Only have a weekend or a few days and want to see as much as possible? Three days in Krakow is an excellent compromise: you can visit the historic heart of the city, feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz, see Wawel, and pop out to one nearby attraction (Wieliczka Salt Mine, Ojcow National Park or the mine at Auschwitz-Birkenau if you plan for it).
This text is a practical, framework "last minute" plan — I will suggest what to see each day, where to eat, how to save time and money, and what to pay attention to when planning a last-minute visit.
Tip to start: if you book just before arrival, do this — reserve tickets first for attractions with limited entry (for example some tours at Wawel, Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum, Wieliczka Salt Mine). Leave flexible the things that don’t need booking — a walk around the Market Square, cafés in Kazimierz or the Vistula boulevards can be arranged without reservations.
Day 1 — Old Town and Wawel: morning at the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), visit Wawel (courtyard, cathedral, royal chambers if you have a ticket), afternoon a relaxed walk along the Planty and the university area. In the evening have dinner in the Old Town or in a cosy place in Kazimierz.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze: a full day in Kazimierz (synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, cafés), try street food at Nowy Square (zapiekanki), evening walk along the Vistula boulevards and Podgórze — Schindler’s Factory as an afternoon option.
Day 3 — choice: Wieliczka Salt Mine / Ojcow National Park / Auschwitz-Birkenau (if you plan and have time). Alternatively: a museum day (the National Museum, MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) and final souvenir shopping.
If you must shorten the program — set priorities like this: Wawel + Market Square, Kazimierz, and one trip outside the city (Wieliczka or Ojcow).
Day 1 — the heart of Krakow: start early (8:00–9:00) at the Main Market Square — the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (listen to the trumpet call, the hejnał, if you can), Floriańska Street and St. Florian’s Gate. The walk naturally takes a few hours with breaks for coffee and photos.
At midday head to Wawel — it’s best to visit the castle courtyard first, then the cathedral. If you want to see the Royal Chambers, check ticket availability online (many entries are for specific time slots). In the afternoon rest on the Planty or visit Collegium Maius.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze: morning visiting synagogues and museums in Kazimierz, lunch break at Nowy Square (famous for zapiekanki) or in one of the recommended restaurants. In the afternoon move to Podgórze: don’t miss the Ghetto Heroes Monument and Schindler’s Factory (book tickets in advance if you plan to enter the museum). In the evening I recommend a walk by the Vistula and dinner at a place with a river view.
Day 3 — options outside the city: the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a classic (the tour takes a few hours plus travel time). Ojcow National Park offers short, scenic hiking trails and fortified rock castles. If you choose Auschwitz-Birkenau, reserve a guided spot with the appropriate quota — it requires planning, but many visitors decide on this visit because of its historical importance.
Tradition and elegance: Wierzynek (Main Market Square) and restaurants around the square — a good option for a special dinner; remember to reserve if you want an evening table.
Kazimierz — atmospheric spots: Starka (traditional Polish cuisine with homemade liqueurs), Hamsa (Mediterranean–Middle Eastern cuisine), Massolit Books & Café (for a relaxed breakfast and good coffee).
Street food and quick options: zapiekanki at Nowy Square (a classic), milk bars (bar mleczny) for budget-friendly local food — a great way to try Polish dishes at a low price.
Cafés and desserts: Cafe Camelot (Old Town), Charlotte (fresh baked goods), patisseries and coffee shops along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets.
Evening with beer or wine: pubs and wine bars in Kazimierz offer a great atmosphere. If you want regional flavors, look for places serving nalewki (homemade fruit liqueurs) and local specialties.
Tickets for attractions: if possible, buy key entries online (Wawel — some routes, Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum, Wieliczka Salt Mine). Even last minute it’s worth checking official sites regularly — freed-up spots often appear when people cancel.
Local transport: buy 24- or 72-hour public transport tickets — they pay off with intensive sightseeing. Tickets are available in mobile apps, machines and kiosks. Many central places are walkable, though.
Parking and getting here by car: the center is a paid parking zone — check zone S and fees before you travel. A better option is to leave the car at the hotel and use public transport or taxis.
Booking last-minute accommodation: check aggregators, but also hotel direct offers — sometimes the last rooms are discounted. Choose a location near the center (Old Town, Kazimierz, around the Main Railway Station) to save travel time.
Flexible timing: if you can’t get tickets for a preferred time, change when you visit — a morning visit to Wawel is usually nicer and less crowded than in the afternoon.
Weather: Krakow’s weather is changeable outside of summer — bring a light jacket and an umbrella. In cooler months evening walks can be chilly, so plan dinner in a cosy place.
Cash vs card: most places accept cards, but small stalls (zapiekanki, market stands) often use cash — carry a little local currency.
Length of walks: central Krakow is compact — expect to walk a lot in three days. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Wieliczka — Salt Mine: about 1 hour from the center, the tourist route usually takes 2–3 hours. It’s worth reserving time and a ticket.
Ojcow National Park: short, picturesque routes, caves and castle ruins — ideal for nature lovers, located about 30–40 minutes from Krakow city center.
Culinary trip: make a route through local delis, markets and small producers — check the market near Hala Targowa or local bakeries and cheesemakers.
Themed museums: if you prefer museums, choose MOCAK (contemporary art), the National Museum or the Museum of Municipal Engineering — they give an interesting contrast to the historic center.
Is 3 days enough to get to know Krakow? Yes — you can see the most important sites and feel the city’s atmosphere. If you want to travel slowly and visit many museums, consider staying longer.
Do I need to reserve entry to Wawel or Wieliczka in advance? It’s a good idea to reserve the Royal Chambers and certain routes. Wieliczka often limits group size — booking lowers the risk of not getting in.
How to get between attractions? The center is compact and walking often suffices. Trips to Wieliczka, Ojcow or Auschwitz are easier by car, regional train or organized transfer.
Is it worth going to restaurants recommended in guides? Yes, but for last-minute visits it’s often better to look for places popular with locals — they usually offer great food without tourist prices.
Is Krakow safe? Yes — Krakow is tourist-friendly. As in any big city, watch out for minor thefts and keep your personal belongings secure in crowded places.
- Check ticket availability for Wawel, Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum and Wieliczka; if available, buy online.
- Book accommodation in a convenient location (Old Town / Kazimierz / near the Main Station).
- Download a public transport ticket app or prepare 24/72-hour paper tickets.
- Plan at least one dinner at a locally recommended spot — evening reservations are often advised.
- Pack comfortable shoes, a light coat/umbrella and a powerbank for your phone — lots of photos and navigation drain battery.
Be flexible but set priorities: if it’s your first time — Wawel, the Market Square and Kazimierz are must-sees. If you’re returning to Krakow — choose less obvious places and walks off the main tourist routes.
Seek authentic experiences: morning coffee in a small café, evening chamber concerts, market flavors and a stroll by the Vistula often stay in memory longer than ticking off sights from a list.
Enjoy your stay! Krakow is welcoming and full of history — even last minute you can create beautiful memories.
