10 Best Day Trips from Krakow

Mentally prepare yourself for a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum, the site of the largest Nazi Holocaust concentration camp. During World War II, approximately 1.1 million people were brutally murdered here.

Nearly a century later, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum is still a solemn place. Walk through the preserved barracks, gas chambers and crematoria, and pay respects to the many innocent victims. Consider booking a guided tour for essential context and respectful insight into this dark chapter of European history.

Settled at the base of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is one of the most popular Polish mountain resort towns around. Summer visits can be filled with hiking and mountain biking, photography and funicular rides, while winter getaways consist of ski mornings and afternoon thermal baths.

Regardless of when you choose to visit Zakopane, the town’s main street, Krapowki Street, is a must-visit. Lined with the most adorable shops, cafes and restaurants, you’re sure to find delicious bites, tasty sips and incredible souvenirs to remember your trip.

Just 14 km from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest salt mines. First opened way back in the 13th century, this historical landmark continued producing salt until 1996.

Today, this salt mine welcomes almost 2 million visitors every single year. Descend into the tunnels and learn about the history of mining over the centuries, or take a more artistic perspective by admiring the Baroque St. Anthony Chapel and the many salt block-carved relief sculptures within the mines.

Experience the natural beauty of Southern Poland at Ojców National Park, just 19 km outside of Krakow. Hike through beech and fir forests, admire the fields of rare flowers and explore the limestone Ciemna Cave and Łokietka Cave, just to start.

Surprisingly, Ojców National Park also has a historical side to it, as it’s home to 2 different castles. Peruse the ruins of the medieval Ojcow Castle or explore the inside of the Renaissance-era Pieskowa Skala Castle, complete with its historic art and furniture collection.

If you want to add another castle to your Poland itinerary, don’t miss Ogrodzieniec Castle, also called Zamek Ogrodzieniec. Just an hour away by car, this 14th-century castle is perched on a lovely green hilltop overlooking the beautiful landscapes beyond. 

In addition to its rock wall ruins and towering turrets, Ogrodzieniec Castle also hosts quite a few events each year. Get spooked each October during the Ogrodzieniec Nights of Horror, draw swords at the International Knights' Tournament or even enjoy a music festival surrounded by the historic castle walls.

Jasna Góra Monastery, the world’s largest Pauline monastery and a revered Polish pilgrimage site, draws visitors from around the globe. Originally built on the ruins of a castle, this religious landmark is steeped in history.

The highlight of a visit to the Jasna Góra Monastery may be the iconic Black Madonna painting, also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa. Believed to possess miraculous powers, this art piece is thought to provide healing and protection to those who worship before it.

Escape from the city and into nature with a day trip to Dunajec River Gorge. Two hours away by car, this river getaway is particularly popular in the summer, when the sun is shining and the temperatures are warm. Swim, suntan, kayak and hike to your heart’s content.

For a one-of-a-kind experience at this Polish gorge, consider cruising the river on a traditional wooden raft. The waters are quite calm, so despite the activity’s name, you’ll simply drift on by the scenic Pieniny Mountains for a couple of hours of nature-filled bliss.

Settled on the border between Poland and Slovakia, Babia Gora is the tallest mountain in its eponymous national park. Babia Gora loosely translates to ‘rural woman’s mountain’, a name which has inspired countless legends, including ones of giantesses, robbers’ wives and witches.

The best thing to do at Babia Gora is, well, climb it. To reach the peak, there are a few different routes, ranging from 4 hours to 9 hours round-trip, each with varying levels of difficulty. But no matter which route you take; you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains and beyond.

Just 20 minutes away by car, Tyniec is often considered a suburb of Krakow considering its proximity, but it feels a world away. The highlight of this little village is its 1,000-year-old Benedictine abbey. Set on short limestone cliffs, this abbey immediately stands out from its surroundings.

Inside the abbey, there’s lots to explore. Start with the museum, where you’ll find artefacts dating back 800 years, like medieval manuscripts, liturgical crucifixes and antique pottery. You can also admire the abbey itself, specifically its eye-catching, blended architectural styles, before popping into the gift shop for a souvenir.

Step back in time with a visit to Tarnow, specifically Old Town Tarnow. This historic city, often called the ‘Pearl of the Renaissance’, boasts cobblestone streets, a large medieval square and incredible period architecture.

The best thing to do in Tarnow is simply stroll around and enjoy what catches your eye. Maybe you’ll stumble upon the 14th-century Town Hall or the Mikolajowski House, or perhaps an adorable cafe or restaurant will claim your attention instead. Just take your time and wander.