Kraków

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Kraków

3 Days in Kraków: Our Unforgettable March 2024 City Break

There’s something magical about Kraków in March. The winter crowds begin to fade, the café terraces slowly come back to life, and the city’s gothic architecture looks even more dramatic beneath crisp blue skies and misty mornings.

In March 2024, we escaped for a 3-day city break to the beautiful Polish city of Kraków, flying direct from Manchester with Jet2 and staying at the stylish Hotel Kossak in a Castle View Superior Room on a bed & breakfast basis.

From stunning historical landmarks and fascinating museums to delicious food, affordable drinks, and unforgettable experiences exploring the city by Segway, Kraków completely exceeded our expectations.

If you’re considering a city break packed with history, culture, nightlife, and incredible value for money, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting to Kraków from Manchester

Flying with Jet2 made the journey incredibly easy. The direct flight from Manchester takes around 2 hours 40 minutes, making Kraków a perfect option for a short European getaway.

Kraków Airport is modern, efficient, and only around 20–30 minutes from the city centre depending on traffic. We opted for a private transfer, but taxis and trains are also inexpensive and reliable.

Travel Tip

Always carry some Polish Złoty (PLN) for smaller shops or local food stalls, although most places now accept card payments.

Where We Stayed – Hotel Kossak

We stayed at the fantastic Hotel Kossak and honestly couldn’t have picked a better location.

Situated along the Vistula River, the hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town, Wawel Castle and the Jewish Quarter. The standout feature for us was our Castle View SuperiorRoom. Waking up to views of Wawel Castle each morning was unforgettable.

The hotel itself was modern, spotless and incredibly comfortable. Breakfast was excellent too, with a great selection of hot and cold options including pastries, meats, eggs, fruit and traditional Polish dishes.

Why We’d Recommend Hotel Kossak

• Excellent central location

• Stunning castle views

• Comfortable modern rooms

• Fantastic breakfast

• Friendly and helpful staff

• Easy walking distance to major attractions

Day 1 – Visiting Auschwitz & Birkenau

No trip to Kraków would feel complete without visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

It’s not an easy day emotionally, but it is an incredibly important and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact long after you leave Poland.

Located around 1 hour 15 minutes from Kraków, Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a memorial to the millions of people who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Visiting gives you a deeper understanding of one of history’s darkest periods and is something we believe everyone should experience at least once.

What to Expect at Auschwitz & Birkenau

The visit is usually split into two parts:

Auschwitz I
Auschwitz II – Birkenau

Most organised tours from Kraków include transport and guided entry to both sites.

Auschwitz I

Auschwitz I is the original concentration camp and contains many of the preserved brick buildings, exhibitions, photographs, and personal belongings belonging to victims.

Walking beneath the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate is a moment that’s difficult to describe. The atmosphere throughout the site is incredibly quiet and reflective.

Inside the museum buildings, you’ll see:

Historical photographs
Prisoner belongings
Suitcases and shoes
Prison cells

Detailed exhibitions explaining the history of the camp The guided tours are extremely informative and respectful, helping visitors understand both the scale and horror of what happened there.

Birkenau (Auschwitz II)

Birkenau is vastly different and, in many ways, even more overwhelming because of its sheer scale.

This is the site most people recognise from photographs – the railway tracks leading through the main entrance tower.

The camp stretches across an enormous area with:

Endless rows of barracks
Watchtowers
Ruins of gas chambers and crematoria
Memorial monuments

Standing on the railway tracks at Birkenau is one of the most powerful moments of the entire visit.

Even though many of the original wooden barracks no longer remain, the size of the site helps you understand the unimaginable scale of the atrocities committed there.

Birkenau is vastly different and, in many ways, even more overwhelming because of its sheer scale.

This is the site most people recognise from photographs – the railway tracks leading through the main entrance tower.

The camp stretches across an enormous area with:

Endless rows of barracks
Watchtowers
Ruins of gas chambers and crematoria
Memorial monuments

Standing on the railway tracks at Birkenau is one of the most powerful moments of the entire visit.

Even though many of the original wooden barracks no longer remain, the size of the site helps you understand the unimaginable scale of the atrocities committed there.

Important Things to Know Before You Visit

It’s an Emotional Experience
This is not a typical tourist attraction. Expect a very reflective and emotional atmosphere throughout the day.

Guided Tours Are Worth It
We’d highly recommend booking a guided tour as the historical context and explanations make the experience far more meaningful.

Dress Warmly
If visiting in March like we did, it can be extremely cold, especially at Birkenau where much of the site is outdoors and exposed.

