Yes — and very easily. Kraków is a city where history, architecture and everyday life mix on the streets, in parks and markets. For students and Erasmus participants, short walks, atmospheric neighborhoods and places where you can soak up the city’s vibe without queueing for museums work perfectly. This guide gives routes and ideas for days full of discoveries, good coffee and local food — all at a student pace and on a student budget. You can still enjoy the city even if you skip indoor exhibitions. (If you prefer museums, save them for colder or rainy days.)
In this guide you’ll find ideas for 1-, 3- and full-day routes, recommended cafés and bars, parks and viewpoints and a practical FAQ — everything to help you make the most of your time in Kraków.
Short option: Old Town + Planty. A walk around the Planty is a fast introduction to the heart of Kraków: Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — without entering museums you can absorb the architecture and watch city life. I recommend starting in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Alternative route: Kazimierz in a nutshell. Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the side streets off Józefa capture the essence of Kazimierz — street art, small galleries, bars and the famous zapiekanki on Plac Nowy. For students it’s an ideal short walk and a place for an inexpensive meal.
If you prefer green space: the Vistula boulevards and Piłsudski Bridge. A walk along the river is relaxing and offers nice views; it’s free and available any time. Perfect for a picnic or a study break with a book.
Mounds and viewpoints. Kopiec Krakusa (in Podgórze), Kopiec Kościuszki — these mounds offer great panoramas of the city and are a fine museum-free alternative. A hike takes half a day and combines exercise with unexpected perspectives over Kraków.
Zakrzówek and the surroundings — for nature lovers. The former quarry with its turquoise water is impressive; check path access and safe descents as the terrain has changed over recent years. It’s a great spot for a summer afternoon and photos.
Legend trails and Wawel from the outside. Even without entering the castle, a walk around Wawel, admiring the cathedral from the outside, going down to the river and visiting the Wawel Dragon sculpture creates a cultural story you can learn on foot.
Student-friendly cafés. Massolit Books & Café and Cheder Café are often recommended by students: comfortable, with good coffee and places to work on a laptop. They have a friendly atmosphere and often offer sockets and Wi‑Fi.
Quick and cheap meals: Plac Nowy and food trucks. On Plac Nowy you’ll find classic zapiekanki and a variety of street foods — fast, cheap and perfect between classes. For burger fans, places like Skate Burger or Warsztat are often chosen for taste and price.
Places for the evening. If you want to dine at a well-rated spot — choose restaurants and bars with many positive reviews. In Kazimierz you’ll find Middle Eastern, Italian and Polish cuisine; Hamsa on Szeroka is an example of a spot popular for its atmosphere and mezze menu.
Garden of Experiences and green workshops. Interactive parks such as the Garden of Experiences are a great option for a day out with friends — learning through play without visiting traditional museums.
Independent galleries and street art. Many interesting exhibitions happen in small spaces and galleries in Kazimierz, on Józefa Street or in Nowa Huta. These are good places to discover local artists and avoid typical tourist routes.
Venues with a surprise — bars with live music and cafés with mini-workshops. Look for local events — cafés often host literary evenings, acoustic concerts or workshops that let you experience the city from the inside.
Assuming ‘Tuesday = emptier’. Some institutions have free entry days that actually draw crowds then. It’s better to pick early hours on weekdays or weekday afternoons outside weekend peaks.
Forgetting a student ID. If you plan to use student or youth discounts, always carry a valid document proving your student status — without it local discounts won’t be granted.
Disrespect at places of memory. Synagogues, cemeteries and other sites of remembrance require silence and respect; try to dress and behave appropriately. Men may be asked to cover their heads in certain places.
How to get around? Kraków is compact and many attractions are within walking distance. Trams and buses connect further points like Kopiec Kościuszki or Zakrzówek — buy a city ticket at machines or via mobile apps.
Do students get discounts? Yes — many places offer student and youth reductions, but a document (student card or other proof) is required. Discounts commonly apply to attraction tickets and some food venues.
Safety and practical tips. Kraków is generally safe, but as in any tourist city watch your belongings in crowded places. Check opening hours and note seasonal changes in site availability (for example swimming areas or some paths near Zakrzówek).
Plan short routes between classes — focus on one neighborhood at a time instead of trying to see the whole city in a day. That way you’ll see more and lose less time traveling.
Working with a laptop? Choose cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi and sockets. Some cafés offer student discounts or promotional daytime menus.
Groups of friends = group bookings. If you want to reserve a table at a popular spot for the evening, book early, especially on weekends. For larger groups ask about group menus or discounts.
If this text was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other Erasmus students and university visitors find the best places in Kraków faster.
If you want a personalized route, a private guided walk in Kraków or a route tailored to a student group — consider hiring private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Enjoy discovering Kraków — have fun and show respect for places of memory!
