Shenzhen itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: China | 0

Last updated on May 25th, 2026

Plan your ideal Shenzhen trip with our flexible Shenzhen itinerary, including food options, must-visit spots, and helpful travel tips.

Shenzhen (Chinese: 深圳) is a leading global technology hub in China and a fast-paced metropolitan area. This city is recognized as China’s most innovative city and is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley” of China. Located in the Pearl River Delta, it borders Hong Kong, Huizhou, and Dongguan. Guangzhou lies approximately 100 kilometers to the northeast of Shenzhen. As the first of China’s five Special Economic Zones, Shenzhen has become the fastest-growing city in history. With a well-planned infrastructure, Shenzhen boasts a population of over 20 million people.

In fact, Shenzhen has become a more popular weekend destination for Hongkongers or even international travelers seeking great deals on food, relaxation, and shopping. A visit to Shenzhen offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, providing an enriching experience for travelers. You can explore Shenzhen’s futuristic skyline, enjoy its vibrant Cantonese food scene, and discover the diverse cultures it has to offer. The city presents a myriad of experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re visiting for a day, two days, or longer, Shenzhen has plenty of attractions to enjoy.

In this Shenzhen Travel Guide blog, we have compiled everything you need to know to help plan your Shenzhen itinerary. Continue reading to find all the essential information for your trip to Shenzhen.

Shenzhen itinerary: Pre-Trip Essential

Getting to Shenzhen: Shenzhen holds a central position in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, making it easily accessible for travelers. You can reach Shenzhen by air, high-speed train, ferry, or car, so choose the mode of transportation that best fits your schedule and budget.

By Flight: Most international travelers arrive at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which offers frequent flights from many domestic and international destinations.
By High-Speed Train: Taking a high-speed train is a popular and convenient way to travel to Shenzhen. The city is well-connected by high-speed rail, whether you are coming from within Guangdong Province or other parts of China.

Here are the approximate travel times to Shenzhen by high-speed train:

Guangzhou to Shenzhen: approximately 30 minutes
Hong Kong to Shenzhen: approximately 15 minutes
Zhuhai to Shenzhen: approximately 2 hours
Guilin to Shenzhen: approximately 2 hours
Shanghai to Shenzhen: approximately 8 to 11.5 hours

Choose your travel option based on your availability and preferences!

From Hong Kong to Shenzhen: Shenzhen is conveniently accessible from Hong Kong, located about 50 kilometers to the north. It serves as an ideal weekend getaway for Hongkongers seeking leisure and culinary adventures. Travelers can take various modes of transportation from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, including the metro, high-speed train, taxi, coach, bus, or ferry.

By High-Speed Train: A high-speed train journey from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen North Railway Station takes only 15 minutes.
By Metro: Alternatively, you can take the Hong Kong MTR East Rail Line to reach either Luo Hu (罗湖) or Futian Port (福田口岸) and cross through Luohu Port or Futian Checkpoint to enter downtown Shenzhen.
Ferry: Ferries are also available, departing from Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Shekou Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Fuyong Ferry Terminal.

Getting Around in Shenzhen

Once in Shenzhen, public transportation is very convenient for getting around the city. Here are some of the available options:

Metro: The Shenzhen Metro is efficient and affordable, covering most tourist attractions.
Buses: The city has an extensive bus network, although buses may be crowded during peak times.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but make sure the driver uses the meter.
Ride-Hailing: Didi is a cost-effective option in Shenzhen. We often use this service, but be cautious during rush hour, as traffic can be heavy in busy areas.

Best Places To Stay in Shenzhen

Finding accommodations in Shenzhen is relatively easy, depending on your budget and comfort level. The city is fairly compact and well-connected, so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be able to navigate around easily.

First-time visitors to Shenzhen are highly recommended to stay in the Futian, Luohu, or Nanshan Districts. These areas provide easy access to shopping malls, excellent restaurants, and metro stations, all within walking distance. Here is our recommendation.

Futian District – IntercityHotel Shenzhen Futian Huanggang is a highly-rated accommodation in Shenzhen, known for its convenience, excellent hospitality, and impressive facilities. The train station is conveniently located right outside the hotel, making it easy to use public transport.
Luohu – Innogo Hotel Shenzhen (Luohu Port) is a stylish hotel created by hotel management in collaboration with young artists from the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Greater Bay Area. The rooms are spacious and clean, complemented by excellent hospitality service.
Nanshan District – Hamps Hotel Shenzhen is perfect for anyone seeking a high-end experience at a reasonable price. Surrounded by universities, the hotel offers beautiful greenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

For more information about accommodation in Shenzhen, read here: Where to stay in Shenzhen – Best Areas and Hotels.

Planning For Shenzhen itinerary

Shenzhen, known for its rapid development and modern skyline, offers a unique blend of innovation, entertainment, and cultural heritage. When planning our Shenzhen itinerary, we didn’t feel particularly adventurous for this trip; we just wanted to spend time relaxing.

There are many things to do in Shenzhen, but most travelers typically seek out three main experiences: food, entertainment, and shopping. During our visit to Shenzhen, we will only plan for 1 or 2 attractions for each day to explore, and spend the remaining time for food hunting and wandering around. Below is our 3-Days Shenzhen itinerary to help you navigate the city’s attractions. We have also included additional attractions that you can incorporate into your schedule. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests.

3 Days Shenzhen itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Shenzhen and check-in. Explore Futian District.
Day 2: Visit Gankeng Hakka Town, Dongmen Pedestrian Street, and try local delicacies at the night market.
Day 3: Explore Nanshan and visit Nantou Ancient City. Shopping in Shenzhen.

Note that there are many attractions in Shenzhen worth exploring!

Day 1: Arrived Shenzhen. Explore Futian District

IntercityHotel Shenzhen Futian Huanggang Room View

We flew from our home country to Shenzhen and finally settled into the Intercity Shenzhen Futian Huanggang hotel, located in the Futian district. This area is right in the heart of Shenzhen, making it a convenient base for exploring the nearby districts.

After a quick refreshment, we began our adventure in Shenzhen.

Starting the first day Shenzhen itinerary in the Futian District, which is considered the vibrant center of the city. This district is home to some of the best shopping destinations in Shenzhen, featuring amazing malls like COCO Park, AvenueOne Mall, and InTown. Each mall offers a diverse mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Shenzhen itinerary - Wandering at Futian District

You’ll find plenty of cafes, bakeries, and dessert shops to refuel between shopping sprees. One could easily spend an entire day here, indulging in delicious food, exploring chic boutiques, and soaking in the local culture.

We enjoyed the leisure stroll through the lively Futian area, wandering through the shops and stopping for coffee and cake at a café. We ended our first day in Shenzhen with a great dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2: Gankeng Hakka Town

Located on the outskirts of Shenzhen, Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古镇) is a popular day trip destination for anyone visiting Shenzhen. This well-preserved Hakka town offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Hakka people, featuring unique round houses and beautiful gardens.

With a history that spans over 300 years, it has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Hakka Villages in Shenzhen.

Shenzhen Travel blog - Gankeng Hakka Townlet

Gankeng Hakka Town is both picturesque and historic, characterized by stunning ancient architecture and lush surroundings that provide a genuine taste of traditional Chinese culture. The town is rich in history, with old buildings that make it a great tourist attraction.

The atmosphere here offers deep insights into the local way of life.

Visitors can explore numerous shops, food vendors, restaurants, and museums throughout the town. Every corner of this charming place is photo-worthy.

There are many Hakka restaurants and street food vendors where you can savor authentic Hakka cuisine.

Stroll through the old streets, admire the traditional structures, and immerse yourself in Hakka culture.

If you’re interested in experiencing Chinese culture and capturing stunning photos, Gankeng Hakka Town is a must-visit. Worth spending a few hours when planning for Shenzhen itinerary.

Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古镇)
Opening Hours: Always open.
Admission Fee: but attractions are charged separately.
Suggested Visit Time: 3 to 4 hours.

Getting there: To reach Gankeng Ancient Village, take Metro Line 10 from Futian to Gankeng Station, which typically takes less than an hour. Once you arrive at Gankeng Station, you can either take a shuttle bus to the village for a small fee of RMB 2 or walk for about 10 minutes to get to the village entrance.

Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or use a ride-hailing app for a more convenient transfer. The drive from Shenzhen downtown to the village takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around RMB 50.

Day 3: Nantou Ancient City

Nantou Ancient City (南头古城) is a historical and cultural tourist destination in Shenzhen. This ancient town provides a unique glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage amidst the rapid urbanization of the area. The Nantou Ancient City project has revitalized this 1,700-year-old town, transforming it into a vibrant cultural and creative hub.

Today, Nantou Ancient City features an exciting blend of innovative retail concepts and art exhibition spaces while still preserving significant cultural heritage sites and historic buildings.

During your visit to Nantou Ancient City, you can explore several heritage sites and historical buildings. Notable structures include the Xin’an County Government Office, Dongguan Guild Hall, South City Gate, and Guandi Temple.

Additionally, you’ll find residential buildings showcasing the Lingnan Guangfu architectural style, which were built during the Qing Dynasty.

In contrast to its historical charm, Nantou Ancient City also boasts quaint shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants where you can easily spend half a day strolling. It is a fantastic place to explore. Nantou Ancient City promises an unforgettable experience. It is perfect for a leisurely half-day outing on your Shenzhen itinerary.

Nantou Ancient City (南头古城)
Opening Hours: Always open; however, most shops operate from 11:00 to 21:00.
Admission Fee: Free!
Suggested Visit Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Getting there: Visitors can take Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City station, with a total travel time of approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app. The ride from downtown takes about 40 minutes and costs around RMB30.

Shopping in Shenzhen

For our last day in Shenzhen, we decided not to overload our Shenzhen itinerary with too many attractions. Instead, we chose to wander around and explore some shopping options.

Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse shopping landscape, offers a variety of choices ranging from modern malls to traditional street markets. Some popular spots include COCO Park, KK Mall, Dongmen Market, and many more.

Shenzhen itinerary - Bantian Vanke Plaza

Among the many shopping destinations, we opted to visit the newly opened Bantian Vanke Plaza, a large and trendy shopping mall located in the Longgang District. It is conveniently situated near Bantian Station on the Shenzhen Metro, making it easily accessible.

Bantian Vanke Plaza (坂田万科广场) features a unique concept that combines commercial space with a vertical park, incorporating plenty of greenery that creates a tropical rainforest atmosphere, reminiscent of Singapore’s indoor gardens.

We spent the day wandering through the mall and shopping. There were numerous popular local and international brand stores, and unique stores. We also had dinner at one of the restaurants to end our first day in Shenzhen.

More Attractions for Shenzhen itinerary?

For a historical and cultural experience in Shenzhen:

For a historical and cultural experience in Shenzhen, explore the city’s various cultural attractions to learn about its history and immerse yourself in Chinese traditions. In addition to Gankeng Hakka Town and Nantou Ancient City, consider visiting other notable sites such as Splendid China Folk Village, Shenzhen Museum, Dafen Oil Painting Village, and Dapeng Fortress.

Splendid China Folk Village is a theme park that features scaled-down replicas of China’s most significant landmarks and ethnic villages. The park consists of two main areas: the Splendid China Miniature Park and the China Folk Culture Village. It showcases 82 famous tourist attractions from across China, organized according to their geographical locations. Get the Splendid China Folk Village Admission Ticket.

Shenzhen Museum offers insights into the city’s development. This extensive museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting artifacts related to Shenzhen.

Visit Dafen Oil Painting Village, the world’s largest center for oil painting reproduction and one of China’s leading suppliers of high-quality oil painting copies. Stroll through the narrow streets filled with art studios and galleries, and feel free to engage with the talented artists.

Explore Dapeng Fortress, where you can walk along ancient walls and enjoy picturesque coastal views.

Fun-filled family outing Shenzhen itinerary

For a full-filled family outing:

If you are traveling with kids and seeking an enjoyable family outing, Shenzhen offers fantastic options like Window of the World, Shenzhen Safari Park, and Happy Valley Theme Park.

Window of the World is a theme park that showcases famous landscapes, natural scenery, historical sites, and folk performances from around the globe. It features miniature replicas of iconic landmarks along with cultural presentations. Get the Window of the World Admission Ticket.

For animal lovers, the Shenzhen Safari Park is a must-visit! This expansive park is home to a variety of exotic animals and offers interactive experiences that will delight both kids and adults. Check more for the Shenzhen Safari Park.

Happy Valley Theme Park is another great destination. This amusement park is filled with rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether you enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or prefer gentler, family-friendly rides, Happy Valley has something for everyone. Reserve the Shenzhen Happy Valley Admission Ticket.

For fantastic shopping experience:

Ready to shop till you drop? For shoppers, Shenzhen is truly a paradise. In addition to the previously mentioned recommendations, there are several malls and places that provide a fantastic shopping experience to include in your Shenzhen trip.

OCT Loft Creative Culture Park (also known as the Overseas Chinese City Creative Culture Park) is the top destination for creative individuals in Shenzhen. This area showcases a variety of art forms, including design, photography, painting, and animation. You’ll also find numerous charming shops to explore creative arts, along with cafes and restaurants to relax in.

Dongmen Pedestrian Street area and Luohu District are great for shopping and experiencing local life, offering both luxury items and affordable goods.

Known as China’s tech capital, Shenzhen provides ample opportunities to explore its many electronics markets. Huaqiangbei Commercial Street is a renowned electronics market where you can discover everything from gadgets and components to the latest technological innovations, all at competitive prices.

Overall: A Visit to Shenzhen

All in all, we hope this Shenzhen itinerary helps you plan for three wonderful days in the city! While some people might say that Shenzhen is boring and lacks unique cultural attractions. In my opinion, Shenzhen is a highly modernized city with its own distinct vibe, characterized by impressive skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. If you are excited by futuristic urban landscapes, Shenzhen is definitely worth a visit.

Lastly, this Shenzhen itinerary is part of our travel journey that includes Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Continue reading for more travel stories!

Travelling to Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou, be sure to check out our travel blog below:

Traveling to Chongqing? Read for more travel stories:

Traveling to Xi’An? Read for more travel stories:

Poland Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog For First Time Visitor

by Emily | posted in: Poland | 0

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Plan your trip to Poland with this Poland itinerary. In this travel guide blog, we share the places we visited and the hotels we stayed in. This guide is ideal for first-time visitors to Poland.

Poland is a sensory overload. This country may not be your typical travel destination that captures your heart immediately. Unlike popular European destinations like France or Germany, Poland doesn’t boast many big tourist highlights. However, we believe it deserves at least a 5-day visit, and ideally 7 to 10 days or more.

Would you like to know what awaits you on a trip to Poland? What other stops are worth seeing in Poland? Which destinations might be better to skip? What does an ideal travel route look like? We’ve compiled all of our tips in this blog article to help you plan your perfect journey through Poland.

In this Poland travel guide blog, we share our experiences and provide insights on how to create your Poland itinerary. We highlight the main attractions, recommend things to do, and offer our personal tips for your trip.

Poland Pre-Trip Essential

The best times to visit Poland are late spring and early autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer, on the other hand, is the peak tourist season in Poland. It tends to be the hottest and most crowded time of the year, making it less than ideal for a visit. Additionally, hotel prices are at their highest during the summer months.

Traveling to Poland: Poland is located in the heart of Central Europe. Depending on your starting point, there are several transportation options available for traveling to the country. Most visitors arrive by plane, as numerous flights connect Poland to various cities across Europe. The main airport for international flights is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). You can use a flight aggregator like Skyscanner to find affordable flights to both Warsaw and Krakow Airport.

Flying is the fastest way to reach Poland, and we flew into Warsaw Chopin Airport. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by bus, train, or a combination of both. Taxis and rental cars are also available for convenience.

If you’re traveling to Poland on a budget, then a cheaper alternative is to travel to Poland by bus and train.

Getting Around in Poland: The fastest way to travel between different locations is by car, especially given the considerable distances involved. You can rent a vehicle that suits your needs through the Rental Cars website and pick it up at the airport. Poland is also well-connected by public transportation. You can quickly travel between major Polish cities using trains and buses. For train connections, visit the PKP Intercity website, and for buses, (flixbus.pl). Within cities like Warsaw and Krakow, you can use trams, buses, and the metro for easy navigation.

Connectivity: Consider getting the 5G eSIM card for your travel in Central Europe. You can choose from various options based on your itinerary for both Central Europe and Poland.

Planning for Poland Itinerary

We enjoyed our time in Poland so much that we want to return for a longer stay. If you’re interested in visiting all of Poland’s top tourist attractions, a two-week Poland itinerary would allow you to see everything. However, if you’re short on time, plan for at least five days in Poland, with ideally seven to ten days for a more comprehensive visit. This duration would give you enough time to explore the country’s best sights and attractions.

When planning for Poland itinerary, travelers can choose to focus on southern cities, such as Kraków and Warsaw, or northern cities like Gdańsk.

Here’s our suggested 7-day Poland itinerary, concentrating on the historical cities of Warsaw and Kraków, with day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Be sure to click through for a detailed travel itinerary.

Poland itinerary for the First-time Visitor:

Day 1 -2: Arrived in Poland and reached Warsaw. Explore Warsaw.
Day 3: Travel from Warsaw to Krakow. Explore Krakow’s Old Town.
Day 4: Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Day 5: Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Stroll through Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter.
Day 6: Visit Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains.

Additional Options: Extend your Poland itinerary by visiting Gdańsk, a historic port city on the Baltic Sea known for its rich history, maritime heritage, and stunning architecture. Alternatively, you might consider a day trip to Katowice, located just an hour from Krakow, which boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous theaters.

Day 1 -2: Warsaw

Many people begin their Poland itinerary in Warsaw, the country’s capital. This city has a brutal history, having endured the horrors of World War II and being nearly completely destroyed. However, over the last century, Warsaw has transformed into a modern and vibrant city full of life. Today, Warsaw is a fascinating place where you can immerse yourself in history and experience a unique mix of modern glass skyscrapers, concrete structures, and charming medieval-style squares. The city offers interesting museums, numerous green spaces, and delicious local food!

Getting to Warsaw is convenient, as it is well-connected to an international airport. Alternatively, you can enter the country from a neighboring nation, such as Austria, as we did.

The downtown area of Warsaw isn’t very large, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by using buses, trams, e-hailing services, or even e-scooters. We prefer e-hailing and found that both Uber and Bolt are affordable, convenient, and easy to use.

Warsaw Place To Visit

Spending one or two days in Warsaw will allow you to visit important sites and gain a good understanding of what the city has to offer. The historical Old Town is undoubtedly a highlight; it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a national treasure.

For your visit to Warsaw, we recommend starting your day by exploring the most popular area in Warsaw. Warsaw’s Old Town and the Royal Route are the top attractions in the city and a must-see for anyone visiting Warsaw.

The Royal Route (Trakt Królewski) is a historic path that stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to Wilanów Palace, connecting several landmarks and former royal residences. As you walk along the route, you will have the opportunity to admire several iconic landmarks and significant sites.

You’ll encounter notable places such as the Presidential Palace, beautiful parks, and elegant boulevards like Krakowskie Przedmieście, culminating at the baroque Wilanów Palace. The journey can be completed on foot in about 30 minutes. You can start your walk from either end, depending on your accommodation in Warsaw.

Continue your Poland itinerary with a visit to Warsaw’s Old Town, where you can explore numerous historical sights. This charming area features cobblestone streets and reconstructed medieval buildings, which were destroyed during World War II. You’ll also find many historic churches and quaint back alleys.

Notable attractions include the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the most famous castle in the city, and Sigismund’s Column, a Corinthian column that commemorates King Sigismund III Vasa. Additionally, don’t miss the Warsaw Barbican, a fortified 16th-century defense wall, and the Warsaw Mermaid, a statue that serves as an iconic symbol of the city.

Poland Travel Guide Tip: You can enter Warsaw’s Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace with an entrance fee. If you’re interested, consider planning to visit one or two museums as well, such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Museum of Life under Communism, or the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

Warsaw Accommodation Tips

For first-time visitors, we recommend staying near the Palace of Culture and Science or in Warsaw’s Old Town for convenience and ease of getting around. Popular options to stay in Warsaw are the NYX Hotel Warsaw or the Radisson Blu Sobieski.

During our visit, we stayed at the lovely Motel One Warsaw-Chopin that offered mid-range pricing and a few minutes walk to the Old Town, restaurants, and entertainment. The staff was incredibly friendly, and we found it to be a great value for money.

Day 3 -5: Krakow

Your next stop on the Poland itinerary is Krakow, one of the oldest cities in the country that served as its capital for hundreds of years. Today, it is considered one of the best cities to visit in Poland and has become a trendy destination in Central Europe.

Traveling from Warsaw to Krakow is very convenient. Travelers can reach Krakow from Warsaw by car, bus, or train. The train is the fastest option, and the journey typically takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes.

Krakow is famous for its beautiful Old Town and Wawel Royal Castle, both of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It boasts Europe’s largest medieval town square, the oldest university in Poland, and stunning architecture. The Old Town exudes a charming atmosphere that is definitely worth experiencing.

We recommend spending two or three nights in Krakow to fully enjoy what the city has to offer. For more information, check out our blog article: 3-Day Krakow Itinerary: A Travel Guide.

Krakow Place To Visit

Krakow Travel Guide - Wawel Royal Castle

Three days in Krakow will allow you to explore many key attractions, including: Krakow Old Town Main Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Town Hall Tower, St. Florian’s Gate and Florianska Street, Krakow Barbican, Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Dragon’s Den, Vistula River Boulevards, and the Kazimierz district.

