3 Days In Krakow For First Timers: 18 Fun Things To Do

You’ve finally booked that trip, and now you’re wondering how to make the most of 3 days in Krakow!Before I visited, I had this romanticised idea of Krakow: charming cobblestone streets, grand medieval squares, and hearty Polish food.Before I visited, I had this romanticised idea of Krakow; cobblestone streets, medieval squares, and hearty Polish food. And while those things are definitely part of the experience, what I didn’t expect was how deeply this city would stay with me.

What makes Krakow so special is the wild contrast – one minute you’re learning about humanity’s darkest moments at Auschwitz, the next you’re cuddling bunnies in a cute cafe or downing flavoured vodka shots with locals. This city somehow balances its heavy history with a totally unexpected fun side.

Krakow attracts people for various reasons, whether it’s the city’s links to World War II, its lively nightlife, or its amazing food scene (seriously, Polish cuisine is SO underrated!). Whatever brings you here, these 18 things to do in Krakow should definitely make your 3 day itinerary.

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Best Places To Stay In Krakow

Before diving into Krakow’s top attractions, let’s talk about where to stay. You will have no trouble finding inexpensive and high-quality accommodation. The best areas to stay in when you’ve 3 days in Krakow are Old Town, Kazimierz and Ludwinow.

The main attractions in Krakow are located within close proximity of one another, most of which are in Old Town, so it is a good base for sightseeing. However, it is the most expensive part of Krakow. Hotel Atrium is a highly rated hotel in old town, with prices starting at €90 per night.

A more affordable alternative to Old Town is the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. This area is home to synagogues, museums, and a vibrant street art scene. It is also a good place to stay for nightlife with many bars and clubs in the area. Shalom Kazimierz is a fabulous budget hotel with rooms starting at €50 per night.

Another area I recommend is the trendy area of Ludwinów, on the banks of the Vistula River. It is a peaceful part of the city, but close enough that you are just a short walk or tram journey from the centre. Benefis Boutique Hotel offers large rooms, with a sofa to relax on. It’s in a quiet yet central location. Prices start at €75 per night.

3 Days In Krakow – 17 Fun Things To Do

1. Visit The Bunny Cafe

Among the unique things to do in Krakow, the Bunny Cafe stands out for animal lovers and families. Not only is this fun, it is also such a cute and wholesome activity. Inside, is an explosion of pink, with neon bunny signs, a cafe and a 100 sqm pen with free roaming bunnies.

When you go in, you are given a small bucket of food, shoe covers, and basic house rules. You can feed, pet, and take photos with the bunnies. The staff ensure that the bunnies’ welfare is top priority with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, you cannot pick up the bunnies, but if you’ve food they come over.

The bunnies were much bigger than I expected, and left, erm, some round and brown presents for us (hence the shoe covers). Many of the bunnies were asleep in their little huts, but there will always be a few running about looking for food.

Please be aware that it is not possible to make a reservation; you will need to just arrive and join the queue. It costs 19.20 PLN to enter.

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2. Pinball Museum

If your searching for indoor things to do in Krakow, the Pinball Museum offers hours of fun, with over 60 pinball machines and 35 arcade games dating back to the 1940s. The machines offer a good dose of nostalgia, from The Simpsons and Super Mario, to the iconic Funhouse; which I couldn’t stop playing. There are also some newer machines from the last 10 years with all the latest functions.

The location of the museum is also pretty cool, in a 15^th century cellar where you lose all sense of what time of day it is, especially as the only sound you hear are the little pinballs pinging. There is also a small bar at the counter that serves beer; however, you are not allowed to have liquids beside the machines but there are tables to place them on throughout.

There are two payment options: 1 hour or full day. The one-hour option allows you one hour of play (40 PLN), whereas the full day option (60 PLN) allows you to come and go all day as much as you want. I recommend the full day ticket as it’s better value and allows you more flexibility.

3. Get High On Balon Widokowy

Along Volhynia Boulevard, beside the Vistula River you’ll find Balon Widokowy aka Balloon Observation. This is a large tethered balloon that takes you to a height of 150 meters in a rotating 360 degree basket all in the name of seeing some nice views. The balloon is fixed to the ground by a rope, which might not sound too secure but the rope is extremely thick so there will be no “UP” remake.

