3 Days in Krakow: Full Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

In this article, we’ve put together a local’s guide to the best places to see in 3 days in Krakow. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve created daily itineraries with interactive maps for each day. You’ll explore the Old Town and Wawel Castle, learn about World War II history by visiting Auschwitz and Schindler’s Factory, and discover the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mines.

💡 Important tip: Although Poland is part of the European Union, it doesn’t use the euro—the local currency is the zloty. That’s why we recommend using a Revolut card during your trip to Poland to avoid foreign exchange fees.

Related articles:

• 10 Best day trips from Krakow, Poland
• The most beautiful places in Poland
• The best hiking routes in Zakopane
• How to get from Krakow to Zakopane

Day 1: Krakow Main Square and Wawel Castle

It’s your first day exploring Krakow in 3 days, and we’ve put together a list of the most iconic spots to get you started. Today, you’ll begin in the Main Market Square, stroll through the charming streets around it, and visit the stunning Wawel Castle.

We recommend staying at Hotel Planty Modern View or Puro Hotel, both located in the city center (or any nearby hotel), so you won’t waste time on public transport or Ubers. This way, you can explore Krakow on foot and make the most of your 3 days in Krakow.

1. Start at Jan Matejko Square – One of the quieter, less touristy squares in Krakow, but definitely worth a stop. Here you’ll see the impressive Monument to John III Sobieski, honoring one of Poland’s most important kings.
2. The Barbican – Just a few steps away, you’ll find this medieval bastion that feels like something straight out of a storybook. It’s one of the last remnants of Krakow’s old city walls.

3. Juliusz Słowacki Theatre – As you continue through the city, you’ll reach this beautiful 19th-century theater with stunning architecture. It’s considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Krakow.

4. St. Florian’s Gate – Just a couple of minutes away, St. Florian’s Gate takes you back to medieval Krakow. It was the main entrance to the old walled city and remains one of Krakow’s most iconic landmarks.

5. After passing through Florainska Gate, walk down Floriańska Street to St. Mary’s Basilica – This lively pedestrian street leads straight to the famous St. Mary’s Basilica. Don’t forget to step inside to see the incredible high altar, and listen for the trumpet played from the tower every hour.

This is the perfect way to kick off your adventure and start discovering places to see in Krakow in 3 days.

6. Sukiennice – Just a few steps from the basilica, right in the heart of Krakow’s Main Square, you’ll find this beautiful Renaissance building. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs from your trip to Krakow. If you enjoy art, don’t miss the Sukiennice Museum, where you’ll find 19th-century Polish paintings.

7. St. Adalbert’s Church – As you continue your walk, you’ll come across the small but stunning St. Adalbert’s Church. It’s one of the oldest—and possibly the smallest—churches in Krakow.

8. Walk along Grodzka Street to Wawel Castle – This charming street leads you straight to the majestic Wawel Castle, where you’ll get beautiful views of the Vistula River and explore one of the most iconic castles in Poland.

9. Visit Wawel Castle – Don’t miss the chance to walk through the royal halls, the cathedral, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Vistula River from the castle grounds. It’s one of the most historic and symbolic places in the city. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance—entrance slots can sell out, and lines are common.

After all that walking, it’s time to recharge. Check out our article with the best restaurants in Krakow and enjoy a traditional Polish meal.

If you’d rather explore the city with someone who can share the stories behind each place, you can join a walking tour of Krakow. It’s a great way to learn even more about the spots you’ve visited and hear fascinating details from a local guide.

Map of the places to see in Krakow on Day 1

Day 2: Trip to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mines

On the second day of your 3-day Krakow itinerary, we’ll focus on visiting two of the most important and moving sites in Poland: the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Both are must-see experiences, but since they’re located outside the city, planning your transport in advance is essential.

Our recommendation is to book a combined tour to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines that includes both transport and entry tickets. It’s the most convenient way to visit both places in one day and not have to worry about the transport and one of the best things to do in Krakow in 3 days.

Day 3: Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), Podgórze & Schindler’s Factory

For the last day of your 3-day Krakow itinerary, we’ll take you to explore Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter) and Podgórze—two neighborhoods full of history, culture, and a completely different vibe from the Old Town.

Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Unlike Krakow’s historic center, where most buildings have been restored and look picture-perfect, Kazimierz has many old and worn-down buildings. This gives the area a more authentic and bohemian feel—it might not be love at first sight, but if you take the time to explore, you’ll discover some truly charming spots. Here are the places we recommend visiting:

1. Plac Nowy – Start your day with breakfast in Plac Nowy, the heart of the Jewish Quarter. If you want to try something local, grab a famous zapiekanka—a toasted baguette with mushrooms, cheese, and ketchup (though there are many topping variations, that’s the classic one). Another cool breakfast spot nearby is Hevre, a restaurant set inside a former synagogue with a unique vibe and delicious food.
2. Old Synagogue – This is the oldest synagogue in Poland and one of the most important places to learn about Jewish history in Krakow. Today it houses a museum dedicated to Jewish culture in the city.
3. Szeroka Street – One of Kazimierz’s most iconic streets, lined with synagogues, traditional Jewish restaurants, and cozy cafés.
4. Miodowa Street – Here you’ll find several traditional Jewish shops with some of the most charming old-style façades in Kazimierz.
5. Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) – This pedestrian bridge connects Kazimierz with Podgórze. With its modern design and floating sculptures, it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. Plus, couples have started attaching love locks to the railings as a symbol of their relationship.

This part of Krakow offers a completely different atmosphere and is a must if you’re spending 3 days in Krakow. It’s where history meets creativity—perfect for a slower-paced, meaningful end to your trip.

Podgórze

6. Just across the river, after crossing the Bernatek Footbridge, you’ll find a small square with the impressive St. Joseph’s Church, the most iconic landmark in the Podgórze district. Its stunning architecture could easily rival the beauty of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow’s Main Market Square.

7. Ghetto Heroes Square – A moving memorial marked by large metal chairs that represent the victims of the Holocaust. It’s a powerful and emotional place, filled with history.

8. The Ghetto Pharmacy – A small but impactful museum inside the former “Under the Eagle” Pharmacy, where the pharmacist and his team bravely helped Jewish people during the Nazi occupation.

9. Oskar Schindler’s Factory – If you’ve seen Schindler’s List, this museum is a must-visit. But it goes far beyond just Schindler’s story—it offers a deeply moving and well-curated exhibition about life in Krakow during World War II. Book your ticket in advance, as it often sells out.

If you’d like to get to know the history of Kazimierz and Podgórze, you might consider joining a guided walking tour. Having a local guide share the stories behind these places adds a whole new layer to your experience—especially if you’re following a 3-day Krakow itinerary and want to make the most of your time.

Map of the places to see in Krakow on Day 3

Other Things to See in Krakow in 3 Days

If you want to make the most of your visit, don’t miss our articles on where to eat in Krakow and the 11 must-see places in the city. If you are staying for longer than 3 days in Krakow, you might consider going for one of our favorite day trips from Krakow. And if you happen to get a rainy day during your stay, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a guide on what to do in Krakow when it rains, so you can still enjoy your day—no matter the weather.