Day 1: Krakow's Town Centre

• Morning: Fly to Krakow, and take the convenient SKA1 train from Kraków Lotnisko straight to the city centre (Krakow Glowny) for 17PLN (~£3.16) pp.
• Afternoon: Your first stop - Krakow’s sprawling town square (Rynek Glowny), the largest medieval square in Europe. Admire the colourful Cloth Hall, soak in the bustling atmosphere, and delve into history at the Rynek Underground Museum (Free on Tuesdays or 32PLN pp).Wander the charming streets of the Old Town, marvelling at the architecture of St. Mary's Basilica and the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in Central Europe.

Day 2: Visit the Famous Salt Mines and Explore Schindler's Legacy

• Morning: Take the bus to Wieliczka (we took the 304, 6PLN pp) home to the world's oldest salt mine. Embark on a guided tour through this mesmerising subterranean world, marvelling at the intricate carvings, chapels, and salt crystal formations.You can buy your tickets at the mine, however, I’d recommend pre-booking to guarantee your visit and also save money vs buying it on the day.

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• Afternoon: Return to Krakow and visit Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, a poignant museum that chronicles the factory's role during World War II and Schindler's efforts to save Jewish lives.

Day 3:  Visit Auschwitz- Birkenau

• Morning: Take a sobering trip to Auschwitz, a former Nazi concentration camp turned into a powerful museum. Book your tickets online via Trip Advisor to ensure a smooth visit.
• Afternoon: Back in Krakow, find solace and beauty at The Princes Czartoryski Museum. Here, you'll find Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine," Raphael's "Portrait of a Young Man," and other masterpieces.

Day 4: Wawel Royal Castle

• Morning: Check out of your hotel and head to Wawel Royal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on Wawel Hill. Explore the castle's opulent chambers, admire the St. Stanislaus Cathedral, and marvel at panoramic views of the city.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Planty Park, the green oasis that sits just outside the old city walls and totals 4km in length.

Where to stay

• We opted to stay at the Art & Garden Residence which was a 20 minute walk (1 mile) away from the Old Town square. It was reasonably priced, clean, modern and came with breakfast included.
• Ideally, find yourself a hotel or Airbnb within reach of the old city walls.

Where to eat

• For Lunch try Pierogarnia Krakowiacy - here you can savour Krakow's famous dumplings in all their glory or grab a bagel from Zarowka Cafe.
• Grab an ice cream from Lody ‘Lodziarnia Rinella Gelato’ or a sweet treat from Dobra Paczkarnia, a donut haven.

    

• Kluska na Placu - Indulge in a classic Krakow dinner at , known for its warm atmosphere and hearty Polish fare. 
• Moo Moo Steak & Wine - For a more upscale (and more ££) experience, this restaurant offers exceptional steaks and local dishes.
• Pierwszy Stopien - treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience here.
• Starka Restaurant & Vodkas - Sample their exquisite vodka pairings with their modern Polish cuisine (you must try the stew served in a bread bowl)

Where to drink

• Opt for the traditional charm of Singer, a bar housed in a former Singer sewing machine factory. in the Jewish quarter.

Bonus Tips:

• 4 days in Krakow is more than enough, 2.5- 3 days would be ideal if you are wanting to include a trip to Auschwitz and the Salt Mine.
• We didn't do this, but if you wished, for a unique experience, there’s the option to hire a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic tour through the city's twinkling streets (300PLN - 1200PLN). Alternatively, there’s a wealth of Tuk Tuk’s parked around the city where a 30 minute trip starts at 250PLN for 4 People.
• Krakow City Card offers free public transport and discounts on attractions. Again, we didn't do this, but worth taking a look to cost compare.
• FreeNow & Bolt are the taxi of choice in the city, with plenty available if you didn't want to use Public Transport.We paid around £3-£7 to get to and from our Hotel into Old Town. 

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