The whole ride lasts up to 15 minutes however; this ride is weather dependent, so check their official website before you go. Unfortunately, we queued for 40 minutes and just before our turn it was shutdown due to the wind. We did get a full refund though, so be prepared for how fast things can change.

Tickets cost 99 PLN, and can currently only be purchased from the ticket office beside the observation balloon.

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4. Try Polish Cuisine

I had no idea just how tasty Polish food truly is prior to visiting Krakow, I am not alone on this, many visitors to Poland are surprised by how rich the food culture is.

To get to know the food I recommend joining a food tour. We enjoyed this food tour with a local where we got to taste 7 different Polish street food snacks., but be warned you’ll probably have to roll back to your hotel.

Some of the food you can expect to try are Pierogi, Polish dumplings. These are usually filled with potatoes and cheese, and then topped with fried onions. If you are visiting Krakow in the Winter months, you might come across Oscypek, smoked sheep’s cheese which look like ornaments on the outside with their pretty carvings and go so well with bacon. One of my favourite Polish dishes is Bigos, cabbage mixed with onions, mushrooms, plums, and either Kielbasa or bacon. Typically served with warm bread.

5. Schindler’s Factory

Krakow has a fascinating history, a way to delve deeper into Poland’s World War II involvement and how Krakow was during the Nazi occupation is to visit Schindler’s Factory. Here you can learn about Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi Party who saved 1,200 Jews from being sent to Auschwitz by employing them at his Factory of Enameled Vessels. The famous film Schindler’s List was about him.

This factory has now been renovated to a museum named Oskar Schindler’s Factory. This museum is large, spanning 3 floors, with exhibitions including real weapons used during World War II, a recreation of an apartment in the Krakow ghetto, and a typical Nazi apartment.

Tickets are available to purchase online, you have the option of a tour guide, or explore self guided with an audio guide. Personally, I would book a guided tour, there is a lot of information to digest, and not all of it is in English. Additionally, I went without a guide and it was difficult to look at the exhibitions due to the number of tour groups gathered around, so if you can’t beat ’em then join ’em!

6. Take A Spin On Crakow Eye

Located beside the observation balloon along the Vistula River is Crakow Eye. A large, 50-meter Ferris wheel, who doesn’t love a good Ferris wheel?

This Ferris wheel takes you around three times, lasting approximately 10 minutes. However, we visited on a quiet day and ended up going around 5 times! It was an amazing view of Krakow Old Town, the river and Wawel Castle, I can imagine it’s even more beautiful during sunset.

Tickets cost 35 PLN and can only be purchased at the ticket office next to the Ferris wheel.

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7. Eat A Spooky Dessert At Leaky Cauldron

If there is a themed cafe, you can certainly expect to find me there. This is another fun indoor thing to do in Krakow, especially for any Harry Potter fans who longed to visit the Leaky Cauldron. Although it’s not officially affiliated with Harry Potter, it’s heavily inspired by it.

Hidden away in the basement, the fun begins once you walk down the stairway. It’s lined with moving heads and spooky characters, something you might expect to find in a Diagon Alley tavern. The cafe has done an excellent job in creating a magical atmosphere, with dimmed lights, spellbinding music, and Harry Potter merchandise, we came here on a rainy day and it felt so cosy.

It’s not just the atmosphere that’s magical; the menu is magical too with butter beer, love potions, and spooky desserts, along with sandwiches and pastries. The love potions are served with dry ice which created a magical effect.

8. Wawel Castle + Hill

Wawel Castle + Hill is one of Poland’s most important structures. Initially a site for royal coronations and burials, it is now a museum home to the crown treasury and armoury. Within its walls, visitors can explore an extensive collection of royal regalia, crowns, and historical artefacts.

In addition to a museum, the castle is positioned on a hill, which offers one of the best views of the city that you’ll find during your 3 days in Krakow.

