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I visited Krakow in February 2024, for a winter city break after finding a super cheap flight with Ryanair on Skyscanner. And yes — it was cold and didn’t quite have the same magical feeling after Christmas — but honestly? It was completely manageable and so worth it. Krakow’s Old Town quickly became one of the most beautiful city centres I’ve seen in Europe.

The buildings are absolutely stunning — grand, historic, and incredibly well-preserved — and wandering through the Old Town felt like stepping back in time. Within the first hour, I found myself in a cosy coffee shop where I discovered something that genuinely shocked me as a Brit: the coffee was more expensive than the alcohol. Krakow immediately had my respect.

I spent three full days in Krakow, balancing sightseeing, meaningful history, and fun experiences — including one day where we hired e-scooters and zoomed around the city, ticking off landmarks far quicker (and warmer) than walking. If you’re planning a winter city break, here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending 3 days in Krakow in winter.

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🏨 Where I Stayed in Krakow

I stayed at the AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow, which was the perfect base for a winter trip. The rooms were modern, warm, and comfortable — exactly what you want after a long day exploring in cold temperatures. I literally couldn’t fault this hotel and I managed to grab an absolute bargain on Booking.com.

Although not directly located in the centre of the Old Town, there is a tram stop right outside the front of the hotel making getting around the city super easy.

👉 Book the AC Hotel Krakow here

@emilyvictoriatravels

This hotel in Krakow is stunninggg😍 #krakow #krakowplaces #krakowhotel

♬ goth sidewalks and skeletons – daydream

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🗓️ Day 1: Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Tour

This was the most emotionally powerful day of the trip.

We booked a guided Auschwitz-Birkenau tour via GetYourGuide, which included transport from our hotel and a knowledgeable guide throughout. Having everything organised made the experience far more seamless. We took lunch with us, which we ate whilst we had some time travelling between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Walking through Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau is sobering, confronting, and deeply important. The scale of the camps and the stories shared by the guide really stay with you long after you leave.

👉 Book the Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour here

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🗓️ Day 2: Wieliczka Salt Mine

🧂 Wieliczka Salt Mine

On our second day, we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just outside Krakow — and this was genuinely fascinating. You descend deep underground into an entire world carved from salt, including chapels, sculptures, and huge chambers.

The temperature underground is warmer than outside, which makes this an ideal winter activity. The famous St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved entirely from salt, is absolutely worth the visit alone.

Uber’s are super cheap in Krakow if you want to get a taxi directly there, however you can also get a train to Wieliczka and then walk to the entrance of the mine. We got a taxi there and then the train back.

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🗓️ Day 3: Old Town, Architecture & Winter Wandering

📍 Exploring Krakow Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the heart of the city and where you’ll spend a lot of your time — especially on a short trip. In winter (after Christmas), the streets feel quieter, the air is crisp, and the historic buildings somehow feel even more impressive.

Rynek Główny (the Main Market Square) is massive, open, and surrounded by beautiful architecture. We spent time wandering without a strict plan, popping into shops, cafés, and soaking up the atmosphere.

🛴 Getting Around by E-Scooter

One of the best decisions we made was hiring e-scooters for the day. It meant we could cover way more ground while staying warm — and honestly, it was just fun. We zipped between landmarks, along quieter streets, and down towards Wawel Castle without feeling rushed.

If you’re visiting Krakow in winter, I’d highly recommend this — especially if you only have a few days.

🍽️ Must-Try Food: Pierogi

You cannot visit Krakow without trying pierogi, Poland’s most famous traditional dish. These dumplings are usually filled with potato, cheese, meat, or mushrooms and are perfect winter comfort food. Cheap, filling, and genuinely delicious.

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🍸 Evening in Krakow: Wódka Café Bar (A Must-Do)

One evening, we went to Wódka Café Bar, and this was easily one of my favourite experiences of the trip.

It’s a small, lively bar offering vodka tasting boards with flavoured vodkas you wouldn’t normally try. It gets very busy, especially in the evenings, so be prepared to queue — but it’s 100% worth it.

The atmosphere is fun, social, and feels very Krakow. If you want something different from a standard bar night, add this to your list.

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🏔️ Optional Extra Day: Zakopane & Thermal Baths

Although I didn’t do this myself, we were highly recommended to take a day trip to Zakopane and the thermal baths — and if I’d had one extra day, this would’ve been my choice.

Most tours visit Zakopane, a mountain town near the Tatra Mountains, and include time at the Chochołowskie Thermal Baths. These outdoor, heated pools are especially popular in winter, with snow around you while you soak — and it looks incredible.

If you’re planning 4 days in Krakow, this is a great way to add something completely different to your itinerary.

✨ Is Krakow Worth Visiting for a winter city break?

Absolutely. Krakow in winter is:
    •    Beautiful and atmospheric
    •    Affordable compared to many European cities
    •    Packed with history and culture
    •    Easy to explore in 3–4 days

Cold weather aside, it never felt like a drawback.

📌 Quick Tips for Visiting Krakow in Winter
    •    Dress warmly — especially for day trips
    •    Book Auschwitz and the Salt Mine in advance
    •    Use e-scooters to cover more ground
    •    Try pierogi more than once (trust me)

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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