Krakow is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Poland – and, we would modestly add, in the world. Its rich history, wonderful architecture and unique atmosphere mean there is never a dull moment. If you only have 2 days in Krakow, we have put together three weekend plans that you can adapt to your own interests.

Krakow in 2 days

Which 2-day Krakow itinerary is right for you?

Three 2-day itineraries for Krakow compared
Plan	Day 1	Day 2	Best for
History lovers	Wawel, the Royal Route, the Main Market Square and the Barbican; afternoon in Kazimierz	Rynek Underground, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, sunset on the Krakus Mound	a first visit
Culture and art fans	Czartoryski Museum (Lady with an Ermine), the Planty, MOCAK, an evening at the theatre	National Museum, street art in Kazimierz, Nowa Huta, jazz or the Philharmonic	museums and evenings out
Outdoor Krakow	Walk along the Vistula, boat trip to Tyniec Abbey, bike ride to the Kościuszko Mound	The Błonia meadow, then Ojców National Park or Zakrzówek	active travellers, spring to autumn

Krakow in 2 days for history lovers

Krakow’s historic monuments and corners are among its greatest attractions. If your time is limited and you don’t want to miss the very best of them, here is a sample two-day plan.

Day 1

Start the day at Wawel – the Royal Castle, the Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den are a brilliant way to begin. Then follow the Royal Route to the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica, and on to the Barbican. The afternoon is a great time to explore Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter, where you can wander the side streets and discover the synagogues, Plac Nowy and beautiful Szeroka Street. Round off the day with dinner at one of Kazimierz’s traditional restaurants – Jewish and Middle Eastern cooking tastes even better in the district’s artistic atmosphere.

Day 2

Use your last 24 hours to discover the Rynek Underground, a multimedia museum beneath the Main Market Square that brings the city’s remarkable history to life. Another must-see is Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Podgórze. End the day with a walk up the Krakus Mound to take in the view over the city, followed by dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Vistula.

Two days for culture and art fans

If you prefer culture and art, this plan is sure to hit the mark.

Day 1

For art lovers, the highlight of Krakow is the Czartoryski Museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Lady with an Ermine. After a morning among the old masters, take a stroll through the Planty park and the Main Market Square, then spend the afternoon at MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art. The perfect end to day one? A performance at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre or the Bagatela Theatre – find out more about Krakow’s theatres.

Day 2

Begin day two at the National Museum with its superb collection of Polish painting. Later, enjoy a good coffee in Kazimierz combined with a walk among the street art, and in the afternoon head to Nowa Huta, a striking example of socialist-realist architecture. Finish your trip with music – at a jazz concert in Harris Piano Jazz Bar or at the Krakow Philharmonic.

Also worth reading: 7 of the best museums in Krakow

2 days of outdoor Krakow

Krakow’s top attractions are not only grand museums and historic buildings – the city also has plenty to offer in the open air.

Day 1

Start your visit with a walk along the Vistula and a boat trip to Tyniec, where you can visit the beautiful Benedictine Abbey. Back in town, hire a bike and ride out to the Kościuszko Mound, then treat yourself to dinner at one of the city’s traditional restaurants after an active day.

Day 2

Spend the morning of day two jogging or walking across the Błonia, Krakow’s vast meadow – in spring it looks stunning. Around midday, head out to Ojców National Park, for example to the Prądnik Valley and Pieskowa Skała Castle, or visit the picturesque Zakrzówek. After a full day, unwind in our sauna and enjoy dinner at our FOUR Restaurant.

Summary

As you can see, 2 days in Krakow is actually plenty of time to discover the city’s main attractions and its surroundings. Just imagine what you could do with a few more days! Staying at Grand Ascot Hotel, just 600 m – a 6-minute walk – from the Main Market Square, you will have all of these plans within easy reach.

For more ideas, see our Krakow travel guide.