Make sure you check out the Dragon as you walk down Wawel Hill, a statue that is symbolic of the city. Legend has it that the Dragon dwelled in the tunnels beneath Wawel Castle, feasting on local livestock. Ultimately, the dragon met its demise, the only proof that he existed is his humble abode, aka the den you can see today!

There are a limited number of tickets sold each day, therefore I would suggest booking online in advance to avoid disappointment.

9. Watch A Traditional Folk Show

Exploring Polish culture through a Folk Show which preserve’s Polands folk heritage through combining music, dancing, and colourful costumes, is one of the best things to do in Krakow at night.

You will be treated to traditional dances such as the Polonaise, Mazurka, and Kujawiak, against a backdrop of music from live instruments such as the accordion, violin, and clarinet.

One of the most popular shows serves guests a three course meal, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited drinks, what’s not to love! Tickets can be reserved online.

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10. Demolish A Slice Of Polish Pizza – Zapiekanki

You need to try Poland’s take on pizza; it’s one of the best things to eat and munching on some Zapiekanki is a tasty thing to do in Krakow.

Zapiekanki is an affordable, open faced baguette layered with mushrooms and cheese, followed by toppings and sauce of your choice (mine was always basil) and then grilled. These are BIG slices, which I never managed to grasp how to eat gracefully (refer to photo). The outside is crispy, as you bite you are met with soft mushrooms, gooey cheese and a generous amount of sauce. There are many different toppings so you can keep going back and it’ll taste different each time.

I recommend going to Okraglak on Plaza nowy, a small square with many Zapiekanki stalls along with other delicious street food like sausages, and gyro. During the day it’s a flea market, but by night it’s a lively food market. Endzior and Zapiekanki Oko were both really good.

11. Go Underground At Wieliczka Salt Mines

Dating back over 700 years, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wieliczka Salt Mines is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and one of the most unique things to do in Krakow. Still a working mine along with a museum, visitors can descend to a depth of 1,073 feet (327 meters) and explore this vast underground world.

Founded in the 13^th century when salt was not only a seasoning but also vital to preserve food, the subsequent centuries saw expansions and developments, with miners creating intricate chapels and sculptures from salt, showcasing their remarkable skill. These chapels served as a place of worship during the miners’ perilous work underground.

Tours can only be taken under the supervision of a guide, with multiple languages available. There are a limited number of spots in each group, therefore it is advised to book your ticket online in advance. For travellers with 3 days in Krakow, I recommend dedicating at least half a day to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

When leaving the salt mine you will need to take a surprising fast and small elevator to the top. It was so unexpected but so much fun as it felt like a fairground ride, everyone in the elevator was giggling / nervously laughing.

12. Take A Stroll Around Planty Park

Circling Krakow’s old town is the picturesque Planty Park, once the cities former fortifications, now known as the city’s garden. The park has 4 km (2.5 miles) of well-maintained paths that are lined with trees, pretty gardens, and fountains. It only takes 30 minutes to walk it but is a peaceful, relaxing and free thing to do in Krakow.

Although it’s small, this is one of my favourite city parks. I loved grabbing a coffee from B.O.H.O and going on a stroll.

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13. Vodka Tasting

Poland’s vodka is one of the smoothest and highest quality vodkas in the world. Missing out on trying some nationally distilled vodka would be a big mistake during your trip to Krakow. To taste Poland’s national beverage I recommend that you visit one of the many vodka bars in the city.

There are many vodka tasting bars but the most popular one is Wodka Bar, here you can chose from 40 flavours of vodka, from caramel and chocolate to mint, elderberry, fig, and orange. Another place I recommend is Klub Wódki, along with a large selection of vodkas they also have craft beer and cocktails.

The best vodka bars are in the Kazimierz district, if you don’t know much about vodka you can also join a tour with a local who will take you the vodka bars that locals love, while also finding you the best quality vodka to taste. You better believe that downing shots, sorry I mean tasting, vodka is one of the best things to do at night in Krakow.

14. Auschwitz

Auschwitz is not just a place to visit during your 3 days in Krakow, it’s a crucial historical site that changed the course of human history. Located about an hour from Krakow, this former Nazi concentration and extermination camp stands as a haunting reminder of the Holocaust where over 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were murdered between 1940-1945.

