Comprehensive 7-Day Krakow and Surroundings Itinerary with Work-Friendly Schedule

Day 1: Arrival and Krakow Intro

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 central Krakow.
PLN0, 1h

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Miód Malina

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Miód Malina, a well-known spot for traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist, open until 4pm.
PLN50, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

Explore the historic Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, featuring the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica.
PLN0, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee and Cake at Café Camelot

Take a break and enjoy coffee and cake at the charming Café Camelot, close to the square.
PLN25, 45m

5:00pm

Visit Wawel Castle Grounds

Walk around the Wawel Castle grounds and the beautiful gardens; entry to castle exhibitions closes around 6pm, so focus on outdoor areas today.
PLN0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pod Wawelem

Dine at Pod Wawelem with hearty Polish cuisine, known for large portions and local atmosphere.
PLN70, 1.5h
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Day 2: Evening City Walk

Krakow, Poland on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Work

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

3:30pm

Visit Schindler's Factory Museum

Tour the museum dedicated to Oskar Schindler and Krakow during WWII. Open until 6pm, book tickets in advance.
PLN25, 1.5h

5:15pm

Walk along the Vistula River

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Vistula River near the old town to relax before dinner.
PLN0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Starka Restaurant

Sample traditional Polish dishes with a modern touch at Starka, located in Kazimierz district, open until 10pm.
PLN80, 1.5h
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Day 3: Evening Cultural Highlights

Krakow, Poland on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Work

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

3:30pm

Visit Rynek Underground Museum

Discover medieval Krakow beneath the Main Market Square, exploring archeological exhibits open until 6pm.
PLN30, 1.5h

5:15pm

Explore Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Stroll through Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district with street art, synagogues, and lively bars.
PLN0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamsa Hummus & Happiness Israeli Rest.

Enjoy Middle Eastern flavors with vegetarian options in Kazimierz, open until 10pm.
PLN70, 1.5h
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Day 4: Evening Views & Food

Krakow, Poland on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Work

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

3:30pm

Climb St. Mary's Basilica Tower

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Krakow; open until 6pm but check local seasonal times.
PLN15, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Nowa Huta

Take a short tram ride to Nowa Huta to see the unique socialist realism architecture and visit the Arka Pana church.
PLN5, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuchnia u Doroty

Enjoy homemade traditional Polish dishes at this cozy eatery near Nowa Huta, open until 9pm.
PLN60, 1.5h
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Day 5: Wieliczka & Zakopane

Krakow and Zakopane, Poland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Day Trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine

Visit the UNESCO-listed salt mine south of Krakow, famous for its sculptures and underground chapels. Opens from 7am to 7pm; guided tours recommended.
PLN100, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karczma Halit in Wieliczka

Savor traditional Polish food in a rustic setting near the salt mine.
PLN50, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Zakopane

Drive or take a bus to Zakopane, the mountain resort town at the foot of the Tatras; journey takes about 2 hours.
PLN40, 2h

3:30pm

Explore Krupówki Street

Stroll along Zakopane’s main pedestrian street known for local crafts and shops, open through the evening.
PLN0, 1.5h

5:30pm

Visit Gubalowka Hill

Take the funicular up Gubalowka Hill for panoramic mountain views; funicular operates until 6pm.
PLN30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Owczarnia

Enjoy hearty Highlander cuisine in a charming, wood-paneled restaurant in Zakopane, open until 10pm.
PLN80, 1.5h

9:00pm

Overnight Stay in Zakopane

Stay overnight in Zakopane to rest before next day travel.
PLN0, 8h
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Day 6: Auschwitz & Wadowice

Auschwitz, Wadowice, Poland on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Drive or take a tour bus east to the historic Auschwitz concentration camp, about 1.5h from Zakopane or Krakow.
PLN0, 1.5h

9:00am

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

Reflect on history with a guided tour through the former concentration camps. Museum opens at 7am; tours last about 3 hours.
PLN50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery Oświęcim

Enjoy traditional Polish lunch in the town near Auschwitz.
PLN50, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Wadowice

Drive 30 minutes west to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II.
PLN0, 30m

2:30pm

Visit Museum of Pope John Paul II and Basilica

Explore the hometown museum and the basilica where John Paul II was baptized; museum open until 4:30pm.
PLN20, 1.5h

4:00pm

Try Wadowice Cream Cake (Kremówka)

Taste the famous papal dessert in a local café.
PLN15, 30m

5:00pm

Return to Krakow

Drive back to Krakow (approx. 1h).
PLN0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Momo Restaurant

Relax with Asian fusion cuisine in Krakow’s city center, open until 10pm.
PLN75, 1.5h
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Day 7: Czestochowa & Jasna Gora

Czestochowa, Poland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Czestochowa

Drive or take a train approximately 2.5 hours north to Czestochowa, famous for Jasna Gora Monastery.
PLN50, 2.5h

10:30am

Visit Jasna Gora Monastery

Tour the monastery complex, home to the revered Black Madonna icon; open from 6:30am to 5pm.
PLN0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restauracja Oleńka

Enjoy Polish and regional cuisine near the monastery in a calm setting.
PLN55, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Czestochowa Old Town

Walk through the historic district with its town hall and local shops.
PLN0, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Krakow

Drive or train back to Krakow, about 2.5 hours.
PLN50, 2.5h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Fiorentina

Enjoy Italian cuisine with high-quality ingredients in Krakow city center, open until 10pm.
PLN90, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Krakow, Poland on June 16, 2025

3:30am

Early Transfer to Airport

Leave hotel early for the airport to catch your flight at 5:35am.
PLN50, 1h

5:35am

Flight Departure

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