The BEST 2 Days in Krakow Itinerary For First-Timers

How I’d Visit Krakow In 2 Days?

Over the years, I visited Krakow several times, spending more than a week in the city altogether. On my second trip, I had 2 full days in Krakow, and I followed this itinerary to see the main tourist attractions at a relaxed pace.

I think this itinerary works great as it gives you enough time to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Krakow, as you can easily do this route on foot. I especially love how, at any moment, you can take a sidequest, discover a hidden cafe, and come back.

DAY 1: Old Town & Sightseeing

If you only have 2 days in Krakow, on your first day, you will discover the highlights of Krakow – the charming Old Town, Wawel Castle, and nightlife!

1. Join a Free Walking tour

If you’ve seen any of my itineraries before, you’d know I love free walking tours! 

In my opinion, they are the best way to discover a new city. Especially for a backpacker traveling through Europe on a budget. 

To let you in on how much I like free walking tours, during my time in the city, I joined 3 walking tours in Krakow!

• Old Town Krakow walking tour
• Jewish Kraków walking tour
• World War II in Kraków walking tour

I liked all 3 of them and found them very informative and engaging. However, if you are short on time, you could choose between one of the last two, as the information overlaps a bit.

While tours are technically “free”, I strongly recommend you tip your tour guide.

🚶Browse all free walking tours in Krakow here!

2. Check out Barbican

If you’re not joining a free walking tour, start your self-guided tour of Krakow in front of the Barbican.

This fortified outpost once connected the city walls, and it is one of the last remains of the Kraków 15th-century fortification. 

Today, it is a museum you can visit and learn more about the historical development of Krakow’s fortification. I choose to just look at it from the outside (while eating some tasty raspberries, apparently)

Kraków’s Barbican is one of only three fortified outposts of this kind still surviving in Europe, and the best preserved.

3. Enter the Old Town through Florian’s Gate

St. Florian’s Gate is the most popular and scenic entrance to the Old Town – the UNESCO Site. 

This 14th-century Gothic tower was built as part of the city’s protection against Tartars. Kraków’s Royal Road begins at St. Florian’s Gate.

It is called the Royal Road as royalty used to enter through this gate and go along Florian’s street to the Wawel Castle.

You can also climb the Tower and walk Krakow’s defensive walls. The same ticket covers the visit to the Barbican.

4. Visit The Main Market Square – Rynek Glowny

At 40,000 square meters, Krakow’s Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.

It was designed in the 12th century as the center of the social and commercial life of the medieval Polish capital. 

Spend some time walking around the Square and observing colorful townhouses and picturesque terraces.

5. Learn about the Sukiennice Cloth Hall

The central building on the Main Market Square is the Sukiennice Cloth Hall.

This stunning Renaissance building has been standing in the same spot since the 13th century, and it was a major international trading center during its Golden Age in the 15th century. 

6. See the trumpeter on St. Mary’s Basilica’s Tower

St. Mary’s Basilica on the Main Market Square is Kraków’s most beautiful Gothic church. It is worth a quick visit even if you are not a church person.

A unique thing about this church is that every whole hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, you can see and hear a trumpeter on the highest tower play a short melody called Hejnał mariacki.

You can also climb the tower for a splendid panoramic view of the city!

7. Wander The Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is a lovely area to explore with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses. 

Check out the little St Adalbert’s Church, dating back to the 11th century. Explore the Jagiellonian University and find the Professors’ Garden. 

Walk along the Royal Road to the Wawel Castle and enjoy your surroundings.

8. Try traditional Polish Pierogi

Pierogi are probably the most well-known Polish dish. These little dumplings are stuffed with a plethora of different fillings, including a couple of vegan ones!

I tried cabbage, mushroom, and potato pierogi, and I loved them all! 

9. Visit Wawel Castle

Make your way through the Old Town to the Wawel Castle. It is free to walk around the castle premises, but if you want to get inside, you must purchase a ticket.

There are a couple of thematic exhibitions, so you can visit the State rooms, Royal private apartments, or Crown Treasury and Armoury.

Want to learn more about the Middle Ages and the role of royalty in the history of Poland? Join this Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour!

10. Admire the Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Cathedral is the single most impressive cathedral I’ve ever seen! 

What makes it so unique is that it looks like a Frankenstein Cathedral, built in many different styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

The story of the Wawel Cathedral is pretty simple: every time something needed to be built or renovated, they just constructed it in the style of that period. 

Therefore, today we have this impressive building that looks like 5 buildings in one!

11. See Wawel Dragon breathing fire

Wawel Dragon story is one of the most popular Polish legends. Right underneath the Wawel Castle is where the dragon used to live. 

Wawel Dragon is the symbol of Krakow, and you can see a statue that breathes real fire at the foot of the Wawel Hill, in front of the Wawel Dragon’s den.

12. Try Polish vodka

Ok, the truth is, I’m not an alcohol expert, and most vodka tastes the same to me. 

