Krakow is a city that’s easy to fall in love with — compact and walkable, so even a short stroll can be full of impressions. On a classic “must-see” list: the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Hill with the Cathedral, the Kazimierz district (the old Jewish quarter) and Podgórze with its memorial sites and industrial atmosphere. If you have more time, add Nowa Huta, Kościuszko Mound, Zakrzówek, or a day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine or Zakopane.
If this is your first visit, begin at the Main Market Square and follow the Royal Road — it’s the quickest way to learn the city layout and reach most major sites on foot.
Remember that you can’t see everything in one day — it’s better to pick 2–3 priorities and enjoy them calmly than to rush through a checklist and remember little.
1 day (quick intro): morning on Wawel — visit the hill and the cathedral briefly, walk the Royal Road via Kanonicza Street to the Market Square, have lunch near the Square, spend the afternoon in Kazimierz — visit Plac Nowy and some synagogues. In the evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and a riverside walk along the Vistula.
2 days (comfortable): day one: Old Town and Wawel; day two: a full day in Kazimierz, the Schindler’s Factory (Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory) and Podgórze. If you like contemporary art, add an afternoon at MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art).
3 days (deeper immersion): add a visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine or a one-day trip to Zakopane. Or reserve an afternoon to discover less-known corners — charming courtyards, small themed museums or atmospheric cafes.
Buy tickets for popular attractions online and in advance when possible — this applies to some Wawel exhibitions, the Market Underground, and several museums. It helps you avoid long queues, especially in the high season (spring–September).
Best times to visit are early morning (about 8:00–10:00) or late afternoon. Between 11:00 and 15:00 the Market Square and major sites are usually the busiest.
If you plan guided visits inside historic interiors, check booking rules and group limits — some tours and routes require reservations several days ahead.
Krakow’s center is very pedestrian-friendly — many attractions are close to each other. A full, brisk day of sightseeing with short breaks is usually 3–5 km of walking. From the Barbican to Wawel you can walk in under an hour.
Trams and buses are convenient for reaching more distant spots (Nowa Huta, Kościuszko Mound, Zakrzówek). Buy tickets via mobile apps, at kiosks or at machines at stops. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are helpful when you have luggage.
If you travel with limited mobility, plan carefully — some historic streets are cobbled and uneven, and entrances to certain historic interiors are reached by stairs.
Krakow’s food scene is huge — from budget-friendly eateries and milk bars to elegant restaurants. For traditional Polish cuisine in a pleasant setting, consider well-regarded spots near the Market Square and in Kazimierz.
For lovers of local tradition try long-standing places with a strong local identity; for modern or seasonal dishes choose restaurants recommended by local culinary guides and review sites. A few names locals and visitors often enjoy: Camelot Café (near the Market Square) and the literary-style Nowa Prowincja for a relaxed coffee or hot chocolate. For traditional milk-bar experiences look for places serving pierogi and classic Polish mains.
For a quick, inexpensive meal, many well-rated kebab spots, pierogi stands and places with vegan options are scattered through the center — they’re great when you want to eat well without spending a lot.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider a hotel by the Main Market Square — very convenient if you plan to do a lot of walking. Townhouse hotels in historic buildings offer a special atmosphere and often include breakfast steps away from attractions.
If you prefer a quieter base, look at Kazimierz or Krowodrza — closer to local life and still well connected. Book accommodation in advance, especially during the season and on weekends, because the best rooms fill up fast.
If you arrive by car, check parking availability — the center has limited spaces and paid parking zones operate in many areas.
Krakow is full of small surprises: hidden courtyards and old townhouse stories, coffee-house rituals and street signs with interesting plaques. Many streets have their own tales, and a good guide can bring the most memorable ones to life.
If you love contemporary art, explore offbeat galleries in former industrial districts — a lot happens there beyond the official routes. Also visit smaller themed museums that tell stories about local heroes and curiosities.
For views: evening panoramas from Kościuszko Mound or from selected spots on Wawel can be truly unforgettable.
Souvenir shops and restaurants right on the Market Square can be pricier — compare prices and don’t buy on impulse. Small local shops outside the main drag often give better value.
Don’t postpone buying tickets for attractions — sold-out slots can ruin your day. Reserve online where possible.
An overly ambitious day with no breaks is a frequent mistake — plan coffee or rest stops and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Krakow tastes better when you slow down.
Is it worth seeing Krakow with a guide? Yes — a guide will show you places you won’t find in printed guides, share local anecdotes and adjust the pace to the group. This is especially valuable on a first visit.
Is Krakow safe for tourists? Generally yes — the city is welcoming. As everywhere, watch out for petty theft in crowded places and keep an eye on your belongings in the Market Square and on public transport.
Can I pay by card everywhere? More and more places accept cards, but small kiosks and stalls sometimes prefer cash — it’s useful to have a small amount of local currency (Polish złoty, PLN) on hand.
Only have 2–3 hours? Focus on the Main Market Square, a short walk down Floriańska Street and a stretch of the Royal Road — you’ll see the key monuments and feel the city’s atmosphere.
If you want a good meal after sightseeing, choose a restaurant with strong local reviews and good recent user feedback. Avoid the first place you see right next to the most visited attractions if you’re after authentic cuisine.
Share your impressions — Krakow is a city to discover on foot. Allow time to wander without a map; some of the best discoveries happen when you take a side street.
If you’d like someone to plan a comfortable route for you, match visiting times to museum openings and advise what to see depending on weather and preferences — I recommend using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Małgorzata leads tours of Krakow, suggests the best routes and times, and can help with reservations. Contact: tel +48 501 962 037, email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, website zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata is a well-known local guide with a broad audience and extensive experience working with visitors.
If you wish, Małgorzata can tailor routes for families, topic-based walks (legends, Jewish culture, art), or day trips to Zakopane or Wieliczka.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their visit to Krakow.
Wishing you a great stay and many pleasant discoveries — Krakow has so many layers that even after several visits there’s always something new to see.
