3 Days in Krakow – Itinerary for Castles, Pierogies and Vodka

When I first booked my trip to Poland, I thought I would spend my 3 days in Krakow eating pierogies and partying.  I’ll be honest and admit that I planned my trip based on the food and the bar scene.  And by mostly, I mean that’s really all I knew about Krakow. Actual screen shot…

After all, Krawkow does have some of the highest numbers of bars per capita of any city, anywhere in the world. BUT, while I was there, I discovered a ton of other reasons why Krakow is worth visiting. Here’s how to spend your 3 days in Krakow:

1. Stroll Around the WAWEL CASTLE

The colorful Wawel Castle stands on a hill above Krakow, surrounded with beautiful gardens.  Even if you don’t want to take a tour, the castle has a great view of the city and the riverbank. The photo opportunities here are endless. Keep in mind I was alone, so only had a selfie stick 😉 I would do the castle during the first or second day of your 3 days in Krakow, so you can relax the rest of the time.

2. Grab Pierogies at UBABCI MALINY

Ubabci Maliny is located in a dimly lit rustic basement with wooden tables and some of the best Polish food around.The location makes it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret spot. Order from the bar and wait to hear your number to be displayed, this isn’t a place to be waited on, but it is a must see. Did I mention how good the food is? Oh yeah, and it’s unbelievably cheap.

This was one of the highlights of my 3 days in Krakow and if you miss it you’re an idiot. Directions below:

3. Go Barhopping in OLD TOWN

Old Town’s maze of cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways is home to one the highest number of bars per capita of any city,. Most of the bars are pretty maze-like in the inside as well, making for a fun yet confusing evening. Keep an eye on your newfound friends, you don’t want to end up walking all the way back to the hostel and yelling “they all left me!” like my Aussie dorm mate.

4. Dig into Polish Mountain Cuisine at MORSKIE OKO

If you want to experience Polish music, traditional Polish atmosphere, and a great Polish food, you have to visit Morskie Oko. I sat outside, but if you get a spot in the basement, there is live music and the whole restaurant looks like a massive highlander cottage. 

Find it: Szczepanski 8, Krakow 31-011, Poland

5. Grab a Beer at ALCHEMIA

Alchemia is a creepy little bar in Kazimierz (the heart of the Jewish Quarter/ where all the coolest bars in Krakow are). It’s smoky, dimly lit and designed like the middle ages.

Find it: 33 332, Estery 5, 33-332 Kraków, Poland

6. Peruse the Old Town’s MAIN SQUARE

The Main Square is Krakow’s main center of activity – from outside bars and cafes to street vendors and flower market stalls. Old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many buildings dating back hundreds of years (which is rare for Poland due to WWII).

7. Try Żubrówka Bison GRASS VODKA

Out of all the vodkas that Poland is famous for, this is the one you must try (not to mention it’s completely illegal in the U.S.). Go to Wódka to get a real feel of Poland with around 90 flavored vodkas.

Find it: Mikolajska 5, Krakow 31-027, Poland

8. Put a Lock on LOVERS BRIDGE

Like most great European cities, Krakow too has a bridge full of padlocks. The bridge is called Little Father Bernard’s Footbridge (or Lovers Bridge) and really doesn’t fit into the rest of Krakow’s aesthetic. The idea is for couples to buy a lock and fasten it to the bridge. As long as their lock stays locked, so do they. I did this in Salzburg and it didn’t work for me but feel free to give it a shot. 

If you have more time than 3 days, you should take a day trip to the Tetra Mountains, Auschwitz, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Most of the trips take up the whole day, but are well worth it (so I’ve heard).

Have any questions about my 3 days in Krakow? Feel free to comment below!

& here’s a pin to use: