48 Hours in Krakow: Poland’s Historical Hub
Welcome, to Krakow, a culturally rich city located in southern Poland. Krakow boasts a historical Old Town and is home to various museums as well as a lively nightlife scene. The well-preserved medieval architecture of the city makes it a stunning destination that takes you back in time. This is a fast-paced and walkable guide for 48 hours in Krakow, Poland, with one full day exploring the Old Town and city center and a second day dedicated to a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and a salt mine.
Table of Contents
Day 1
On Day 1, we’re going to explore Krakow’s Old Town and beyond. The city center is small and can be explored in one day, but it is absolutely packed with gorgeous old buildings and deep history.
(1) Wawel Castle
I’m usually not a fan of entering castles, preferring to see the architecture from the outside. However, Wawel Castle is an exception as it is filled to the brim with old bedroom chambers, art collections, and picturesque courtyards. The castle was a formal royal residence and employs a gorgeous blend of architectural styles.
(2) Market Square
Next, take a beautiful stroll down the cobblestone streets to Market Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval town squares. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in Krakow during a period when the square hosts a festival or a market. Even the Cloth Hall in the center is frequently the site of locals selling all types of goods, from artisanal products to produce.
(3) St. Mary’s Basilica
It’s quite hard to miss St. Mary’s Basilica from Market Square. This impressive church dates back to the 14th century (although construction began in the 13th century), and you certainly will want to take a peek inside. The new ceiling imitates a starry sky with paintings dedicated to St. Mary and angels playing instruments.
(4) Planty Park
Planty Park is a beautiful urban park encircling Krakow’s Old Town. Until the early 19th century, there were 3km of walls surrounding the Old Town. Now, this park provides a spot for great people-watching, enjoying a picnic, or even going for a jog!
(5) Jewish Quarter
Just a mild walk from the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter is a historic neighborhood that was once the thriving Jewish center of the city. It is home to well-preserved synagogues, cobblestoned streets, and a vibrant atmosphere. In this day in age, the Jewish Quarter boasts restaurants, bars, and a pulsing ambiance.
(6) Schindler’s Factory
You may recognize the name of this location from the movie Schindler’s List, but the real factory is now a museum of the atrocities of the Holocaust. It memorializes the brave actions of Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish workers during World War II.
Day 2
(7) Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
There are no words to describe how important it is to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. The largest of the German Nazi concentration camps was where over 1 million men, women, and children lost their lives. It is located 1 hour and 12 minutes from Krakow’s city center and is a two-part experience consisting of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Follow the heart-wrenching journey of individuals at Auschwitz, all the way from arriving at the train station to the chambers.
(8) Wieliczka Salt Mine
If you have finished your reflection at Auschwitz, welcome a change of pace and visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Located 1 hour from Auschwitz and 30 minutes from Krakow, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features intricate architecture and sculptures carved into an underground mine. These impressive feats, such as chandeliers and chapels, are made entirely of salt.
It’s important to note that you should only visit the salt mine if you have half a day left after Auschwitz. If you’d rather spend more time at the memorial, skip the salt mine, as you only have 48 hours in Krakow.
That’s all for 48 Hours in Krakow, Poland! Hopefully, you enjoyed your time in this charming Eastern European City, and if you want to add another city to your itinerary, check out my European guides. Happy Sampling!
