Kraków is a city that blends medieval monuments, cosy cafés and lively neighbourhoods. For older visitors, three days is a great amount of time to see the most important places at a pace that allows for rest, a tasty meal and short naps between attractions. This guide will help you plan a route focused on comfort, accessibility and pleasant surprises.
1) Wawel Hill: the Castle and the Cathedral — the heart of Polish history.
2) Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — views, cafés and the bugle call from St. Mary’s Tower.
3) St. Mary’s Church — the famous Veit Stoss altarpiece (worth visiting inside).
4) Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter with atmospheric streets and great food.
5) Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory — important 20th-century sites and modern exhibitions.
6) Wieliczka Salt Mine — a classic trip outside the city (check accessibility conditions beforehand).
7) MOCAK and other contemporary art museums — if you enjoy modern exhibitions.
8) Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden or other green spaces — ideal for a slower walk and rest.
9) Vistula Boulevards and the Planty — pleasant walking routes with benches and views of the river.
10) Local cafés and good restaurants — coffee and lunch breaks are an essential part of a successful sightseeing trip.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel. Start the morning with a walk around the Main Market Square, take in the Cloth Hall, climb St. Mary’s Tower or at least listen to the bugle call, then head to Wawel at a relaxed pace. Book tickets for the royal chambers in advance to avoid long queues.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Podgórze. Spend the morning wandering the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, visit synagogues and stop for coffee. In the afternoon cross the river to Podgórze, where you’ll find the Schindler’s Factory Museum and sites related to the former ghetto. This day combines history and local flavours.
Day 3: choose between rest and an excursion. For the more active: a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. For a quieter day: visit the Botanical Garden, stroll along the Vistula Boulevards and spend the afternoon in one of the city’s best cafés.
It’s worth starting early, while the city is still calm and it’s easier to find free seats in cafés. On Wawel Hill look out for benches and rest areas, and check whether the exhibitions you want to see require advance booking.
Wawel Cathedral and the castle chambers are highlights, but remember that some routes involve standing or climbing stairs. If mobility is limited, plan shorter visits or check accessibility options in advance.
On the Main Market Square you’ll find plenty of benches, outdoor cafés and public toilets nearby. I recommend a mid-morning coffee break when cafés serve breakfasts and cakes.
Kazimierz is best explored slowly: peek into small galleries and settle for a longer coffee break in one of the charming cafés. On Plac Nowy you can try the famous zapiekanki (Polish open-faced toasts), and the side streets hide cosy spots for lunch.
In Podgórze be sure to visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum and the nearby memorial sites. Both districts offer many dining options; I suggest choosing restaurants with good reviews and booking a table during the high season.
Some well-known addresses with a solid reputation include Café Camelot (a cosy spot in the centre), Charlotte (fresh bread and breakfasts), Wierzynek (historic interiors) and Pod Wawelem (generous traditional portions). During the season, reservations can be helpful.
A visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a classic and truly unique experience, but remember the tourist route includes many stairs and long walking sections. If mobility is a concern, check accessibility options with the mine’s office or choose a surface alternative.
Alternatively, remain in Kraków: the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is a perfect place for a calm stroll, and the Vistula Boulevards invite you to an easy walk with nice views. In the evening consider a gentle river cruise on the Vistula or dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.
Buy tickets in advance where possible. In high season queues for popular attractions can be long, and online reservations help avoid standing in the heat.
Kraków has a good tram and bus network; timetables and ticket machines are available in city apps. For more comfort, consider taxis or ride services that can be ordered by phone or through an app.
Check accessibility before you travel: some museums and sites offer facilities for visitors with limited mobility, others require stair climbing. Carry an ID that proves eligibility for discounts (for example senior 60+), as many institutions offer reduced prices for older visitors.
1) An overly ambitious daily plan. Too many sights without breaks leads to fatigue. It’s better to see fewer places and enjoy them, with time for coffee.
2) Not booking in the high season. The most popular museums and restaurants can be full — book ahead.
3) Ignoring basic preparation (water, comfortable shoes, a hat). Even a short walk on cobblestones can be tiring, so prioritise comfort.
4) Not checking opening hours. In summer some attractions have extended hours, others close on specific weekdays — check in advance.
Do seniors get discounts at museums? Yes, many museums offer discounts for older visitors; it’s always worth carrying an ID that confirms your age.
Is it easy to find public toilets and places to rest in Kraków? Yes, the centre is well equipped with benches and public toilets, and cafés and restaurants near the main attractions are convenient spots to rest.
Is public transport accessible for people with limited mobility? Most trams and buses have low floors, but check specific lines and stops. If needed, taxis or door-to-door transport can be a comfortable option.
Is it worth buying a tourist card? A city card can pay off if you plan intensive sightseeing, but for a relaxed three-day visit individual reservations for selected attractions are often better.
The Planty is a green belt surrounding the Old Town where the city’s medieval walls once stood — today it’s a pleasant tree-lined walk with benches.
Try local seasonal treats and visit markets or smaller cafés — you often find the best baked goods and real local atmosphere in these places.
In season, many institutions run special programmes for seniors, workshops and free-entry days — it’s worth checking current city offers.
A trip to Kraków can be a beautiful experience if you plan it with pace, rest and favourite sights in mind. Choose a couple of ‘must-see’ places and leave room for whatever appeals most that day — a coffee in a cosy café, an outdoor concert or a peaceful walk along the boulevards.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with someone who will tailor the pace and programme to your needs, you can contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for personalised tours.
