10 Ways to Spend One Week in Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland, is one of the nicest cities! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting, then make sure to check out these ways to spend one week in Krakow!

*Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that if you buy from them – I get a commission at no extra cost to you 😉 Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

Contents:

Why visit Krakow?

Why visit Krakow? Krakow, Poland, is a city full of beauty and history, with something to offer everyone. With its old architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful green parks, the city has a special charm that draws people in. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of pubs, clubs, and restaurants to explore.

The Old Town Square is filled with history and culture and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. And, of course, no trip to Krakow would be complete without a visit to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp, where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the horrors of World War II.

With its unique history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Krakow is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Related Post: The 30+ Best Krakow Instagram Captions

How many days should I spend in Krakow?

How many days should I spend in Krakow? It really depends on what you would like to see and experience during your visit to Krakow. If you are looking for a short trip, then three to four days should be plenty of time to explore the city’s main sights and attractions.

However, if you are wanting to get an in-depth experience of the city, then a longer stay of five to seven days is recommended. During this time, you can take advantage of the city’s many museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, as well as its nightlife and vibrant food scene. Krakow has so many things to do you’ll be convinced to return in order to do it all!

Is one week in Krakow too long?

Is one week in Krakow too long? No, one week in Krakow is not too long – it’s the perfect amount of time! In fact, it is the ideal amount of time to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. With a full week to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the city’s iconic landmarks, as well as discover its hidden gems.

You’ll also be able to sample the local cuisine, take part in cultural activities and events, and even take a day trip or two out of the city. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll find that one week in Krakow is just the right amount of time to make the most out of your trip.

What is the best month to visit Krakow?

What is the best month to visit Krakow? This depends on personal preferences, as Krakow is great to visit all year round – especially during Christmas when there are beautiful Christmas Markets and lots of places near Krakow to go skiing.

Many people believe that the best month to visit Krakow is in May. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, and the days are long and pleasant. The streets of the city are alive with activity as outdoor cafes and terraces open up for the summer season.

The city is also home to a number of festivals and events during this time, such as the Krakow Film Festival, the Krakow Street Music Festival, and the Krakow Jazz Festival. With so much to see and do, May is the perfect time to visit this enchanting city.

10 Ways to spend one week in Krakow

1. Visit The Oskar Schindler Ennamel Factory

The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory in Krakow, Poland, is a stunning example of a bygone era. It was built in the late 1930s, this former enamel factory was owned by Oskar Schindler, a German businessman and member of the Nazi Party who saved the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust.

Today, the factory stands as a memorial to Schindler’s remarkable courage and humanity and serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Visitors to the factory can explore the museum, which houses a collection of photographs and artefacts, as well as guided tours of the factory itself.

A visit to the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory is a must for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Holocaust and its impact on the world.

Tickets: Free on Mondays or buy tickets here.

2. Go to the 4DX Cinema

The 4DX Cinema in Krakow, Poland, is an amazing experience for any movie-goer. This state-of-the-art movie theatre is equipped with motion seats and special effects such as wind, rain, fog, and scent, all of which work together to create an immersive and interactive experience.

4DX also means that the movies are in 3D, which allows viewers to be fully immersed in the film. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling action movie, a romantic comedy, or a horror flick, the 4DX Cinema in Krakow is the perfect place to get your movie fix!

The 4DX Cinema is located in Cinema City Bonarka, and there is a wide range of films showing all throughout the year. I saw Avatar: Way of Water at this cinema – and it was one of the most memorable movies that I’ve ever seen, thanks to 4DX.

Tickets: Around €12 – buy tickets here

3. Relax in the Cat Cafe

Cat Cafe Kociarnia in Krakow, Poland, is an oasis of relaxation and peace – and is a must-do if you’re spending one week in Krakow. This cosy cafe offers a variety of delicious food and drinks, as well as the chance to spend time with the cafe’s cats.

Visitors can enjoy their food in the company of friendly cats, who roam the cafe, climb on furniture, and sleep in their favourite spots. The Cat Cafe is a great place to relax with friends or to spend some quality time alone with a furry friend. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

You don’t need to book in advance, but it does get quite busy. If you want a good seat, then it’s best to go in the morning as soon as they open. In addition to food and drink, you can also buy cute postcards of the cats (very good for Postcrossing enthusiasts 😉 ), and there are also some nice little items to buy.

Tickets: Free. Items on the menu cost around €3-5.

4. Have a go at making some Pierogi 🥟

Pierogi-making classes in Krakow are one of the best ways to learn about the traditional Polish dish (and, in my opinion – the best dish 🤭). During these classes, visitors will learn how to make pierogi from scratch, from the dough to the filling.

Participants will also get to sample different variations of the dish, such as sweet pierogi with berries or savoury pierogi with mushrooms. At the end of the class, participants will be able to take home their own pierogi to share with friends and family – or keep them for yourself, I won’t judge.

Pierogi-making classes are a great way to learn about traditional Polish cuisine and have lots of fun in the process. You also don’t need to do the washing up afterwards either. Just be warned that Pierogi are addictive – don’t say I didn’t tell you!

Tickets: €54 – buy tickets here

5. Admire the beauty of Wawel Castle

The Wawel Castle in Krakow is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. This majestic castle stands atop a hill overlooking the city and boasts a rich history that spans centuries.

