Kraków is Poland’s cultural soul, a city where medieval squares, royal castles, and riverside cafés feel timeless, yet the energy of students and creatives keeps it alive and modern. Three days here is just enough to soak in the Old Town’s beauty, explore Jewish heritage in Kazimierz, and venture underground into the salt-carved world of Wieliczka.
This 3-day Kraków itinerary blends history, food, and atmosphere so you can experience the city at its richest.
Highlights
- Wander Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval square, and hear the bugle call from St. Mary’s Basilica.
- Explore Wawel Castle & Cathedral, once the heart of Polish royalty.
- Get lost in Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, filled with synagogues, street art, and cool cafés.
- Visit Schindler’s Factory Museum for a moving look at Kraków’s WWII history.
- Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with chapels and sculptures carved entirely from salt.
- Stroll Planty Park, the green belt around the Old Town.
- Taste pierogi, sour rye soup, and Poland’s famous vodkas.
Day 1− Old Town & Royal Hill
Start in Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), the heart of Kraków. Marvel at the Gothic towers of St. Mary’s Basilica, and don’t miss the hourly bugle call (hejnal) from its highest tower — a tradition dating back to medieval times. Step inside the Cloth Hall, once a hub for silk and spices, now filled with stalls selling amber and crafts.
After lunch in a cellar restaurant, head up to Wawel Hill. Explore Wawel Castle with its Renaissance courtyards and wander through the Wawel Cathedral, where Polish kings were crowned. The hilltop also offers sweeping views of the Vistula River.
Evening is for Polish food: try pierogi stuffed with cheese and potatoes, or heartier dishes like bigos (hunter’s stew). End your night with a stroll through the square, glowing with lanterns and music.
Food tip: Look for milk bars (bar mleczny) — inexpensive, cafeteria-style eateries serving traditional Polish comfort food.
Day 2 − Jewish Quarter & Schindler’s Story
Morning takes you to Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter. Once the center of Jewish life, today it’s a vibrant neighborhood of synagogues, street art, and vintage cafés. Visit the Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue, then pause at one of Kazimierz’s bohemian coffee shops.
Cross the river to Schindler’s Factory Museum, one of Kraków’s most powerful sites. The exhibits walk you through the Nazi occupation and daily life in the city, housed in Oskar Schindler’s actual enamel factory.
Afternoon is for wandering — Kazimierz’s narrow lanes reveal hidden courtyards, antique shops, and walls splashed with murals. Stay for dinner here: modern restaurants serve creative spins on Polish-Jewish flavors.
Wanderlab tip: In the evening, Kazimierz comes alive with live music in candlelit bars. It’s the perfect neighborhood to linger after dark.
Day 3 −The Salt Mine & Planty Park
Spend your final day underground at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Kraków. Descend more than 300 meters to discover vast caverns, chapels, chandeliers, and entire sculptures carved from salt. The Chapel of St. Kinga, a cathedral-like hall made of salt, is unforgettable.
Return to Kraków in the afternoon for a slow stroll along Planty Park, the ring of green space that circles the Old Town. Pause for coffee or ice cream in the square, pick up amber jewelry or local crafts, and savor your last evening in this timeless city.
Food tip: End your trip with a slice of kremówka, a creamy custard cake made famous by Pope John Paul II, who was born near Kraków.
