Get ready to explore the historical treasures, vibrant neighbourhoods, and irresistible flavours of Kraków, Poland.
This guide takes you step-by-step through a memorable journey, blending culture, history, and culinary delights across Krakow, as well as some suggested day trips.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, you’ll find this itinerary offers loads of suggestions and takeaways.
Here are my itinerary suggestions on how to discover Krakow, Poland, over four days:
Fly with Jet2 direct to Krakow from Manchester
Begin your Kraków adventure by departing from Manchester airport with Jet2.
With the added comfort of 22kg luggage and affordable prices, Jet2 offers.
Manchester is a wonderful Jet2 hub to reach many locations across Europe with ease.
A perfect way to kickstart your Kraków city break adventure.
Stay at Golden Tulip Hotel
During your Stay in Krakow, be sure to check out the Golden Tulip Hotel.
The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the old town of Krakow.
The rooms are spacious and have all the amenities you need during your stay.
Don’t forget to enjoy the morning breakfast buffet available for guests also.
Polish food and drink tour with Eat Polska
If you’re looking for a unique tour to experience in Krakow, be sure to have a look at the Polish food and drink tour with Eat Polska.
Enjoy a Zapiekanki from Zapiekanki Królewskie in Plac Nowy, Kazimierz. The Krakow take on a late-night pizza which you have to try.
Dive into Soups at Kuchnia u Doroty, and dry the beetroot which was super tasty.
Enjoy Sweet and savoury Pierogi from Przystanek Pierogarnia with a healthy dollop of sour cream.
Dive into Lemko cuisine at Gościnna Chata, which is a hearty feast.
End the tour with a nostalgic trip back in time with a slice of Pope cake/ Kremówka Papieska from Cukiernia Czarodziej.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour From Krakow Hotel Pickup
If you’re looking for a day trip from Krakow, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour is one option.
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a deeply moving and solemn experience, offering a powerful insight into one of history’s darkest chapters.
The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau provide a preserved look at the concentration camp, allowing visitors to reflect on the atrocities committed there.
I booked my tour through GetYourGuide which I would recommend doing.
Having your hotel pick-up, express pre-booked tickets, transfers and guide all arranged for you was helpful.
Due to the large visitor numbers to both locations, it’s a good idea to have the day arranged and booked in advance.
Guided Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine
Honestly didn’t know what to expect from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. I went along with an open mind as I’d never visited a salt mine before and wasn’t sure of the appeal.
Wieliczka Salt Mine had come highly recommended by almost everyone who had been before on a trip to Krakow.
Being a short drive away from Krakow city, Wieliczka Salt Mine makes it a perfect option if you fancy adding a day trip to Krakow onto your trip. And easily done with a tour combination.
Nearly 3 kilometres of winding galleries, 800 stairs to climb and descent to 135 metres underground.
I liked booking the tour on Get Your Guide which included a private transfer, fast-track tickets and a guided tour. A complete package which ra
The Salt Mine Tour was a ‘private’ tour with Krakow Direct. You can find the details here. https://krakowdirect.com/krakow-salt-mine-tours/
You only get to visit a small percentage of the Wieliczka Salt Mine as well, it’s a rather vast and deep network of underground tunnels and salt mines.
Eat at Ambasada Śledzia
Eat at Ambasada Śledzia, Kick off your trip with a dinner at Ambasada Śledzia, where you can enjoy traditional Polish herring dishes paired with local vodka for an authentic start to your trip to Krakow.
Walk around Krakow’s UNESCO Old Town
Stroll through Krakow’s stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town which is like stepping back in time to medieval Europe.
The heart of the city is surrounded by vibrant cafés and the iconic Cloth Hall.
The towering St. Mary’s Basilica, with its intricate Gothic facade, stands as a timeless landmark, while the melodic trumpets from its tower add a touch of tradition to the bustling square.
