Krakow is one of Poland’s oldest and most important cities; its historic center has preserved a medieval urban layout and many historic buildings. The Old Town with the Main Market Square is a major landmark and is listed by UNESCO as a valuable example of an urban landscape. The city combines royal heritage, a rich museum offer, lively cultural life and a friendly café culture — making it perfect both for a short city break and for a longer exploration of the region.
When planning a visit, remember that Krakow is not only Wawel and the Market — it also has lively neighborhoods, interesting museums, a growing culinary scene and easy access to nearby attractions such as the salt mine and Jurassic castles. Because the main sights are compact, you can efficiently plan your day on foot or with short public-transport rides.
Note: this guide uses short, practical tips and suggested routes you can easily adapt to your time and interests.
If this is your first visit, allow at least one full day for the Old Town and Wawel and a few hours for Kazimierz.
Krakow is attractive year-round — spring and autumn usually offer milder weather and fewer crowds than summer, while winter brings the charm of holiday markets.
Wawel — the hill with the Royal Castle and Cathedral is a symbol of Polish history. A walk around the hill lets you take in both the residential architecture and the place of coronations and burials of many rulers. Don’t miss the courtyards and the views over the Vistula River.
Main Market Square — the largest medieval square in Europe’s Old Town, roughly a square about 200 m on a side. Here you’ll find the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous altarpiece, and numerous historic townhouses and cafés; it’s also an ideal starting point for exploring the Old Town.
Rynek Underground — an archaeological exhibition that reveals the city’s former layers. This is a great experience for anyone interested in everyday life in medieval Krakow and how the city developed.
Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter, today full of synagogues, charming courtyards, galleries and restaurants. It’s a broad area of memory and contemporary culture best explored on foot, letting you discover quieter corners.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Podgórze — key sites for understanding the city’s 20th‑century history. The museum dedicated to the factory and a walk through Podgórze help to comprehend Krakow’s experience during World War II.
Museums and collections — Krakow has an extensive museum network: the National Museum, contemporary and thematic museums, and private collections offering art, history and specialist exhibits — choose according to your interests.
1-day plan (first visit) — Morning: Wawel (the hill and Cathedral), then walk to the Main Market Square to see the Cloth Hall and surroundings; Afternoon: Kazimierz — stroll by synagogues and atmospheric streets, finish with dinner at a local restaurant. This route gives a solid first impression of the city.
2-day plan — Day one: same as the 1-day plan; Day two: museums (for example the permanent exhibitions at the National Museum or Oskar Schindler’s Factory), a riverside walk and an evening stroll through the Planty park; optionally take a short Vistula boat trip or attend a concert.
3-day plan and beyond — On the third day you can take a trip to nearby attractions (salt mine, Ojców National Park, Jurassic castles) or dive deeper into districts such as Nowa Huta and Podgórze, or visit temporary exhibitions and galleries. With more days you can discover less-touristy places and feel the city’s daily rhythm.
Always leave time for café breaks and people-watching — often the most enjoyable part of a visit.
When planning, check opening hours and book tickets in advance for popular attractions, especially in high season.
Old Town — the historic heart with the Market, the Planty ring and the Royal Route. A walk here lets you see the most important monuments and soak up the city’s atmosphere in a short time.
Kazimierz — a neighborhood with a unique character, where traces of Jewish history meet modern cultural and culinary offerings. Visit the synagogues, old cemeteries and small museums.
Podgórze — on the other side of the Vistula; an area with strong historical memory, interesting urban layout and increasingly popular with visitors.
Nowa Huta — an example of socialist-realist urban planning, interesting to lovers of 20th-century architecture and social history. A walk here shows a different, less touristy face of Krakow.
Monasteries and mounds — outside the center consider visiting the Skałka monastery, Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound; these spots offer calm, good views and a quieter atmosphere.
Choose museums according to theme and the time you have. The National Museum offers collections of Polish and European art; smaller institutions focus on particular periods or figures.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory combines a historical exhibition with the story of the city’s residents during World War II. The exhibition can be busy, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Archaeological displays, the market underground and themed exhibitions let you learn the city’s history “from below” — from the oldest layers up to the wealth of the medieval metropolis.
If you’re into contemporary art or specialist collections, check temporary programs — many institutions rotate exhibitions regularly.
