If this is your first time in Krakow and you want to see “the essentials” in a reasonable amount of time — this guide is for you. I have prepared a tested “best route” that covers the classic Royal Route and offers extra variants (Kazimierz, Podgórze, the Planty, Nowa Huta) for visitors who have more time or are interested in a specific theme.
The article includes: - a description of the main route with stops - alternative and themed routes - sample 1-, 2- and 3-day plans - practical tips on tickets, timing and accessibility - food suggestions and logistical information.
In practice, the “best route” is a compromise: the largest number of key sights within a reasonable walking time. In Krakow this role is served by the historic Royal Route (Trakt Królewski, Via Regia) linking Matejko Square with Wawel Hill and passing through St. Florian’s Gate, the Main Market Square, Grodzka Street and Kanonicza Street.
Walking the Royal Route lets you see the main points in the city center without long transfers, and you can adapt the route to the time and interests available (for example entering Wawel Cathedral, visiting the Market Underground, or seeing the Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum).
Start point: Matejko Square (Kleparz). The route goes: Matejko Square - the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate - Floriańska Street - Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall) - Grodzka Street - Kanonicza Street - Wawel Hill (Castle and Cathedral).
Estimated time: - Walk only (no interior visits): 2–2.5 hours. - Version with entries to major sites (e.g. Cathedral, State Rooms, Market Underground): 4–6 hours or a full day, depending on queues and the number of attractions.
On the route it’s worth planning short stops: - at the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate: a brief look at medieval fortifications and the city walls; - on Floriańska: Matejko’s House and the historic art-café Jama Michalika; - on the Market: St. Mary’s Basilica (parts of the altarpiece by Veit Stoss), the Cloth Hall; - on Kanonicza: historic townhouses and a moment of calm near the Cathedral; - on Wawel: courtyards, the Cathedral, royal crypts (some exhibitions are paid).
Matejko Square and the Barbican (15–30 min) - a good orientation point to start. At the Barbican you can talk briefly about medieval fortifications and the visible fragments of the city walls.
Floriańska Street (15–25 min) - a walk for architecture lovers: Matejko’s House, the Jama Michalika café, and historic townhouses.
Main Market Square (45–90 min) - the city center: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (interior visit approx. 20–40 min, depending on queues), the Town Hall Tower, plus time for a break and people-watching.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets (20–40 min) - lead to Wawel and pass churches and historic residences of canons. Kanonicza is one of the prettiest, quietest streets on the route.
Wawel Hill (45–120 min) - the castle courtyards can be seen quickly, but if you plan to enter the Cathedral, crypts or State Rooms, reserve extra time and check ticket requirements. Don’t forget the Wawel Dragon on the southern slope of the hill.
Kazimierz is the second must-see area — the historic Jewish district with synagogues, a cemetery, atmospheric streets and many cafés. It works great for an afternoon stroll after the Market or as a separate visit.
Time: 1.5–3 h. What to see: Plac Nowy (famous stalls and zapiekanki), synagogues (e.g. the Old Synagogue), the Remuh cemetery and the Jewish History Museum. Kazimierz blends history with contemporary culture and a lively food scene.
Podgórze (on the other side of the Vistula) is closely linked with WWII history: Ghetto Heroes Square, the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum, several memorial sites and a good view of Wawel from the river side.
Time: 1–2.5 h. Podgórze pairs well with Kazimierz — by walking across the bridge or a short ride. Plan a visit to the Oskar Schindler Factory if you are interested in 20th-century history.
Culinary route - combine the Market, Kazimierz and Stradom to taste local specialties: obwarzanki (bagel-like pretzels), pierogi, grilled sausages, and in season local markets and regional stalls.
Sacred sites and saints - Wawel, St. Florian’s Church, Skałka, the churches on Grodzka and Kanonicza — for those interested in religious history and pilgrimages.
Family route - short walks, legends (the Wawel Dragon), interactive museums and ice cream breaks. Choose shorter segments and places with attractions for children.
Night route - the Market and surroundings are beautifully lit after dark. Watch for crowds in summer; evening walks give a completely different view of the city.
08:30 - 09:00: Start at Matejko Square, quick route overview and entry by St. Florian’s Gate.
09:00 - 11:00: Walk along Floriańska and the Main Market Square; enter St. Mary’s Basilica (if you want to go inside, allow time for the line).
11:00 - 13:00: Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets, reach Wawel; visit the courtyard and a short stop in the Cathedral (optionally the crypt).
