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An independent guide to Poland.

Itinerary

5 Days in Poland

This route gives you three nights in Krakow, including a full day trip, then a fast train north to Warsaw for two nights. The two cities sit about 2.5 hours apart by Pendolino train, so you spend your time in the cities rather than on the road. Reserve train seats in advance to lock in the fast service.

Length

5 days

Best for

Two cities plus a memorial or salt mine day trip

Pace

Moderate, one travel day

Getting around

Walking in each city, fast train between them

  1. 1

    Day 1: Krakow Old Town

    Settle into Krakow and walk the Main Market Square, St Mary's Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. Follow the Royal Route north to Florian Gate and the Barbican, then loop back through the Planty park ring that circles the Old Town.

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  2. 2

    Day 2: Wawel and Kazimierz

    Tour Wawel Royal Castle and cathedral in the morning, then spend the afternoon in Kazimierz among its synagogues, courtyards, and Plac Nowy. This is a good evening for dinner in the quarter before an early start the next day.

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  3. 3

    Day 3: Auschwitz-Birkenau day trip

    Take a guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, about 90 minutes west of Krakow by car or organised coach. Entry is free but requires a booked time slot, and a guide is mandatory during peak hours. Plan on most of the day, including travel. If you would rather stay underground and closer to the city, swap in the Wieliczka Salt Mine instead.

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  4. 4

    Day 4: Train to Warsaw and the Old Town

    Catch a morning Pendolino from Krakow to Warsaw, roughly 2.5 hours. Drop your bags and head for the rebuilt Old Town, a UNESCO site reconstructed after 1945. Walk Castle Square, the Royal Castle, and the Market Square, then follow the Royal Route down Krakowskie Przedmiescie.

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  5. 5

    Day 5: Warsaw highlights

    Spend the day between the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and Lazienki Park with its Palace on the Isle. Add the 30th floor viewing terrace of the Palace of Culture and Science for a wide look over the city before you leave.

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Frequently asked questions

Either works, but starting in Krakow lets you handle the day trip early while you are fresh, then end in Warsaw, which has the larger airport for onward flights.
About 2.5 hours by Pendolino fast train, with several departures a day. Book ahead for the lowest fares and a guaranteed seat.
Choose the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial for history and reflection, which fills most of a day, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine for a shorter, lighter half day closer to Krakow.

Plan the details

Krakow city guide Warsaw city guide Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Travelling between cities in Poland Day trips from Krakow

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