My itinerary in Krakow and its region 

For anyone looking for a destination where history dances with modernity, Krakow is the perfect place! Picture strolling along its cobbled streets, surrounded by fascinating medieval architecture. Every corner of this city feels like a chapter from a living book, where art and culture pulse with every step. Walking across the main market square is like stepping into a moving painting, full of color and life.

But that’s not all! Just a short distance away lies Zakopane, a little gem nestled in the heart of the majestic Tatra Mountains. There, nature opens its arms with breathtaking landscapes, perfect for an outdoor adventure.

Ready for an unforgettable experience? Discover Krakow and its enchanting surroundings, where every moment is an invitation to wonder.

TIPS

• The food is delicious: Don’t miss the chance to try Polish cuisine! From pierogi to comforting soups, every dish is a real treat.
• Polish people are very friendly: Expect smiles and warm hospitality. They love sharing their culture and their tips.
• A few polite words in Polish: Learning simple phrases like “dziękuję” (thank you) and “proszę” (please) can really make a difference and show respect for the language.
• No need to speak Polish: English is more than enough to be understood in most situations, so feel free to use it!

DAY 1: KRAKÓW – A FIRST GLIMPSE OF BEAUTY AND HISTORY

From the moment of arriving in Krakow, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this human‑scale city is striking. The cobbled streets, historic buildings and lively ambiance make Krakow an ideal place for strolling. The hotel, Lavender, is perfectly located, close to many attractions, allowing the city to be explored without having to cover long distances.

After dropping off the luggage, the decision is made to head out and explore the Old Town (Stare Miasto). The architectural beauty of the market square, with its vibrant colors and lively atmosphere, is enchanting. There is time to wander past the little shops, cafés and restaurants, savoring every moment. It is a real pleasure to get lost in these charming alleyways, where every corner reveals a new detail to admire.

Later in the day, the visit continues at Wawel Castle. It is a must‑see in Krakow, but beware: booking tours can be a bit tricky. Instead of being able to reserve the entire castle, it is necessary to choose specific parts to visit. It is therefore advisable to carefully check the website in advance to see what is most interesting, so as not to miss the gems of this iconic site. The chosen visit included the Dragon’s Den, the gardens, the underground areas and Castle 1.

Once inside, I am amazed by the history and architecture of the castle. Each room has its own charm, and I soak up the atmosphere that reigns here. After the tour, I make a detour to explore the local legend and head towards the Wawel Dragon. Every five minutes, it breathes real fire, an attraction that delights passers-by and adds a touch of magic to the day.

Krakow has already won me over. 

Between exploring the Old Town and discovering Wawel Castle, I can’t wait to continue my adventures in Poland.

FOOD OF THE DAY: A comforting Goulash

DAY 2: AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU – A JOURNEY INTO MEMORY

Today, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, a place filled with history and emotion. It is an experience that, I believe, is essential in everyone’s life. As soon as I set foot on the site, I felt overwhelmed by emotions. 

I booked my visit to the Auschwitz Museum through GetYourGuide, and I can only recommend doing it with a guide. They bring a wealth of stories and anecdotes that make everything even more impactful. Listening to the accounts of survivors and understanding the historical context on site is truly striking. 

Price 50 euros per person.

The team picks you up at a meeting point and it is about a 1-hour bus ride from central Krakow to Auschwitz. 

After visiting the museum, I headed to Birkenau, about 10 minutes away by bus from Auschwitz.

 There, the size of the site is striking. Unlike Auschwitz, it is possible to explore Birkenau without a guide (if you do not take the guided tour). The ruined barracks and the monuments bear witness to the suffering endured here. The Birkenau site is immense, beyond what one can imagine.

Every step taken felt like a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, and it is impossible not to think of the victims. It is a visit that leaves no one indifferent and encourages reflection on collective history.

This day truly left a deep impression. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a place that everyone should visit at least once. It is a reminder of why it is crucial to keep alive the memory of those who suffered. An emotional and necessary experience, one to add to any list!

After this emotionally intense day, there was a need for a change of scenery, wandering through the old town of Krakow. The atmosphere was completely different, full of life and color. The lively little streets invited exploration, admiring the architecture while looking for a good place to have dinner.

FOOD OF THE DAY: Hazelnut Ice cream

DAY 3: SECRETS BELOW THE SURFACE – DISCOVERING THE SALT MINES

Today, I ventured into a truly unique place: the Wieliczka Salt Mines, about 30 minutes from the center of Krakow by taxi. A guided tour is mandatory, and fortunately several languages are available so that everyone can enjoy the experience. There are about 30 people in the group. I booked the tickets on GetYourGuide.

