Krakow is a city whose atmosphere is largely made up of its streets, squares, hills and historic courtyards. Two days are enough to feel the spirit of its main places without going inside museums — a great choice when you want to pack a lot into a short time, avoid queues and focus on walks, views and the tastes of local cuisine.
This route is designed to make the most of walking connections between points: the Royal Route, the Main Market Square, Kazimierz and the Vistula Boulevards. You avoid long lines and ticket reservations, while still seeing Krakow’s iconic places and experiencing local life — from morning coffee near the Planty to an evening in a cozy Kazimierz bar.
Day 1 (historic heart + Kazimierz): Wawel Hill (exterior), Vistula Boulevards, walk to Kazimierz, stroll along Szeroka and Plac Nowy, evening in one of the district’s venues. Day 2 (Old Town and panoramas): Walk the Royal Route through St. Florian’s Gate to the Main Market Square, the Planty, parts of the Old Town’s small streets, then head to Kościuszko Mound for a panorama of the city or relax again on the boulevards or in a park.
The pace is flexible — the plan gives shorter and longer options depending on fitness, weather and interest. The route deliberately avoids museums, focusing on urban space, historic architecture, viewpoints and local food.
Shoes: comfortable city footwear — you’ll walk on cobbled streets and climb steps to viewpoints. Weather: in early spring and autumn bring layers — evenings can be chilly. Transport tickets: if you plan to use trams and buses, a 24- or 48-hour ticket is often worth it; it will help you move between more distant points (for example to Kościuszko Mound). Cash and cards: most places accept cards, but small food stalls and kiosks at Plac Nowy sometimes prefer cash.
Offline map/phone: download an offline map or save key points — narrow streets and old buildings can make orientation tricky. Opening hours: since the route skips museums you don’t need to reserve tickets, but if you want to visit churches (for example the interior of St. Mary’s Basilica) check mass and service times in advance.
Start: begin your day on Wawel Hill. Even if you don’t plan to go inside the Castle, the courtyard, the Cathedral exterior and the view over the Vistula give a clear sense of the place’s royal character.
Walk along the Vistula Boulevards: after descending from Wawel, stroll beside the river. The boulevards are a pleasant place to walk — you’ll see riverfront cafés, seating areas and newer riverside spaces. It’s a light, scenic start before the busier part of the day.
Crossing: from the boulevards head to Kazimierz — it’s easiest to walk over Piłsudski Bridge or the Bernatka footbridge and enter from the Zabłocie/Kazimierz side. Kazimierz is a district to be discovered slowly.
What to see in Kazimierz besides museums: Plac Nowy with its famous stalls and zapiekanki (open-faced toasts), Szeroka Street with historic synagogues and atmospheric tenement houses, Józefa Street with cafés and small restaurants, and the narrow lanes with original walls. Spend a moment at the Old Jewish Cemetery or view historic synagogues from the outside — these give a sense of the history without museum visits.
Lunch break: Kazimierz is one of the best places for lunch or dinner — you’ll find Polish and Jewish-inspired dishes and modern bistros. Popular spots include Alchemia and Hamsa; for a quick snack try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy. In the evening Kazimierz comes alive and is a great place to end your first day.
After dinner choose one of the options: a peaceful walk along the Vistula with views of the lit-up Wawel, or bar-hopping in Kazimierz. If you prefer something more intimate, look for a jazz concert or a cozy café — Kazimierz offers both. Streets are busier at night but generally safe — use normal precautions in crowds.
Start at the Planty — a walk around the ring park gives you the layout of the historic centre and the feel of the city. Then take the Royal Route: from St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican, walk down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square.
At the Main Market Square: notice the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica. Sit for a coffee at one of the square cafés and watch daily life unfold. In the morning the square is lively but usually less crowded than later in the day.
From the square, explore side streets such as Kanonicza and Grodzka which lead back toward Wawel — you can revisit the hill briefly from another perspective. Alternatively, head to Kościuszko Mound — a terrific viewpoint that offers a wide panorama of the city and surroundings.
