Krakow is a city that can be both gentle and full of attractions for seniors — many of them are free or very inexpensive. With sensible planning, 100 PLN per day is enough for comfortable sightseeing, a good meal and a coffee if you choose places and times wisely. This text shows what’s worth seeing during the May holiday, how to save money and what to pay attention to so the day is safe and enjoyable.
I suggest practical routes, places ideal for resting, a few well-reviewed cafés and a simple plan that works both for people living near the Market and for those arriving by train or bus. At the end you’ll find an FAQ and a few tips that most often save the day during May holiday walks.
Basic rules: choose walks and parks, take advantage of city events and free exhibitions, eat where locals eat (for example market stalls, milk bars, zapiekanki) and buy tickets for paid museums in advance only if you really plan to go in. That way it’s easy to keep the day’s cost below 100 PLN.
A good plan is to start with breakfast at a pleasant café, take a longer walk (Planty, Kazimierz, the Vistula boulevards or Kościuszko Mound) and plan one paid entrance — a museum, a Vistula boat trip or a special exhibition. The second part of the day can be a light lunch out and an afternoon event or concert — during the May holiday the city often organizes many free performances and activities aimed at seniors.
Budget tip: public transport tickets bought in the app or in ticket machines are often the cheapest option for short trips; also check whether there are special concessions or free shuttle options for seniors during events. If walking is difficult, plan shorter routes and more frequent breaks — comfort saves nerves and energy.
1. A walk around the Planty and the Main Market Square – the city’s heart is freely accessible, with benches, cafés and easy walking routes. It’s the best way to feel Krakow’s atmosphere without spending money.
2. Wawel Hill – strolling the castle courtyards and looking at the Vistula is a classic that can be combined with a short visit to the Dragon’s Den or admiring the outer parts of the castle. Many places on the hill can be seen from outside without a ticket.
3. Kazimierz at a relaxed pace – the former Jewish district offers atmospheric cafés, galleries and gentle walking routes. Simply wandering its streets is a cultural experience that doesn’t require large expenses.
4. Vistula Boulevards and the Bernatek Footbridge – a pleasant place to rest by the water, with benches and an easy route. Great for early afternoon or sunset.
5. Kościuszko Mound – a moderate walk and beautiful city views. It’s a great option for those who enjoy panoramas; the climb can be broken into stages with many resting spots.
6. Botanic Garden and city parks – relaxation among greenery, flowers and quiet. The Botanic Garden often charges a small fee, but walking around Park Jordana or the Planty is free.
7. Museums and exhibitions with the option of a single paid entrance – pick one place that interests you most (for example a small local show, MOCAK or the Market Underground) and spend time there. Many museums offer discounts and reduced-price tickets — always ask at the ticket desk.
8. Pietruszka Market and local markets – seasonal markets often appear for the May holiday, where you can taste local treats and buy fresh products at reasonable prices. Markets are also a great place for an inexpensive light meal.
9. Podgórze and Bernatek Footbridge walk – less touristy but full of local life and interesting cafés; ideal for a calm afternoon walk and a coffee break.
10. Taking part in city events for seniors – during the May holiday there are concerts, open-air classes and events aimed at seniors. Many are free and organized especially with older visitors in mind.
To keep to a budget, choose local stalls and zapiekanki on Plac Nowy for a quick, tasty and cheap meal. It’s a Krakow classic — filling, tasty and usually affordable.
For coffee or dessert, try cafés near the Market and in Kazimierz that offer comfortable places to rest before the next walk. Choose spots with good reviews and a short menu to pay less while enjoying quality. If you want to eat a well-reviewed meal, reserve a table in advance — the May holiday can be busy.
For traditional Polish cuisine at low prices, consider milk bars (bar mleczny) and places serving homemade lunch plates. They’re a great way to eat well and cheaply while feeling the local atmosphere.
Check opening hours in advance — during long weekends some institutions and cafés change their schedules. It’s worth calling or checking a place’s information before heading out to avoid finding closed doors.
Pay attention to parking rules during the May holiday — special restrictions or fees may apply. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to use public transport or a taxi rather than searching for parking for a long time.
Avoid the busiest hours at Wawel and the Market (late morning and early afternoon). It’s nicest to start early or choose late afternoon for a walk — there’s less crowding and more space to rest.
Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket — spring weather can be changeable. When planning a route, include places to sit and coffee breaks, because those determine how much you enjoy your sightseeing.
The city organizes cyclical events and festivals in parks and on the Market, often with free access to concerts and shows. During the May holiday it’s worth watching local announcements — you can find pleasant surprises without spending money.
Senior Activity Centres in Krakow offer workshops and meetings that are sometimes open to visitors — a great chance to learn about local initiatives and join free activities. Even a short visit can add a special dimension to the day.
If you have mobility limitations, many parks and popular routes have gentle approaches and places to rest. Plan your route to maximize views and minimize steep climbs.
Do seniors have special discounts? Many cultural institutions offer reduced tickets — when buying a ticket, ask about discounts. If in doubt, always ask at the ticket desk about concessions for older visitors.
How to get around the city? Short trips by public transport and walking where possible are most convenient. For longer distances consider a taxi or special transport if you need extra comfort.
If you liked this guide and want a personalized route, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offers for individual walks adapted for seniors are available from the guide. Final tip: share this article with friends or on social profiles to help others plan a pleasant and inexpensive May holiday in Krakow.
Practical extras: carry some Polish currency (PLN) for small purchases, consider buying single-ride or short-term transport tickets in the official app or ticket machines, and remember the universal emergency number is 112. It’s also useful to have a charged phone, a photocopy of your ID and any needed medicines in your day bag.
