When asked about the top cities to travel to in Europe, most would think of Paris, London, or Rome. But what if we told you that there’s an otherworldly, picturesque city in Poland that could rival Amsterdam and Barcelona? Interested? Read our one day in Krakow itinerary and guide to learn more.
Kraków is admired for its well-preserved medieval core, followed by the majestic gardens of Planty Park, gothic churches, Vistula River, and traditional nightlife. Thanks to a buzzing university life, hip cafés, and vintage shops, the city also possesses an air of youthfulness and adventure.
Besides alluring places and experiences, Kraków is also known for being one of the most affordable European cities.
So, if you are planning a trip to this European jewel, you don’t want to miss these incredible insights, tips, and recommendations.
One Day in Kraków Itinerary: Top things to see and do
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Here is a glance at the things to do in Kraków in one day. We’ve also included a Google Map and some planning tips to help you navigate this majestic city:
- Grab coffee to kickstart your day in Kraków’s city center.
- Admire St. Florian’s Gate, the entrance to Old Town Kraków.
- Have breakfast in the Old Town.
- Join a free walking tour as an introduction to the city.
- Visit St. Mary’s Basilica, one of Kraków’s most notable cultural attractions.
- Go shopping and people-watch at the Main Market Square.
- Pop in at Kraków Cloth Hall.
- Do sightseeing and grab a light lunch on Grodzka Street.
- Wander the grounds of Wawel Castle.
- Explore the Jewish Quarter.
Additional things to do near Krakow:
- Head out to the unmissable Wieliczka Salt Mines.
- Learn about Poland’s gloomy past at the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Also read: One week in Europe trip itinerary.
Your one-day in Kraków itinerary: the best things to see and do
If you’re wondering if one day in Kraków is enough — you’re not alone. With a bustling Jewish District, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, and must-visit museums, how can one experience it all? Well, proper planning and doing so ahead of time can help you fit in as much as possible into your trip.
That said, the following activities and attractions are worth seeing in one short day.
1. Grab a cup of joe to start your day on the right foot
Kickstart your day in Kraków with a good cup of coffee to prepare you for all the activities ahead. The city boasts an excellent selection of charming coffee shops, and you should have no trouble finding one near your hotel.
We recommend the following cafés in the city centre:
- Café Camelot: This adorable café is a coffee lover’s haven and ideal for new Instagram content. It has a quirky aesthetic with flowers, candles, chandeliers, and cool ornaments. However, it’s the mouth-watering brew that genuinely melts your heart.
- Urban Coffee: Located in the Jewish Quarter, this specialty coffee shop has a friendly vibe and serves delicious breakfasts and brews. Its fragrant coffee will keep you going through a busy day.
- Blossom Café: This trendy café sits opposite a university, ensuring it’s always populated with students and faculty. It has an industrial-style look with various caffeine beverages, pastries, and cakes.
Read: One day in Warsaw itinerary
2. Admire St. Florian’s Gate, the entrance to Old Town Kraków
St. Florian’s Gate, or simply Florian Gate, is one of the main attractions in Kraków. It is a well-known Polish Gothic tower.
Admire the beautiful architecture of the historical building, which dates back to the 14th century. Today, Florian Gate is the primary entry point to Kraków’s Old Town — but the Gothic tower, along with its adjacent towers, are the last remains of the city’s ancient defenses during medieval times.
The iconic tower, which stands 113 feet tall, is surrounded by street musicians and paintings sold by local artists on either side of the gate.
3. Have breakfast in Old Town
If you haven’t ordered breakfast from the above cafés or want to skip the coffee shop, you can head straight to Old Town for a meal. We recommend trying out any authentic Polish dishes to give you a taste of the local cuisine.
Here are our favorite breakfast spots in Kraków’s lively historic center.
- Charlotte: The ideal breakfast nook for early risers with a palette for freshly baked French bread and pastries. Enjoy an inviting atmosphere filled with natural light thanks to high ceilings as picturesque views of Plac Szczepański entertain you.
