Krakow is perfect for a short getaway: close to the Old Town sights, the atmosphere of Kazimierz and interesting, less obvious attractions like the Polish Aviation Museum. This guide will help you plan your time, pack your suitcase and avoid common mistakes — so you can enjoy discovering the city without stress.
If aviation is your priority — the Polish Aviation Museum in Czyżyny has an extensive collection (hangars, outdoor displays, themed exhibits) and a visit will take at least two hours. If you travel with someone who prefers food and walks, there are plenty of well-rated stops nearby as well.
Day 1: walk around the Main Market Square, visit Wawel Castle and spend the evening in Kazimierz — dinner at a well-rated restaurant; reserve a table if you plan to go to a popular place.
Day 2: morning visit to the Polish Aviation Museum (usually open from the morning — check hours before you go), afternoon on the Błonia meadow or exploring Nowa Huta depending on your mood, evening at a tapas bar or a cozy café.
Day 3: a themed museum or a breakfast market, a stroll along the Planty and some light shopping. If you have an extra day — choose a trip outside the city (the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Ojcow National Park) or leave more time for slow discovery of cafés and neighborhoods.
The Polish Aviation Museum (Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego) is located at al. Jana Pawła II 39 in the Czyżyny district. The collection includes hangar exhibitions and a large outdoor display of aircraft — it’s a great place for families, aviation enthusiasts and anyone curious about technology.
Opening hours and rules can change, so check the museum’s information before your trip. The museum commonly closes one day a week; plan your visit to avoid arriving on a closed day.
Ticket offices usually don’t sell entry at the very last minute before closing — buy tickets in good time. The museum also offers guided tours and educational services that you can book in advance if you want a deeper look at the exhibits.
The museum is easiest to reach by car or public transport — there are visitor parking areas on site. From the city center allow time for the transfer, because the museum lies a bit further from the Main Market Square.
Public transport and trams serve the area; if you come by train or long-distance bus, plan the connection from the station in advance. Morning visits reduce the risk of crowded parking during peak season.
The museum provides solutions for visitors with limited mobility; if you need assistance, contact the museum ahead of time to arrange support.
Careful packing is half the success of a trip. Here’s a list of items to bring for 3–4 days in Krakow:
Documents and money: ID or passport, payment cards, some cash for small purchases, travel insurance details and copies of reservations.
Clothing: 2–3 comfortable outfits, a light jacket or raincoat (Polish weather can be changeable), comfortable walking shoes (essential!), and one slightly dressier outfit for the evening.
Electronics and accessories: phone and charger, powerbank, plug adapter (Poland uses type E sockets, 230 V), camera if you like taking photos, headphones.
Toiletries and medicines: basic toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small first aid kit (painkillers, plasters, any regular medication), disinfectant wipes.
Extras: a small daypack, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a notebook or an app with your list of places to visit.
Practical tips: pack neutral-colored clothes that mix and match easily; put the most needed items near the top of your luggage; keep medicines in their original packaging.
Krakow offers a wide range of places to eat — from elegant restaurants to intimate cafés. Choose spots with good reviews and reserve a table on weekends. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you will find traditional Polish cuisine as well as international options.
If you want to try local flavors — look for restaurants with strong local character and good ratings. For an iconic experience near the Main Market Square try Restaurant Wierzynek; Kazimierz has many atmospheric cafés and restaurants perfect for a break after sightseeing, serving excellent coffee and pastries.
Accommodation: pick a location that matches your plan — the center if you want to be close to attractions, or quieter neighborhoods if you prefer a calmer base. Book early, especially for long weekends and holidays.
Surprising fact: many places in Krakow host seasonal events and temporary exhibitions — check the city events calendar before your trip, you may discover something special beyond the main sights.
Common mistake 1: packing too many activities into one day — Krakow is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, leave room for pauses and café breaks.
Common mistake 2: not reserving tables in popular restaurants or visiting museums on Monday (many are closed then).
Safety tip: keep important documents close during crowded walks and use trusted parking or commercial parking facilities.
Is the Polish Aviation Museum open on Mondays? Many museums are closed one day a week — check the museum’s opening days before your trip.
How much time should I reserve for the Polish Aviation Museum? At least 1.5–2 hours if you want to see hangars and outdoor exhibits at a relaxed pace.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? Not always for a quiet weekday, but for weekends or special exhibitions it’s wise to check availability and buy tickets ahead of time.
Do restaurants require reservations? It’s a good idea for popular evenings and long weekends to avoid waiting in lines.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip — it helps others prepare better.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city inside out, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a tailored tour can make your long weekend smoother and more personal without wasting time on logistics.
