You have 48 hours and want to show your family the most important places — landmarks, the atmosphere of the Old Town, and at the same time leave space for a short meeting with the difficult history of the 20th century? It can be done, and at a relaxed pace.
Below you’ll find a two-day plan plus three ready-made, roughly 2-hour routes ideal for families with children. Everything at an easy pace, with breaks for food and rest and practical tips on getting around the city.
In this article I use experience from routes I lead around Krakow and practical advice that will help you sightsee without rushing.
If you want, I can also prepare a route tailored specifically to you — families with small children, people using wheelchairs, or photography lovers.
Day 1: focus on the Old Town — the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), Main Market Square. This route is easy to do on foot, with short stops for ice cream or tomato soup for the kids.
Day 2: a gentler pace — Kazimierz and the Podgórze area. These neighborhoods show a multicultural history mixed with the dramatic traces of World War II: memorials, museums and spaces that move you.
During both days leave 2–3 breaks — that rhythm works better for children than constant walking. If someone wants a longer museum visit (for example, Schindler’s Factory), plan 1.5–2 hours for that stop.
The length of the shorter walks described below will help you adapt the route to your family’s energy and mood.
Start: St. Florian’s Gate — a great place to begin, because you immediately feel the medieval character of the old center.
The Barbican — it delights children and adults. This is a massive, circular defensive structure with a wall and small passages. For little ones it’s a bit like a castle — it’s worth walking on parts of the wall and telling a short, simple story about how the city was defended long ago.
Floriańska Street and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a short walk, colorful stalls and plenty of places to stop for a bite. The Cloth Hall is also a good orientation point: from here everything is close.
Main Market Square — St. Mary’s Basilica, the hejnał trumpet call, a mental tram back in time. For families it’s a perfect moment to rest by a fountain, in a café or at a nearby playground.
Practical tip: if you only have 2 hours — focus on St. Florian’s Gate, the Barbican and a short stroll along Floriańska Street. That works very well for families with small children.
The Barbican is a compact, visually attractive attraction: looking at the walls, walking on some defensive sections and a short explanation — all without long lines or touring museum interiors.
Children enjoy the “play at knights” elements and the space to run between the walls — it’s a safe place where short stories about the city’s past easily mix with play.
For parents: it’s also a great spot for photos with a historic backdrop, and the Old Town route is short enough not to tire the younger participants.
Note: it gets busy on summer weekends — it’s worth coming earlier or in the late afternoon.
Kazimierz — the history of Krakow’s Jewish community is visible here in synagogues, narrow streets and quiet cemeteries. Walk calmly and stop at key places: the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery, and Szeroka Street.
Schindler’s Factory (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) — one of the most important places telling the story of Krakow under occupation. If you plan to enter the museum, allow 1.5–2 hours. The exhibition follows the city’s life from 1939–1945 and presents several perspectives on that time.
Ghetto Heroes’ Square and Podgórze — on the other side of the Vistula you’ll find places connected to the Krakow ghetto. Ghetto Heroes’ Square (the so-called Square of Empty Chairs) and nearby memorial points are quick to visit but offer important historical context.
Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka "Pod Orłem") — a small museum that shows everyday life and stories of people in the ghetto; usually a shorter visit, good for families who want to add context after a walk through Podgórze.
How to combine them: Schindler’s Factory + a short walk through Podgórze and Ghetto Heroes’ Square makes for a reasonable afternoon plan.
Route A - Barbican and Old Town (2 hours): St. Florian’s Gate - Barbican - Floriańska Street - Cloth Hall - short stop on the Market Square. Ideal when you want to feel the heart of Krakow without too much effort.
Route B - Short Kazimierz (2 hours): Start at the Old Synagogue - Szeroka Street - Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery - short walk along Miodowa. A calm route full of history and suitable for families who prefer quieter spots.
Route C - Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory (2–2.5 hours): Schindler’s Factory (1.5–2 hours) + a short walk to Ghetto Heroes’ Square. If you have less time, choose just an external walk through Podgórze and the Square (about 45–60 minutes) and adapt the rest to moods.
In short: each of these routes gives a condensed view of Krakow and can be easily done with children, with pauses for food and play.
Adjust the language to the child’s age — short, truthful sentences are enough for younger children. Instead of graphic details, focus on facts: what happened, how people suffered and how some helped others.
Use memorial places as a chance to talk about values: empathy, remembrance and the importance of helping. For older children you can add specifics and encourage questions.
Make sure to schedule breaks and activities — after visiting memorial sites it’s good to go to a park, eat something favorite and let children return to carefree play.
If you like, during the walk I can suggest short stories and engaging questions for younger participants — that helps them remember the place and its history better.
Schindler’s Factory: plan 1.5–2 hours; in season it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance or check opening hours. If you plan to go inside, allow time for a queue at the ticket desk.
Wawel and the Market Square: easily accessible on foot from most central spots. With children it’s usually more convenient to walk than to try parking in the center — parking can be expensive and crowded.
Food: in the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many family-friendly restaurants and cafés. For kids I recommend places with simple menus (soups, pancakes, pierogi). It’s always useful to have snacks and a bottle of water with you.
Toilets and rests: plan a break every 45–60 minutes for small children. In the center there are several cafés and museums with available restrooms.
Weather: if it rains most museums and attractions have indoor options, so have a plan B with museums or cafés.
In memorial places keep quiet and show respect — this matters to the local community and other visitors.
In tourist cities watch out for petty theft — keep documents and wallets close, and carry backpacks in front in crowded places.
If you travel with a stroller, check accessibility and ramps in museums in advance — many central places have stairs that make access difficult.
If you need a nap break for an afternoon child’s sleep — choose a quiet park or a café with a comfortable corner.
A small rule: sightseeing should be enjoyable, not exhausting. A slower pace makes better memories.
Focus on one short plan: either the Old Town with the Barbican, or a short walk in Kazimierz. Both options give the city’s essence and educational value for children.
If you want to touch on WWII topics in a short time — choose Ghetto Heroes’ Square + a brief story about Podgórze, or an external view of Schindler’s Factory (without entering).
In two hours it’s better to go slowly and meaningfully rather than ticking off as many points as possible. As a guide I recommend fun questions for children during the walk — it engages them and shortens the emotional distance to difficult topics.
If you want, I can send a short 2-hour map tailored to your place of stay.
Krakow can be seen in two days in a way that is interesting, calm and meaningful — without the rush. Combining the Old Town and Kazimierz with short visits to memorial sites gives a broad picture of the city: its landmarks, flavors and important history.
For families the most important things are: a good daily rhythm, breaks and routes suited to the children’s ages. The Barbican is a guaranteed hit with its ‘castle’ feel, while Schindler’s Factory and Ghetto Heroes’ Square leave lasting impressions and valuable lessons.
If you like, I can prepare a personalized route for your family — tell me how much time you have each day, how many children and what their interests are, and I’ll design a plan that’s comfortable and engaging.
Enjoy your visit and see you in Krakow - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