- Lastriko: Pop in at an artsy breakfast nook with a whimsical hidden garden/patio where you can indulge in tantalizing cuisine under fairy lights and hanging plants.
- Milkbar Tomasza: A fantastic breakfast and brunch restaurant that serves delicious, budget-friendly Polish food in a modern setting.
4. Join a free walking tour
After filling up on caffeine and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to get acquainted with Kraków.
The best way to do this is on foot and for free, thanks to Kraków Explorers. This sightseeing tour agency offers about two hours’ worth of exploring Old Town free of charge.
These tours kick off Monday to Thursday at 10:15 a.m. and Friday to Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and 03:00 p.m.
Make it to the meeting point at St. Mary’s Basilica on the Main Square on time, and the guide will have an orange umbrella to stand out.
Some of the sightseeing stops included on this tour are Jagiellonian University, which is the oldest university in the city, and various other historical buildings in Old Town, aka Stare Miasto.
5. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica is a standout Brick Gothic church opposite the Main Market Square. Built in the 14th century, this imposing church houses majestic interiors filled with intricate designs and details, from the high stained glass windows to the frescoed ceilings.
While you can capture some of the most dramatic snaps here, it’s also interesting to learn about the significance and history of the church. It is one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture and contains Europe’s most prominent Gothic altar.
You can purchase tickets online from the official site or in person from a separate building across the tourist entrance. You can also take a guided walk of the church grounds and building.
Note: Tourists are kindly asked not to visit the church during service. It’s open daily between 11:30 am – 6:00 pm for visitors (except for special days).
6. Go shopping and people-watch at the Main Market Square
Also known as Rynek Glówny, the Main Square is the biggest medieval plaza in Europe.
This is where you can truly soak up the essence of Kraków with historical and cultural sites all around you. The square was designed in 1257, and you’ll notice remnants of the bygone era in the unique architecture.
With an unwavering lively atmosphere, you can people-watch from a medley of cafés, visit museums, souvenir shops, and music bars, or return at night for club-hopping and pub crawling.
Top Tip: Head out on this Old Town walking tour, which includes Main Market Square and other historical sites.
7. Pop in at Kraków Cloth Hall
While in the Main Square, you might as well stop by the iconic Krakow Cloth Hall for a more traditional Polish shopping experience. Known as Lonja de los Paños by the locals, this museum dates to the Renaissance era, which you’ll pick up in the architecture right away.
Cloth Hall was first constructed in the 13th century by architect Tomasz Pryliński. Here, you’ll find several stalls brimming with all kinds of Cracovian goodies, from delicacies to kitschy crafts and traditional clothing. Visit every day between 10:00 am and 06:00 pm, and there’s no entrance fee.
Fun fact: Cracovians are an ethnographic subgroup of the Polish Nation living in the historic Lesser Poland region around Kraków city.
Read: Best Polish Souvenirs
8. Do sightseeing and grab a light lunch on Grodzka Street
While you’re in the Main Square, you might as well walk down Grodzka Street to your next attraction, Wawel Castle. However, the walk should be a slow, relaxing stroll as Grodzka Street is one of the oldest streets in Kraków.
Furthermore, it’s part of the Royal Route, the official historical royal path leading from the gates of the city to Wawel.
It’s a bustling commercial street with plenty to keep you on your toes. These include a handful of galleries, restaurants, and shops. Oh, and watch out for the horse-drawn carriages!
Finally, enjoy a small lunch at Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą, one of the city’s oldest and most high-profile milk bars from the communist era.
9. Wander the grounds of Wawel Castle
After exploring Grodzka Street, you can wander the wonderful grounds of Wawel Royal Castle. Here, you’ll find the Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection and Museum, giving you a glimpse of the crown treasury and Polish royal history.
This iconic and culturally important site is seen as the symbol of Polish statehood since it was the residence of the kings of Poland for centuries.
With such an intriguing history and opulent appearance, there’s no denying Wawel Castle’s allure. Visit the castle every day from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, except on Mondays when it’s open from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Tip: Buy your tickets from the official site or opt for a guided tour that includes Wawel Cathedral and Castle.
