Not many people consider visiting this gem of Poland, Krakow. The second-largest city is a UNESCO World Heritage Destination that used to be governed by the Polish monarchs until the 17th century. The city has gone through significant changes during all those years under the power of Mongols and Casimir III the Great. Today, you can witness the rich history through the Old Town of Krakow, which will show you how rich people resided during Medieval times. But there is much more that Krakow offers than its dark history, especially during Christmas. Check below our exclusive 4-days itinerary to this wonderful city in December:
Day 1: The Old Town and Wawel Castle
Your trip religiously starts from the Old Town whenever you visit Krakow. You’ll find many historical landmarks standing together in the Old Town. Wear your best comfortable shoes and start your walking tour from the famous St. Florian’s Gate to the Market Square. Market Square hosts one of the best Christmas Markets in the country. This tradition started even before the Third World War, and even today, it is planned with the same enthusiasm. This old-style market features rustic wooden stalls selling Christmas-related goodies, knitwear, artworks, jewelry, souvenirs, etc.
Additionally, there will be food vendors selling delicious and hot regional food. Not to forget the special local wine that is poured into glasses from the large barrels. The market also exhibits shows for kids and also a little snow making it a beautiful winter land. After spending some time at the market, head out towards the St. Mary’s Church. Stay for the Christmas mass if the time allows, or just admire the beautiful architecture before moving on to the next landmark.
Make your way towards the Wawel Castle – a former royal residence that has been home to Polish Kings for hundreds of years. Explore the grounds of the castle and check out the exhibitions where you can learn about the history of the castle and Wawel Hill. Wawel Hill features a beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral that was built about 1000 years ago.
As you pass along the square, you will notice many churches to explore if you have time. If you are an art lover, don’t miss the Franciscan Church near the Collegium Maius. Some other attractions that will come along the include the baroque church of St Peter and Paul, Mary Magdalen Square, and the oldest streets of Kanonicza.
Due to the crowds of Christmas, the streets will be crowded, and it will be hard to learn about all of the historical places. We recommend you to book a free tour to the Old Town that runs three times a day, even on Christmas Day.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Podgorze
Spend your second day exploring rich Jewish history in the town of Kazimierz – also known as the Jewish Quarter. Walk around the area admiring the sacred architecture, and make your way to the first stop – Galicia Jewish Museum. The museum showcases Jewish history and culture in the country, including Holocaust. You can also book a guided tour around the town that is often offered on an electric buggy. To the west of town, there is a Christian section hosting the famous Sunday Flea Market every weekend. Here, you’ll find unique historical antique pieces, vinyl records, stolen bikes, Catholic icons, and more. You can literally find some really good stuff at the lowest prices. Near the market, visit the Corpus Christi Church before heading to the east side centered around Szeroka. As it’s Christmas time, stop at the various random stalls selling local food and Christmas goodies.
Your next stop should be Podgorze – another former Jewish ghetto, one of the five major Nazi ghettos created by Germany. To learn about the Krakow Ghetto, you can join a historical tour or one of the free walking tours where you can learn about Podgorze and Kazimierz.
Start your tour with the Ghetto Heroes Square, where an installation houses the 70 metal chairs, recalling the sad past of this place. Adjacent to the Square is the Pharmacy Under the Eagle – the only operating pharmacy in the Ghetto. The pharmacy also appears in the movie “Schindler’s List”. Another symbolic place of Podgorze is the Oskar Schindler’s Factory, that was once an abundant district. Today, it has become a major attraction to visit in Krakow. There is a museum inside the district showcasing the life of a city during the Nazis’ periods.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Auschwitz
Book a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Auschwitz. This is an educational yet emotional place to visit in Krakow, owing to its dark history, and it will open during Christmas. However, hours will vary. You can learn about the people who used to live here and how brutally they were treated. However, it can get really depressing for some to know about this truth. There used to be a huge complex consisting of camps, but today, only two camps remain. As more than 1 million (mainly Jews) died here, brace yourself to hear about how their families were broken and how their dreams were shattered. Most importantly, you’ll witness the conditions that prisoners had to endure in those times and so much more.
As there are some restrictions, you are not allowed to carry a bag inside. If you have one, you have to leave it at the entrance for a small fee. Just don’t leave any valuables in the bag to save them from being stolen.
