If you have only one day in Krakow, you can visit the highlights — but you need a realistic schedule. Kazimierz is a walking, tasting and musical experience, Wawel is history set in stone, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground journey that takes several hours. Each place has its own pace: Kazimierz is comfortably explored in 1.5–3 hours, Wawel takes 1.5–3 hours (depending on exhibitions), and Wieliczka usually requires 2–3 hours on the tourist route.
If you want to fit everything into one intense day — start early in Kazimierz, head to Wawel before noon (shorter lines in the courtyard in the morning), and leave the afternoon or evening Wieliczka departure slots for later groups; remember that Wieliczka assigns fixed start times and it’s best to book tickets in advance.
A more relaxed plan is to spread the visits over two days: day 1 — Kazimierz + evening at Plac Nowy / klezmer concert, day 2 — Wawel in the morning and Wieliczka (or vice versa). That rhythm gives you time for food, photos and a calm appreciation of the sites.
Hours change seasonally and differ between institutions, so it’s always worth checking the latest information on the official pages. Below are typical time frames that will help you plan the day.
Wawel: the courtyard and most exhibitions are usually open from the morning (around 9:00) until early evening (around 18:00, and in peak season often until 19:00). The Cathedral often has different hours — it may be open for shorter times in autumn-winter and longer in spring-summer; note that access can be limited on church holidays and special ceremonies.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: the Tourist Route typically runs on fixed schedules (most often from morning to late afternoon). A visit takes about 2–3 hours, the route is roughly 3–3.5 km and includes nearly 800 steps; underground temperature is constant at about 16–18°C. For safety and comfort it’s best to book an entry time online — tickets are tied to specific tour starts.
Kazimierz (museums, synagogues, exhibitions): the Old Synagogue and other branches of the Kraków Museum usually have standard opening hours (most often 10:00–18:00; some branches may be closed or have shorter hours on Mondays). Many venues in Kazimierz are bars and restaurants with much longer hours, often well into the evening.
For Wieliczka bring comfortable, non-slip shoes and a light extra layer — underground is cooler than the surface, with temperatures around 16–18°C. The stairs and long walks require stamina, so a backpack instead of wheeled luggage is a good choice.
For Wawel a neat outfit is appropriate, especially if you plan to enter the Cathedral (out of respect for a place of worship). In summer you may need sunscreen and a hat for the courtyard; in winter check whether exhibitions have extended hours — visiting in the colder months is often less crowded.
For Kazimierz take a camera, comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones, and leave room in your plan for spontaneous coffee and bar breaks. If you go out in the evening, bring something warmer — interiors and streets can feel chilly after stepping out from a warm venue.
Wieliczka: 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route plus travel time and possible waiting at the ticket office; the visit includes long walks and many stairs. Plan extra time if you want to visit the surface museum or the graduation tower.
Wawel: from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how many exhibitions you choose; if you want to see the Castle, the Treasury and the Cathedral — allow about 3 hours. For a short visit to the courtyard and some panoramic photos 30–60 minutes is enough.
Kazimierz: a walk with stops for food and coffee takes 2–4 hours; if you plan a concert, a museum visit and dinner at a recommended restaurant, reserve half a day or an evening.
To Wieliczka: from Krakow city centre the easiest ways are by car, suburban train or bus — travel usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on the transport and traffic. Many people choose the quick train from the Main Station or transfers organized from hotels.
To Wawel you can walk from the Main Market Square in 10–15 minutes; trams and buses also stop near Wawel on several lines. Parking nearby is limited, so if possible leave your car outside the strict city centre.
Kazimierz is best explored on foot — streets are narrow and full of atmospheric courtyards. If you plan to move quickly between Kazimierz, the Old Town and Wieliczka, allow time for transfers and possible traffic jams.
Trying to see everything in one day — the consequence is rushing and exhaustion. It’s better to spread the plan over two days or skip one element than to not feel the place at all.
Not booking tickets to Wieliczka and Wawel exhibitions — in season specific start times fill up quickly. Book tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and during holidays.
Wearing the wrong shoes for Wieliczka — the route includes hundreds of steps and a lot of walking. Avoid thin-soled shoes and footwear not suited to damp conditions.
Not checking closing days and holiday hours — some sites change schedules on public and religious holidays, so check before you go.
If you want well-known and reliable choices, consider: Bottiglieria 1881 — acclaimed restaurant ideal for a special evening (book in advance for tasting menus). Hamsa Hummus & Happiness — great mezze and a Middle Eastern vibe, perfect for sharing plates. Singer Cafe — an iconic café/bar with a unique interior (tables made from Singer sewing machines); great for coffee or an evening beer. Alchemia by Plac Nowy — a classic for later evenings, a bar with soul, live music and candlelit atmosphere. Plac Nowy — don’t miss the famous zapiekanki (open-faced toasts) from the market windows; a quick, cheap and local treat.
I recommend reserving tables at the finer places (especially Bottiglieria 1881) in advance; for spontaneous lunches pick cafés and restaurants with strong reviews — in Kazimierz it’s easy to find places that combine good food with a great atmosphere.
If you feel like trying local dishes: look for well-rated pierogi places and spots serving modern takes on Polish cuisine — they often offer an excellent mix of traditional flavours and contemporary presentation.
Wieliczka is not only tourist chambers — underground there is a microclimate used for health purposes, and some parts of the mine function as graduation towers and therapeutic facilities. It can be a pleasant surprise if you visit during allergy season.
Kazimierz is more than a 'Jewish quarter' as a museum — it’s a living district where old synagogues sit next to trendy cafés, galleries and music venues; the best experience comes from slowing down and noticing details.
At Wawel not everything is covered by a single ticket — different exhibitions and routes may require separate tickets, so choose in advance what you want to see first.
Do you need to reserve tickets for Wieliczka? Yes, especially in season; tickets are tied to tour start times. Booking online secures your entry at the chosen time.
Do Wawel and the Cathedral have the same hours? Not always — castle exhibitions and the cathedral can have different schedules and closing days; check the hours for the specific route before you visit.
Is the Wieliczka route hard for older visitors? The tourist route includes many steps (around 800) and long walks; visitors with serious mobility issues should check the accessibility of a given route or choose shorter alternatives.
Planning, booking and realistic time estimates are the key to a successful visit: reserve Wieliczka tickets and, if you wish, tickets for specific Wawel exhibitions, start early and leave space for breaks in Kazimierz. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a better trip.
If you prefer to explore with a local guide and want an individual plan tailored to your interests — I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz); contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy your time in Krakow!
