Wawel and Wieliczka offer two very different but complementary experiences: at Wawel you touch the history of Polish kings, visit the cathedral and royal chambers; in Wieliczka you go underground to admire chapels and salt chambers. The May long weekend is an excellent time for this plan — the weather usually favors walking, but be prepared for increased tourist traffic and higher prices.
Combining both attractions across one long weekend is comfortable: one day for a relaxed walk around the Old Town and Wawel, a second day for exploring the salt mine and the Wieliczka area. With short travel times (the train from Kraków to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes) you can spread the program sensibly and avoid an overly tight schedule.
Plan the order of visits depending on opening hours and booked time slots — the Wieliczka tour takes roughly 3 hours and in high season has strictly scheduled entry times, while some exhibitions and chambers at Wawel have limited-ticket access. Booking ahead will make the trip much smoother.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel. Start early at the Main Market — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, then walk the Royal Route to Wawel. If you want to enter the royal chambers or the cathedral, reserve tickets in advance. After sightseeing, relax with coffee in one of the top cafés on Kazimierz or near the Market.
Day 2: Wieliczka. Travel by SKA/Koleje Małopolskie train — the trip takes about 20–25 minutes. The standard mine tour takes about 3 hours; for a May holiday it’s better to buy tickets early and, if possible, choose a morning timeslot to avoid the biggest crowds. In the afternoon you can return to Kraków or stay in Wieliczka for a quiet evening — many accommodations offer good breakfasts and local menus.
Alternative: if you prefer a calmer stay, consider spending one night in Wieliczka (especially if you’re arriving from outside Kraków). Outside peak season Wieliczka accommodation can be good value, but during the May holiday some places raise their rates.
Old Town and Kazimierz — best if you want to be in the heart of things and feel the city’s pulse. These are the most convenient locations for walking to major attractions but also the most expensive. During the May holiday room rates in the center can be significantly higher; budget from around 300 PLN per night for a comfortable hotel or well-rated apartment, while luxury options exceed 600 PLN.
Podgórze and Zabłocie — stylish and a bit quieter, still close to Wawel and the Market (a short walk). Good for visitors who want to avoid the busiest areas while having access to interesting cafés and restaurants. Prices are often lower than in the center; you can find options around 200–350 PLN per night during the May holiday.
Budget-friendly districts: Bronowice, Krowodrza, Dębniki and areas near the main station. Good tram and bus connections mean the center is 15–25 minutes away. Hostels, guesthouses or budget hotels in these neighborhoods can cost roughly 120–200 PLN per night.
Wieliczka — when it makes sense to stay in Wieliczka? If you plan a very early Mine entrance or prefer a quieter night outside the city, Wieliczka offers rooms and guesthouses. Average accommodation prices there are about 170 PLN, with the cheapest starting around 50 PLN, but expect prices to rise during the May holiday.
Getting to Wieliczka: the fastest and most convenient option is the Koleje Małopolskie / SKA train — Kraków Główny ↔ Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes. Single integrated tickets for train and local transport are inexpensive; trains run frequently, which helps when planning a May holiday visit.
In the city: most attractions (Market, Wawel, Kazimierz) are best explored on foot, but trams and buses run efficiently. Use a timetable app and buy tickets before boarding (or use a city transport card). Taxis and rideshare apps are common, but on busy days prices and travel times can increase.
Car: not recommended for the center during the May holiday — traffic, limited parking and paid parking zones make driving in the old center difficult. If you arrive by car and plan to stay in Wieliczka, a car can be convenient; in Kraków it’s usually easier to rely on public transport.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: the standard tourist route lasts about 3 hours. Ticket prices vary by season; as a guideline a regular ticket is around 64 PLN and a reduced ticket around 46 PLN, with slightly higher rates during holiday periods (for example around 69 PLN/51 PLN). Booking online and choosing a specific entry time reduces the risk of long waits.
Wawel: entry to the cathedral and castle exhibitions can be paid depending on the chosen route. Some exhibitions require a ticket — check availability ahead and reserve specific times, especially for long weekends.
Accommodation: remember that many places raise prices or require minimum-stay nights during the May holiday. If your dates are flexible, consider starting your stay before the weekend or ending it after — that can sometimes lower the total cost.
Around the Market and Wawel you’ll find both traditional and upscale restaurants. For classic high-quality Polish cuisine look for well-established places such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami; they offer historic settings and traditional menus. In Kazimierz try restaurants like Starka or Szara Gęś for modern takes on Polish and regional dishes.
In Wieliczka you’ll find cozy inns and restaurants serving hearty local meals — after a long descent into the mine a substantial soup and meat dish is especially satisfying. Choose places with good reviews and, during the May holiday, reserve a table in advance.
A few practical dining tips: book tables where possible, check opening hours (some places change hours for holidays), and if you’re craving specific regional dishes — for example żurek, schabowy or local cheeses — ask staff for recommendations.
Not booking entry times in advance — this is the most common mistake during the May holiday: both Wawel and Wieliczka are very busy and time slots are limited. Buy tickets online and confirm your arrival time.
Packing too many attractions into one day — especially if your plan includes the Wieliczka Salt Mine (about 3 hours) plus a long city walk. Leave time for rest and meals. An overly tight schedule increases stress and reduces enjoyment.
Assuming everything will be cheaper in the May holiday — on the contrary: accommodation and some attractions often cost more. Book early and be ready for higher rates, or choose a cheaper neighborhood or an overnight stay in Wieliczka.
Is it worth staying in Wieliczka instead of Kraków? Yes, if you value peace or arrive late in the evening — it’s a convenient option, especially when you want an early start for the Mine. But if you plan to enjoy Kraków’s nightlife, Old Town or Kazimierz are better choices.
How long does the mine visit take? About 3 hours on the standard tourist route. Add time for travel and any meals.
How to get from the airport to the center and then to Wieliczka? Buses and trains run from the airport to the city center; the SKA/Koleje Małopolskie trains connect the airport with Kraków Główny and Wieliczka. The train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes roughly 20–25 minutes.
If you have time, walk the Vistula Boulevards toward Wawel just before sunset — the view from the opposite bank gives great photos of the Castle against the sky. Many visitors miss this, but it’s an easy and rewarding addition to an evening plan.
Wieliczka has lesser-known sites beyond the main tourist route — the Żupy Krakowskie Museum and the Żupny Castle are worth visiting if you want to extend your program beyond St. Kinga’s Chapel.
For authentic local dining, look for smaller places run by residents (not just those near the Market) — you’ll often find the best value and genuine flavors there.
If you liked this guide and want your May holiday in Kraków planned without stress — share the article with friends. If you prefer personalized help, private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can prepare an itinerary matched to your expectations and handle bookings for entries and restaurant tables. Contact details for the guide are available on the site — we invite you to reserve early and wish you an unforgettable May holiday in Kraków!
