Kraków on a Budget: A 5-Day Adventure

Experience the magic of Kraków while staying within your budget.

21 June 2023

Kraków, Poland offers a fantastic experience without breaking the bank. Be sure to visit the free admission St. Mary's Basilica and the Wawel Castle. Savor the delicious and affordable Polish cuisine, and soak in the city's vibrant nightlife on a budget-friendly pub crawl.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Check into the affordable and cozy Hotel Batory
  • Take a stroll around the beautiful Old Town Square to admire the historic architecture
  • Visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city
  • Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter
  • Enjoy a hearty traditional Polish meal at Restaurant Starka, featuring pierogi and kielbasa
Day 2

Discovering Wawel Hill

  • Start the day with a visit to Wawel Castle, the home of Polish kings for centuries
  • Explore the picturesque Wawel Cathedral and admire the intricate details of the architecture
  • Enjoy lunch at the charming Pod Baranem restaurant, serving Polish cuisine with a modern twist
  • Visit the nearby Dragon's Den, a legendary cave that was once believed to be the den of a fire-breathing dragon
  • End the day with a peaceful stroll through the scenic Planty Park surrounding the Old Town
Day 3

Journey to the Salt Mine

  • Take a half-day tour to the impressive Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Descend the steps to explore the underground chambers and sculptures carved out of salt
  • Visit the St. Kinga's Chapel, a magnificent underground cathedral that will leave you in awe
  • Have a light lunch at Salt Market, the underground restaurant featuring Polish specialties
  • Relax and soak in the benefits of the salt-infused air before heading back to the hotel
Day 4

Art and Cafe Culture

  • Start the day with a visit to the contemporary art museum, MOCAK, featuring thought-provoking exhibitions
  • Experience the cozy cafe culture of Krakow at Jama Michalika, a historic establishment with ornate decor
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Planty and visit the Galicia Jewish Museum, focusing on Jewish history in Europe
  • Indulge in a sweet treat at Teteria Cafe, offering a wide variety of teas and desserts
  • Catch a breathtaking sunset view of the city at the Kosciuszko Mound
Day 5

Green Spaces and Local Markets

  • Start the day with a peaceful visit to the botanic gardens of Jagiellonian University
  • Visit the lively Nowy Kleparz Market, a bustling market offering fresh produce, local handicrafts, and more
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic Blonia Park, a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind
  • Visit the charming hidden gem of Ojcow National Park, featuring breathtaking limestone cliffs and unique rock formations
  • End the day with a visit to the trendy and artistic district of Podgorze, a bustling hub of creativity and nightlife.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kraków, Poland by plane is to fly into John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice, which is located about 11 kilometers from the city center.

Car

The best way to get to Kraków, Poland by car is to follow the A4 motorway, which connects the city with other major Polish cities such as Warsaw and Wrocław. It's worth noting that parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive, so it's recommended to park outside the city and use public transportation to get around.

Train

Kraków has its own train station, Kraków Główny, which is located in the city center and is well-connected with other major Polish cities such as Warsaw and Gdańsk.

Boat

Kraków is not accessible by boat as it is located inland and does not have any navigable rivers or canals. The closest port city is Gdańsk, which is located on the Baltic Sea and can be reached by ferry or cruise ship.

Bus

The best way to get to Kraków, Poland by bus is to take one of the many domestic or international bus services that arrive at Kraków Bus Station. The station is located close to the city center and is well-served by local transportation.

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