But hey, maybe you’re a vodka connoisseur, and you want to join a Polish vodka tasting tour!

In that case, there is a whole world of vodka varieties in Poland waiting for you to discover them!

13. Enjoy Krakow Nightlife

Krakow is well-known as the party hub of Central Europe. A combination of low central European prices and plenty of clubs and bars to discover makes it a fantastic destination for everybody looking for a quality night out.

It is possible to enjoy Krakow nightlife even as a solo female traveler! I was alone in Krakow and had the best time.

I stayed in a social/borderline party hostel that organized pub crawls and nights out. That way, I didn’t need to look for the best clubs in Krakow, and I just joined the group.

It is a foolproof way to enjoy nightlife as a solo female traveler!

Even if you’re not staying in a social hostel, you can book one of many Krakow Pub crawls in the city. 

DAY 2: Jewish History in Krakow

I suggest you focus your second day on learning more about Jewish history in Krakow and WWII’s impact on the city.

I started my second day in Kraków with a Jewish Kraków Free walking tour around the Kazimierz quarter.

Alternatively, if you only have two days in Krakow, you can visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or Wieliczka Salt Mine on your second day.

However, if you have more time, I suggest you spend 3 days in Krakow and go on a day trip on the third day.

This is the most popular activity in Krakow and spots are limited. Book your spot on the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine tour in advance!

14. Explore Kazimierz quarter

Start your day with a visit to the hip Kazimierz quarter. This former Jewish quarter was home to Polish Jews since the 15th century.

Before WWII it was the 4th largest Jewish settlement in Poland.

📍I loved this Kazimierz Jewish Quarter Walking Tour!

15. Visit Schindler’s List filming locations

Schindler’s List is probably the most famous movie set in Krakow. It is based on true events, and you can visit the places mentioned in the movie.

We visited Schindler’s List Passage on the free walking tour, but if you want to explore on your own, it is the courtyard of Jozefa Street. 

16. Cross Father Bernatek’s Footbridge

Father Bernatek’s Footbridge is a pedestrian bridge linking the Kazimierz and Podgorze suburbs, opened in 2010. It is decorated with sculptures of acrobats by Polish artist Jerzy Kędziora.

17. See Ghetto Heroes’ Square

Ghetto Heroe’s Square, with its large empty chairs, symbolizes the tragic history of Krakow during WWII.

It is the square where Nazi occupants gathered Jewish people before deporting them to nearby Auschwitz and Plaszów concentration camps.

18. Visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

If you watched the movie Schindler’s List, you might be surprised to learn that it is a real story!

Schindler’s Factory is a real place, and today it is a museum you can visit.

It is not very impressive from the outside, so if you want to visit, check the opening hours and ticket prices here. The Museum is free to visit on Monday.

19. Go to a boat party or discover bars in the Kazimierz quarter

If you are still in a party mood after you did a pub crawl in the Old Town yesterday, today you can go on a boat party.

Yes, there is a boat party with unlimited drinks in Krakow! It is a 2-hour all-you-can-drink, open-air disco while cruising down the Vistula River. 

This boat party is only on Saturday if you are not visiting in the summer. So, if your second day is not a Saturday, you can explore the bars in the Kazimierz quarter tonight.

20. Grab a late-night snack in Okrąglak

End your day by grabbing a late-night snack in Okrąglak. This round square and food court is the best-known street food spot in Krakow, and where every night out ends. 

The reason people go to Okrąglak is Zapiekanki, also known as Polish pizza, which is half of a baguette with toppings.

Sakramencko Pyszne does a vegan version of this delicious Polish snack!

Best Day trips from Krakow

When I visited Krakow, I skipped two major attractions—Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

I had hoped to visit Auschwitz, but didn’t book a self-guided ticket in time. If you’re traveling in summer, book weeks in advance, as Europe gets busy in summer!

21. Day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

I truly believe that the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the “must-see” locations in the world. 

It is a tough and shocking place to visit, and friends who visit usually take some time off for the rest of the day to process. 

A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is the most popular activity in Krakow. Tickets sell out days in advance in high season, so make sure you book your tour on time!

22. Day Trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another highly rated “once-in-a-lifetime” experience in Krakow. 

Full disclosure, I did not visit during my time in Krakow as I was on a budget.

Still, I wanted to give you this option as many people highly recommend it!

Is 2 Days In Krakow Enough?

Krakow is a perfect destination for a weekend or a 2-3 day city break.

The historic center is relatively small, and most tourist attractions are in the city center. Therefore, you can discover all the main sights in two days. 

This itinerary covers 2 days in Krakow, and it works great with my 10-day Poland itinerary.

If you have more time, take a bus to Zakopane and enjoy the hike to Morskie Oko Lake.

Where to stay in Krakow?

Krakow is a compact city with the majority of attractions and nightlife concentrated in the Old Town and Kazimier Quarter. 

