Short answer: yes — but it depends on exactly where you start, which line you take and whether you catch a convenient tram frequency. Dajwór, the heart of Kazimierz, is connected to the city centre by several tram lines and under normal traffic conditions the ride can take roughly 10–15 minutes. That makes a Kazimierz–Market Square connection perfect when you want to combine exploring this atmospheric neighbourhood with a quick visit to the Old Town.
Below I explain the stops worth knowing, how to buy a ticket, when it’s better to walk and I’ll recommend a few very good places for food and coffee — so your visit is smooth and enjoyable.
Key points to remember: in Kazimierz the loop and stop “Dajwór” and the areas around Starowiślna and Miodowa streets are important. From the centre, the nearest destination is the stop by the Planty / Podwale / Basztowa — from there it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the Main Market Square. If you want to save time, aim for trams that run via the Avenues (Aleje) or towards Rondo Mogilskie — in practice the most important thing is to check the route of the line on the day of your visit, because routes are sometimes temporarily changed.
For people planning a shorter ride from a P+R: choose a loop with easy tram connections and get off at the Planty stops — from there the walk to the Market Square usually takes 3–6 minutes.
Frequency on many Kraków lines is often set to a 7.5 / 15 minute rhythm — in practice this means that during busier hours you can catch a tram almost every few minutes, and off-peak about every 15 minutes. If a tram runs every 7.5 minutes, your realistic waiting time is usually just a few minutes — and the ride itself from Kazimierz to the Market Square in normal traffic is about 10–15 minutes.
Keep in mind that repairs, big events and traffic-signal priorities can lengthen travel time; if you’re pressed for time, allow for a safety margin.
A walk from Kazimierz’s most beautiful corners to the Market Square can be just as quick — often 12–20 minutes — and along the way you’ll see tucked-away streets, synagogues and atmospheric cafés. If the weather is good and you want to soak up the atmosphere, I recommend walking.
The tram is a sensible alternative when you have limited time, are travelling with luggage or want to combine a visit from a more distant P+R with a short stop at the Market Square.
The safest approach is to buy a ticket before boarding: mobile apps, ticket machines at stops, and increasingly e-ticket validators and contactless payments on vehicles. New devices allow you to associate a purchased ticket with your payment card or phone without printing a paper ticket.
If you’re not sure how the system works on a given day — ask the driver or check a short notice at the stop. When using an app or a linked card, keep proof of purchase on your phone in case of inspection.
Option 1 (for walkers): 1) Morning coffee in Kazimierz, 2) stroll along Józefa Street and Plac Nowy, 3) browse the market stalls and reach the Market Square on foot in 12–20 minutes.
Option 2 (quick route): 1) Start at Dajwór, 2) tram (10–15 minutes) to the Planty area, 3) short walk around the Market Square and return to Kazimierz for the evening.
Option 3 (from P+R or by car): leave your car at the loop, take the tram to the Planty stops, visit Wawel and the Market Square, then enjoy dinner back in Kazimierz.
If you’re looking for great food after sightseeing, follow the reviews and reserve a table in the evening. A few places that often appear on “must-eat” lists and have high ratings: Zazie Bistro (Józefa Street) — French cuisine in a cosy atmosphere; Plac Nowy 1 — a larger, modern restaurant with a varied menu; Starka — traditional Polish dishes in an atmospheric interior; Hamsa — a great spot for hummus and Middle Eastern food; Karakter — a more refined option for food lovers.
For a quick snack don’t miss the round kiosk with zapiekanki on Plac Nowy — a classic that tourists usually love.
Kraków regularly runs historic trams as part of the Kraków Museum Line — it’s a great attraction if you catch one, because a ride in such a tram is a trip back in time.
The layout of tracks and the transport network is designed so that many short connections between districts can be as fast as a car — provided you catch a good tram rhythm.
1) Assuming the tram is always the fastest option — not always; shorter routes in the centre are often equally quick on foot.
2) Not having a ticket or being unsure during inspection — buy a ticket in advance and save the confirmation on your phone.
3) Ignoring temporary route changes or works — before you set out, check municipal notices or the map in your app.
Do trams from Kazimierz run at night? - At night there are separate night lines; check the current timetable on the day of your visit because night services can change.
Can I board with a large suitcase? - Trams have space for luggage, but during peak hours it’s more comfortable to take an earlier service or consider walking.
Do routes change often? - Yes, temporary adjustments happen (repairs, events). That’s why before setting out check city announcements or the schedule in the app.
Install a ticket app on your phone and keep an offline map of Kraków — this saves stress if you lose signal.
If you have only a few hours, combine a short tram ride with a walking route — it’s the best way to feel the atmosphere of both parts of the city.
If you’d like help planning a tailored route around Kazimierz and the Market Square based on your interests, feel free to get in touch — details and contact for guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz are available on her page.
Share it with friends or on social media — let others know how to smartly combine Kazimierz and the Market Square in a short time.
And if you prefer exploring with someone who knows the city inside out, consider a private guide service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are on her site.
