Top 3 Itineraries in Krakow

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By Grzegorz Robok

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Introduction

Get ahead of planning with the top 3 itineraries in Krakow! From iconic landmarks like Rynek Główny and Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection to local hangouts tucked away in charming neighborhoods, these itineraries cover it all. Keep reading to learn more!

What all great itineraries in Krakow have in common is a unique ability to combine iconic tourist attractions with authentic experiences. Striking that perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion should be the ultimate goal of every travel itinerary.

To make planning easier, we've curated the top 3 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Krakow. This way, you can skip ahead and focus on the details.

Popular Types of Trips to Krakow

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Krakow.

If you only have a few days, Krakow weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Krakow offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Krakow are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Krakow’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Krakow offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Poland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Krakow truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Krakow

If you’re as convinced as we are that Krakow belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Krakow are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Krakow and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Krakow Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Krakow itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Krakow for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Krakow without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Krakow!

3. The Ultimate 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Krakow and Beyond

Photo of horse carriages at main square in Krakow in a summer day, Poland.

A scenic 14-day road trip through Poznań, Chorzów, Łódź, Oświęcim, and Ojców is one of the best ways to experience Poland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 14-day itinerary means that Krakow can easily be combined with other top destinations in Poland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Poznań, Chorzów, Łódź, Oświęcim, and Ojców by public transport, renting a car in Poland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 14 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Łódź

  • Arrival city: Łódź
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Łódź, e.g., PURO Lódz
  • Sightseeing: Park Źródliska I
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Łódź. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Łódź

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Saltos trampoline park, Pasaż Róży, EC1 Łódź - City of Culture, Piłsudskiego Park, and Manufaktura. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Łódź, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Warsaw.

Day 3: Discover Warszawa

  • Destinations: Warszawa
  • Driving distance: 16.66 km, approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
  • Sightseeing: Łazienki Królewskie, Vistula Boulevards, Saxon Garden, Palace on the Isle, and Palace of Culture and Science
  • Recommended tour: Private Legendary Warsaw Walking Tour
Spend the day exploring Łazienki Królewskie, Vistula Boulevards, Saxon Garden, Palace on the Isle, and Palace of Culture and Science. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Warszawa

  • Destinations: Warszawa
  • Driving distance: 15.36 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Warsaw, e.g., NYX Hotel Warsaw
  • Sightseeing: Copernicus Science Centre, The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Multimedialny Park Fontann, and City Zoological Garden in Warsaw
  • Recommended tour: Praga Dark Side Tour by Retro Bus in Warsaw
Continue your journey through Warszawa, where you can explore Copernicus Science Centre, The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Multimedialny Park Fontann, and City Zoological Garden in Warsaw. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa

  • Destinations: Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa
  • Driving distance: 336.62 km, approx. 3 hours and 55 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Rybnik, e.g., Apartamenty D20
  • Sightseeing: Jasna Góra, The Warsaw Rising Museum, and Rynek w Rybniku
Drive through Częstochowa, Rybnik, and Warszawa, stopping to visit Jasna Góra, The Warsaw Rising Museum, and Rynek w Rybniku. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Rybnik.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Chorzów

  • Destinations: Chorzów
  • Driving distance: 245.49 km, approx. 3 hours and 51 minutes
  • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Zakopane, e.g., Nosalowy Park
  • Sightseeing: Silesian Zoological Park, Planetarium Śląskie, Park Redena, and Chorzowskie Centrum Kultury
Spend time discovering Silesian Zoological Park, Planetarium Śląskie, Park Redena, and Chorzowskie Centrum Kultury, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Zakopane.

Day 7: Spend Time in Białka Tatrzańska and Zakopane

Explore Kasprowy Wierch Cable Railway - Ground Station, Ski resort Kotelnica Białczańska, The Great Krokiew, Zakopiańskie Krupówki, and Tatra National Park, Poland at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Krakow.

Day 8: Explore Kraków

Continue your road trip through Kraków, enjoying the flexibility to explore Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection, Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park, Kraków Zoo, and Wawel Cathedral and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Ojców, Wieliczka, and Kraków

Visit Planty, St. Mary's Basilica, Ojcowski National Park, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Rynek Główny as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Oświęcim.

Day 10: Uncover Oświęcim, Katowice, Brzezinka, and Bobrek

  • Destinations: Oświęcim, Katowice, Brzezinka, and Bobrek
  • Driving distance: 317.21 km, approx. 4 hours and 3 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Legnica, e.g., Hotel Kamieniczka
  • Sightseeing: Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Wiślana Trasa Rowerowa - WTR 60 km do Krakowa, Nikiszowiec Historic Mining District, and Kosciuszko Park
Continue your exploration of Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Wiślana Trasa Rowerowa - WTR 60 km do Krakowa, Nikiszowiec Historic Mining District, and Kosciuszko Park, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Legnica.

Day 11: Journey Through Wałbrzych and Karpacz

  • Destinations: Wałbrzych and Karpacz
  • Driving distance: 228.18 km, approx. 3 hours and 52 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Legnica, e.g., Hotel Kamieniczka
  • Sightseeing: Książ Castle, Palmiarnia, Wang Church, and The Wild Waterfall
Take in the highlights of Książ Castle, Palmiarnia, Wang Church, and The Wild Waterfall, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Wrocław

Take the opportunity to explore Wrocław Market Square, ZOO Wrocław, and Wrocław Africarium, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Poznan.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Poznań

  • Destinations: Poznań
  • Driving distance: 212.27 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Łódź, e.g., PURO Lódz
  • Sightseeing: Old Market Square, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House
Explore Old Market Square, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Łódź.

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Łódź

  • Departure city: Łódź
  • Driving distance: 2.3 km, approx. 31 minutes
  • Sightseeing: OFF Piotrkowska
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Łódź. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1310 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Krakow.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Krakow for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Krakow City Itinerary

Photo of old city center view with Adam Mickiewicz monument, St. Mary's Basilica and birds flying in Krakow ,Poland.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Krakow with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Krakow without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Krakow

Arrive in Krakow and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Jewish Square.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restauracja Smakołyki is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Krakow's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Krakow by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Sukiennice, Planty, St. Mary's Basilica, St. Florian's Gate, and Rynek Główny.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Krakow. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Krakow in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Krakow

Use this day to discover more of Krakow’s top sights. We recommend visiting Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection, Kościuszko Mound, National Museum in Kraków, and Wawel Cathedral.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Krakow in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Krakow's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Krakow’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Krakow

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, Polish Aviation Museum, Krakus Mound, and Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Krakow.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Krakow. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Poland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Krakow

Spend your last few hours in Krakow soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Krakow in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Krakow, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Krakow travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 5-Day Krakow Weekend Itinerary

Photo of beautiful Krakow market square, Poland.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Krakow offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Krakow itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Krakow weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Krakow

Arrive in Krakow around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Jewish Square, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
  • Tip: Book an airport transfer to Krakow in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Krakow by night.

Day 2 - Discover Krakow’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Krakow with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Sukiennice early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to St. Mary's Basilica, stopping by Planty for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Krakow and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Krakow

No itinerary in Krakow is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection.
  • Afternoon: Explore Kościuszko Mound and National Museum in Kraków, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Krakow and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Poland.

Day 5 - Depart from Krakow

Make the most of your last few hours in Krakow before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
  • Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Krakow in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Krakow.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Krakow. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Krakow itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Krakow

As you explore Krakow, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Krakow for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Krakow. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Krakow in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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