The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the easiest day-trip attractions from Kraków and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The underground chambers and salt sculptures fascinate all ages, and on hot days the mine’s cool air is especially pleasant for children.
Combining a visit to Wieliczka with a short walk around the Main Market Square and a stop at the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) creates a very satisfying family program. You can add Kraków’s film trail — an easy themed walk visiting places connected to films and filmmakers — for an educational and playful twist.
Wieliczka delivers a strong “wow” experience — underground chambers, St. Kinga’s Chapel, salt lakes and themed routes. The Sukiennice and the Main Market give a visual, cultural counterpoint: historic townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica and open space ideal for lighter family activities.
The film trail is an original addition: short walks to locations tied to Kraków’s film history and shooting locations add an educational and entertaining dimension, especially if you involve kids with simple tasks like “find the film location” or a quiz about movies shot in the city.
Morning: quick trip from Kraków to Wieliczka (the local train from Kraków Main Station to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes). Visit the Tourist Route in the mine — about 2–3 hours (book tickets in advance if possible).
Afternoon: return to Kraków, lunch on the Old Town, stroll around the Market Square and a visit to the Sukiennice (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art) — a shorter visit adapted to children’s energy levels.
Late afternoon/evening walk: a short section of the film trail — pick a few sites or stories from the Kraków Film Trail and adjust the walk to the children’s age.
Day 1: Wieliczka in the morning — visit the Tourist Route, have lunch near the mine (the miners’ tavern or a nearby bistro such as Bistro Posolone) and relax. Afternoon: a light walk around Wieliczka or return to Kraków for an evening stroll around the Market Square.
Day 2: Sukiennice and the Old Town in the morning (the Gallery in the Sukiennice usually opens from around 10:00; the museum is often closed on Mondays), afternoon: a film-trail walk (for example Krowodrza or Kazimierz) with short stops and games for children.
The Tourist Route is the classic program — St. Kinga’s Chapel, salt sculptures and underground lakes. Tours are guided and typically last about 2–3 hours, so plan realistic breaks and transport time.
Practical: it’s noticeably cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater for the children. Children under about 4 years often enter free of charge — check the rules when buying tickets. The Tourist Route starts at the Mikołaj Daniłowicz shaft, Daniłowicza 10.
Tickets: reserve in advance through the official booking system, especially in the high season — it saves time and stress.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice is an easy, family-friendly stop — the galleries welcome families and family tickets are usually available. The Sukiennice branch is often closed on Mondays; standard visiting hours are roughly 10:00–18:00 (Tuesday–Sunday).
The Main Market Square is also a great place for children to run in a safe, open space, hear the trumpet signal from St. Mary’s tower and enjoy hot chocolate in a cozy café. Avoid eating only at the most touristy stalls — choose well-reviewed places with local cuisine for better service and value.
The Kraków Film Trail is a walking and educational project: you don’t have to do it all — choose short sections suited to your children’s age. Consider a themed guided walk or go self-guided with a simple activity card: examples include spots tied to Krowodrza’s film history, shooting locations and places honoring cinemas and filmmakers.
For families: plan 1–2 short film stops (e.g., a family task: find the place where a famous film scene was shot), and finish with a visit to a small arthouse cinema or an outdoor screening if there’s an event during your stay. Check local event calendars before your visit for special film screenings or guided walks.
The fastest and most convenient way from central Kraków to Wieliczka is the train from Kraków Main Station to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia — the journey takes about 20–25 minutes. Alternatives are city bus 304 or driving (about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic).
In Kraków, walk around the Old Town or use trams for slightly longer distances; public transport is convenient for short trips. If you drive, remember about paid parking zones and limited spaces near the center.
On the Old Town, pick well-reviewed restaurants rather than the cheapest spots right on the Market Square. Recommended family-friendly places include Szara (Szara Gęś) or Wierzynek — established venues with comfortable service, suitable for a family lunch after sightseeing.
Near the mine there is the Karczma Górnicza and small bistros such as Bistro Posolone — convenient for a quick meal after the tour. If you plan to stay overnight in Wieliczka, choose hotels or guesthouses close to the mine; in Kraków, pick accommodation near the Market Square for convenience.
If you want to surprise the children, look for family rooms or hotels offering family packages — some properties include themed rooms or extra activities for kids.
Mistake: arriving without reserved tickets for Wieliczka in high season. How to avoid: buy tickets online in advance and check available time slots.
Mistake: trying to do everything in one day without breaks. How to avoid: plan realistically — include transport time, meal breaks and short play stops for children.
Mistake: eating only at the first place you find on the Market Square. How to avoid: look for places with good reviews — good service and quality food save time and nerves.
Are children under 4 free at Wieliczka? Usually, very young children enter free, but always confirm when buying tickets online.
Are the Sukiennice open every day? The Gallery in the Sukiennice is usually closed on Mondays; typical hours are about 10:00–18:00 (Tuesday–Sunday).
Is the train from Kraków to Wieliczka the best option? Yes — it’s a quick and comfortable choice: about 20–25 minutes from Kraków Main Station and the Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is very close to the mine entrance.
Overnight underground: some offers in Wieliczka include unique overnight experiences in subterranean spaces — an unforgettable adventure for older children and teens.
Combine the visit with workshops: in season the mine and some Kraków cultural institutions run educational programs and workshops for children, which add value to the trip.
A trip combining Wieliczka, the Sukiennice and the Kraków film trail balances a big ‘wow’ (the mine) with relaxed city strolls (Market Square, Sukiennice, film locations). It’s a flexible program that’s easy to adapt to the ages of your children.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media to help them plan a visit to Kraków. If you prefer to tour with a professional private guide, I recommend Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website.
Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Kraków and Wieliczka!