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll do a lot of walking across uneven ground and gravel paths.

Food & Facilities
There are cafés and toilets available, but options are fairly limited once inside the memorial areas.

Photography
Photography is allowed in many areas, but visitors are expected to behave respectfully at all times.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum was undoubtedly one of the most moving experiences of our trip to Kraków.

It’s difficult, heartbreaking and deeply emotional, but also an educational and important experience that stays with you forever.

Day 2 – Exploring Kraków Old Town

After such an emotional first day, we spent Day 2 soaking up the atmosphere and beauty of Kraków itself.

Kraków’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful city centres in Europe. The atmosphere was incredible with horse-drawn carriages rolling through cobbled streets while church bells echoed around the square.

Main Market Square

The heart of Kraków and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.

Packed with restaurants, bars, street performers, and historic buildings, it’s the perfect starting point.

St. Mary’s Basilica

An iconic gothic church famous for the trumpet call played every hour from the tower.

Wawel Royal Castle

One of the city’s most famous landmarks and an absolute must-visit. The castle grounds and cathedral are stunning.

Day 3 -Segway Tour & Exploring Kazimierz

One of the highlights of our entire trip was the Segway City Tour.

If you’re visiting Kraków for the first time, this is genuinely one of the best ways to explore the city. It’s fun, informative, and covers far more ground than walking.

The tour took us through:

Kraków Old Town
Wawel Castle area
The riverside boulevards
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Historic streets and hidden corners we’d never have found ourselves

Even if you’ve never ridden a Segway before, the guides make it really easy and safe.

Why We Loved It

Great fun
Excellent local guidesFantastic photo opportunities
Covers lots of attractions quickly
Perfect for short city breaks

Exploring Kazimierz – Kraków’s Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz has a completely different atmosphere from the Old Town – more artistic, bohemian, and vibrant.

The area is full of:

Independent bars
Trendy cafés
Street art
Historic synagogues
Traditional restaurants

In the evenings, Kazimierz becomes one of the best nightlife areas in Kraków.

Food and Drink Prices in Kraków

One of the biggest surprises was just how affordable Kraków was compared to many European cities.

You can eat extremely well in Kraków without spending a fortune.

Coffee

£2–£3

Soft drinks

around £2

Local beer

£2–£4

Cocktails

£5–£8

Breakfast at a café

£5–£8

Lunch

£7–£12

Evening Meal - per person

£10–£20

Traditional Polish dishes (see below)

often under £10

Traditional Polish Food to Try

Pierogi
Traditional dumplings filled with meat, cheese, potato, or mushrooms.

Żurek
A hearty traditional soup often served in a bread bowl.

Kielbasa
Traditional Polish-style sausage, perfect from local market stalls.

Zapiekanka
A popular late-night street food. A toasted open-face sandwich made of a sliced baguette or other long brad roll, topped with sautéed mushrooms, cheese and sometimes other ingredients, such as ham.

Things You Should Know Before Travelling to Kraków

Currency - Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), not the Euro
Flight Time - Flights from the UK typically take around 2 to 3 hours, making Kraków easily accessible for a city break.
Language - Polish is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Transport - Uber is cheap and widely available. Trams are also excellent and affordable.
What to Pack - March can still be cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack: A warm coat, comfortable walking shoes, layers, umbrella and waterproof jacket

Kraków Travel Tips & Hints

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll walk a lot on cobbled streets.

Book Attractions Early
Tours like Auschwitz and the Salt Mines can sell out quickly.

Avoid Airport Exchange Counters
Rates are usually poor compared to city exchange offices or card payments.

Try Local Restaurants
Some of the best meals we had were away from the main tourist square.

Take a River Walk at Night
The views of Wawel Castle illuminated at night are beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Kraków completely won us over.

It’s a city that combines history, beauty, affordability and atmosphere perfectly. Whether you want culture, nightlife, food or sightseeing, Kraków offers an unforgettable city break without the huge price tag of many European destinations.

From our comfortable stay at Hotel Kossak to exploring the city by Segway and visiting the deeply moving Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, every part of the trip felt memorable and meaningful.

If you are looking for an easy and affordable European getaway from the UK, Kraków should absolutely be on your list.

Book Your Own Kraków Getaway

Inspired by our trip?

Kraków is a fantastic choice for couples, families, and anyone looking to experience a unique European city with charcater and beauty. If you’re thinking about booking, I’d be delighted to help you find the perfect getaway.

Pack & Go Travel specialises in creating stress-free holidays tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, city break, family adventure or a relaxing beach escape.

Just fill in the form below or call us today.