A fun-packed day trip to Kraków
Calling all travelers! Welcome to the historic heart of Poland, Kraków, the very first capital of the country. This city is packed with history, culture, and lots of excitement. With the help of our Kraków guide, we’ll show you how to get a full tour of the city in just 24 hours.
Have you heard about our newest hideaway in town? Twirl into the article Discover the new MEININGER in Kraków and uncover all the delightful details of our newest property!
Ready for a whirlwind day in charming Kraków?
Dive into our guide and let’s dance through cobblestone streets, savor Polish delights, and uncover hidden gems together!👇👇👇
🌄 Morning
8 AM | Rise & shine
Your Kraków adventure starts bright and early at the MEININGER Kraków Centrum. Get caffeinated while enjoying our breakfast buffet, and then hit the road. Time to explore!
9 AM | Discover Wawel Castle
Begin your day with a visit to one of the best Kraków attractions. Did you know that all the Wawel Castle facts you’ll discover there are like a captivating history lesson, but with dragons and kings thrown in for good measure? Well, now you do.
11 AM | Stroll around the Old Town
Next stop: Rynek Główny, the main market square in the Old Town. Imagine a massive square packed with pubs, bars, restaurants, and famous attractions. It’s more than a market; it’s a place where culture and cuisine meet. Make sure you try traditional Polish snacks like pączki (a flattened sphere of dough, generously stuffed with luscious fillings like rosehip jam, velvety vanilla pudding, or rich chocolate) while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
☀️ Afternoon
12:30 PM | Shopping break
While you’re walking around the main market square, head to the Cloth Hall, also known as Sukiennice, a market that’s been around forever. It’s the place to be for souvenirs and local goodies. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts to unique Polish trinkets.
1:30 PM | Lunch
Shopping made you hungry? When in Poland, tasting pierogi is a must. Our go-to place is Przystanek Pierogarnia. This cozy spot specializes in these traditional Polish dumplings, offering you a wide variety, whether you prefer the classic potato and cheese or more adventurous flavors. Trust us, it’s the definition of Polish comfort food!
3 PM | River cruise or museum hopping
For a fresh perspective of the city, hop on a boat for a river cruise on the Vistula. It’s one of the top things to do in Kraków, and a relaxing way to enjoy the city skyline.
If boats aren’t really your thing, though, head to a unique museum instead. Our top suggestions:
A retro blast from the past
Step into the Kraków Pinball Museum and get ready for some time traveling. With rows of vintage pinball machines, it’s a nostalgic trip that’ll keep you flipping and bouncing for hours.
Unearthing history
Dust off your Indiana Jones hat, and dive into the Archaeological Museum of Kraków. Here, you’ll find centuries-old artifacts, from mummies to ancient relics, and other mysteries.
Digging into secrets
Beneath Kraków’s bustling Rynek Square lies a hidden world at the Rynek Underground Museum. Uncover the city’s secrets as you stroll beneath the cobblestone streets.
Art fit for royals
Free your inner art lover at the Princes Czartoryski Museum. Marvel at masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, including the famed Lady with an Ermine. It’s a regal experience filled with world-class art that’ll make you go “wow”.
🌇 Evening
5 PM | Tea & coffee time
As the sun sets, make your way to the charming Kazimierz district, also known as the Jewish Quarter. This area is all about celebrating Kraków’s rich Jewish heritage. Explore its winding streets filled with historical sites.
There, you’ll also find Kawiarnia Literacka with its shelves full of books serving amazing hot beverages—the ideal spot for bookworms and coffee enthusiasts. Lose yourself in the pages of a good book while relaxing.
Alternatively, after walking around Kazimierz, head to Hex Café for your coffee break. As you sip your carefully crafted brew, check out the rotating art exhibitions on the walls. Hex Cafe’s commitment to supporting local artists shines through in both its décor and its coffee, making it a must-visit for all of you who appreciate a creative twist to your café experience.
🌃 Nighttime
7:30 PM | Drinks
As the night takes over, Kraków’s Old Town reveals its interesting nightlife scene with its pubs, clubs, and bars. Stroll around, take some cinematic pics, and then grab drinks. Our favorite bars?
For a laid-back experience, head to the TramBar to enjoy your go-to drinks while sitting in vintage tram seats before you call it a day.
If you’re in the mood for an elevated taste of the 1920s, Mercy Brown Cocktails & Swing is the place to be. This speakeasy-style bar has vintage charm, expertly crafted cocktails as well as live jazz and swing music.
✨ Summing up…
In just 24 hours, you can capture the spirit of Kraków, a city proud of its history and eager to welcome curious travelers like you. From the grandeur of Wawel Castle to the energy of Kazimierz’s streets, you’ll love it here!
To cap off our 24-hour Kraków adventure, we’ve got a treat in store! Be sure to click the link below to explore Fun Facts about Kraków, where we delve into the city’s quirky and captivating side, keeping the fun and fascination going.
What to do in Kraków in 24 hours: FAQs
What is the starting point for a day trip in Kraków?
Your Kraków adventure starts at the MEININGER Kraków Centrum. Here, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet before hitting the road to explore.
Which attraction is recommended to visit first in Kraków?
Begin your day with a visit to one of Kraków's best attractions, the Wawel Castle. It offers a captivating history lesson with tales of dragons and kings.
What can I experience at Rynek Główny in the Old Town?
Rynek Główny is a massive square packed with pubs, bars, restaurants, and famous attractions, combining culture and cuisine. Here, you can try traditional Polish snacks like pączki.
Where can I shop for souvenirs and local goodies?
The Cloth Hall, also known as Sukiennice, is the go-to place for souvenirs and local goodies, offering everything from handmade crafts to unique Polish trinkets.
What traditional Polish food is a must-try, and where can I find it?
Tasting pierogi is a must when in Poland. Przystanek Pierogarnia is a cozy spot specializing in these traditional Polish dumplings, offering a wide variety of flavors.
What are the options for afternoon activities in Kraków?
You can opt for a river cruise on the Vistula for a fresh perspective of the city or visit unique museums like the Kraków Pinball Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Kraków, the Rynek Underground Museum, or the Princes Czartoryski Museum.
Where can I explore Kraków's Jewish heritage?
The Kazimierz district, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is the place to explore Kraków's rich Jewish heritage, with its winding streets filled with historical sites.
Can you recommend any cafes in the Kazimierz district?
Kawiarnia Literacka is ideal for bookworms and coffee enthusiasts, while Hex Café offers a creative twist with rotating art exhibitions and supports local artists.
Where can I experience Kraków’s nightlife?
Krakow’s Old Town reveals an interesting nightlife scene with pubs, clubs, and bars. TramBar offers a laid-back experience with vintage tram seats, while Mercy Brown Cocktails & Swing provides a taste of the 1920s with expertly crafted cocktails and live music.
How can I capture the spirit of Kraków in just 24 hours?
In just 24 hours, you can explore from the grandeur of Wawel Castle to the energy of Kazimierz's streets, experiencing the city’s history, culture, cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Kraków is eager to welcome curious travelers and offers a variety of attractions and activities.
🛎️ Where to stay in Kraków
Enjoy the cozy comfort of the MEININGER Kraków Centrum, nestled in the heart of this extraordinary city, and experience Kraków’s history and hospitality combined.
Address: Grzegórzecka 10, 31-530 Kraków, Poland
