Yes — if you plan the day smartly and choose priorities. This guide shows how to build a sensible, “premium” sightseeing plan: an early visit to Wawel with tickets reserved for the main routes, a stop at the moving Apteka Pod Orłem on Podgórze, and a short walk through the Old Town with a break for good coffee and local food. Instead of rushing, I suggest setting a pace that lets you feel the city’s atmosphere and learn a few memorable stories.
The guide also includes approximate opening hours, practical tips, a few dining recommendations and common mistakes to avoid — all in a friendly, practical tone.
Start the day on Wawel Hill — it’s the best way to feel the historical heart of the city. To be comfortable and avoid queues, buy timed tickets in advance: castle routes and entrances to the cathedral often have daily limits and timed entry.
A true “premium” experience here means: booking tickets online, arriving for the very first entry of the day, using an audio guide or a licensed guide, and planning a short, unhurried walk through the courtyards and terraces. This way you’ll see the main halls and exhibits and avoid the afternoon crowds.
Note on hours: the cathedral and some exhibitions change seasonally; generally they open in the morning, and hours may be shorter in winter. Always check the day’s schedule before you set out.
Apteka Pod Orłem is a branch of the Museum of Kraków dedicated to the pharmacy of Tadeusz Pankiewicz from the time of the Kraków Ghetto. The place carries a poignant history — the pharmacy operated here from the early 20th century and became an important testimony to the lives of Podgórze residents during World War II.
Typical visiting hours: Apteka Pod Orłem is most often open Wednesday through Sunday from about 9:00 to 17:00. On some days (depending on the season and museum announcements) access may be limited; Mondays sometimes have shorter hours and Tuesdays can be variable — it’s best to check before your visit.
I recommend organizing Wawel and the Apothecary so you see Wawel in the morning, then take a short tram ride or walk to Podgórze — if your schedule allows, visit the Apteka in the afternoon when the crowds in the city centre tend to thin out.
8:30–10:30 — Wawel: first entry on a castle route, a short visit to the cathedral and a stroll through the courtyards.
10:30–11:15 — coffee and a croissant at a nearby café (for example Charlotte or Cafe Camelot) — a moment to rest before more exploring.
11:30–13:30 — Old Town: Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica (enter inside if time allows) and a short walk through the streets around the square.
13:30–15:00 — lunch at one of the well-rated restaurants (suggestions below).
15:30–17:00 — Apteka Pod Orłem on Podgórze — visit the exhibition and take a moment for reflection; if you have time, enjoy a walk along the Vistula boulevards.
Evening — dinner or a concert: Kraków offers a rich evening program, from intimate concerts to theatre.
If you want well-regarded local cuisine, consider classics in the centre: Wierzynek (traditional Polish cuisine, a historic experience), Szara (a good location near the Market Square). For a pleasant café, consider Charlotte on Plac Szczepański or Cafe Camelot on Św. Tomasza Street. These places have long traditions and high guest ratings, though it’s worth booking a table in season.
For a quick tasty lunch, look for well-reviewed spots within a short walk of the Market — Polish and European cuisine are well represented. Choose places with up-to-date reviews and online reservations, especially on weekends.
Apteka Pod Orłem is not an ordinary pharmacy-museum — before the war it was a meeting place for intellectuals and a witness to everyday life in the neighbourhood. The exhibition is based on the memories of the owner and staff, so when you visit it’s worth allowing a moment of silence and reflection.
On Wawel you can notice less obvious details: from symbolic decorations in the halls to traces of everyday life of former castle residents. Often these small details catch the eye more than the grand rooms.
Planning without tickets — many attractions, especially at Wawel, enforce timed entries and limits. Always buy tickets in advance if you want to join a specific route.
Not checking official hours — opening times can change seasonally or due to special museum announcements; check current notices before you go.
Putting Apteka Pod Orłem off as a 'last-minute option' — it’s an intimate site that’s often best visited outside peak hours. Instead of rushing there with the crowds, plan the visit for the afternoon or early evening.
Do I need to reserve tickets? — For Wawel it’s definitely worth reserving tickets in advance. For museum exhibitions, reservations are also recommended for larger groups.
What are typical hours for Apteka Pod Orłem? — Most commonly you’ll find it open around 9:00–17:00 from Wednesday to Sunday; Mondays may have reduced hours and Tuesdays can be variable. Always check the current schedule before visiting.
Is everything accessible for people with limited mobility? — Some historic parts of Wawel have architectural limitations; before visiting ask about accessibility and possible alternatives. The Apteka, as a museum branch, notes accessibility information on its visitor pages.
Can I pay by card everywhere? — Most central attractions and restaurants accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some small cash for smaller vendors or incidental charges.
If you want to make the most of one day in Kraków, combine considered bookings with a relaxed pace — that way you’ll see the main sights and leave with more than just checked boxes.
If you’d like, I can suggest specific timed entries, a walking route, or help plan a day tailored to your interests — and if you prefer a guided tour with a licensed guide, I’m pleased to recommend services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and service information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — you’ll help them plan a great day in Kraków.
Transport: Kraków’s centre is compact and walkable. Trams and buses connect Wawel, the Old Town and Podgórze — a single tram ride is short and frequent. Consider buying a short public transport ticket if you prefer not to walk.
Timing: Mornings are best for popular stops (Wawel, Bazaar area), while late afternoon brings calmer streets in the Old Town.
Weather: Bring a light layer and comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and slopes on Wawel and in Podgórze reward comfortable footwear.
