Kraków is a city best discovered on foot — its compact historic core, parks and atmospheric districts lie close together, and walking lets you catch details you won’t notice from a bus. Three days is the optimal time to see the most important places, include new exhibitions and attractions, and still keep a pace that lets you taste the city and relax with coffee breaks.
In recent months Wawel has been enriched with several new routes and permanent exhibitions worth adding to your plan. That means that even a standard “Rynek and Wawel” visit can include spaces previously closed to visitors, let you go beneath the walls and learn the hill’s history from a completely different perspective. All this is doable on foot if you plan sensible breaks and start early to avoid the biggest crowds. It also leaves time to enjoy local cafés and the neighborhood atmosphere.
If you prefer, a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz can tailor the three-day route to your interests — history, photography, family-friendly options or culinary highlights — and help you skip queues and get the most from the new exhibitions.
New permanent routes let visitors explore underground spaces and fragments of Wawel’s older built fabric. One of the most notable new displays is called “Międzymurze. Wawel Underground” — an immersive route through the spaces between the fortress walls with archaeological finds and a sound-and-light experience.
A permanent exhibition titled “Wawel Town” has been arranged in the Small Bastion (Mała Baszta), presenting life on the hill before the 19th‑century transformations. Reconstructions and everyday objects help imagine the community that lived in the shadow of the castle.
The new routes include immersive and multimedia elements — short storytelling segments (including retellings of dragon legends) and modern presentation techniques. Some underground routes are several hundred metres long and take around 20–30 minutes to explore. Audio guides are available in some exhibitions and may be free or included in the ticket — check opening details before your visit.
Start the morning at the Main Market Square — the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and a stroll past the grand townhouses. For a relaxed morning vibe, have coffee and breakfast in one of the well-rated cafés at the square and watch the city wake up.
Walk toward Wawel through the Planty park at an easy pace. Plan your Wawel visit to include one of the new underground routes — it’s worth booking tickets in advance as the new sections draw special interest. For lunch nearby choose a restaurant serving Polish classics or a well-reviewed bistro; for a memorable meal try one of the long-standing Market Square restaurants.
In the afternoon visit “Międzymurze. Wawel Underground” and the Small Bastion’s “Wawel Town” exhibition to see the oldest fragments of the fortifications, archaeological discoveries and interiors that were once part of everyday life on the hill. In the evening pick a restaurant in Kazimierz or return to the Old Town for dinner.
Reserve a day for Kazimierz: synagogues and Jewish heritage sites, streets full of galleries, cafés and restaurants. Start with a walk to the main historical points, then get lost among the galleries and small museums.
Visit local galleries and changing exhibitions often staged in former factories or tenement houses; they regularly highlight contemporary art and local initiatives. In the afternoon take a riverside walk along the Vistula boulevards to rest from the city bustle and admire Wawel from a different angle.
For dinner choose one of Kazimierz’s best-loved restaurants — many places here combine authentic atmosphere with high-quality food and make for a perfect end to the day. If you want a lively evening, Kazimierz also has atmospheric bars and cellar venues serving regional beers or creative cocktails.
Plan a quieter third day: visit the National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe), the Toy Museum or other smaller institutions that frequently host interesting temporary exhibitions. In spring and summer the Renaissance Royal Gardens at Wawel host outdoor sculpture displays and seasonal art installations.
Spend the afternoon walking through Nowa Huta or resting in one of Kraków’s parks. If you travel with children, choose interactive museum attractions designed for young visitors. Finish the day with a relaxed dinner in a restaurant with a view or in one of the city’s top central eateries. You can ask your guide to suggest family-friendly or slower-paced options.
If you prefer specific recommendations for cafés and restaurants: in the Old Town many visitors like Szara on the Market Square for a special lunch; in Kazimierz, places such as Starka or cozy book‑cafés are popular evening choices. For morning coffee try a small local café and enjoy a pastry before setting off.
Book Wawel tickets, especially for special routes and new exhibitions, online in advance — spaces sell out quickly in the high season. Check opening hours of each exhibition before you go, as different parts of the castle may have separate entry times.
Dress comfortably — a moderately active day of walking and underground visits means cobbled streets and stairs. Kraków’s weather can be changeable, so layered clothing and a light jacket are a good idea. Underground routes are often cooler than the surface.
If you plan long walking days, spread attractions so you have time for breaks and coffee. We recommend starting early at the busiest sights and saving afternoons for smaller museums, riverside walks or relaxed neighbourhood exploration. If you like, a tailor-made plan with Małgorzata Kasprowicz will optimize walking distances and include scheduled breaks.
Dining: choose venues with good reviews and local recommendations. In the Old Town you’ll find restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine as well as modern bistros using local ingredients. For a special meal consider one of the long-standing Market Square restaurants.
Cafés and bars: for morning coffee pick a local café known for freshly roasted coffee and homemade pastries. In the evenings visit bars with cocktails or cellar venues serving regional beers — Kazimierz has many intimate places with distinctive atmospheres.
Accommodation: if you want a central location and comfort, consider well-rated boutique hotels near the Market Square or friendly guesthouses on quieter Old Town streets. Options range from elegant hotels to small aparthotels — choose according to your budget and whether you prefer lively central streets or a quieter side street.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — this is the most common mistake. It’s better to see fewer places well than to rush from one spot to another. Leave time for breaks and flexibility in your schedule.
Buying tickets last minute — especially for the new Wawel routes. Reserve in advance, particularly in high season and on weekends. This saves stress and lets you plan your day more efficiently.
Ignoring maps and logistics — although the center is compact, some attractions sit along the river or in more distant districts. Check walking distances between points and allow time for transfers. A well-planned route reduces backtracking and makes each day more enjoyable.
Archaeological research on Wawel has uncovered artifacts reaching far back in time — the new exhibitions present fragments of the hill’s history extending tens or even hundreds of thousands of years.
Not all parts of Wawel were open to visitors a few years ago — the opening of underground routes offers a unique chance to see the oldest fragments of the fortifications up close.
When strolling through the Royal Gardens, notice the dialogue between historical architecture and contemporary outdoor art installations. Seasonal exhibits show how old and new can create a complementary narrative.
Is 3 days enough to get to know Kraków well? Yes — three days lets you see the main sights, visit the new Wawel exhibitions and soak up the atmosphere of the main districts. If you want to visit many museums or the surrounding region, consider staying longer.
Are all the new Wawel exhibitions open year-round? The new permanent exhibitions are intended as permanent displays, but hours and access can vary seasonally. Some temporary exhibits run only for limited dates, so check the latest information before you travel.
Do I need to book a guide? A guide is not necessary, but a guided visit can enrich your experience with historical context and stories you won’t easily find on your own. For a personalized itinerary, a private guide like Małgorzata Kasprowicz can create a route tailored to your interests and help you make the most of new exhibitions.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better stay in Kraków. The best memories come when you combine sightseeing with moments of rest and a good cup of coffee.
If you want an exceptional, personalized visit with someone who knows the city inside out, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz. For bespoke tours, family-friendly options or a themed walk (history, photography, food), visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com to find contact details and booking information. We warmly invite you and wish you a wonderful stay in Kraków!
Safe walking tips: wear comfortable shoes, carry a small bottle of water, and if you plan to visit several museums in one day, check whether combined tickets or reduced offers are available.