The castle grounds are amazing, and from various viewing areas, you can also see the Vistula River and a fire-breathing dragon from above.
10. Explore the Jewish Quarter
The Kraków Jewish Quarter is probably the city’s most characteristic and atmospheric area. There’s so much to see and do here to entertain you for hours. So, if you’re visiting Kraków for the day, be sure to set aside at least an hour to immerse yourself here.
Also known as Kazimierz, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the once-largest Jewish community in Europe before World War II. This famous quarter houses historical monuments such as the still-standing synagogues, the Galicia Jewish Museum, and the New Square (Plac Nowy). You can see all these highlights via a guided tour.
Be sure not to miss a Szeroka street tour to see several synagogues, local stores, cafés, and restaurants. If you are also interested in seeing those landmarks, this Jewish Quarter walking tour takes you through the neighborhood, the New Jewish Cemetery, and the Oskar Schindler factory.
Other things to do near Kraków
If you have some time to spare for the city’s top spots, you may want to venture beyond its medieval walls in search of even more fascinating finds.
We highly recommend considering these things to do near Kraków.
11. Head out to the unmissable Wieliczka Salt Mines
See a historic salt mine in Wieliczka, just outside Kraków city (about a 15-minute drive by car). The Wieliczka Salt Mine produced sodium chloride from the upwelling brine during Neolithic times. So, why should one visit a salt mine when in Kraków for only a day?
Good question. This is one of the world’s oldest salt mines and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It features miles of underground passages filled with mesmerizing art and salt carvings of historical events, famous people, and religious imagery — absolutely worth your time.
You can purchase an entry ticket from the Wieliczka Salt Mine official site or opt for a guided tour of Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine is open daily between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
12. Learn about Poland’s gloomy past at the Auschwitz concentration camp
Most people make a quick day trip from Kraków to cover the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz concentration camp in one go. If you’re traveling solo, visiting this museum after the salt mines is better, as it’s about an hour’s drive from Kraków.
Otherwise, the hassle-free option is to take a guided tour of the two attractions, such as the one we recommended above.
Logistics out the way, the Auschwitz camp system was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps operated in German-occupied Poland by the Nazi regime.
As a result, those interested in world history will get a surreal insight into World War II, the Holocaust, the death and forced labor camps, and the largest Nazi concentration camp. Otherwise known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, this camp opened in 1940 and held Soviet prisoners of war, Jews, Poles, and Romani captive.
Side Note: The site of the previous Nazi occupation, Auschwitz, is very popular, and on a guided tour, you will learn and visit 2 sites and see the gas chambers and permanent exhibits. It is possible to visit the site/s only with a licensed tour, so keep this in mind and book your tour online in advance.
Your Kraków one-day itinerary map
Here is an interactive map you can use to help navigate the city during your trip.
Planning your trip: How to get around Kraków
Getting to Kraków shouldn’t be a hassle if you know what you’re doing. The most common way to get there is to land at the main airport and then travel to the city center (Kraków Old Town) using public transport or a rental car.
Airport
Kraków (KRK) Airport is the main airport, being 5.9 miles (9.5 km) away from the city center. Other nearby international airports include Katowice (KTW), Rzeszow (RZE), and Kosice (KSC).
Since Kraków (KRK) Airport is the closest airport, most travelers opt to land here, which we also recommend.
Public transportation
Kraków has plenty of tram and bus lines to get you around the city and beyond to places like Wieliczka.
Regarding public transport, you can buy tickets for two zones: Strefa I (City Kraków) or Strefa II (area outside the city). The ticket machines are available on the buses or trams and accept cash and card payments.
Alternatively, taxi cabs are available at airports and around the city. However, Uber may offer a more reliable way to get around.
Rental car
While public transport works well in Kraków, it may be better to rent a car if you want to venture into the scenic Polish landscape. A rental car is ideal for independent travelers who like to explore on time and on terms.
Guided city tours
Don’t feel like organizing transport for the day? Let a professional tour guide take you from one point to another. Take this city sightseeing bike tour to see the best of Kraków without the hassle of planning how to get around.
