Want to experience different faces of Lesser Poland in a single day? Wieliczka will introduce you to an underground world carved in salt, St. Mary’s Basilica will dazzle you with its Gothic interior and the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss, and the Market Square Underground Museum reveals medieval Kraków hidden beneath the Market’s paving stones. It’s a mix of history, art and extraordinary spaces — perfect for visitors who want the highlights and a bit more than postcard views.
In practice this trio works great: start the day in Wieliczka to avoid the busiest hours in the mine, or do the opposite — focus on the Old Town if your time in the city is limited and save Wieliczka for the afternoon or another day. Below you’ll find a suggested plan, practical tips, recommended places to eat and common mistakes you can easily avoid.
Option A - morning trip to Wieliczka: leave Kraków early, tour the Tourist Route in Wieliczka (about 2–3 hours), return to Kraków for lunch, enjoy an afternoon stroll around the Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and climb the tower, finish with the Market Square Underground Museum (a particularly good choice in bad weather).
Option B - focus on Kraków: morning at the Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica (try to hear the hejnał and see the altarpiece), walk through the Cloth Hall and along Grodzka Street, lunch, afternoon at the Market Square Underground Museum, consider visiting Wieliczka in the evening or on another day if you prefer.
Remember: Wieliczka is its own destination — it requires booking and it’s not worth cramming it in without a plan. The Market Square Underground Museum and St. Mary’s Basilica are next to each other in the city centre, so seeing them together is convenient.
The Tourist Route in Wieliczka is an underground walk of several kilometres that takes you through chambers, chapels and salt sculptures. The temperature underground is steady at about 16–18°C, so bring a light sweater even on hot days.
Prepare for a fair number of stairs — the initial descent and parts of the route require good fitness. The route follows steps and pathways, so comfortable closed shoes are essential.
Buy tickets in advance online, especially in high season and on weekends. There are reduced and family tickets for many groups — carry proof of eligibility if needed. Staff check entry times on site, so arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Visits are guided. Different routes are offered: tourist, mining, pilgrimage, plus extras such as the graduation tower and health-resort services. If you travel with small children or people with reduced mobility, check route availability and facilities before booking.
A tip — the Chapel of St. Kinga is one of Wieliczka’s most beautiful attractions: it’s entirely made of salt, including chandeliers and sculptures. It’s a true ‘wow’ moment you shouldn’t miss.
St. Mary’s Basilica is a must on the Main Market Square. The main attraction is Veit Stoss’s altarpiece — a masterpiece of Gothic carving. Keep in mind the basilica is a working church; visiting can be restricted during Masses and religious services.
Visitor entry is usually from the south side, with small entrance fees that support the church’s conservation. There is also the option to climb the tower — entrances are limited and scheduled, so plan ahead or arrive early.
Don’t miss the hejnał mariacki — the trumpet call played every hour from the tower, famously cut short in memory of a legendary trumpeter. For photos, visit the interior near dusk when the light highlights the polychromes and the space.
Rules: keep quiet inside, don’t photograph where it’s forbidden, and respect prayer areas. The visitor desk closes shortly before the end of visiting hours — keep an eye on the time.
The Market Square Underground Museum is a modern archaeological and multimedia exhibition that displays remnants of medieval Kraków — fragments of wooden structures, everyday objects and the historical layers preserved beneath the square surface.
The route is interactive and family-friendly — you’ll find multimedia displays, reconstructions and special areas for children. The museum offers facilities such as elevators and accessible toilets, but due to popularity it’s wise to book tickets in advance.
It’s an excellent choice on a rainy day — the engaging presentation of history keeps even younger visitors interested. Plan about 1–2 hours for the tour, depending on how deeply you want to explore the displays.
Around the Main Market Square you’ll find historic restaurants and cosy cafés. For classic, elegant dining consider Wierzynek. For modern takes and local reinterpretations try Szara (near the Square). For a quick lunch at a reasonable price, Miodu Malina is a good option.
After returning from Wieliczka you can stop in Wieliczka’s town centre for local cafés and restaurants serving regional dishes. If you prefer less touristy spots in Kraków, look for small bistros in Kazimierz.
Watch out for restaurants that don’t display prices — check costs and reviews before entering to avoid unpleasant surprises. In high season some places add dynamic pricing or extra fees for terrace tables with a view.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially for Wieliczka and the Market Square Underground Museum. In season you may face long queues or lose your preferred time slot.
Dressing inappropriately for the mine — it’s cooler and more humid underground; bring layers and comfortable shoes.
Trying to cram too many attractions into one day — Kraków’s compact centre still takes time to explore. It’s better to see fewer sites well than rush through many.
Ignoring rules in places of worship — churches require respectful dress and quiet. Don’t block entrances or prayer areas for photos.
Buying souvenirs from random stalls without comparing prices — central tourist stalls often have high markups.
Wieliczka is more than chambers and chapels — there’s a whole network of corridors with authentic sculptures and salt chandeliers, and the Chapel of St. Kinga has been a place of Mass for decades — an underground temple like no other.
The Market underground preserves fragments of wooden buildings from medieval times — an archive of the city hidden beneath the paving that shows how Kraków’s residents once lived.
The hejnał mariacki is played every hour and its abrupt ending is not a mistake — it commemorates the legendary sentry who was struck while warning the city of an attack.
Do I need to book tickets for Wieliczka? - Definitely during the tourist season and for larger groups. Booking secures your entrance at the chosen time.
Can children visit the mine and the underground museum? - Yes, many attractions are family-friendly; however the route can be tiring for very small children because of stairs and duration.
Can I climb St. Mary’s tower with luggage? - Tower access is limited and often monitored; large luggage is better left at your hotel or in storage.
Is the Market Square Underground Museum accessible for people with reduced mobility? - The museum aims to provide facilities, but specific routes can vary — contact the museum in advance to confirm accessibility.
How do I get to Wieliczka from central Kraków? - Options include public transport, train, bus or car. Check current timetables and travel time before you go.
When planning your trip, stay flexible — weather, crowds and city events can change your schedule. Book tickets ahead, arrive a little early and leave time for a coffee at the Market — that’s part of the joy of being in Kraków.
If you enjoyed this guide and would like a local-led experience, I warmly invite you to consider a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — practical, friendly local guiding tailored to visitors. More information is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck exploring Kraków — watch your step on the stairs in Wieliczka, pause for the Market Square, listen to the hejnał and above all, enjoy the city.
