5-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey in Krakow and Surroundings Itinerary

Start the day with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a sobering reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Take a guided tour with transportation from Krakow and spend the morning paying homage to the victims of one of the darkest chapters in human history. Upon return to Krakow, have a light lunch at Bulldog, a casual eatery known for its sandwiches and craft beer selection.

After a somber morning, take a more uplifting journey underground to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli). Explore the fascinating chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt rock. The guided tour will take you deep into the mine, where you'll learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For dinner, enjoy the unique ambiance and traditional Polish cuisine at Ambasada Śledzia.

Conclude the day with a reflective walk along the Planty Park, the green belt that surrounds the Old Town. As the evening sets in, visit the Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) and take a moment to honor the memory of the Jewish victims. For a more lighthearted end to the evening, head to The BlueBerry Resto & Bar for a cocktail with a view.

Enjoy a lazy morning with a visit to Tajemniczy Ogród for a delightful breakfast in a garden setting. Post breakfast, take a stroll to the Planty Park and immerse yourself in the greenery and fresh air. If you're interested in art, consider a visit to the National Museum in Krakow (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie) to explore its impressive collection.

For lunch, savor the flavors of traditional Polish cuisine at Chimera, a restaurant housed in a historic building with a unique, artistic interior. After lunch, indulge in a sweet treat at Krakow Old Town (Kraków Stare Miasto) by visiting one of the local pastry shops for a taste of the famous Krakow Obwarzanek (Bagel).

Experience the lively atmosphere of Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square) in the evening, with the beautifully lit buildings and the sounds of street musicians. For dinner, head to Lastriko, a restaurant known for its modern take on Polish cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing Krakow 1-Hour Evening Vistula River Cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

Embark on a day trip to the picturesque town of Zakopane, nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Enjoy a scenic drive and upon arrival, have breakfast at BaniaLuka, a restaurant known for its mountain ambiance and hearty dishes. After breakfast, take a ride on the funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalówka for panoramic views of the Tatras and the town below.

Explore the vibrant Krupowki Street (Ulica Krupówki), the main promenade of Zakopane, lined with shops, restaurants, and traditional wooden architecture. Have lunch at one of the local highland-style eateries to taste the regional specialties. After lunch, if the weather permits, consider a short hike in the surrounding hills or a visit to the Tatra Mountains (Tatry) museum to learn about the local flora, fauna, and mountaineering history.

As the day winds down, relax in the thermal pools of Krakow Zakopane Tour with Thermal Pools and Hotel Pickup, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. For dinner, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes at Scandale Royal Restaurant & Bar, a taste of luxury in the heart of the mountains. Return to Krakow in the evening, reflecting on the natural beauty and alpine charm of Zakopane.

Begin with a guided tour of the Krakow Wawel Castle & Cathedral, diving deeper into the history and legends of this cultural treasure. After the tour, have a delightful breakfast at Nova Resto Bar, known for its modern ambiance and international menu.

Spend the afternoon exploring the contemporary art scene of Krakow. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK) to see the latest works of Polish and international artists. For lunch, head to Old Town Restaurant and Wine Bar for a sophisticated meal in a historic setting. Afterward, take a guided tour of Oskar Schindler's Factory (Fabryka Schindlera) to learn about the wartime history of the city.

Conclude your trip with an elegant dinner at Le Scandale, a restaurant known for its refined cuisine and stylish decor. After dinner, enjoy a performance at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre (Teatr im. Juliusza Słowackiego) or take a leisurely walk along the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) to soak in the evening atmosphere of the city.