Visitors to the castle can explore its many chambers and experience the grandeur of its architecture. Additionally, there are many beautiful paintings and artefacts located in the castle that is stunning to be seen up close.

The castle is also home to a number of artworks, including the famous Dragon of Wawel, a sculpture of a dragon that guards the entrance – it even blows fire out of its mouth. A visit to Wawel Castle is a must for anyone looking to explore the history and culture of Krakow.

Tickets: Free to visit some parts on Mondays – or buy tickets here.

6. See Krakow from above in the Air Balloon

Krakow Air Balloon is an incredible way to see the sights of Krakow, Poland, from a very unique perspective. The balloon rides take visitors up into the sky, offering breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding countryside.

The air balloon allows visitors to see the city’s landmarks, such as Wawel Castle and the Old Town, from a completely different angle. The experience is both magical and memorable and is sure to be an unforgettable addition to any trip to Krakow.

Sometimes, the air balloon won’t fly in bad weather due to health and safety reasons, but you will probably know when this occurs before you visit. Remember to dress up warm – it’s windy and cold up there!

Tickets: €14 – buy tickets at the site.

7. Take a day trip to Zakopane

A day trip from Krakow to Zakopane is a great way to explore the stunning mountain scenery of southern Poland. The journey takes around two hours by car and offers beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains on the way.

Once in Zakopane, visitors can take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer, such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as art galleries and museums to explore. With its breathtaking views and wide range of activities, a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane is sure to be an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed – even if you’re not a skier.

Tickets: You can buy train or bus tickets from the station or via Flixbus – buy tour tickets here.

8. Go underground and explore Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most famous salt mines in the world! The mine was first developed in the 1840s and is still in use today. The mine produces over two million tons of salt a year and was one of the most important sources of salt for the Polish economy.

The salt mine is located on the outskirts of Krakow, about 25 minutes away from the centre. It is very accessible by car, train or bus. It’s one of the most memorable things to visit whilst you’re spending one week in Krakow, as there aren’t many other salt mines like this in the world.

There are two routes, one is called The Tourist Route, which is the most popular, and the other route is known as The Miners Route. On The Tourist Route, visitors will have a guided tour that lasts around 2-3 hours, and there is even the opportunity to eat in the underground restaurant. It’s an amazing opportunity for all who get to try it. I even believe that it is wheelchair friendly from a certain point.

Tickets: €27 – buy tickets here.

9. Pay your respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most well-known concentration camps in the world. If you’re interested in history, or if you want to pay your respects, then it’s worth a visit to learn about the atrocities that unfortunately went on here.

It’s important to know that if you visit, then the atmosphere will be heavy, and sometimes there might be some parts which are hard to face, but these were actual people who were involved in this horrific scenario, and they didn’t get a choice to look away. So, be respectful at all times.

Tickets: Free unless you want a guided tour – reserve your ticket in advance here.

10. Climb up the Krakow Mounds

If you know some Krakow facts, then you might know that people travel from all over the world just to visit the Krakow mounds! The oldest mound is called Krakus Mound, and many believe it dates all the way back to the 6th and 8th centuries.

Possibly the most well-known mound is called Kosciuszko Mound, and was constructed between 1820 and 1823 for the national hero – Tadeusz Kosciuszko. This mound is said to have the best views, but you will have to go and see yourself to be the judge of that claim!

The Krakow mounds are great places to go for walks on and near, especially in the spring and summertime. There are also some fantastic views to be seen from the top of them.

Tickets: Free or buy a tour here.

Tips for Visiting Krakow

If you’d like to visit Krakow, check out these tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Buy tickets for public transport before boarding.
Have some spare change with you.
Venture out of the centre of the city to find cheaper food.
Bring something to cover your knees and shoulders in the churches.
Download Google Translate Offline Access.

Krakow FAQ

Is Krakow a walkable city?

Yes! Krakow is a very walkable city, and most of the attractions are very close to each other. If you don’t feel like walking, then luckily, Krakow has a lot of great bus and tram routes connecting the city.

Is Krakow Poland worth visiting?

Krakow is one of the best cities in Poland to visit, so it is most certainly worth visiting. There is plenty of great activities to do, lots of amazing places to eat, beautiful nature and architecture surrounding, and so much more to be discovered.

Should I go to Krakow or Budapest?

Honestly, go to both, or if you can’t do that at the moment, then go to whichever is most convenient for you at the time. Both cities have so much to offer that it’s hard to compare the two.

Is Krakow or Warsaw nicer?

This depends on personal preference. Warsaw is definitely much bigger and less walkable, but there are fewer beautiful buildings in Warsaw when compared to Krakow. Both cities are worth a visit to see which you prefer the most!

How much is the average meal in Krakow?

The average price of a meal in Krakow is around € 7-10. This depends on where you go, though, so it’s best to do some research beforehand when trying to decide where to eat. Remember never to eat or drink where the price isn’t stated on the menu.

10 Ways to Spend One Week in Krakow, Poland – Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this post about all the ways to spend one week in Krakow, you’ve been inspired to go and visit this charming city and found some amazing things to do! Which ways to spend one week in Krakow did you like and want to try the most? Do you know of any other great ways to spend one week in Krakow? Feel free to contact me if you’d like any further information. If you liked this post, then you might also like to have a look at these similar posts: