For my dad’s 60th, I knew I had to think outside the box… So, why not surprise him with a family trip to Krakow in Poland? This beautiful city has something for everyone – powerful history, fascinating museums, and a stunning city break vibe for those of us who just want to relax and soak it all in!
If Krakow sounds like a bit of you, save yourself planning a trip from scratch and start with my recommendations below…
Where to stay in Krakow
When searching for the perfect hotel, I had a few must-haves: a central location, modern interiors and breakfast included. Best Western Plus Krakow Old Town ticked all our boxes and ended up being ideal for our trip!
It was a short, scenic 10-minute walk to the Main Market Square, with charming gardens and little shops along the way. The hotel rooms were spotless, comfortable and ideal for a short stay, and the breakfast was fab! My personal highlight? The waffle machine (obviously!)
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Things to do in Krakow
Auschwitz and Birkenau tour
While Krakow is full of charm, history and fun, one experience that really stood out and will stay with us forever, was our visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau.
We knew before we even booked the trip that we had to go. It didn’t feel right to visit this part of the world and not take the time to pay our respects and learn more about the heartbreaking history that unfolded there. It’s a heavy day, yes, but an incredibly important one.
The tour itself was extremely well organised, with knowledgeable guides who helped us understand the scale and significance of what we were seeing. Walking through the camps is emotional, sobering, and something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
It’s not a ‘fun’ part of the trip but it’s one we’ll never forget. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and reminded us just how important it is to never forget the past. If you’re visiting Krakow, I truly believe it’s something you should make time for. It’s history that deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Another must-do while in Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Honestly, we didn’t expect to be so impressed. You head deep underground (would recommend wearing comfy shoes) and explore tunnels, chapels, and there are even sculptures and chandeliers… all made from salt – so crazy!
It’s such a unique experience and a great way to mix up your city break with something a little different. We booked a guided tour and learnt loads. It’s a cool combo of history, art and geology all rolled into one.
Segway tour
One of the absolute best parts of the trip was our Segway tour around Krakow’s Old Town. Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough! It was such a fun and different way to see the city, especially with a guide pointing out all the key sights while we zoomed around.
None of us had been on a Segway before, so the laughs started before we even left the starting point. And yes… my dad did manage to fall off and accidentally run someone over. Don’t worry – no injuries, just a bruised ego and a great family story for the group chat LOL…
It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and silliness, and a great way to cover loads of ground without the sore feet. If you’re up for a bit of fun and don’t take yourself too seriously, this is a must-do.
Evening river cruise
One of our evenings was spent on a river cruise and it ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. The boat sailed gently along the Vistula River, giving us beautiful views of Krakow’s riverside architecture as the sun began to set.
There was a bar on board, so we grabbed a drink, kicked back and just soaked in the atmosphere. Watching the sunset from the water with a white wine in hand was absolute bliss. If you’re after something a little more laidback, this is the perfect way to see the city from a different angle.
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Foodie faves
Krakow is a dream if you love food (like we do!) There’s a huge variety, from traditional Polish cuisine to Italian and even fab steakhouses. Moo Moo was top of everyone’s list, thanks to all the TikTok hype – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We treated ourselves to juicy steaks and mouth-watering sides. If you’re a steak lover, this place is a must but make sure to book ahead!
I absolutely fell in love with the café culture in the Old Town. Wentzl quickly became our go-to spot, we popped in multiple times for dreamy cakes, cheeky cocktails and cosy coffees. It’s such a lovely little place to sit and just watch the world go by.
And don’t even get me started on the street doughnuts… You’ll find stalls selling them in all kinds of flavours. They’re the perfect snack while you’re exploring the city.
Our family trip to Krakow was packed with history, laughs and amazing food. From the emotional visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the cool Wieliczka Salt Mine to the hilarious Segway tour (dad’s fall included), we had a blast exploring the city.
Krakow is perfect for history lovers, foodies and anyone looking for a fun city break. I’d recommend it to anyone, at any age, and I can’t wait to go back!
Get a load of the rest of our top City Breaks, too, and get that trip locked in.
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Author: Alice Bigland (she/her)
Last updated: 28/10/2025
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