How To Spend Three Days In Krakow
We asked the locals and the response was unanimous – if you have to choose between Warsaw and Krakow, Krakow wins every time. This underrated European destination offers so much history, diverse old towns, affordable travel, and some of the best food and vodka you’ll ever try.
Welcome To Krakow
We spent 3 days in Kraków as part of our four-month adventure across Europe — and this city completely exceeded our expectations. Kraków is one of those places where history still feels alive: medieval streets wrapped around a castle on a hill, cafés tucked into centuries-old courtyards, but also a giant Ferris wheel to keep it real.
It’s also a city that feels lived-in. You’ll find student-filled bars just steps from solemn memorials, vibrant street art near synagogues that survived the unimaginable, and locals ready to help you order the best pierogi of your life.
A few fun facts to get you oriented: Kraków was the capital of Poland for nearly 500 years — and people still say it feels like the cultural capital today. The Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe (and impossible not to get lost in once or twice). And yes, there is real fire-breathing dragon as the city’s mascots — don’t miss the Smok Wawelski statue outside of the castle.
Three days in Kraków gave us the perfect mix of delicious food, meaningful history, and those magical wander-everywhere European vibes. Here’s exactly how we made the most of our time — and how you can too.
Just Wander
Simply walking around Krakow might be one of the best things to do here. Eat & drink and take in some history.
"The Octagon"
Poland had some of my favorite food in all of Europe. Don’t miss this late-night crowd favorite: Zapiekanka.
Wawel Dragon
Where else can you see an actual fire-breathing dragon? (I missed it, of course, but the castle is cool.)
Krakow at a Glance
Language:
Polish
Currency:
Polish zloty (PLN)
Time Zone:
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Walkability:
Excellent, w/ public transport option
Electricity
230V, Type C & E plugs
Best Time to Visit:
April & May, Sept & Oct (less crowds, less chance of snow)
What You Need To Know Before Visiting Krakow
Planning Tips & Cultural Etiquette
As with any city, do your research before visiting. Many cities, especially in Europe, feel overrun with tourists, sometimes causing the locals to be less patient or friendly. Here are a few things you can do to be a better traveler in Krakow:
Cash still matters — Cards are common, but small shops, bakeries, public restrooms, and market stalls may prefer złoty.
Public transport is easy — Trams are the fastest way around when you’re not walking; Uber/Bolt also reliable and cheap.
Sundays can be quieter — Some shops close or have reduced hours due to trading laws.
Tap water is safe — Bring a reusable bottle; many restaurants will give water if you ask (but bottled water is common).
Carry small coins for toilets — Public WC access is usually paid.
Weather swings happen — Plan for the expected, and unexpected. We visited in May and it felt like we were the only people walking around without an umbrella – even if there was no rain in the forecast.
Polish people can seem reserved at first — As you should anywhere, just start by being respectful and polite.
Bare minimum, learn the basics:
Hello — Cześć (cheshch)
Please — Proszę (proh-sheh)
Thank you — Dziękuję (jen-koo-yeh)
Tipping is appreciated — 10% at restaurants is typical; hand the tip directly to the server or say “do rachunku” (add to bill).
Toast properly — Maintain eye contact when clinking glasses; say Na zdrowie!
Respect Catholic traditions — Churches expect quiet behavior, covered shoulders, and no flash photography.
Rowdy “party tourism” — Kraków has become a stag/bachelor party magnet; drunken behavior in public squares is frowned upon.
Feeding pigeons in the main square — It worsens an already significant problem for the city.
- Parking – be prepared to pay for parking EVERYWHERE. Even the grocery store. (We frequented the “Biedronka” Ladybug quite a bit.)
Where to Stay in Krakow
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Krakow. It was reasonably priced and a great location with the ability to walk in to city center (about 15-20 minutes). This location also offers free parking for Diamond members. For a more detailed review you can check out my YouTube video.
More Krakow Travel Inspiration
Check out our highlights on YouTube:
Map Of Things To Do In Krakow (with notes)
List Of Things To Do In Krakow
- Visit Auschwitz. There are tours and transportation available from Krakow. We had a car so I drove myself. Terrifying, but doable.
- Climb the Town Hall Tower (free on Mondays!)
- Zakrzówek Park – Head here for some nature, a pretty lake with walking & cycling paths.
- Baszta Sandomierska – tower in the castle that offers great views of the city.
- Teczowe Schody – the colorful staircase, popular for photos
- Wawel Castle & Fire-breathing dragon statue.
- Visit Jagiellonian University – Poland’s oldest, and boasts historical students like Copernicus.
- Eat pierogis. We were told by a bartender that the only place for truly “authentic” dumplings was his grandma’s house. Sadly we didn’t get an invite, but there is no shortage of restaurants to choose from. We added a few recommendations to our map.
- Visit St. Mary’s Basilica (when in a European, see the church)
- See St. Florian’s Gate and Kraków Barbican for some cool history and architecture.
- Check out the Kazimierz area and Kanonicza street.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – A bit out of the city but this was recommended by almost everyone we spoke to. We chose to skip it since we were visiting the salt mine in Romania.
- Drink Wódka.