Where to stay for your one day in Kraków
It’s better and more convenient to spend a night in Kraków and enjoy a full day of exploring. Here are our top recommendations for every budget.
Hotel H15 Luxury Palace
Hotel H15 Luxury Palace is decked in sheer opulence from ceiling to floor. This 5-star luxury option is near St. Mary’s Basilica, Lost Souls Alley, and the Kraków Central Railway Station. The pet-friendly hotel fuses contemporary with Renaissance and classical elements, as seen in the frescoed ceilings, antique mirrors, chandeliers, and art pieces.
There are two restaurants onsite, a sauna to rejuvenate in, spa facilities to pamper yourself with, and an indoor pool to relax in.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel H15 Luxury Palace here.
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Next up is a mid-range aparthotel in Kraków’s Old Town. Aparthotel Stare Miasto boasts a modern, unique interior with rustic wooden accents and warm exposed bricks. It also offers awe-inspiring views over the rooftops of the medieval city, with a restaurant and hot tub on site.
The hotel is surrounded by quaint restaurants and cafés, with Wawel Castle being the nearest attraction. Enjoy an air-conditioned room with a fully fitted kitchen, Wi-Fi, and large bathtubs.
Check prices and book your stay at Aparthotel Stare Miasto here.
Gołębia 8 Residence
Our last accommodation option is a more budget-friendly three-star hotel a few steps from the main square in Old Town. Gołębia 8 Residence exudes romance and class with gorgeous 16th-century Juliette balconies, an intimate garden courtyard, and lovely rooftop views.
The quaint and modest interior has fully equipped kitchens and modern en-suites in each studio. Take advantage of the airport shuttle, room service, and 24-hour front desk services.
Check prices and book your stay at Gołębia 8 Residence here.
Tips for a fantastic one-day trip in Kraków
Before we send you off to Kraków, look at some of these handy traveling tips.
- Pack according to the seasons. Winters are cold, with plenty of snow and piercing, icy winds, whereas summers are scorching. So pack lightweight, breathable layers in the summer months and warm, insulating ones in winter, along with waterproof coats, gloves, and hats. Bring a rain jacket no matter the season for the year-round downpours.
- While Poland belongs to the European Union, it has its national currency, the złoty (PLN). One Euro is equal to 4.54 złoty, so keep this in mind before your trip. That said, we advise you to carry cash on you for small, basic expenses.
- English is widely spoken in Poland, as most of its population is fluent. However, it would be a heart-warming gesture if you learn a few basic Polish words, such as thank you, good morning/afternoon, and please.
- We highly recommend expertly guided tours if you want to discover the city’s hidden secrets and familiarise yourself with every corner. Kraków has a rich history, so you don’t want to miss details that are often unnoticed by independent travelers.
- Familiarise yourself with Polish customs and local ways before you set off.
FAQs about spending one day in Kraków
Still unsure about a couple of things? Here are some popular questions and quick answers.
When is the best time to visit Kraków?
This depends on your availability and objectives. But we advise adjusting your schedule to enjoy Kraków to the fullest. The best time to visit the city is mid-season, which falls between March, April, and October.
The weather will be pleasant and won’t be too busy and overcrowded.
Where should I stay in Kraków?
Finding accommodation in the historical center, the city’s heart, is ideal, as it gives you quick access to top attractions like the Old Jewish Quarter.
Is Kraków a walkable city?
Kraków is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The five most popular attractions in the southern Polish city are only about 3.6 miles apart.
Wrapping up an unforgettable day in Kraków
There you have it—the perfect one-day trip to Kraków and the best way to experience all the highlights and top attractions in just 24 hours.
Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, and a walking tour, and end things with a spontaneous trip to the salt mines and Auschwitz camp.
Going to Kraków is like venturing into forgotten times, a form of time travel. This historical city is a melting pot of cultures, a mix of old and new, an anomaly compared to other European cities. So, who would say no to that?
Next up: Check out our two-week Central Europe itinerary.
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