Krakow–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths, Cheese & Vodka
4.913,557 reviews11h
from €39
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€225
Mid-range · 5 Days
€555
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€75
With 5 days in Krakow, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the postcard-perfect Old Town lies the soul of Krakow. The Kazimierz district, once the center of Jewish life for over 500 years, has transformed from a place of profound tragedy into a buzzing hub of art galleries, atmospheric cafes in restored synagogues, and some of the city's best restaurants.
Perfect for budget travelers
Perfect for history buffs
Perfect for nightlife seekers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Krakow adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Main Market Square
Experience Main Market Square, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Wawel Castle
Experience Wawel Castle, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Krakow like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Poland.
1
St. Mary's Basilica
Experience St. Mary's Basilica, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
Experience Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Krakow. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Auschwitz Day Trip
Experience Auschwitz Day Trip, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Experience Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of Krakow's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Poland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains
Leave Krakow behind for a day and head to Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains (About 2 hours by bus or train from Krakow).
1
Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains
The winter capital of Poland and a gateway to the stunning High Tatras, offering dramatic alpine scenery year-round. Experience Górale (highlander) culture, wooden architecture, and fantastic hiking or skiing.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Krupówki Street (the bustling main promenade), Cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch for panoramic views, Traditional wooden architecture, like the Old Cemetery and churches, Hiking trails in Tatra National Park (summer) or skiing (winter).
Day 5: Podgórze & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Podgórze and seek out a few places most visitors to Krakow never find.
1
Podgórze
Located across the Vistula River, this area is steeped in wartime history but is rapidly evolving. It's quieter and more residential than the center, with a raw, authentic feel, fantastic viewpoints, and a growing number of innovative galleries and cafes.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Ghetto Heroes Square (Empty Chairs Memorial), Plac Bohaterów Getta, MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art.
2
Pinball Museum
An interactive museum in Kazimierz featuring a collection of over 100 vintage pinball machines and arcade games from the 1950s to the 1990s.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: For a flat entry fee, you can play unlimited games on all machines. It's a fantastically fun and nostalgic break from historical sightseeing, popular with locals and a great rainy-day activity.
3
Café Camelot
A tiny, legendary café on św. Tomasza Street in the Old Town, known for its incredibly ornate, cluttered, and magical interior filled with antiques and curios.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It feels like stepping into a great-aunt's fantastical parlour. The hot chocolate is legendary, and the atmosphere is pure old-world Krakow bohemia, a stark contrast to the modern chain cafes nearby.
Top tours and experiences in Krakow
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket
4.710,370 reviews7h
from €35
Check availability
Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket Hotel Pickup Small Van
4.85,332 reviews7h
from €53
Check availability
Day Trip Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow
4.74,457 reviews10h
from €119
Check availabilityWieliczka Salt Mine ticketsWawel Royal Castle ticketsKazimierz ticketsOskar Schindler's Factory tickets
All things to do in Krakow →Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Krakow
Incredible Value for Money: Enjoy a three-course meal with wine for under €25 per person, stay in a charming boutique hotel for a fraction of Western European prices, and take affordable public transport everywhere. Your Polish Zloty goes far, allowing for more experiences.
Vibrant Nightlife and Cultural Pulse: From the legendary student pubs in the cellars of the Old Town to the trendy cocktail bars in Kazimierz, the city buzzes after dark. Experience the unique vibe of a 'pijalnia wódki i piwa' (vodka and beer hall) for cheap shots and lively crowds, or catch a jazz performance in a historic vault.
A Perfectly Preserved Medieval Core: Walk through the Florian Gate and along the Royal Route to the Main Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been the city's commercial and social heart since the 13th century. Explore the underground museum beneath the square, which reveals the original medieval merchant stalls and streets.
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How much do 5 days in Krakow cost?
Plan on roughly €225 on a budget, €555 mid-range or €1,010 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Krakow.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €30 | €75 | €130 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €10 | €22 | €42 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €5 | €14 | €30 |
| Total per day | €45 | €111 | €202 |
| Total for 5 days | €225 | €555 | €1,010 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Krakow
Hotels close to the centre of Krakow, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Krakow is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Krakow is April to October. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Polish Zloty (PLN). Carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- 4A few words in Polish go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Krakow
Pierogi (dumplings - try ruskie, mięsne, or seasonal fruit)
Żurek (sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl)
Kiełbasa (Polish sausage, grilled)
Bigos (hunter's stew with sauerkraut and meat)
💡 When greeting shopkeepers or entering a small restaurant, say 'Dzień dobry' (good day). A simple greeting in Polish is greatly appreciated.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Krakow
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The historic core and UNESCO site, encircled by the lush Planty Park.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Once a separate town and the center of Jewish life, Kazimierz is now Krakow's most charismatic district.
Kleparz & Wesoła
Just north of the Old Town walls, these adjacent areas offer a more local, everyday Krakow experience.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Krakow, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
About 1.5 hours by bus or organized tour from Krakow
A profoundly moving and essential visit to the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
30-40 minutes by train or bus from Krakow
A UNESCO site and an astonishing underground world carved entirely from salt over 700 years.
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