Comprehensive Krakow and Surroundings 7-Day Itinerary with Work and Leisure Balance

Day 1: Arrival and Old Town

Krakow, Poland on June 9, 2025

11:40am

Arrival at Krakow Airport

Arrive at John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport and transfer to accommodation in Krakow city center.
CURRENCY0, 1h

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Have lunch at Starka Restaurant in Kazimierz, famous for traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
PLN60-80, 1h

2:30pm

Relax and Refresh

Rest and settle in at your accommodation to prepare for evening sightseeing.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Krakow Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and Cloth Hall to get a feel for Krakow’s historic core. The sites close around 6-7pm, so enjoy the sunset ambiance.
Free or PLN20 for basilica entrance, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restauracja Wierzynek

Dine in one of Europe's oldest restaurants offering exquisite Polish dishes in an elegant setting.
PLN100-150, 2h
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Day 2: Evening Sightseeing

Krakow, Poland on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Work

Work from accommodation or co-working space until 3pm.
CURRENCY0, 8h

3:30pm

Visit Wawel Castle

Visit Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, open until 6pm, to admire Polish Renaissance architecture and important royal artifacts.
PLN30-45, 2h

6:00pm

Coffee Break at Cafe Camelot

Relax with coffee or tea at this charming cafe near the castle.
PLN20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pod Nosem

Enjoy refined Polish cuisine in a beautiful historic cellar near the Old Town.
PLN90-130, 2h
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Day 3: Evening Cultural Tour

Krakow, Poland on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Work

Work from accommodation or office until 3pm with lunch breaks included.
CURRENCY0, 8h

3:30pm

Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum

Explore the museum detailing Krakow during WWII, open until 7pm. A powerful historical experience.
PLN28, 2h

6:00pm

Drink at Forum Przestrzenie

Enjoy cocktails or craft beer at this trendy riverside venue.
PLN30-50, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chimera Cafe

Dine on international dishes in a cozy atmosphere in the Kazimierz district.
PLN70-110, 2h
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Day 4: Kazimierz Exploration

Krakow, Poland on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Work

Work day 7am to 3pm at accommodation.
CURRENCY0, 8h

3:30pm

Explore Kazimierz District

Visit synagogues, Jewish cemeteries and street art in this historic Jewish quarter open until evening.
Free or PLN10-15 for synagogue entries, 2h

6:00pm

Coffee and Dessert at Cafe Mlynek

Stop to enjoy cakes and coffee in a popular local cafe.
PLN25, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zazie Bistro

French-style bistro with excellent food in Kazimierz.
PLN90, 2h
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Day 5: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

Zakopane, Poland on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the full day trip.
Included with accommodation or PLN30, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Zakopane

Drive or take bus (~2h) south to the mountain resort town of Zakopane, gateway to the Tatra Mountains.
PLN20 (bus) or variable for taxi, 2h

10:00am

Gubałówka Hill Funicular

Take the funicular up to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic views of Zakopane and Tatras.
PLN30 for round trip, 1h

11:30am

Walk in Krupówki Street

Explore Zakopane’s lively main street with shops, restaurants, and rustic architecture.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Karczma Po Zbóju

Enjoy traditional mountain dishes like Oscypek cheese and grilled meats in a cozy tavern.
PLN50-70, 1h

2:00pm

Tatra National Park Nature Walk

Take a moderate hike in Tatra National Park to see breathtaking mountain scenery. Park open daylight hours.
PLN10, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Krakow

Travel back to Krakow in the evening, rest after the long day.
PLN20 bus or variable taxi, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Have a light dinner or snack at a nearby casual eatery in Krakow.
PLN30-50, 1h
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Day 6: Wieliczka and Wadowice

Wieliczka and Wadowice, Poland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before an excursion to Wieliczka and Wadowice.
Included or PLN30, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Wieliczka Salt Mine

Drive 30 minutes to Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site open 7:30am-7pm.
PLN90 for guided tour, 30m

8:30am

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

Explore the extensive underground chambers, chapels, and salt sculptures on a guided 2-3 hour tour.
PLN90, 3h

11:30am

Travel to Wadowice

Drive approx 1h to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Galicja

Try Polish comfort food and desserts in this popular Wadowice cafe.
PLN40-60, 1h

1:30pm

Visit John Paul II Family Home Museum

Tour the museum and birthplace of the Pope, open 10am-4pm, to learn about his early life.
PLN10, 1h

2:45pm

Explore Wadowice Town Square

Stroll through the charming square, sampling famous kremówka cream cake from local bakeries.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Krakow

Drive back to Krakow to rest and prepare for next day.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Szara

Dine in the Old Town with contemporary Polish cuisine and great ambiance.
PLN100-140, 2h
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Day 7: Krakow Final Day

Krakow, Poland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Charlotte

Start your day with delicious French baked goods and coffee at Charlotte in Old Town.
PLN30-50, 1h

9:30am

Visit MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore innovative Polish and international contemporary art exhibits, open 10am-6pm.
PLN24, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hamsa Hummus & Happiness

Enjoy fresh Middle Eastern cuisine in Kazimierz district.
PLN50-80, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Along the Vistula River

Leisurely afternoon walk along the scenic riverbank with views of Wawel Castle.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit St. Florian's Gate and Barbican

See Krakow’s historic medieval city fortifications.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Restauracja Pod Baranem

Experience traditional hearty Polish fare in an elegant setting before departure day.
PLN80-120, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Krakow, Poland on June 16, 2025

3:30am

Early Transfer to Airport

Transfer to John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport to catch your 5:35am flight.
Variable, 1h
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