Kraków
Auschwitz tours · Wieliczka Salt Mine · City tours · Thermal baths · Unique day trips from Poland's royal city
Kraków is Poland's cultural capital and the country's most visited city — a UNESCO-listed Old Town, a royal castle on a hill above the Vistula, a historic Jewish Quarter, and the best base in Central Europe for day trips. Auschwitz-Birkenau is 70 km west. Wieliczka Salt Mine is 15 km southeast. Zakopane and the thermal baths of Podhale are 100 km south.
Krakow Planner is based in Kraków. We know the city, we know the routes, and we book everything with instant confirmation.
Browse experiences by category below.
Things to Do in Kraków
Auschwitz-Birkenau Tours
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most important sites in the world — and the most visited attraction in Poland. Located 70 km west of Kraków, the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of profound historical significance. Krakow Planner offers fully guided group tours and private transfers to Auschwitz-Birkenau, with licensed guides and instant online booking.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
One of the oldest operating salt mines in the world — and one of Poland's most extraordinary underground experiences. The UNESCO-listed mine descends 135 metres below ground, with chambers, chapels and sculptures carved entirely from salt over seven centuries. The Chapel of St Kinga is the highlight — a full-sized underground church with chandeliers made from salt crystals. Located just 15 km from Kraków city centre.
City Tours in Kraków
Kraków's Old Town is compact, pedestrianised and best explored on foot — or with a local guide who knows the stories behind every building. Krakow Planner offers city tours covering the Royal Way from the Barbican to Wawel Castle, the Market Square and St Mary's Basilica, the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and Schindler's Factory in Podgórze. Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are also available for independent exploration.
Unique Day Trips from Kraków
Beyond Auschwitz and Wieliczka, Kraków is a superb base for less-visited day trips. The Zalipie Painted Village — where the interiors and exteriors of traditional farmhouses are hand-painted with floral patterns — is one of the most unusual sights in Poland. Dunajec River Gorge rafting on the border of Poland and Slovakia is a classic summer experience. The Tatra Quads and Skywalk adventure combines mountain scenery with adrenaline.
Transfers from Kraków
Private door-to-door transfers from Kraków to KRK Balice Airport, KTW Katowice Airport, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Zakopane, Wieliczka and the thermal baths of Podhale. Fixed prices, flight monitoring, named driver. Book online with instant confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Kraków?
Kraków's top experiences are: the Old Town and Market Square (UNESCO-listed, free to explore), Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, Auschwitz-Birkenau (70 km, requires advance booking), Wieliczka Salt Mine (15 km), and Schindler's Factory Museum. For day trips, Zakopane and the thermal baths of Podhale are the most popular destinations.
How many days do you need in Kraków?
Three days comfortably covers the Old Town, Kazimierz and a full day at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Four days adds Wieliczka Salt Mine. Five days allows for a Zakopane or thermal baths day trip. Kraków also works as a 2-day weekend city break — prioritise the Old Town and one day trip.
What is the best time to visit Kraków?
May, June, September and October offer the best combination of weather and manageable crowds. July and August are the busiest months — popular sites like Auschwitz should be booked well in advance. Winter is atmospheric — the Christmas market on the Main Square runs through December.
Do I need to book Auschwitz in advance?
Yes — entry to Auschwitz-Birkenau requires advance booking. Entry slots fill up quickly, particularly from May to September and on weekends. Krakow Planner offers guided tours with guaranteed entry — book online to secure your slot.
Is Kraków expensive?
No — Kraków is one of the most affordable major cities in Europe. Meals, accommodation and activities are significantly cheaper than Western European equivalents. A three-course dinner with wine in a good restaurant typically costs £15–25 per person.
How do I get from Kraków Airport to the city centre?
A private transfer from KRK Balice Airport takes approximately 25–30 minutes and is the most comfortable option — named driver in arrivals, door-to-door, fixed price. A direct train also runs from the airport to Kraków Główny every 30 minutes.