Tip: visit museums at quieter times (usually early afternoons on weekdays) to avoid crowds.
Tickets and reservations — for the most popular attractions (especially in season) buy tickets online in advance; for large groups consider booking timed visits and guide services.
Getting around — Krakow’s center is very pedestrian-friendly; public transport (trams, buses) makes it easy to reach more distant districts and sites. Consider a short-term public transport ticket if you plan multiple rides a day.
Hours and crowds — the center is busiest in the afternoons and evenings; to avoid crowds, start sightseeing early in the morning. Some sacred interiors and exhibitions have specific service times — check before you go.
Safety and behavior — Krakow is generally safe, but as in any large city watch out for petty pickpocketing in crowded places. Respect sacred spaces and places of memory while visiting.
Weather and clothing — historic pavements and cobbles require comfortable shoes; bring layers in cooler months and sun protection and water in summer.
Krakow offers a wide range of restaurants — from traditional Polish cuisine to international options and a growing vegan scene. Look beyond the busiest Market Square frontages for better value and authentic flavors.
Notable places (examples): Wierzynek — a historic restaurant at the Main Market Square; Café Camelot and Charlotte — charming cafés for coffee and cake; Pod Aniołem and Starka in Kazimierz for traditional Polish dishes. For a riverside atmosphere try Forum Przestrzenie.
Cafés and bakeries — a coffee and cake break is a must; you’ll find local pastries and atmospheric interiors across the Old Town and Kazimierz.
Evening options — Kazimierz and the Market area are lively at night with pubs, small clubs and live music venues. For a quieter evening stroll the Planty or choose dinner with a view of Wawel.
Recommendation: try local specialties in less obvious spots — often the best, most authentic tastes are found off the main tourist routes.
Make reservations for popular weekend restaurants in advance.
Salt mine — one of the region’s best-known attractions; an immersive experience blending history and unique underground architecture.
Wieliczka and the surroundings — besides the mine, the area offers charming local sights and Lesser Poland landscapes.
Ojców National Park and the Jurassic castles — short trips outside the city bring beautiful views, caves and defensive castles ideal for nature and history lovers.
If you plan to go outside the city, check public transport options or book local tours offered by licensed operators.
If your time is limited, pick one major attraction instead of trying to see everything in a rushed schedule.
A local guide enriches the visit with anecdotes, historical context and practical tips. Consider a guide if you plan to visit Wawel’s interiors, want a deep dive into Kazimierz’s history or prefer a themed route (e.g., art, World War II history, architecture).
Types of guided services — options include standard walking tours, themed routes, museum-guided visits and transport/pilot services for groups. Licensed guides provide reliable knowledge and formal authorizations for certain sites.
Booking and costs — guide fees depend on duration, group size and language. For larger groups or visits in high season, reserve in advance.
Ask for recommendations and check reviews — a good guide tailors the story to your interests and makes the visit more engaging.
Educational programs and special offers are available for schools and organized groups.
A well-planned visit to Krakow combines a few priority “must-see” sites, openness to local discoveries and flexibility with the pace of sightseeing. Book key entries in advance, leave time to rest and try at least one authentic local dish.
If you have more time, split your stay into themed days — history and monuments, art and museums, everyday life and food — and take at least one trip outside the city. Krakow can surprise both in its most popular corners and in hidden alleys, so give yourself time to truly get to know the place.
We wish you a wonderful visit and many unforgettable discoveries in Krakow!
If you’d like, we can prepare a personalized sightseeing plan tailored to your time, interests and preferences.
Contacting a local guide can make it easier to access tickets, reservations and less obvious attractions.
This guide was prepared for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), licensed local tour guide — focused on helping visitors get the most from their time in Krakow.
FAQ — Getting from the airport: Krakow Airport (John Paul II International) is connected to the city by direct train, shuttle buses and taxis. From the train station: many central sights are within walking distance or a short tram ride.
FAQ — Currency and payments: the currency is the Polish złoty (PLN). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small vendors and market stalls.
FAQ — Language: Polish is the local language; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, museums and restaurants.
FAQ — Accessibility: many main attractions offer accessibility information online; historic streets and cobbles can be challenging — check individual sites for access details.
If you want a customized plan (e.g., family-friendly, art-focused, or outdoor activities), say how many days you have and your interests and a suggested itinerary can be prepared.
