One perfect day in Krakow

If you've ever had that just-stepped-out-of-a-time-machine feeling, that's how I felt visiting Krakow for the first time. Every corner of the city's famous Market Square, for example, looks like it did centuries ago. The colorful houses are straight out of a painting. The Baroque architecture looks perfectly preserved. Even the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages on the cobblestones seems right on cue.

Whether you're climbing the hill to explore its grand castle, walking through the lively Kazimierz neighborhood, or sitting at an outdoor café with a drink in hand, Krakow feels like it's from a different era. Think of this one-day itinerary as a teaser for what you’ll encounter on your first trip to the city, with plenty of tips and recs from Tripadvisor users who've been there and loved it.

The first stop on the itinerary is a quick breakfast: Bistro Bene is a lively restaurant with a standout avocado and poached egg on toast and an unforgettable pistachio croissant. From there, it's short walk to the 13th-century market square Rynek Glowny, in the city's historic district. A tip: Make sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes since you'll be exploring mostly on foot.

In the square, there's the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), an ornate shopping arcade with dozens of artisans selling handmade crafts that make great souvenirs to take home.Take your time to admire the 11th-century Church of St. Adalbert, the whitewashed chapel in the corner of the square and don't miss The Head, an enormous bronze sculpture that was a gift from Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.

At one corner of the square stands the Old Town's crown jewel, St. Mary's Basilica. Climb the taller of the two towers for a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops and to hear the haunting trumpet call each hour. The good news is it's rarely crowded and you don't need to get a ticket in advance.

From Rynek Glowny, head south for about half a mile toward Wawel Castle. It’s a 10- or 15-minute stroll along historic Grodzka Street. This route takes you past the Baroque-era Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, ultimately leading to St. Mary Magdalene’s Square. If you prefer your walks more scenic and lush, take Wislna Street, which leads through the cobblestone Planty Park.

A royal residence for five centuries, Wawel Royal Castle is sure to wow you. It sits on a limestone hill overlooking the Vistula River. Book a guide to explore the lavish royal apartments, grand staterooms, the treasury, and the armory and don't miss the surrounding gardens—the views of the city from the grounds are incredible. If you want to better understand Poland's cultural heritage, don't miss the museum at nearby Wawel Cathedral.

As you leave the castle complex, find the Dragon's Den at the bottom of Wawel Hill. The dragon-shaped statue spouts fire, and if you've got kids with you, they'll love it.

By now, you're probably ready for lunch. A 15-minute walk southeast takes you to the bohemian neighborhood of Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter. The heart of Kazimierz is Szeroka Street and my favorite spot to eat here is the Rubenstein restaurant on the fourth floor at the Rubinstein Hotel. The kitchen turns out a daily tasting menu of Polish and Jewish classics. A tip: If it's summer out, don't miss a cocktail on rooftop bar with knockout views of Wawel Hill.

After lunch, lose yourself in the neighborhood's history. A few blocks west is the 16th-century Remuh Synagogue and to the south is the even older Old Synagogue, a red brick building that's been transformed into a museum. A warning: this spot deals with heavy topics and memorializes those lost during the Holocaust.

Cross Father Bernatek Footbridge, affectionately known as “Lovers Bridge” to the Podgorze neighborhood. There you'll find remnants of the city wall that are a reminder of the Jewish Ghetto built to confine Krakow's Jewish community during World War II. Take a moment to honor their memory at the Empty Chairs Memorial, located in Ghetto Heroes Square. Don't miss the nearby Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Museum, which tells the story of the man whose life was based on Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List. It's a small museum that you can visit in less than an hour and you can buy a combo ticket to explore other sites, too.

It's time to head back to Krakow’s market square, which is especially enchanting at dusk when lights illuminate its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. No matter what time of year, live music echoes in almost every corner.

For dinner, go all out at Albertina Restaurant. The dining room has a cool, modern vibe with brick walls and wood-beamed ceilings—it's the perfect backdrop for Chef Grzegorz Fic’s multi-course tasting menus of fresh takes on classic Polish dishes. A tip: If you love wine, this spot delivers. The Hidden Gems menu highlights bottles from lesser known regions around Europe.

How about an after-dinner drink? Make your way to Mercy Brown, one of Krakow's renowned speakeasies. Known for its creative cocktails, the place transports you back to a different time with burlesque and cabaret shows inspired by the early 20th century.

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