24-29) can transport you to Auschwitz I for around 3 PLN. Alternatively, taxis between Oświęcim and the camps cost roughly 15 PLN (£3).
- GUIDED TOURS: For convenience, consider booking a guided tour from Krakow. Tours include transportation and ensure a seamless experience. Remember, these tours are popular and often sell out during peak seasons.
TIP:
To make the most of your time, pair your Auschwitz-Birkenau visit with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This combination allows you to explore two significant UNESCO sites in a single day, leaving other attractions in Krakow on your final day.
16. Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory
After lunch, visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory at 4 Lipowa Street in Zabłocie. Famed through Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List,” this site honours the German industrialist who saved 1,200 Jews during the Nazi occupation. The museum offers a comprehensive look into Schindler’s efforts and the larger context of Krakow during WWII. Exhibits include Schindler’s original office desk, his list, and photographs of many survivors. Multimedia displays and artefacts provide insight into the lives of those affected by the Nazi occupation of the Second World War.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES (As of April 2025): Monday: 10 AM –3 PM; Tuesday–Sunday: 9 AM–7 PM. Closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
- ADMISSION FEE 40 PLN (£8) for adults, as of April 2025. Free admission to Schindler’s Factory on Mondays (limited tickets). Reserve your tickets to avoid the long lines.
- GETTING THERE: Take a tram from Krakow Glowny to Krakow Zablocie, then a short walk. Alternatively, it’s a 30-minute walk (2.6 km) from the Old Town.
17. Ghetto Heroes Square
A short walk from Schindler’s Factory leads you to Ghetto Heroes Square, the largest open space in what was once the newly-created Krakow Ghetto. Once known as Plac Zgody, this square served as a central point for over 20,000 Jews who lived within the ghetto walls during WWII. It was the only place where they could escape the overcrowded tenements. The square’s most striking feature is the installation of 70 large bronze chairs, symbolizing the belongings left behind by deported victims. These empty chairs represent thousands of people who the Nazis deported from here.
TIP:
Don’t miss the Eagle Pharmacy Museum located in the ghetto. Managed by Tadeusz Pankiewicz, the only non-Jewish resident permitted to stay in the ghetto, the pharmacy became a hub for resistance and aid. After deportations, residents met here and shared updates about survivors.
18. Kazimierz
Across the river from the Ghetto Heroes Square lies Kazimierz, a district with more stories than most cities. You might recognize it from Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. But this vibrant district is so much more than a film location.
Located across the Vistula River, Kazimierz was once a separate town, established by King Casimir the Great. Kazimierz had its own rights and became a model Jewish community. For centuries, Jewish and Catholic cultures lived side by side. You’ll see this reflected in the district’s layout: historic synagogues stand beside churches like St. Catherine’s and Corpus Christi. The 15th century brought changes when King Jan Olbracht moved the Jewish population here. A wall eventually separated Jewish and Catholic sections, though the two communities coexisted for generations. During WWII, the Nazis destroyed the community, and this district fell into ruin.
Today, Kazimierz thrives as one of the city’s most popular districts. Narrow cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and small townhouses are full of life again. You’ll find unique galleries, quirky shops, buzzing cafes, and top-rated restaurants. Highlights include the Old Synagogue, the peaceful Old Jewish Cemetery, and the powerful Galicia Jewish Museum, which shows haunting photos of Jewish heritage.
3 days in Krakow – day 3 itinerary
On your last day, we again recommend waking up earlier. After your breakfast, you will visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. A half-day trip to Wieliczka takes about 4-5 hours of your day, depending on the mode of transport you choose.
19. Wieliczka
You’ve probably never been anywhere like the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Just outside the city, this underground wonder is one of Poland’s most unique experiences and it’s easy to get there from Krakow.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has produced salt since the Neolithic times. In the 13th century, it became the largest source of salt in Poland. This mine is one of the oldest in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the beginning in 1978. It stretches an incredible 287 km (178 mi) and reaches 327 m (1,073 ft) down. Once a vital part of Poland’s economy, is today one of the most famous attractions in the country.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE INSIDE:
Only 2% of this massive salt labyrinth is open to tourists—but that’s more than enough to leave you speechless. The Tourist Route (3.5 km) shows you salt lakes, halls lined with carvings, and one of the mine’s most stunning spots: St. Kinga’s Chapel. Everything inside is carved from salt—even the chandeliers. You’ll see salt replicas of Da Vinci’s Last Supper and a statue of John Paul II. You will also learn about the Wieliczka Salt Mine’s history and its secrets.
GOOD TO KNOW:
There are two types of guided tours.
- The Tourist Route is perfect for first-time visitors. As of April 2025, it costs 128 PLN (around £25.50), but prices vary slightly depending on the season (check official website). Tours in English run every 30 minutes between 8:30 AM and 6 PM.
- The Miners’ Route is more adventurous. Wear a helmet and lamp and explore narrow chambers like a real miner. Also, 128 PLN, with English tours at 10:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 4:15 PM, as of April 2025. Check the official website before booking to avoid disappointment.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Temperatures underground are between 14–16°C. Wear comfy shoes—there are 800 steps—and bring a layer. Walk-in tickets often sell out or have long waits.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take a train from Krakow Glowny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia (40 minutes), then walk 5 minutes to the salt mine. If you drive, expect a 25-minute trip from the city centre. You can also book a tour with transport, perfect if you have limited time.
20. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
You might not find Kalwaria Zebrzydowska in every travel guide but it deserves a place on your list. Just 35–40 minutes by car from Krakow or Wieliczka, this peaceful town holds one of Poland’s most meaningful religious landmarks.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most important pilgrimage destinations. The layout of this 17th-century calvary park was modelled after the places in the Holy Land. Today, this pilgrimage complex is one of Europe’s most unique calvary parks. Its calm landscape holds 42 chapels, a historic monastery, and numerous churches and chapels, all laid out to echo biblical Jerusalem. Two main routes lead through the park: one follows the Passion of Christ, and the other honours the Virgin Mary. Whether you follow the full pilgrimage trail or just a section, the quiet setting creates a powerful atmosphere.
If you want a break from busy tourist sites, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska offers a meaningful stop. It’s perfect for everyone who loves culture, rich history, and a peaceful atmosphere.
TIP:
The chapels sit along forested hills, so wear walking shoes and check the weather before you go.
Now you know what to do in Krakow in 3 days!
Where to stay in Krakow for 3 days
Location really does make all the difference. Parking in central zones isn’t cheap and you’ll pay daily (except Sunday).
Not sure where to stay? Choose a place close to the Old Town or Kazimierz. These areas are central, and walkable, with no need for taxis or trams. You’ll be steps from the main sights, food spots, and tours. We stayed in Zwierzyniec, a peaceful area just 10 minutes from Wawel Castle. Since we had a car, we needed easier parking—and the centre is expensive and tricky unless your hotel includes a spot. If you’re driving, look for accommodation outside the paid parking zones that offer private spaces.
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Last updated: 23/04/2025 by Martina Kokesova