Krakow and Nearby Cities 7-Day Itinerary: Workday Evenings and Weekend Adventures

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Stroll

Krakow, Poland on June 9, 2025

11:40am

Arrival at Krakow Airport

Arrive at John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice and transfer to your accommodation in Krakow city center.
PLN0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Milkbar Tomasza

Enjoy traditional Polish cuisine in this casual eatery offering pierogi and hearty soups, open until 8pm perfect for a light lunch after your flight.
PLN30-50, 1h

3:00pm

Relax and settle in accommodation

Rest after the flight and refresh for an evening walk around Krakow's Old Town.
PLN0, 2h

5:30pm

Wawel Castle Evening Visit

Explore Wawel Castle grounds and the exterior of the cathedral during the early evening to avoid crowds; castle interiors close around 6pm.
PLN15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pod Aniołami

Dine at this atmospheric restaurant in a medieval cellar serving traditional Polish dishes; open until 10pm.
PLN70-100, 1h30m

Day 2: Krakow Evenings

Krakow, Poland on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Work Time

Work from 7 am to 3 pm.
PLN0, 8h

3:30pm

Snack at Cafe Camelot

Enjoy a coffee and light snack at this charming cafe in the Old Town open until 8pm, perfect to recharge before sightseeing.
PLN20-35, 30m

4:00pm

Visit St. Mary's Basilica

Visit the stunning basilica famous for its wooden altarpiece and stunning architecture; open until 6pm.
PLN15, 1h

5:15pm

Walk through Main Market Square

Stroll around Europe's largest medieval town square, enjoy street performers and lively atmosphere.
PLN0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chimera Restaurant

Try contemporary Polish cuisine with a modern twist, open until 10pm.
PLN80-110, 1h30m

Day 3: Evening Culture

Krakow, Poland on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Work Time

Working hours from 7 am to 3 pm.
PLN0, 8h

3:30pm

Visit Galicia Jewish Museum

Explore exhibitions about Jewish culture and history in Krakow, open until 6pm.
PLN20, 1h

5:00pm

Walk Along the Vistula River

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the scenic river banks with views of Wawel Castle.
PLN0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pod Nosem

Elegant Polish dining featuring regional favorites near the Old Town, open till 10pm.
PLN90-120, 1h30m

Day 4: Krakow Evening Leisure

Krakow, Poland on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Work Time

Work from 7 am to 3 pm.
PLN0, 8h

3:30pm

Visit Schindler’s Factory Museum

Discover Krakow's WWII history and Oskar Schindler's story; museum open until 6pm.
PLN25, 1h30m

5:30pm

Coffee Break at Charlotte

Enjoy fresh French pastries and coffee in this popular bakery till 8pm.
PLN20-30, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Starka

Traditional Polish and Eastern European cuisine in a cozy Radisson area restaurant, open till 10pm.
PLN70-110, 1h30m

Day 5: Zakopane Day Trip

Zakopane, Poland on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Zakopane

Take a bus or private transfer early morning from Krakow to Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains resort town (approx. 2h travel).
PLN30-60, 2h

9:30am

Gubałówka Hill Funicular

Ride the funicular to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic views of Zakopane and Tatras mountains.
PLN25, 1h

11:00am

Zakopane Town Walk and Market

Explore the charming wooden architecture and local crafts at Krupówki Street and market area.
PLN0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restauracja u Wnuka

Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine including smoked cheese and grilled meats, open for lunch till 3pm.
PLN50-80, 1h

2:00pm

Hike to Morskie Oko Lake

If time and energy allow, take a short bus and hike to the beautiful lake, otherwise enjoy a scenic walk near town.
PLN30 (bus), 2-3h

5:30pm

Return to Krakow

Travel back to Krakow by bus or transfer, arriving in the evening.
PLN30-60, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Krakow Old Town

Light dinner or snack in one of the many open restaurants near your accommodation after return.
PLN40-70, 1h

Day 6: Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka, Poland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Wieliczka Salt Mine

Short 30-minute trip from Krakow to Wieliczka to visit this UNESCO salt mine.
PLN10, 30m

9:00am

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

Join the guided tour to explore underground chambers, chapels, and salt sculptures; tours run frequently and last about 3 hours.
PLN100, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Karczma Halit

Dine nearby at this rustic restaurant offering Polish specialties and traditional décor.
PLN50-70, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Krakow and Rest

Return to Krakow and take some rest or explore local shops in the city center.
PLN10, 1h

5:30pm

Evening at Leisure in Krakow

Relax at your accommodation or take a gentle evening walk in Planty Park.
PLN0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bottiglieria 1881

Wine bar and restaurant offering excellent food and extensive wine options, perfect for a relaxed meal open until 11pm.
PLN100-140, 1h30m

Day 7: Auschwitz-Birkenau Visit

Oświęcim, Poland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

Depart early from Krakow to Oświęcim for a guided visit to the WWII concentration camp memorial, about 1.5 hours away.
PLN40, 1h30m

9:30am

Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour

Participate in a 3.5-hour official guided tour to understand the historical significance and pay respects at the site.
PLN60, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Oświęcim Town

Simple lunch at a local cafe or restaurant near the museum area.
PLN40-60, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Krakow

Travel back to Krakow for your final evening in the city.
PLN40, 1h30m

5:00pm

Last Evening in Krakow

Take a leisurely stroll through Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, and enjoy a coffee or early dinner.
PLN60-90, 2h

Day 8: Departure

Krakow, Poland on June 16, 2025

3:30am

Transfer to Krakow Airport

Early morning transfer to the airport to catch your 5:35 am flight.
PLN50-100, 1h30m

5:35am

Flight Departure

Depart Krakow from John Paul II International Airport.
PLN0, N/A