Looking for a getaway that combines history, culture and an authentic atmosphere? Look no further than Krakow, the former capital of Poland. But what can you do in Krakow in 3 days? Your exciting itinerary will include strolling through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delving into the poignant history of Kazimierz, or exploring the impressive Wieliczka salt mine. Prepare to fall under the spell of a captivating city!
Day 1: What to do in Krakow in 3 days? Visit the historic district
The historic district, Stare Miasto, immerses you in the history of a city with a past as rich as it is storied.
To book : we recommend this guided tour of Krakow which takes in the city's main attractions, including the Old Town, the Jewish quarters, the ghetto walls and Schindler's factory.
Morning: Wawel Castle and Cathedral, Collegium Maius and Jagiellonian University
The morning begins with a stroll along the Royal Way, whose name evokes the route once taken by monarchs and bishops. Your steps will take you from Rue Floriańska to the Grand-Place, in the direction of the wawel Royal Castlecastle, one of Krakow's must-see sights, dominating the city from its hilltop position. Here you'll contemplate a daring blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and Rococo styles. Don't hesitate to book a guided tour to discover the royal apartments, the Museum of Oriental Art and an exhibition on the site's thousand-year-old history.
Nearby, Wawel Cathedral awaits you in elegant Gothic style. Dating from the 14th century, it houses the tombs of numerous kings and national heroes. It was also the site of royal coronations.
Finally, your morning ends at the Collegium Maius, the Gothic jewel of the Jagiellonian University. Here, you can visit a museum that immerses you in Krakow's university history. On the program: historical rooms, astronomical instruments and the room of Copernicus, a former renowned student!
Good to know: admission to Krakow Castle is limited. You' ll need to reserve your ticket, which will specify the time of your visit. By booking hereyou'll receive a guided tour of Wawel Castle and the Cathedral.
Afternoon: market square, Rynek underground museum and Jan Matejko's birthplace
The afternoon begins in the Market Square (Rynek), one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and the largest medieval square in Europe. It's a pleasant place to stroll between the beautiful facades of bourgeois houses. During your stroll, you'll be able to admire a number of emblematic monuments, including :
- the Halle aux Draps (Cloth Hall)
- sainte-Marie basilica
- saint-Wojciech church,
- the tower of the former Hôtel de Ville.
But don't leave, because a secret awaits you... under the square! The rynek underground museum underground museum invites you to follow the itinerary "In the footsteps of Krakow's European identity". Here, you'll discover the city's medieval history through 13th-century foundations, historical artifacts and reconstructions of old workshops.
Book now: Discover the secrets of modern and medieval Krakow by booking this guided tour of the Rynek underground museum.
Time to spare? Just a stone's throw from the Rynek, you can visit the birthplace of Jan Matejko, a famous local painter. Visit his studios and discover a rich collection of his works, personal memorabilia and antique weapons, used as sources of inspiration for his art.
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Day 2: What to do in Krakow in 3 days? Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, Schindler Museum and mini-cruise
On this second day, you'll discover Krakow's must-see attraction: the poignant Schindler Museum.
Morning: Podgorze and the Schindler Museum
The morning begins in Podgorze, a district strongly marked by its history. You'll discover the remains of the old ghetto wall, between Lwowska and Limanowskiego streets, a poignant reminder of the occupation. Further on, in Bohaterów Square, or Ghetto Heroes' Square, stands the Chair Monument, a moving reminder of the Jews forced to give up their possessions.
Nearby, you can visit Krakow's must-seeoskar Schindler's factoryworld-famous thanks to the film Schindler's List. In a permanent exhibition, you can relive the events of 1939 to 1945, with striking reconstructions and poignant accounts. The tour reveals Schindler's efforts to save over 1,200 Jews from deportation.
Tip from Petit Futé: as the museum is very popular, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance by booking here, to avoid long queues, especially at weekends!
Finally, the morning ends in the same district, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, exhibiting :
- paintings,
- sculptures,
- modern installations.
A pleasant cup of coffee brings the morning to a perfect close.
Afternoon: old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, Wieliczka salt mines and Vistula River cruise
The afternoon begins in the Kazimierz district, another testament to Jewish culture in Poland. Here, synagogues share the land with churches. This once run-down district has been revitalized by the filming of Schindler's List and the Festival of Jewish Culture.
After this historical and cultural immersion, we head for the wieliczka salt minesuNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you are 327 meters underground, exploring over three kilometers of galleries, 22 rooms, salt sculptures and the spectacular Chapelle Sainte-Cunégonde, entirely adorned with salt decorations. Awe-inspiring! Clearly a must-see during your 3 days in Krakow!
To book: Click here to book your visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
If you still have time, we invite you to take a one-hour mini-cruise on the Vistula, to discover Krakow in a different way by booking right here.
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Day 3: Kościuszko Mound, Lake Zakrzówek and Auschwitz-Birkenau
Bring nature into your morning visits, before concluding your 3 days in Krakow not far from there, at the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
Morning: Kościuszko Mound and Lake Zakrzówek
This final morning begins with an ascent to the kościuszko Mounda place of remembrance dedicated to the hero of Polish and American independence. Erected in 1823, the mound offers spectacular views, especially of the Tatras on a clear day.
Good to know: the site, integrated into 19th-century Austrian fortifications, today houses exhibitions on Kościuszko and other national heroes.
After this historical immersion, head for Lake Zakrzówek, a place prized by the Poles themselves for its exceptional panoramas. But no swimming! The lake is reserved for diving: under its waters, you'll discover unusual relics such as a Fiat 125 and boats.
Afternoon: remembrance tourism at the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp
For your last afternoon, get away from Krakow for a while, and visit the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The visit is poignant, offering a sad immersion in history, in a painful past, while paying tribute to the victims. Your tour begins at Auschwitz I, the first camp in the complex.
A few kilometers away, Auschwitz II-Birkenau impresses with its immensity. Remains of the original barracks and installations bear witness to the sheer scale of the site. From the famous entrance gate, you can see the emblematic rails and preserved structures that tell the tragic story of this camp.
Remarkably preserved, the site offers an exploration that is both respectful and educational. With a guided tour, you'll learn to better understand the importance of these places in world history. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must-see for anyone wishing to approach this chapter of humanity with respect and sensitivity. Interested in visiting Auschwitz? Find out how to visit Auschwitz from Krakow by following our smart tips.
To book: Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp of the Second World War, by booking right here your excursion from Krakow at a low price including guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and hotel pick-up.
Good to know: there are several concentration camps near Krakow offering fascinating guided tours.
Where to stay in Krakow for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Krakow is an ideal destination for those on a budget. It's fairly easy to find accommodation, including in the Stare Miasto district, located in the Old Town and thus offering appreciable proximity to many points of interest.
- The best compromise
Are you looking for a welcoming, elegant, well-priced and comfortable hotel? You've found it at theAmber Boutique Hotel, located in Krakow's Old Town. Click here to bookyour room.
- The most welcoming
The Warszauer Hotel is appreciated for its unfailing welcome and upscale attention to detail. Located close to the castle, it's perfectly placed to spend 2 or 3 days in Krakow. Book your hotel roomhere.
- The cheapest
The Guest House Kolory offers simple rooms at low prices. The welcome is pleasant and the service top-notch. An ideal hotel for small budgets, book here!
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See also below for the trendiest things to do in Krakow:
Krakow may not be one of Europe's most popular destinations, but it's well worth a visit! Especially since it's only a 2-hour flight from France. What's more, with its charming alleys steeped in history, Krakow is a romantic destination not to be missed for a weekend away as a couple. So, are you heading to Poland for your next vacation?
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