I suggest staying close to the Old Town so you’re within walking distance from all attractions.

• TOP Pick: AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
• Mid Range Option: Aparthotel Maargick
• Backpacker Hostel: Greg & Tom Hostel

Best Time To Visit Krakow

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Krakow is spring or early autumn. 

Summer is a high season in Poland. It is when the city will be the busiest, and you will have to book a visit to attractions weeks in advance. 

Krakow is a popular destination on backpackers’ itineraries, which makes it one of the best places to backpack in Europe in winter. Despite the cold weather, the city is lively, and Christmas Markets are magical!

Most activities in Krakow are not weather-specific, so it is possible to visit any time of the year and still have a good time! It just depends on your timeline and preferences.

How To Get To Krakow

You can reach Krakow by air or bus and train from around Poland and many neighbouring European countries. 

By Train

Kraków is connected by railway to most cities in the country. Kraków’s Main train station is located just outside the Old Town and right next to a huge shopping mall where you can buy all the snacks you need for the trip.

If you are traveling to Krakow from Poland, you can book your ticket and browse timetables directly on the Polrail website. 

You can also buy tickets at the train station if you are spontaneous. However, I prefer to have my tickets sorted out before the trip.

For international train travel, I love Trainline to find and book trains as I can buy a ticket directly for my whole trip without having to compare and look for tickets on each national railway’s website.

By Bus

I used Flixbus to travel through Poland.

The prices were slightly lower than the train and travel times were similar – when you’re backpacking in Europe, every cent (or should I say every złoty) matters!

With its extensive destination network, you can also visit Krakow by Flixbus from many nearby European destinations.

Flying

Kraków has an international airport located in the village of Balice, approximately 11km from the city. 

Flying into Krakow is a great idea if you’re coming from other European countries, as it is a Ryanair hub, which means you can find affordable flight tickets.

To keep the ticket price low, consider packing in a personal item only so you don’t pay baggage fees!

How To Get Around Krakow

The best way to discover Krakow is on foot. It is easy to walk around Krakow as the city center is compact and many areas, including the Old Town, are pedestrian-only. 

If you stay close to the city center, you won’t need to use public transport at all! I didn’t use it during my 3-day trip. 

If your accommodation is farther away, public transport in Krakow works well and includes a network of trams and buses.

Best Vegan Restaurants In Krakow

You don’t have to worry about finding vegan options in Krakow. Krakow is a dream destination for vegans. The whole of Poland is more vegan-friendly than you might expect!

You will be spoilt for choice with vegan options in Krakow! 

According to the Happycow app, there are 20 fully vegan restaurants, while there are more than 190 places with vegan options in Krakow.

• Vegab – I loved this vegan kebab spot. Their vegan kebabs were super tasty and affordable. I went there twice during my trip!
• Krowarzywa – is a Polish chain of vegan fast food, and you can find it all over the country!
• Szklarnia – an adorable cafe with delicious vegan pastry, the perfect spot for breakfast!

2 Days In Krakow Travel Budget

Krakow is not expensive to visit. Poland is one of the best budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

If you are visiting Krakow on a budget, you should budget anywhere between €40 to 70€ a day! 

I spent on average €30 per day when backpacking Krakow for the first time. I stayed in a hostel and had one meal out and others in my hostel. Next time I visited, I was on a bigger budget and shared a hotel room and ate out twice a day, which made my spending closer to 60€ a day.

• Accommodation is affordable in Krakow. You can find a bed in a hostel for under 10€ per night, but the best-rated hostels are around 15-20€. Private rooms start at 40€. 

• Transportation can be 0€ if you choose to walk everywhere. Otherwise, a 1-way journey ticket is around 1€, or you can get a 24-hour pass for around 4€.

• Food: If you’re arriving from Western Europe, you will love eating out in Krakow! The prices are significantly lower, and there are many places to grab a quick bite for less than 3€. I’m vegan, and while vegan food is more expensive, to begin with, I found many affordable options! 

• Drinks: In a true backpacker fashion, you should get your alcohol in a store and drink in your hostel before going out. 

• Attraction costs will depend on many factors. It’s good to know that if you are a student, you can save money on tickets with your student card! 

You can choose not to visit any paid attractions. I had a great time in Krakow and only paid for the free walking tour tips!

Also, I am not including day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine towards this budget, as they are slightly pricier activities.

Final Thoughts: Backpacking Krakow Travel Guide

With 2 days in Krakow, you get to see all the main tourist spots in the city, and you can even take a day trip to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial or the Salt Mine.

You can easily organize a trip to Krakow on a budget, as most things to do in Krakow are completely free to do!

If you’re still debating whether you should visit Krakow or Warsaw, I’d go for Krakow.

It is a fantastic and safe destination for backpackers and first-time solo travelers.

The city itself is beautiful, with a picturesque pedestrian Old Town, making it a must-visit town on your Poland itinerary!