How to get to Kościuszko Mound: you can walk or use public transport/tram depending on where you’re based. The mound has benches and green spaces — a good spot for rest and photos. After descending, return through green areas or stop for a coffee nearby.
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a trip outside the city — although it requires tickets and is technically a paid attraction, you can include it as an optional exception to the 'no museums' rule. If you prefer to avoid ticketed interiors, skip it. Another alternative is Nowa Huta — a walk through this socialist-realist district gives a very different view of Krakow.
For nature lovers: Vistula riverboat trips, renting a city bike (public bike system) or a walk on Błonia — these green areas are perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Breakfast: cafés by the Planty or near the Market Square — fresh coffee and pastries. Lunch: Kazimierz is great for everything from traditional Polish dishes to Middle Eastern-inspired food (Hamsa) and modern bistros (Alchemia). Try pierogi, potato pancakes (placki ziemniaczane) or seasonal local dishes. Quick street snack: the classic zapiekanka at Plac Nowy.
Evening: choose a restaurant serving local specialties or a place with Jewish-inspired or fusion cuisine. For a historic, special meal consider Wierzynek on the Market Square (book ahead). Popular venues can be crowded — a weekend dinner reservation is recommended.
Estimated walking times between key points: Wawel – Main Market Square: 10–15 minutes. Main Market Square – Kazimierz (Plac Nowy): 10–15 minutes on foot. Main Market Square – Kościuszko Mound (tram + walk): about 20–40 minutes depending on transport. Planty: a full slow loop around the centre takes about 30–45 minutes.
If you plan to use trams and buses, buy a day or 48-hour ticket — it’s the easiest solution for a weekend. In many cases it’s more convenient to walk — Krakow’s centre is compact and walking routes connect most attractions.
This route is family-friendly: plenty of space to run (the Planty, the Boulevards, Błonia) and visually engaging sights (the Wawel Dragon, colorful tenement houses, Plac Nowy). If travelling with a stroller or someone with reduced mobility, choose shorter walking sections and use trams for longer transfers.
Some parts of the Old Town have uneven cobbles and steps (for example approaches to some mounds), so plan alternative routes or check availability of ramps and step-free access at your accommodation.
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but as in any big city be aware of pickpockets in crowded places (the Market Square, public transport) and keep personal belongings secure. Respect memorial and sacred places — do not disturb services and behave respectfully at historical sites.
Avoid buying souvenirs from unmarked stalls offering suspiciously low prices; the centre has many legitimate shops selling local products.
Day 1: 09:00 – start on Wawel Hill (walk around the hill). 10:30 – walk the Vistula Boulevards. 12:00 – arrive in Kazimierz, lunch. 14:00 – explore Plac Nowy and Szeroka. 17:00 – break, coffee. 19:00 – dinner and evening stroll.
Day 2: 09:00 – Planty and the Royal Route (St. Florian’s Gate). 10:30 – Main Market Square, coffee break. 12:30 – stroll Kanonicza and Grodzka Streets. 14:30 – head to Kościuszko Mound or relax on Błonia. 17:00 – return, last walk and dinner before departure.
Be flexible — weather and crowds affect the pace; it’s better to enjoy fewer things than to rush. Early morning and late afternoon show different faces of Krakow — try getting up early for one morning to catch the best light for photos without the crowds.
If you want to return: leave room for a next visit. Krakow rewards repeat trips — each time you can discover new corners, venues and views.
In two days, without entering museums, you’ll see Krakow’s main highlights: Wawel, the Main Market Square, Kazimierz, the Planty and a panorama from one of the mounds. The route emphasizes walking, local flavours and views, and is flexible — you can shorten it or add longer trips. It’s a plan for those who want to feel the city through its spaces and atmosphere rather than exhibition halls.
Have a great weekend and take many good photos — Krakow has so many layers that everyone can find a favourite corner.
