How Many Days to Spend in Krakow, Poland For Your Best Trip Yet!

The first time I went to Krakow, I had no idea what to expect, so I totally understand the whole question of…well, how long do I really need to spend there?

After all, I was initially only going to Krakow as a base for visiting Auschwitz. I hadn’t heard too much about the city, and I wasn’t particularly excited to visit it. 

Boy, was I wrong. Krakow surprised me in the best way. It is one of the top cities to visit in Poland and has easily become one of my favorite towns in Europe.

After many trips there, I’ve pretty much perfected a Krakow itinerary. 

The good news? You don’t need a ton of time to really get the local flavor in Krakow.

The Perfect Amount of Time To Spend in Krakow, Poland

In order to experience Krakow fully, you need about three full days. 

This way, you have the chance to spend time leisurely in the Stare Miasto (Old Town) city center area, and you also carve out time to visit places a bit further outside the city as well. 

In reality, you could get away with 2 full days and a third day that was cut short for travel, but it will really hamstring your ability to see so many things in this area of Poland. 

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My Recommended Krakow Itinerary

If you’re spending 3 days in Krakow, Poland, here’s what I’d recommend you do- especially if this is your first time visiting!

Day One: Old Town (Stare Miasto), Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Underground

Spend your arrival day exploring the Stare Miasto, or Old Town, of Krakow. The city center is completely walkable, and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Visit the Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), eat traditional Polish food outside on the square of Rynek Glowny, and tour the Wawel Underground Museum.

Hear the trumpeter of Krakow and perhaps enter St. Mary’s Basilica to see the grand architecture. Finish your day with some truly Polish icons like Zywiec beer (my favorite!), a bowl of Bigos, and perogies! 

Day Two: Auschwitz Concentration Camp & Wieliczka Salt Mines

Take a tour (transportation included!) to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Spend the morning learning from history at Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camps that held prisoners during World War II.

Then, continue on to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, where you’ll head down into a massive mine (seriously- there’s even a ballroom) and learn all about Poland’s salt trade. 

Day Three: Old Kleparz Market, Wawel Castle, Traditional Polish Dinner

Spend a slow morning with breakfast at Milkbar Tomasza (I could eat here every day- it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Krakow)- a traditional Polish milkbar.

Then, meander around the Old Kleparz or New Kleparz markets, just to get a taste of local life in Krakow. Walk on over to Wawel Castle and tour whichever exhibits sound interesting to you!

Finally, have a traditional Polish dinner at Kuchnia u Doroty before you head home. 

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If You Have More Time, Add These to Your Krakow Itinerary

While three days will get you a taste of what life is like in Krakow, there’s certainly much more to explore beyond what I’ve suggested above. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Krakow is SO much more than you think it is. 

Here are some other top things I would consider adding when you’re thinking about how many days in Krakow would work for you:

1. Zakopane Mountains Tatra Thermal Baths

Taking a trip to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains is a must in my opinion. Often dubbed the “winter capital of Poland,” the area is popular among skiers and snowboarders. However, the main draw is typically the thermal baths.

The most popular baths, Termy Chochołów, are reachable easily via group tour and are an incredibly beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the warm water and marveling at the nature around you.

⭐ Here’s my favorite Zakopane tour! It includes transport from Krakow AND entry to the baths!

2. Schindler’s Factory

Although not my favorite place to visit in Krakow, some may want to check out Schindler’s enamelware factory during their time in Krakow.

This museum, the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory, is housed within the actual building where Oskar Schindler employed Jewish individuals during the Holocaust.

Made famous through the movie, Schindler’s List, the museum is one that chronicles the story of Poland under Nazi occupation. Only a very small part of the museum has anything to do with Osker Schindler, unfortunately.

3. Jewish Quarter Kazimierz

The Jewish Quarter of Krakow, or Kazimierz, is definitely another spot that is worth a visit if you happen to have the time. 

Taking a tour of the Jewish Quarter is an incredible experience, where you’ll be walked through the Old Town area, seeing places like the Old Synagogue, the Market Square, and a few other notable religious landmarks as well.

It was really interesting to see just how lively this area of the town still is, regardless of the past impact.

⭐This highly-rated tour takes you to BOTH Kazimierz AND Schindler’s Factory in just a few hours!

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FAQ: How Many Days Should I Spend in Krakow?

Here are the answers to a few other questions I get regarding how much time to spend in Krakow, Poland, and the amount of time you should spend there:

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Wrapping Up: How Many Days in Krakow?

If you’re looking for the perfect amount of time to spend in Krakow, I’d say three days is the sweet spot. 

This gives you just enough time to get a real feel for the city, but it prevents you from becoming bored and feeling like you’ve run out of things to do. In addition, you still get the chance to really soak in larger things like Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the salt mines, which are huge draws to the area. 

Regardless of how long you choose to stay, I hope you enjoy your time in one of my favorite European cities!