As you wander down historic cobblestone streets, leading you to the formidable St. Florian’s Gate, once the city’s main defensive entrance.
Every turn invites exploration, blending centuries of heritage with the lively spirit of modern Poland.
Lunch at Czarna Kaczka/ Black Duck
Be sure to stop off for Lunch at Czarna Kaczka (Black Duck) restaurant, serving mostly dishes, yep you’ve guessed it, with Duck!
I went for the roast duck and it was superb. Highly recommend this spot if you fancy something a little fancier.
The polish bagel from Krakow, Obwarzanek krakowski
If you visit Kraków, you have to try the traditional Polish bagel from Krakow called Obwarzanek Krakowski.
Obwarzanek Krakowski holds the EU status of regional food with protected geographical indication. Joins many protected processes of traditional foods that can be found around Europe.
This means that every Obwarzanek Krakowski must follow a set of standards to be sold around Krakow.
It’s that Obwarzanek Krakowski inspectors go around to ensure that the quality and standards are kept in place.
You will find that all Obwarzanek Krakowski are prepared fresh daily and prepared in the same protected traditional way in order to keep up with standards.
Be sure to try an Obwarzanek Krakowski on your next trip to Krakow, a tasty, affordable snack, especially with the poppy seeds. Delicious.
Explore the Jewish Quater, starting at Restauracja Starka
Restauracja Starka is A wonderful hole-in-the-wall restaurant that can be found in the Jewish Quarter.
If you have an evening free, I would highly recommend walking over to the Jewish Quarter and heading around on a bit of a bar hop.
The area is full of great bars, cafes, restaurants and spots to grab a cocktail.
Start your jaunt at Restauracja Starka, an Intimate, warmly decorated 2-room restaurant & bar with hearty modern dishes and an extensive vodka menu.
I went for the Pierogi – Polish dumplings which went down a treat and the Polish soup which is served in a bread roll.
Everything was delicious and would recommend this as a great starting point for exploring the Jewish Quarter.
Polonia Wax Museum, a must visit in Krakow, Poland
So bad, it’s good! The Polonia Wax Museum is worth every penny for its pure amusement alone. Hours of fun and well worth the visit if you fancy a good laugh,
All I can say is, don’t expect to find a masterpiece when it comes to wax works and some will leave you with your jaw still open on the way out the exit.
You simply have to go and experience it for yourself.
Visit a Vodka bar in Krakow, such as Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa
If you’re in Krakow, Poland, a unique thing to do is Visit a Vodka bar. One I can recommend is the Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa.
Styled off the old milk bars (Mleczny) from the past, this bar offers a nostalgic atmosphere of the past and is a perfect spot to try tapas from vodka shops.
Pairs well with beef tartar or herring. My favourite vodka has to be the hazelnut, which was fun to try.
You can still find traditional old-school milk bars (Mleczny) in Krakow, serving traditional Polish dishes from the past and it’s hard to locate one that hasn’t changed the interior in recent years keeping its traditional charm in tacked.
One location that still achieves this is the Targowy Mleczny location which still offers authentic and affordable Polish dishes with the same staff attitude as when it opened, you simply have to try for yourself.
Thank you for reading my blog post about what to do in Krakow, Poland
Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my guide to exploring Krakow, Poland.
I hope you have found all the above information useful towards your trip planning to Krakow, Poland.
Kraków’s charm lies in its seamless blend of history, culture, and modernity.
This itinerary ensures you experience the best the city has to offer while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries and unforgettable moments.
From its cobblestone streets, breathtaking sights, tasty cuisine, and warm hospitality, Kraków is a destination that truly has it all for a European city break.
Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to fall in love with Kraków!
Wishing you a wonderful future trip to Krakow, Poland and have an amazing time!
This blog post was put together in collaboration with Jet2 Holidays. If you would like to travel to Krakow with Jet2, be sure to check out the Jet2 Citybreak destination selection for a whole host of City Break trips across Europe.
