Yes — and you don't have to give up what makes Krakow special: its history, the atmosphere of the Old Town, green spaces and nightlife. This guide is written for students and Erasmus participants — it lists 15 tried-and-true free ideas for a weekend plus practical tips to help you make the most of your time in the city without big expenses. It's written in a friendly, practical style with an emphasis on what really works for young, mobile visitors.
When planning a weekend, combine a classic stroll around the Main Market Square with a quick visit to the parks, a stop on the Vistula Boulevards and a climb up a mound — that way you'll see different sides of the city without spending money on tickets. Below you'll find 15 free attractions and activities and useful tips.
1. Walk around the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall — the heart of the city, full of atmosphere, street musicians and a spectacular view of St. Mary's Basilica (entrance to a side nave is free).
2. Planty Park — a short walk around the Old Town: perfect for a break between classes, selfies and people-watching.
3. Vistula Boulevards — relax by the river, have a picnic with friends and enjoy the sunset with a view of Wawel Castle.
4. Wawel Castle courtyard and the area around the cathedral — exploring the exterior is free; the panorama and the Wawel Dragon legend leave a strong impression.
5. Krakus Mound (Kopiec Kraka) — a free viewpoint offering a different angle on the city; great for a quick walk and photos.
6. Błonia meadow and Jordan Park — wide open spaces for rest, sports and picnics; many local outdoor events take place here.
7. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — there are sometimes free-entry days in season, and a walk among plants is a peaceful escape from the bustle.
8. Museums and galleries on free days — many institutions offer free admission on certain weekdays (for example some branches of the National Museum, MOCAK and parts of the Historical Museum). Check current free days before you go.
9. Walk around Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter full of atmospheric streets, murals and cafés; exploring on foot is free.
10. Hunt for street art in Zabłocie — colorful murals and an alternative vibe near MOCAK.
11. Rynek Underground (exterior and surroundings) — even just walking around, admiring the architecture and fountains is rewarding; sometimes there are free-entry events.
12. Attend free outdoor events and festivals — follow local event calendars: many concerts and shows are held free of charge.
13. Watch the Wawel Dragon — the dragon statue near the Dragon’s Den breathes fire — a short, free attraction that delights friends and younger visitors.
14. An evening stroll through Kazimierz or the Old Town — enjoy night lighting, live music at café tables and affordable street-food options without needing to enter pricey venues.
15. Join student events and local meetups — universities and student organizations often run free lectures, film screenings and social events — a great way to meet people and explore the city.
Friday evening: a short walk in Kazimierz, dinner at a reasonably priced eatery and meeting other students.
Saturday morning: Main Market Square, Planty Park and Wawel courtyard; afternoon on the Vistula Boulevards or Krakus Mound; evening at an outdoor event or concert.
Sunday morning: visit the botanical garden or a museum on a free day (check which institutions have free entry that day); later stroll through Zabłocie and search for murals.
A typical weekend can easily include some downtime, one paid attraction if you feel like it, and local food at student-friendly prices.
Milk bars — a classic of budget Polish food: cheap, filling meals often made from home-style recipes. Great when you want local food without overspending.
Cafés and bookshops with coffee — student-friendly places: Massolit Books & Cafe is well known among English-speaking students and is a good spot to work, read or meet friends over coffee.
Top-rated places — if you decide to eat at a restaurant, choose those with good reviews and a reputation for value; check recommendations before you go.
Street food and small bistros — pierogi, zapiekanki around Piaski or kebabs in the centre can be tasty and economical. For food lovers, check local rankings and reviews before heading out.
Walking is the best way to explore the centre at the weekend — many attractions are close to each other.
Public transport (trams and buses) works well; buy short-term tickets in apps or machines. Students often have discounts or special fares — check local concessions.
City bikes and electric scooters are available and convenient for short trips — compare prices before using them so you don’t overpay.
Krakow is not just the Main Market — more and more interesting murals and street art are appearing in Zabłocie, which is becoming an alternative cultural hub.
The Wawel Dragon is an attraction that 'breathes' fire — children and adults line up to see this little open-air spectacle.
Many museum institutions have designated free-entry days for residents and visitors; it’s a great chance to see popular exhibitions without a ticket. Remember that schedules can change, so always check the day before you go.
Buying souvenirs only in the Market Square — prices there can be inflated. Look for local markets and shops away from the most touristy streets.
Eating in the first restaurant you find on the Market Square — many places right around the square have higher prices for similar quality. Check reviews and choose places recommended by locals or students.
Not checking free-entry days — sometimes people travel specially for a 'free day' only to find opening hours or rules have changed. Always verify official information on the institution’s site before you leave.
Join student groups at your university — the university and Erasmus organizations have the freshest info about events and free parties.
Bring your student ID (or ISIC card) — it often entitles you to discounts in museums, cinemas and shops.
Have a plan B for the weekend: if the weather turns, pick a museum with a free day or a cozy café to spend a few hours.
Are many places really free? Yes — you can see a lot in Krakow without spending money: parks, boulevards, many monuments from the outside and museums on designated free days.
Can you see Wawel for free? The Wawel courtyard and the cathedral grounds are freely accessible; the royal chambers and some exhibitions are paid. Check opening days and times.
How to avoid crowds? Get up early — the nicest walks around the Market Square are just after sunrise. In the afternoon, popular spots are usually busiest.
Krakow is generally safe, but as in any tourist city use basic caution: watch your belongings in crowded places and avoid dark, deserted streets at night.
Respect public spaces — cleaning up after a picnic is good practice and locals appreciate it. Also pay attention to signs in green areas and at outdoor events.
Massolit Books & Cafe — popular with students and international guests; combines good coffee with a space for work and conversation.
Cafés near Planty and in Kazimierz — many offer good coffee and a student-friendly atmosphere. Choose places with strong reviews and positive feedback.
A milk bar — try traditional Polish dishes without spending a lot; it's also part of Polish culinary culture.
If you want to learn Krakow more deeply (local stories, less obvious places, anecdotes), consider a short tour with a private guide. It's a cost, but a good guide will show you shortcuts, tell stories and help you avoid common mistakes. If you prefer a personal, knowledgeable guide, consider a private guide Małgorzata (Margaret) Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website.
A guide is especially useful when your time is limited and you want to squeeze the most out of a weekend.
Krakow offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a great weekend without spending a lot — a few planned walks, visits to parks, taking advantage of museum free days and dipping into local life are enough.
If this guide helped you, share it with your Erasmus friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore the city with someone who knows it inside out, consider contacting private guide Małgorzata (Margaret) Kasprowicz. Good luck and enjoy your stay in Krakow!