13:00 - 14:00: Lunch near the Market or a break in Kazimierz after crossing the bridge.
14:00 - 17:00: Kazimierz — walk among synagogues, Plac Nowy, cafés; optionally Podgórze and the Oskar Schindler Factory.
Day 1: Royal Route with visits to the Basilica and Cathedral, evening on the Market with time for dinner and watching the trumpeter’s call (hejnał) if timing allows.
Day 2: Morning in Kazimierz and Podgórze (Schindler’s Factory), afternoon: the Planty and the area around the National Museum or a walk along the Vistula. You can add a half-day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine if you prefer a short excursion outside the city.
Day 1: Royal Route with entries to the main sites and an afternoon relaxing in Kazimierz.
Day 2: Deeper museum visits (National Museum, Czartoryski Museum/select exhibitions), the Planty, and booking State Rooms at Wawel if you are interested in art history.
Day 3: A themed trip (Nowa Huta or Wieliczka), or a culinary day exploring local markets, cooking workshops or a short bike trip along the Vistula.
Some attractions (Wawel State Rooms, crypts, Market Underground, selected museums) require tickets. If possible, buy tickets online to save time queuing.
Best time for a walk: early morning (around 8:00–10:00) or late afternoon — crowds are usually smaller then. Expect larger numbers of tourists in the high season (spring–September).
Accessibility: the city center is largely walkable, but some historic streets have cobblestones and uneven surfaces. For visitors with limited mobility plan shorter distances and check accessibility of entrances in advance.
In the center most sights are within walking distance: from the Barbican to Wawel you can reach in under an hour at an easy walking pace including photo stops. Typical sightseeing with short entries is about 3–5 km per day if you walk around the Old Town with breaks.
Public transport (trams and buses) is useful if you want to get to farther areas (Nowa Huta, Zakrzówek) or move quickly between Kazimierz and the city center. Taxis and ride apps help when you have luggage.
The Market and Kazimierz areas are full of restaurants and cafés — from elegant dining rooms to budget-friendly food trucks and local bars. For a quick bite at Plac Nowy try a zapiekanka stall; for a longer meal consider restaurants near Kanonicza or around Wawel. Popular historic cafés include Jama Michalika and Café Noworolski; for traditional Polish food try Wierzynek or Pod Wawelem (check opening hours and book at peak times).
Plan short breaks every 60–90 minutes — the center has many cafés, benches in the Planty and public restrooms at major attractions.
Krakow is a tourist-friendly city — use normal precautions: watch your belongings in crowded places and be aware of pickpockets in busy areas, especially on the Market and in public transport.
At places of worship (churches, synagogues) dress modestly and keep quiet; some interiors prohibit photography or have restrictions during services.
If you plan to enter Wawel State Rooms, visit the Market Underground or popular museum exhibitions, buy timed tickets online. Reservations are especially recommended for weekends and high season.
Workshops (for example culinary classes) and some guided activities have limited places — booking ahead secures your spot and saves time.
- To avoid crowds on the Market, visit after dusk or very early in the morning. - Bring comfortable shoes — the center has a lot of cobblestones. - Allow time for small detours off the main route: side streets often hide atmospheric cafés and artisan workshops. - Check current opening hours of museums and churches before your trip — schedules may change seasonally.
If you have one day: focus on the Royal Route + a short visit to Kazimierz. If you have two days: add Podgórze and one museum. If you have three days: take a trip outside the city (Wieliczka) or dive deeper into museums and exhibitions.
The main route (Royal Route) is the heart of sightseeing — it gives a quick and sensible overview of Krakow’s most important places. Personalize it by interest and pace: historic, culinary, family-oriented or thematic (art, religion, modern history).
Enjoy your visit — Krakow reveals most of itself when you pair a plan with moments for spontaneous discovery.
Tickets and passes - many museums offer timed tickets; check museum or attraction websites for the best option. A few attractions have combined tickets or reduced-price offers for students and seniors.
Cash and cards - most places accept cards, but small stalls (for example at Plac Nowy) and some souvenir sellers may prefer cash. There are plenty of ATMs around the Old Town.
Public restrooms - available near major squares and in larger museums; cafés are also a convenient option if you make a small purchase.
Language - English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though learning a few Polish phrases like 'dzień dobry' (good day) and 'dziękuję' (thank you) is appreciated by locals.
Weather and clothing - Krakow’s weather can change quickly in shoulder seasons; dress in layers and bring an umbrella in spring and autumn.
