A few weeks ago I decided to hop on a plane for my own mini city-break from London. I grabbed the tube to London Heathrow Airport, boarded my British Airways flight, and took to the skies. A few hours later I landed in Poland. Over the next 48 hours in Krakow, I tried my very best to see and do as much as I possibly could. And I think I did a pretty good job. So if you’re thinking of spending 48 hours in Krakow, Poland, I’ve got you covered with this two day itinerary.
48 Hours in Krakow, Poland
I stayed in Krakow for three nights and had two full days in the city so my itinerary begins the morning after my first night!
Day 1 – Morning
Wake up early! The Krakow Old Town, which is not only one of the largest Medieval Squares in all of Europe, it’s also one of the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it’s at your doorstep. Wander through the quiet square before it becomes flooded with tourists. Admire the gorgeous landmarks that surround the square like The Cloth Hall, which was built in the 14th century and is essentially the world’s first shopping mall. Admire the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Bazylika Mariacka w Krakowie.
Climb St. Mary’s Tower
View from St. Mary’s Tower
If you want to climb the Bugle Tower, you must go early in the morning to secure your spot. Only a limited amount of tickets are released each day and they only allow ten people up at a time. You can visit every thirty minutes and tickets cost 15 PLN.
The Bugle Tower has a very interesting story around it. Every hour Mary’s hymn plays and is always interrupted at the same time. This plays homage to the legend of the trumpeter who was shot n 1240 by an arrow while warning the townspeople of the enemy who was about to attack them.
St. Mary’s Basilica
Whether you believe the legend or not, the views from the tower are stunning. And while you’re at it, book a ticket to visit the inside of the church as well (10 PLN). Don’t forget to look up! The ceiling is gorgeous!
Day 1 – Mid-Morning/Afternoon
Obwarzanek
Because you’re only going to be in town for about 48 hours it’s important to try as much food as you possibly can! And that’s why I suggest booking into the Secret Food Tours Krakow edition. Indulge in all of the delicious foods that the Old Town has to offer. My personal favorite are pierogi and Obwarzanek.
The tour lasts about 3-3 1/2 hours and is awesome. You’ll sip on local Polish beer and get to taste a number of traditional Polish dishes during your experience.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Wawel Castle
Afterwards head to Wawel Royal Castle which is the most historically and culturally significant site in all of Poland. There’s also a legend surrounding it that a Dragon used to live here and you can still visit its den today.
Day 1 – Evening
It’s time to explore Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter of Krakow. I suggest booking into a free walking tour with Walkative so you can learn about the places you’re walking past. The tours are offered everyday at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5 PM.
You’ll explore the area and learn about the history of the Jews in Krakow. This was one of my favorite things that I did during my 48 hours in Krakow, Poland.
If you’re not still feeling stuffed, after the tour grab a Zapiekanka in the area before calling it a night! (There are also a lot of bars in this area if you want a nightcap!)
Day 2- Morning and Afternoon
Because of its proximity to Aushwitz, you should seriously consider booking a tour from Krakow. I went with Get Your Guide and they provided the group with an English speaking guide at both Auschwitz and Birkenau.
I won’t write much about my visit to Auschwitz, but I would say it’s worth a visit. It will be uncomfortable and sad, but I think it’s important to visit a place that was a huge part of the world’s history.
The tour lasts about 7 hours. Make sure to pack your lunch as you won’t have much time to eat in between visits to Auschwitz and Birkenau.
Day 2 – Evening
When you return back to Krakow, if you’re feeling up for it, enjoy some more pierogi. You can get them pretty much anywhere, but I suggest heading into a Milk Bar.
During the communist era there were over 40 thousand Milk Bars in Poland. They were created to give the working class a place to have a cheap meal. There are only about 140 of them left in the whole country and they are subsidized by the government which is why they are so inexpensive. Order yourself a plate of pierogi and wash it down with a glass of compote.
I received a complimentary ticket to the Secret Food Tours, but as always, all opinions are my own!
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Thanks for the great tips! Poland seems like a really interesting place to travel to, between the history (and the food!0 The secret food tour sounds fascinating.
it is such an awesome place! the food was so incredible! I have a video all about it!