The moment you walk through the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, the weight of what happened here is palpable. I found myself completely speechless seeing the personal belongings confiscated from victims: mountains of human hair, thousands of pairs of shoes, suitcases with names carefully written on them. The barracks where prisoners were crammed into inhumane conditions and the gas chambers where countless innocent people met their end will leave you forever changed.

Birkenau (Auschwitz II), the larger camp just a few minutes away, shows the industrial scale of the genocide with its train tracks leading directly to the selection platform and the ruins of gas chambers that the Nazis tried to destroy to hide evidence of their crimes.

Located 1 hour from Krakow, the easiest way to visit Auschwitz is by bus. You will be placed in a group of approximately 15 with a tour guide (multiple languages available) and be taken through prominent sites and exhibitions of Auschwitz and Birkenau. You can also join tours that will pick you up from your hotel.

Although I don’t recommend it, you can also visit self guided with no tour guide, however you can only do this after a certain time each month. Check their official website for these times. However, joining a guided tour gives you profound insight into the horrors the Jewish people faced, along with stories you might not have heard before.

15. Kazimierz District

Exploring Kazimierz ranks high on my list of essential things to do in Krakow for understanding the city’s cultural heritage. Prior to World War II, Kazimierz was a vibrant and lively jewish district in Krakow. It was the centre of the Jewish community with synagogues, schools, and eateries.

Today, visitors can explore historical synagogues such as the Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga), Remuh Synagogue, and the High Synagogue. Along with, museums, galleries, and cafes serving traditional Jewish food.

Aside from preserving the Jewish community of a bygone era, Kazimierz is host to a vibrant street art scene. While walking around this district, you will see murals dedicated to historical Jewish figures and symbols, as well as abstract art and 3D sculptures.

A popular way to see the Jewish neighbourhood of Krakow is by electric golf cart, you will see these yellow carts around the district, you can also book online here.

If you’re looking for a nice cafe in Kazimierz, KawaLerka has some of the best coffee I tried in Krakow

16. Sukiennice Cloth Hall

One of the landmarks of Krakow is the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, located on Rynek Glówny, Krakow’s main city square. The building itself is stunning, a mixture of Renaissance and Gothic styles. Walking under the arches, you will notice colourful intricate details and sculptures.

Along with beautiful architecture it is also one of the best places to pick up a souvenir in Krakow. Formerly a major trade centre which a variety of goods from spices and fabrics to tools and lead. Nowadays, the stalls sell mostly trinkets, magnets, amber jewellery, and ornaments.

Not only can you pick up some cool souvenirs here, there are also two museums in the basement, the Underground Museum, and Gallery Of Polish arts, which are also interesting to check out.

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17. Cake From Cukiernia Kawiarnia Cichowscy

This place is without a doubt the best cake shop I visited while in Krakow. From the minute you step inside, you are transported to a different decade, the shops antique furniture give it a 1940’s vibe.

There is a huge selection of cakes, from traditional pastries and cookies to cakes with bold and creative flavours. Whatever you choose will sure to be delicious. The atmosphere of the cafe is relaxing, if you can grab a seat beside the window and watch the world go by. They also offer a busy take out service if you are in a rush.

18. Eat At A Traditional Milk Bar

A milk bar is a traditional Polish canteen that originated from the communist era. They serve traditional meals such as pierogi, pork cutlet, and hunter’s stew at affordable prices in a communal setting, think long tables and benches.

After the fall of communism, the number of these milk bars declined; however, some still exist, and are gaining popularity again either from nostalgic locals or us interested tourists.

A well known milk bar in the centre of Krakow is Milkbar Tomasza, they serve a wide range of sweet and savoury food. Additionally, their menu includes international meals like an Irish breakfast and Spanish omelette, along with Polish options.

Hope you enjoy your 3 days in Krakow, continue reading for more helpful information

Where To Eat In Krakow

I have shared a few cafes and restaurants throughout this Krakow itinerary, there are many more amazing restaurants and cafes, here are more of my recommendations.

Cafes

Restaurants

Bars

Krakow FAQ

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