3-day Krakow essentials
Main Square, Wawel, and optional Auschwitz visit in three days.
3 daysFirst-timersBest: April–June, September–October
Last updated: 2025-03-15
Day 1 – Old Town and Main Square
- Rynek Glowny, St Mary's, Cloth Hall
Morning in the Main Square and St Mary's Church. Cloth Hall and underground museum. Afternoon coffee and people-watching. Evening in Kazimierz or Old Town.
Tips:
Trumpet call from St Mary's every hour. Cloth Hall has good souvenirs and amber.
Day 2 – Wawel and Kazimierz
- Wawel Castle and Cathedral, Kazimierz district
Wawel Castle and Cathedral in the morning. Afternoon in Kazimierz (Jewish quarter): synagogues and cafes. Dinner and optional nightlife in Kazimierz.
Tips:
Book Wawel Cathedral and State Rooms ahead in peak season. Kazimierz is great for dinner.
Day 3 – Auschwitz or Wieliczka
- Auschwitz-Birkenau or Wieliczka Salt Mine
Full-day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau (allow 5–6 hours) or half-day Wieliczka Salt Mine. Return to Krakow for departure.
Tips:
Auschwitz: book official guided tour; allow a full day and emotional space. Wieliczka: book in advance.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you book or buy through our links. We only recommend products and services we believe in.