Kraków Weekend Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days in the City
“Discovering new places, one weekend at a time.”
I've been visiting Kraków for as long as I can remember, and it's a city I never get tired of recommending. My family lives there, so over the years I've experienced the city both as a visitor and through the eyes of the locals. Between the historic Old Town, great food, and easy access to places like Auschwitz, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the mountain town of Zakopane, it's an easy destination for a long weekend.
That said, planning a trip to a new city isn't always straightforward. Do you stick to the major sights, venture beyond the tourist hotspots, or try to squeeze in a day trip while you're there? With only a few days to explore, it can be difficult to know what's actually worth your time.
That's where this itinerary comes in. I'll share how I'd spend three days in Kraków, including the places I think are worth visiting, a few favorite restaurants, and some personal recommendations along the way.
Let’s go - Here is the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Krakow:
Day 1: Unveil the Old Town's Secrets
Start your first day in Kraków in the Old Town, home to many of the city's best-known landmarks. Take some time to wander around the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary's Basilica, and step inside the Cloth Hall. If you're interested in the city's history, the Underground Museum beneath the square is also worth a visit.
From there, make your way to Wawel Castle. Between the cathedral, castle grounds, and views over the Vistula River, it's one of the most iconic places in Kraków and an easy way to spend a few hours.
After a day of sightseeing, it's time for dinner. Whether you're looking for traditional Polish food, sushi, or cocktails with a view, Kraków has plenty of great options. Just don’t forget to make a reservation as places tend to fill up fast.
Here are a few places I recommend:
Miedzymiastowa for drinks, small bites, and views of the Main Market Square from the terrace.
Restauracja Sukiennice if you're looking for a traditional Polish meal without spending too much. Ask for a table downstairs for a more unique setting.
Nago for really good sushi.
Pino River if you don't mind walking a little further. The restaurant sits on a boat overlooking Wawel Castle, and the outdoor deck is especially nice on a sunny day. If possible, request a table outside when making your reservation.
Day 2: Salt Mines and Kazimierz
On day two, start your morning at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the most visited attractions near Kraków. The mine is famous for its underground chapels, salt sculptures, and long network of tunnels carved out of salt. While it's undoubtedly one of the area's biggest tourist attractions, it's also one of the most unique and well worth a visit. If you're visiting during the summer months, it's also a great way to escape the heat for a few hours, as the temperature underground stays much cooler than in the city. Getting there is quite easy too — you can take a local train from Kraków Główny, which takes around 20 minutes, or join one of the many organized tours that include transportation.
Once you're back in the city, spend the rest of the day exploring Kazimierz, Kraków's historic Jewish quarter. While you'll find important sites such as Schindler's Factory, the Remuh Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery here, Kazimierz is also one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.
In many ways, it reminds me a little of Berlin. Alongside its history, you'll find small cafés, vintage stores, cocktail bars, and some of Kraków's best vegan and vegetarian restaurants. It's the kind of neighborhood where you can easily spend hours wandering around.
In the evening, stick around for dinner and drinks. Many of the city's trendier restaurants and bars are located in Kazimierz, making it one of the best places to experience Kraków after dark.
Day 3: Auschwitz and Zakrzówek
Day three is dedicated to a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Located about an hour outside Kraków, the former concentration and extermination camp is one of the most important historical sites in Poland and a place that leaves a lasting impression.
I recommend visiting with a guide, as the additional context helps you better understand what happened here and the scale of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. While you can visit independently or drive there yourself, joining an organized tour from Kraków is often the easiest option.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing quite a bit of walking. I'd also recommend keeping the rest of your day relatively light. Most visits take around half a day, and many people leave feeling emotionally drained as well as physically tired.
Want to know more about what to expect? I've put together a detailed guide to visiting Auschwitz, including practical tips and information for first-time visitors.
After a visit to Auschwitz, you may not feel like jumping straight back into sightseeing. If you'd like a change of pace once you're back in Kraków and are looking for a moment to reflect what you’ve witnesses, Kopiec Krakusa offers some of the best views in the city, while Zakrzówek is perfect if you'd rather be surrounded by nature.
Optional: Take a Day Trip to Zakopane
If you have an extra day in Kraków — or would rather swap one of the activities on this itinerary for a more nature-focused escape — consider taking a day trip to Zakopane.
Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains near the Slovakian border, Zakopane offers a completely different side of Poland. Instead of historic streets and museums, you'll find mountain views, hiking trails, traditional wooden architecture, and thermal baths.
You can take the cable car up Gubałówka for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, spend some time exploring the town center, or simply relax at one of the area's many thermal baths. It's an easy day trip from Kraków and a great option if you'd like to spend some time outdoors.
Want to know more about Zakopane? I've put together a detailed guide to my favorite place in the world, covering everything from what to do and where to eat to the best thermal baths and viewpoints.
There you have it - A perfect itinerary of how to spend a long weekend in Kraków. Are you still left with any questions? Send me a message, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them. Happy Travels!
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