Exploring Kraków Old Town is undoubtedly the most essential experience when visiting the city. This area is the prettiest in Kraków, featuring numerous important landmarks and attractions. You can explore the medieval Old Town on your own, but if you want to learn more about the city’s history, consider joining a guided tour, such as the popular and well-rated Krakow Old Town Highlights Walking Tour in English.

Poland Travel Guide Tips: You can explore the medieval Old Town on your own, but if you want to learn more about the city’s history, consider joining a guided tour, such as the popular and well-rated Krakow Old Town Highlights Walking Tour in English.

Don’t forget to visit the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral during your visit to Krakow. Wawel Royal Castle is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in Krakow. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, providing a panoramic view and a glimpse into the history of Poland and Central Europe.

Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Krakow itinerary - Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour

During your visit to Krakow, be sure to include a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, an important historical site in Poland. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers. Over 1.1 million people were murdered, with more than 90% being Jewish.

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau requires a mandatory guided tour, as visitors are not allowed to enter the site on their own. It’s essential to book your Auschwitz tour in advance to explore the history of the concentration camps and the Holocaust with a guide. Prepare for a lengthy and emotionally impactful experience.

Here are some important tips for your visit:

Book your tour in advance.
Bring a valid photo ID.
Arrive on time for your departure.
Dress respectfully and comfortably.
Smoking and eating are forbidden while on the tour.

The tour typically takes 3 to 4 hours and includes a 30-minute snack break. Round-trip transportation is usually provided, so ensure to confirm the transport arrangements.

Recommended Tour Options:

Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Full Day Tour – Most Popular!
Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket

For a full day of exploration, you can also combine your visit to Auschwitz with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This salt mine is one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world, having been in continuous operation from the 13th century until 2007. In 1978, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Krakow Accommodation Tips

Room View - Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town

We recommend staying in Krakow Old Town, as most of the city’s highlights are located in this area. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you enjoy sightseeing and walking around. If you decide to stay in Krakow Old Town, I personally suggest the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town and the Cracow Central Aparthotel as great options.

For those who don’t mind staying a bit further away from Old Town area, the AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow offers excellent value and a comfortable stay. Although it’s not located in the Old Town, it provides great facilities and value for your stay.

For more accommodation options: Where to Stay in Krakow.

Day 6: Zakopane Tatra Mountains

For those looking to experience something a bit different from the city excursions in Kraków, Zakopane is the perfect addition to your Poland itinerary.

Zakopane is a small, scenic town surrounded by the stunning Tatra Mountains, located about 100 km from Kraków. This destination is gaining popularity for its spectacular views, picturesque hiking routes, traditional wooden houses, unique regional cuisine, and relaxing thermal pools. Many Polish people visit throughout the year, as it offers winter sports in the colder months and hiking in the summer. Zakopane serves as the gateway to Tatra National Park, making it a haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Zakopane Places to Visit

If you only have one day in Zakopane, consider taking the funicular up Gubałówka for stunning views and to enjoy the town’s atmosphere. If you have more time, you might want to extend your itinerary to include a visit to a thermal spa or a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch for breathtaking mountain scenery.

During our visit to Zakopane, we traveled there by taking a local bus from the Kraków bus station, which took around 2.5 hours each way. The buses leave frequently, but the journey can be time-consuming. For a hassle-free experience, you might also consider booking a Zakopane Tour with Chocholow Thermal Pools and Cable Car.

Upon our arrival, we walked along Krupówki Street to reach Gubałówka. There, we found a ticket counter for the cable car. A short funicular ride took us to the top, where we enjoyed stunning views. We ended our day by strolling along the Krupówki Street, which are filled with shops and local delicacies. It was a short yet enjoyable trip to Zakopane, and we hope to spend more time here in the future.

Overall: A Visit to Poland

Overall, we hope you find this Poland Travel Guide blog post useful. It’s a hidden gem and truly worth spending time visiting Poland. We are sharing some travel tips that I learned from our trips to Poland. We also extended our travels to other Central European countries like Austria and Hungary. If you need more travel inspiration, feel free to read more of our Central Europe blog posts. Thanks for reading, and have a magical time in Poland!

Lastly, this Poland itinerary is part of our trip to the country. Feel free to check out the Poland travel blog below.

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