Holidays to Poland: Plan Your City Break to Krakow

Krakow is an incredible city that attracts thousands of visitors every year, with almost all of the top destinations and attractions within easy walking distance. In the city centre, you’ll find Wawel Castle perched on the hill, the stunning Old Town, and the winding shores of the Vistula River, with Planty Park on the opposite side of the city limits.

There is so much to see and do, whether you’d love to enjoy the charming Christmas markets during the winter, are keen to explore the cultural and historical sites as part of a relaxed summer break, or plan to spend a few days in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter before heading out into the peaceful Polish countryside.

In this guide, we’ll summarise some of the best experiences to include in your itinerary during your time in Krakow and feature some of our popular tour packages that may suit your requirements.

Highlights of a City Break in Krakow

The first consideration is the time of year you’d like to travel. Krakow is often busiest during the summer months, between June and August when the weather is warm and sunny. People flock to the parks and green spaces to enjoy picnics and relax by the river banks with barbecues.

If you’re after a slightly quieter city break, you could also consider the spring or autumn. While you’ll need an extra layer during the evenings when the temperature drops, these seasons are beautiful, with fewer crowds and often lower accommodation prices.

Poland is also a fantastic option for a winter or Christmas holiday, with the frosty air and high chance of snowfall, the excitement and bustle of the Christmas markets and the cosy, comfy bars and restaurants serving warming food and Polish vodka beside a roaring fire.

Whenever you decide to travel, we recommend taking an early morning or evening walk. This is when the Old Town and city centre are less populated, and you can see some of the famous sites without the crowds.

Tours and Excursions to Include in a Krakow City Break

There are too many attractions to mention here, but places like Wieliczka Salt Mine and Wawel Royal Castle are among the must-see sights to include in your itinerary. It’s well worth booking in advance or choosing a city break package with entrance included to avoid disappointment.

Both attractions are a little outside of the city, but organised guided tours include transportation and can pick you up from your hotel or accommodation and provide return travel at the end of your visit.

The Salt Mine is one of the oldest monuments in Poland. It has been in operation since the 13^th century and has countless chapels, altars, and statues carved from salt by the miners who once worked there. The mine sits 327 metres underground and has miles of chambers and passages.

Many guests find the Chapel of St Kinga far exceeds their expectations. The breathtaking structure is the only below-ground church in Europe and is an astonishing feat of engineering and artistry.

Wawel is also extremely popular, and you will need to book to gain entry to the magnificent Royal Apartments and the fabulous art collection. Close to the river, the historical and cultural site features Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture and was home to kings and queens for centuries.

Today, the castle is one of the best-regarded art museums in Poland. It features works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Eugène Delacroix, among many others.

History enthusiasts may wish to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, also within reach of Krakow and accessible on a day trip. This former concentration camp serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of World War II and is an important place for reflection and education.

Usual Experiences and Excursions in Krakow, Poland

Interested in some activities a little less ordinary during your Polish holiday? The city is packed with quirky attractions and eateries – some of our favourites include:

• Krakow Pinball Museum – with over 60 machines and retro arcade games alongside a bar. All the games are free to play and are great fun for visitors of every age.
• Seeing the D?ok statue, a monument to a dog located between Wawel Castle and Grunwald Bridge, in honour of a pet dog who waited there for his late owner before being given a new home with a local resident.
• Enjoying a coffee and snack in one of the two Cat Café Kociarnia locations – these cat cafes have dozens of cute, cuddly cats you can stroke or play with.
• Heading for lunch at a bar mleczny, or milk bar such as Milkbar Tomasza in the old town. These canteen-style cafés are hugely popular with locals and offer very low prices.

Culture lovers are equally spoiled for choice, with excellent museums, art galleries, and sites of historical importance around the city, such as the Krakow Mounds, which act as tombs for kings and dignitaries. The Kamieniolom Liban, or Liban Quarry, is a hike away, but was used as a location in much of the filming of Steven Spielberg’s poignant movie Schindler’s List.

Choosing Your Perfect Krakow Holiday Package

We have several tours and packages that include accommodation and flights to and from Krakow, including the Poland and Baltic Highlights holiday, ideal for guests who would like to explore Krakow alongside Kaunas and Vilnius in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia and Tallinn in Estonia.

The 13-day tour has ample opportunities to visit these wonderful cities, with two nights in Krakow and day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Wawel Cathedral, Wawel Castle, the Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica, and the Jagiellonian University.

Travellers who’d like to combine a visit to the city with an experience of Poland’s natural landscapes might prefer the Krakow and Tatra Mountains tour, where you can experience the historic city before heading to Tatra National Park – home of the highest mountains in Poland.

Our City and Snow in Poland package is another option, ideal for families and guests wanting to visit the country during the snowy winter season. It includes sightseeing in Krakow and an excursion into Zakopane, the hub of winter sports and skiing.

Visitors can enjoy beauty treatments at a mountain hotel, experience skiing on the slopes with routes for skiers of all abilities and enjoy the magical festive atmosphere in a gorgeous snowy setting.

Please get in touch for more information about any of the attractions, tours, or excursions featured here, or explore our broader range of Krakow holiday breaks through our more detailed listings.