Poland 6 day itinerary

Poland is definitely one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Its culture is very unique and deeply influenced by its history and everything the country has been through. The architecture is a mixture of Western and Central European styles, and the country is rich in beautiful natural landscapes. It is also very budget-friendly, especially compared to its Western European neighbors.

Please note that this is only a six-day itinerary, and there are many cities, such as Gdańsk and Wrocław, that I haven’t visited yet but are said to be incredibly beautiful.

The itinerary

Day 1: Krakow

On our first day, we will arrive in Krakow, one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Once you settle down, I would recommend you explore Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval town square which is surrounded by colorful townhouses and bustling cafes. Also on the town square you'll find St. Mary’s Basilica. The basilica is best known for its two unequal towers, which immediately catch the eye. The taller tower was historically used as a watchtower, while the shorter one served as a bell tower. Every hour, a trumpet signal called the Hejnał Mariacki is played from the top of the taller tower. The melody famously stops abruptly, commemorating a medieval trumpeter who was shot while warning the city of an invasion. The inside of the church is absolutely beautiful. This is a place you definitely do not want to miss.

After visiting the town square, you might want to walk down to Wawel Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a hill, with views of the Vistula River. For centuries, this castle served as the residence of Polish kings and the heart of the nation’s political and cultural life.

We’ll then carry on to visit Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter and one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Once a separate town, Kazimierz has a rich and complex history and today blends centuries-old heritage with a vibrant, creative energy. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll come across historic synagogues, small museums, and remnants of Jewish life that tell powerful stories of the past.

Kazimierz is also one of the best places in Kraków to stop for a meal. Consider eating at a local restaurant to experience traditional Jewish and Polish-Jewish cuisine. Many restaurants in the area feature live music in the evenings, adding to the neighborhood’s charm. It’s common to find Jewish restaurants with musicians playing Klezmer music. Klezmer music is a traditional style of Jewish folk music that originated in Eastern Europe, particularly among Ashkenazi Jewish communities. What makes klezmer unique is its emotional depth. Klezmer is typically performed with instruments such as the clarinet, violin, accordion, double bass, and cymbalom.

Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau

On our second day, we will visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. This is a place that demands great respect and solemnity. I personally believe it is important to visit places like this in order to remember our mistakes as a species and to learn from our past. I found the guided tours to be particularly well structured, as they help you truly grasp what happened there and the magnitude of the atrocities committed. Feel free to skip this day trip if it feels emotionally overwhelming for you.

To go to Auschwitz you can either get a guided tour or go on your own using public transportation. If you opt for the latter, you'll have to go to Krakow's train station and take a train or bus to Oświęcim, a town 1.5 hours from Kraków. Also make sure you book your entry to the museum in advance.

Once you get to the museum, you'll visit Auschwitz I, the original camp, featuring brick barracks, museum exhibitions, and preserved evidence of atrocities. You'll then go on to visit Birkenau (Auschwitz II), a vast former extermination camp with wooden barracks, guard towers, and the ruins of gas chambers.

Return to Kraków in the afternoon by train or by bus.

Day 3: Zakopane

Zakopane, my favorite place in Poland. Zakopane is a charming mountain town in southern Poland, often referred to as the "winter capital of Poland." Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, it is a popular getaway for both locals and travelers seeking nature, fresh air, and traditional highland culture. The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian range, forming a natural border between Poland and Slovakia.

One of Zakopane’s defining features is its strong Góral (Polish highlander) culture, which is reflected in the town’s distinctive wooden architecture and folkloric traditions.

You can go to Zakopane from Krakow by train or by bus. It will take you about 2.5 hours. Once there, you might want to explore Krupówki, the lively pedestrian main street filled with souvenir stalls and cafes. After that, you'll want to ride the Gubałówka Funicular to the hill above town for amazing views of the mountains and valley.

At night, you can enjoy a rustic dinner with live folk music at a regional restaurant.

Day 4: Zakopane, hike to Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea) is one of the most famous and breathtaking natural landmarks in the Tatra Mountains and a must-visit when exploring Zakopane. Morskie Oko is a beautiful glacial lake located on the Polish side of the Tatras, about 25 km from Zakopane.

To hike there, we first have to get to the entrance of the Tatras National Park. From Zakopane we will take a minibus to Palenica Białczańska. From there, we will hike along a scenic paved mountain path.

After about two hours we will reach Morskie Oko.

We'll hike back to Palenica and return to Zakopane. From Zakopane, you can take a train or a bus to Warsaw (about 5 hours) , Poland's capital and largest city.

Day 5: Warsaw

Once in Warsaw, you can visit Łazienki Park, Warsaw’s most beautiful park with peacocks, shaded paths, and the neoclassical Palace on the Isle. You can also see the famous Chopin Monument. Frédéric Chopin was a world-famous Polish composer and pianist best known for his piano music, including nocturnes, polonaises, and mazurkas.

After that, be sure to explore Castle Square, Sigismund’s Column, and walk into the Old Town, rebuilt after WWII in meticulous detail.

At night, I recommend you attend a Chopin piano recital. It just feels different when you are in his home country.

Day 6: Warsaw

For your last day in Warsaw, I suggest you walk around the city one last time and prepare for your departure.