Price: 23 euros per person.

As soon as I set foot inside, I was blown away by the beauty of the chambers carved into the salt. The works of art, the chapels, and even the impressive sculptures created by artists are simply fascinating. The soft lighting highlights the details of the salt walls, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

What really amazed me is that it is possible to celebrate weddings here! For couples wishing to get married in this incredible place, it is advisable to plan ahead. Couples can truly experience a unique moment in the heart of this natural wonder.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are a true gem to discover, and it is highly recommended to visit them when in the area! The place is not only very clean but also enormous. The bravest visitors can even lick the walls.

Then a stroll through Planty Park before going to eat – it is a real gem in Krakow, especially in July. Its shaded paths are perfect for wandering when the temperatures are high and the sun is beating down. At this time of year, the park is full of joggers, families and couples, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

With its fountains and kiosks, it is the ideal place to enjoy an ice cream or a coffee. In summer, with the sunshine and vibrant flowers, Planty Park is a must-see spot to discover during a visit!

After visiting the salt mines, I headed to another must-see in Krakow: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). This place is perfect for souvenir shopping and discovering the work of local artisans. The stalls are full of a wide variety of products, from handmade jewelry to colorful textiles, as well as unique works of art.

The atmosphere is vibrant and full of charm, and wandering through the aisles in search of souvenirs to bring back was a real delight. The Cloth Hall is a true paradise for anyone looking to take a piece of Polish culture home. 

What to bring back from the trip? 

Among the treasures not to be missed, amber is a must-have! This precious stone, often crafted into jewelry, is emblematic of the region.

Another key item to bring back is Polish pottery, renowned for its colorful patterns and exceptional craftsmanship. 

DAY 4: DISCOVERING ZAKOPANE – ADVENTURE IN THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS

For the next adventure, the decision was made to dive into the beauty of the Tatra Mountains and discover the charming town of Zakopane. A tour was found on TripAdvisor, organized in a small group of 10 people, which added a friendly touch to the experience. 

Price: 99 euros per person.

Early in the morning, a driver came to pick everyone up at the hotel and, after a good hour and a half by bus, the group arrived in the Tatra Mountains. On the way, the guide told stories about the Highlanders, the people living in this region. 

We started by admiring the breathtaking panoramas of the Tatras. As a mountain lover, I truly adored the view, offering a soothing atmosphere and nature in its purest form. 

After this immersion in nature, we stopped at small traditional huts to taste a Polish cheese baked in a wood-fired oven, called "oscypek." This creamy and slightly smoked delight was simply irresistible! Paired with a vodka tasting (yes, at 10 a.m., but this is Poland!), it was an authentic experience that allowed me to soak up the local culture. The blend of flavors and traditions was truly heartwarming.

During the day, our passionate guide also told us about the Highlanders, a unique community that lives in this region.  

I loved hearing the stories about their way of life, their music, and their traditions. It really deepened our understanding of the local culture and the close bond they have with the mountains. Their houses, made entirely of wood, are also very beautiful and very large, as several generations live together under the same roof.

After this cultural immersion, we visited Zakopane, famous for its wooden architecture and mountain atmosphere. The streets were lively, full of artisan shops and welcoming restaurants. I took the time to stroll through the alleys, admiring the handcrafted works and typical souvenirs.

FOOD OF THE DAY: Mushroom Soup

We had lunch in a traditional restaurant where I had the opportunity to enjoy authentic Polish dishes:

a mushroom soup. 

Finally, the day ended at the largest spa in Poland. After a day of exploring and learning, it was the perfect place to relax. Between the saunas, thermal pools and soothing treatments, all the stress melted away, making room for a true moment of well-being.

This excursion to Zakopane and the Tatras was a real adventure, blending nature, gastronomy and culture. An experience highly recommended to anyone visiting Poland, with a special mention for the guide Olaf for making it such a magical experience.  

This trip to Poland was an incredible experience! 

Every stop, from Krakow to the Tatras, left me with unforgettable memories. The beauty of the Wieliczka Salt Mines fascinated me, as did the depth of history at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Cloth Hall was perfect for finding unique souvenirs, and that’s not even mentioning the traditional cheese and vodka tasted first thing in the morning – a truly convivial moment!

Between the stunning landscapes, the stories of the Highlanders, and the delicious meal in a traditional restaurant, every moment was a delight. And ending at the spa was the ultimate highlight!

Poland is full of surprises and charm, and it is truly worth diving into. Whether for its history, gastronomy, or nature, there is so much to be amazed by. So get those bags packed, adventure is waiting!

The clickable links lead to the websites used to book the activities.

pssst: all the photos are mine

Ana from New Escapade