One Day in Kraków Old Town: A Traveler’s Guide to Poland’s Historic Gem

With nearly 14 million tourist arrivals in 2023, Kraków is undeniably Poland’s golden egg-laying goose. Wrocław is my personal favourite, and I’ve said it many times—but let’s be honest, it’s clear that Kraków’s best attractions – from historical landmarks to cultural experiences – make it a prime spot for any traveller. In this guide to the best things to do in Kraków, I’ll take you through the must-see spots to make the most of your one-day visit

As a tourism marketer and tour guide in Poland, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Kraków’s Old Town transforms into a bustling hub during peak summer. From the finest landmarks in the heart of Poland’s cultural capital to world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites like Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz, Kraków has a distinct appeal.

Perfectly positioned between Wrocław in the northwest and Zakopane in the south, Kraków is everyone’s delight–catering to history buffs, luxury seekers, food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Depending on your walking pace, level of interest in the versatile Kraków’s royal history, or tragic World War II and Holocaust sites, one day in Kraków is adequate to get a clear picture of the city. Provided you are accompanied by the right tour guide! (wink wink)

No Kraków attractions list is complete without a mention of Wieliczka and Auschwitz tours.

Wieliczka Salt Mine is a half-day trip from Kraków (around 5.5 hours). Auschwitz tours–apparently the most popular attraction in Poland with 10 million plus annual tourist visits, make an ideal day trip from Kraków (up to 8 hours).

To clarify, both these attractions are gruelling, require attention, and intense walking and must be pre-booked. Pulling off Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz tours in one day is ambitious, which I’d never recommend to anyone. But is it doable? Yes, it is!

As a Poland history tour guide, I recommend planning them on separate days. Club them with major attractions from Kraków royal history, or split them with Old Town walking tours. Poland’s most beloved city has so much to offer.

So, sit back and enjoy the most comprehensive account of ‘One Day in Kraków Old Town’.

Start with a Kraków Old Town Walking Tour

The historic heart of the Kraków city centre is adorned with the best of Poland’s architecture. Kraków Old Town lies in the cradle of the lush green teardrop-shaped Planty Park, where the top tourist spots in Kraków city centre lie.

Starting from plac Matejki in the north of the main square, the Royal Route traverses the historic medieval wall, the Barbakan, the largest market square in Europe, covering major historical landmarks in Kraków Old Town–ending at the Wawel Castle next to Vistula River.

The entire Kraków city centre is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. And this is where the city pledges allegiance to the Polish rulers, and this is the spot vandalised by Hitler–named plac Adolf during Poland’s Nazi occupation during World War II.

Step back in time while strolling the postcard-perfect streets leading to the top tourist spots in the Kraków city centre. Take a peek inside St. Mary’s Basilica–the deep blue vaulted ceiling is such an angel-eyeful sight. Towards the southwest corner of the main square lies another hidden gem, the open courtyard of Jagiellonian University. It is the most reputed and the oldest university in Poland, founded by the Polish king Casimir the Great. Stories and legends are what make Kraków the best of Poland.

The best time to visit Poland for Christmas markets is from late November to early January. During winter, this place is adorned with one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe.

• Popular stops:
• St. Mary’s Basilica
• Town Hall Tower and several other Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque churches,
• Sukiennice
• Wawel Hill with Wawel Cathedral, Castle, and fire-breathing dragon (Smok)

Optional: Coffee at Jama Michalika café or Szara Gęś.

Dive into Kraków’s Jewish Heritage in Kazimierz District

Created by Polish king Casimir the Great, the 14th-century Kazimierz District has witnessed a lot over the years and is one of the must-visit places in Kraków.

An alternate neighbourhood, just a 20-minute walk from Wawel Castle, the Kazimierz district is full of hidden gems. It boasts some of the top artistic cafes in Kraków, historical synagogues, murals, and traces of Kraków’s Jewish heritage.

Plac Nowy is the buzzing heart of Kazimierz, where local flea markets, Polish street food stalls and bustling local life dominate the area. It is a pleasant transition from the Kraków Main Market Square.

A private Kazimierz tour is essential for understanding the history of Jewish culture in Kraków, therefore, I recommend a walking tour of Kraków’s Old Town with me!

Don’t forget to stop by plac Nowy for a quick Zapikanki break before crossing Kładka pieszo-rowerowa Zabłocie-Grzegórzki. The bridge leads to the epicentre of the historical World War II holocaust – the Kraków Jewish Ghetto.

My advice: Book a guided tour of the Fabryka ‘Emalia’ Oskara Schindlera, also known as Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. In the heart of the former Kraków Ghetto, Schindler’s factory is a renovated former administrative office of Schindler, who saved local Jews from Nazis. This is the story of the city during Nazi occupation. Optionally, St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze – a classic piece of architecture with neo-Gothic architecture–is one of those Instagrammable spots in Podgórze popular among tourists.

• Popular stops:
• Kazimierz Jewish District
• Schindler’s Factory (for a detailed WWII history tour in Kraków).
• Include a break at a kosher-friendly or fine-dining restaurant.

Relax and Indulge in Polish Cuisine

Skipping one of the above options to plan a Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz tour.

Still need more ideas on unique experiences in Kraków city centre? Go for a pierogi-making class in Kraków, or enjoy the time capturing the city’s bird-eye view from Kraków Eye. Or take a relaxing stroll along Poland’s longest river for unparalleled Vistula river views–made for romantic walks in Kraków.

Come back to the centre for a great dining experience in one of Kraków’s top restaurants or pick one of the Polish food tours. Nothing gives you a better perspective on local Polish cuisine than a food tour.

My favourite Polish restaurants in Kraków – Kluska na Placu, Kuchnia u Doroty, Dobra Kasza Nasza, or Bar Mleczny with great reviews 🙂

Got more time to look at nearby excursions? Consider these add-ons

For those on an extended stay or a vacation in Kraków, treat yourself to these cool half-day and day trips. Do it in warm months (May to August), unless you’re looking for a compelling winter experience in the Polish mountains.

Let’s go from near to far!

• Tyniec Abbey (another medieval landmark in Poland, Tyniec cycling tours are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.)
• Half-day trip to Wadowice – the family house and birthplace of Pope John Paul II, Jana Pawła II
• Day trip to Chocholowski Thermal Baths
• Day trip to Zakopane
• Dunajec river rafting
• Day trip to Jasna Gora Czestochowa
• Day trip to Wrocław

Let’s make your Polish journey unforgettable. I offer private guided tours across Poland, from tailored luxury experiences in Kraków to solo traveller adventures in Warsaw and beyond. I also help local businesses and operators grow through digital marketing. Interested in exploring Polish cities with a local expert? Email me at whistlinghound@gmail.com, and I’ll get back to you promptly.

Kraków FAQs

1. What are the must-see attractions in Kraków for a one-day trip?
   Top attractions in Kraków include Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and Kazimierz Jewish District.
2. Is there luxury dining available in Kraków?
   Yes, try Michelin-star restaurants like Copernicus or Szara Gęś.
3. What’s the best way to explore Kraków in a day?
   Opt for a private guided tour or explore the city on foot and by public transport.
4. Can Kraków accommodate halal-friendly or kosher meals?
   Absolutely! Many restaurants in the Kazimierz District cater to these dietary preferences.

Further read: Poland Guide: Uncover the Best Local Adventures & Attractions in Eastern Europe