Krakow itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Krakow
5 stops · ≈ 3 h 47 minRynek Główny, also known as the Main Market Square, is a large medieval town square with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by impressive palaces and churches, including notable sites such as St. Mary's Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, and the Cloth Hall. Spanning 40,000 meters in size, it holds the title of being the largest medieval market in Europe.
Meyo Apartments, located in the Old Town district of Krakow, offers refined units with kitchenettes and is situated just across from the medieval town square. The aparthotel is conveniently close to attractions such as St. Mary's Basilica, an aqua park, live performances, Wawel Royal Castle, and Rynek Underground Museum. Guests praise the modern accommodations and fantastic location right in the main square of Krakow.
Jagiellonian University, located in Krakow, Poland, is the country's oldest and one of the most distinguished institutions of higher education. With over 6,700 faculty members and more than 42,000 students, it also ranks as the second largest university in Poland. The university boasts many landmark buildings and has established numerous international partnerships. Visitors can explore the Jagiellonian University Museum housed in the Gothic Collegium Maius building to discover treasures from the university's history.
Wawel Cathedral, located in Cracow, is a significant site for Polish history and culture. It has been the coronation venue for Polish monarchs and is the resting place of numerous kings, national heroes, writers, and artists. The cathedral houses remarkable chapels such as the Holy Cross Chapel with Byzantine frescoes and works by renowned artists like Veit Stoss. Additionally, it features impressive Renaissance artwork in the Sigismund Chapel.
Perched on a hilltop, the Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection in Krakow boasts a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Overlooking the medieval city and Vistula River, it holds great significance for Poles, symbolizing their country's past glory under powerful monarchs. Despite no longer serving as a royal residence, it remains a unifying symbol for the Polish people.
Reserve
10If you have time left — worth it too.
Kraków Old Town, also known as Stare Miasto, is a historic district located around Rynek Główny square and surrounded by the lush greenery of Planty Park. The area is home to iconic attractions such as The Cloth Hall Museum, the Rynek Underground Museum, and the stunning Gothic St. Mary's Basilica. Visitors can explore charming narrow lanes filled with unique shops, cozy cafes, and a variety of dining options.
Zakrzówek may seem distant and unremarkable at first, but it's a hidden gem worth exploring. Visiting in early spring, I was captivated by the water-filled quarry and the surrounding cliffs. The turquoise water and dramatic drop transported me to a coastal paradise, reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea.
Stanisław Lem's Garden of Experiments in Krakow is a family-friendly park filled with vibrant interactive displays that showcase scientific concepts. This outdoor space offers an immersive experience for children, engaging all their senses through sensory playgrounds, illuminations, and interactive attractions. It provides a futuristic setting where kids can learn the basics of science and physics while having fun. The garden stands out as an excellent destination for families, offering hands-on activities that cater to both kids and adults alike.
The Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec is a centuries-old monastery situated on a cliff with stunning views of the Vistula River. The atmosphere exudes tranquility and offers an array of monastery-made products such as alcoholic beverages, organic cakes, cheeses, breads, and ice creams. The monks cultivate their own ingredients and sell their divine creations in an on-site shop.
The Czartoryski Museum, established in 1801, recently completed a nine-year renovation and is now home to the renowned masterpiece 'Lady with an Ermine' by Leonardo da Vinci. This museum boasts a remarkable collection of over 300,000 artworks including paintings, medieval enamels, ivory carvings, ceramics, Persian rugs, and more. It offers a captivating narrative of Polish and global art, culture, and history.
St. Florian's Gate is a medieval Gothic gate tower that dates back to the 14th century and is connected to the city's fortified walls. It stands as the only remaining original gate out of eight, having survived modernization in the 19th century. The stout tower and adjoining walls were part of Krakow's fortifications against potential Tatar attacks. The gate is linked by a narrow bridge to the circular Barbican on the opposite side of the moat.
Krakus Mound, located in Krakow, Poland, is the oldest and largest prehistoric mound in the country. It offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape and is a popular spot for locals to gather during warmer months for barbecues and sunset watching. The mound has a rich history linked to mythical founder King Krakus and dates back as far as 500 BC based on research conducted in the 1930s. Positioned 2.
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, located in the old industrial district between Podgorze and Kazimierz, is a museum that pays homage to the remarkable courage of Oskar Schindler during the Nazi occupation of Krakow. The factory, immortalized in Steven Spielberg's film 'Schindler's List,' was where over 1,200 Jews were saved from concentration camps through employment.
Father Bernatek’s Bridge, also known as the Love Lock Bridge, is a stunning pedestrian crossing that elegantly links Krakow's historic Kazimierz district with the lively Podgorze neighborhood. Completed in 2010, this modern architectural gem spans the Vistula River and has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. What truly sets it apart are the breathtaking acrobatic sculptures created by artist Jerzy Kędziora, which were added in 2016.
Kraków Zoo is a compact yet diverse zoo located in the middle of the expansive 500-hectare Las Wolski forest, just ten kilometers west of Kraków's Old Town. The zoo houses over 1400 exotic animals, including 270 different species such as Rothschild's giraffe, pygmy hippo, little panda, snow leopard, Amur tiger, chimpanzee, Indian elephant and Humboldt penguin.
- Purchase a transport ticket before boarding public transport.
- Try local dishes like pierogi and obwarzanki.
- Avoid exchanging money at the airport for better rates in the city.