Your route, day by day
Kraków in 3 days
Kraków in 3 days: Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz
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Day one for the Old Town and the Main Square, day two for Wawel and Kazimierz, and day three for Podgórze or a day trip to Wieliczka or the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Day 1
The Old Town
Morning
The Barbican and Florian Gate, then Floriańska Street to the Main Square.
Afternoon
St Mary’s altarpiece (opens 11:50), the Cloth Hall and the Rynek Underground.
Evening
Dinner on or near the square; listen for the hejnał on the hour.
Tip: Play the Kraków City Quest on days one and two: it covers the same streets.
Day 2
Wawel & Kazimierz
Morning
Wawel Castle and Cathedral at opening time.
Afternoon
The Dragon’s Den (in season) and the fire-breathing dragon, then walk into Kazimierz.
Evening
Zapiekanki on Plac Nowy or dinner in Kazimierz.
Tip: Book Wawel Castle tickets online in summer.
Day 3
Podgórze or a day trip
Morning
Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler’s Factory (booked slot).
Afternoon
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, or a slow walk around the Planty.
Evening
A sunset walk along the Vistula below Wawel.
Tip: Swap this day for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial; reserve your pass first at visit.auschwitz.org.
Where to stay for this route
This plan works best from a central base. Here is each area in one line, with a link to live hotel prices there.
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Old Town· our pick
Best for first-timers · $$$
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Kazimierz
Best for couples and foodies · $$
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Podgórze
Best for repeat visitors and budget travellers · $
Budget for this itinerary
St Mary’s (PLN 20), Wawel Castle (PLN 95 for two floors), Wawel Cathedral (PLN 26) and Schindler’s Factory (PLN 60) add up to about PLN 200 per adult (2026). The Main Square, the Planty, the Collegium Maius courtyard and Kazimierz’s streets are free.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Kraków?
3 days covers the big highlights at a comfortable pace if you group sights by area, as in this plan. Add a day if you want a day trip or more museum time.
What should I book in advance?
Anything with timed entry: Main Square (Rynek Główny), Wawel Castle & Cathedral, Day trip: Wieliczka Salt Mine. Check the official sites for current prices and release dates.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Each day is built around one area, so you can swap whole days around, for example to put an indoor museum day on a rainy day.