We trusted legendarykrakow.uk and we enjoyed both day tours in Auschwitz and Salt Mines. Perfect van transport and very good English-speaking guides.
Day 4: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Polish Food Tour
Keep your last day for the Wieliczka Salt Mines. The salt mine is an important landmark that is also a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. You’ve to rise up early in the morning where you’ll be picked up by your tour guide if you book one. Alternatively, you can catch a minibus near the Glowny Train Station. As you enter the site, you’ll walk down the 800 steps to the lowest point, which is 135 m below the ground. From here, you’ll have to walk further for a few kilometers and notice salt-carved sculptures, statues, and monuments. There is a beautiful St. Kinga’s Chapel and an underground lake that you cannot only admire but also plan your wedding there. Amazing, isn’t it?
You MUST NOT leave Krakow without eating some of its delicious food items. And there is no better way to do it than a private food tour! Embark on a delicious journey as you try some of the best sweet and savory items of Poland along with local drinks. The tour is not just about the food; it is also an amazing cultural experience where you will get to learn about the local ingredients and how passionate they are about their cuisine. Depending on your time available, you can choose from a number of food tours. Even if you don’t want to book a food tour, you can dine out in one of the local restaurants before heading back to your hotel to pack your bags.
Where to Stay in Krakow?
There is no shortage of accommodation in Krakow, suiting all budgets. Here are a few of the hotels where you can stay in Krakow. As you will be visiting during the Christmas season, we recommend you book your stay days ahead in advance:
- The Old Town
As the Old Town is in close proximity to almost every place in Krakow, you can choose to stay here amidst the rich history. If budget is not an issue, book your stay at the Hotel Unicus Palace. This charming hotel is in a great location, offering modern rooms, necessary amenities, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and much more. Another great option is Aparthotel Old Town – a budget hotel located in the heart of Krakow, just 450 meters from the Wawel Castle.
- Stare Podgorze
Another great neighborhood to stay especially for history is Stare Podgorze. You can find a range of accommodations here, from luxury to budget hotels. One of the best places to stay here is Qubus Hotel which offers comfortable rooms, buffet breakfast, on-site restaurants offering European and Polish cuisine, and many other facilities. Another great place to stay in the Lwowska 1, a luxury hotel located near the Enamel Factory Museum. Apart from the spacious family rooms, this property also offers a spa center, on-site restaurants, a bar, and much more.
- Kazimierz
This Jewish quarter is home to some of the most incredible properties where you can stay. One of them is Hotel Rubinstein – a 15th-century cozy building offering spacious and elegant rooms blended with history. After a long day of touring the city, relax in the hotel’s sauna or enjoy a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant. Other excellent hotels in this town include Hotel Kazimierz III and Hotel Perfect.
What to Eat in Krakow?
Polish food is genuinely finger-licking good, and we are not exaggerating. Try any of the local dishes, and we guarantee you’ll forget about other cuisines. As the whole city will be packed with food stalls in December, you must try the local delicacies. Below are some of the most famous food items to try in Krakow:
- Vodka: Polish Vodkas are unique on their own and don’t require any mixing. The vodkas in Poland come in a variety of flavors such as walnut, caramel vanilla, rye, and elderberry, all worth trying.
- Pierogies: Another name for dumplings, but Polish ones have a unique taste. These are often boiled (not fried) and stuffed with a variety of fillings such as beef, mushrooms, cabbage, and sauerkraut. Sweeter versions are also available in markets.
- Bigos: This is considered a national food of Poland. It is a traditional stew made with meat and sausage along with spices, onions, mushrooms, and sauerkraut.
- Golabki: Or cabbage rolls, made with boiled cabbage leaves wrapped with filling of minced beef or pork and seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. The wraps are baked with served with a delicious tomato sauce.
- Zurek: A soup that is seen on every menu in the city. It is especially eaten during the winter season. The soup is made of rye, potato, sausage and served in a bread loaf.
If you love history, you are surely going to fall in love with this beautiful city of Poland. And Christmas season adds up to the amazing vibes of Krakow. Stop stressing about planning a vacation to Krakow, and follow our itinerary to discover all the beautiful landmarks this city offers. Enjoy your trip!