Two days in Krakow is enough to feel the city’s atmosphere: the historic Main Square, the royal hill of Wawel, the lively Kazimierz district and intimate cafés serving excellent coffee. You don’t need to race through a long “must-see” list — plan a route that includes relaxing coffee breaks and time to watch everyday city life.
This guide focuses on a practical two-day plan: how to split sightseeing across two days, what to see at the Ethnographic Museum (Plac Wolnica 1, Kazimierz) and which cafés are worth visiting — I recommend spots popular with locals and well-rated by visitors.
Take your time, enjoy the coffee, and let Krakow reveal itself step by step.
Start the morning at Wawel — a short visit with views over the Vistula makes a great opening to the day. From there, walk to the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and the narrow streets around the square.
For a coffee break choose one of the historic cafés in the centre — Jama Michalika on Floriańska Street or Café Noworolski at the Cloth Hall are places with atmosphere and history. If you prefer modern specialty coffee, look for a small, highly rated specialty café — it’s a great way to taste a local roastery’s beans.
In the evening consider dinner at one of the restaurants by the Square or a stroll along the Vistula riverbank.
Dedicate the second day to Kazimierz — a district that blends history, art and atmospheric cafés. The Ethnographic Museum is located in the heart of Kazimierz at Plac Wolnica 1 and it’s worth planning at least 1–2 hours there.
After the museum visit, stop for coffee near Wolnica Square — there are several popular cafés nearby, including places offering specialty coffee and cosy interiors perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
If you still have energy, visit the synagogues and the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, then finish with dinner at a recommended restaurant serving regional or international cuisine.
The Ethnographic Museum in Krakow is one of the country’s leading institutions for folk culture — it holds rich collections documenting rural life, crafts, regional costumes and rituals. The museum dates back to the early 20th century and presents both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Highlights include reconstructed interiors and craft workshops, a gallery of regional costumes and collections linked to annual and family rituals. The museum also runs educational workshops for children and adults as well as themed events.
The museum operates in several locations: the permanent exhibition is presented in the former Kazimierz town hall and temporary shows and some activities take place in the so-called Dom Esterki. Before your visit check the current programme of events and any temporary exhibitions.
Jama Michalika — a historic café on Floriańska Street, perfect if you want to feel old Krakow’s atmosphere. Expect charming interiors and a sense of tradition rather than modern specialty brews.
Café Noworolski — a classic salon at the Cloth Hall, a lovely choice after exploring the Main Square, especially for fans of historic interiors and tradition.
Gossip Cafe — often recommended for good coffee and a cosy interior; a pleasant stop during a walk through the centre.
Specialty cafés and roasteries — if you care about bean quality and brewing techniques, look for places labeled “specialty” or with strong local community reviews; Krakow has several excellent roasteries and small cafés.
Cafés in Kazimierz and around Wolnica Square — many intimate spots where you can relax after visiting the Ethnographic Museum. Aim to arrive outside peak tourist times or pick places with short morning or afternoon queues.
Ethnographic Museum address: Plac Wolnica 1 (Kazimierz). The location is well connected by foot and tram from the centre. Walking from the Main Market Square takes about 15–25 minutes depending on pace.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change — check current information before you go. The museum also runs workshops and themed events that are worth including in your plan.
If your time is limited, book special exhibitions or workshops in advance. On weekends some cafés and restaurants can be busy — plan breaks outside peak times to avoid queues.
The Ethnographic Museum’s collections are not limited to Poland — there are also items brought by researchers from other parts of Europe and the world, which may surprise those expecting only Polish exhibits.
In Kazimierz, alongside numerous cafés and galleries, local craft workshops and events focused on material culture take place frequently — a great chance to see how tools, textiles and ornaments were made in the past.
Exploring Kazimierz on foot reveals hidden courtyards and small galleries; allow some time for spontaneous discoveries.
Trying to cram too many attractions into one day — rather than rushing through a checklist, choose fewer places and give them time, including a coffee break and moments for observation.
Not checking museum and exhibition opening times — to avoid disappointment, verify hours and any maintenance closures on the day you plan to visit.
Underestimating walking distances and transit times — Krakow is compact, but walking between sights can take longer than expected, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Are there activities for children at the Ethnographic Museum? Yes — the museum regularly organises workshops and educational activities for children and families. Check the current schedule.
Where is the best place for coffee after the museum visit? The nearest options are cosy cafés at Wolnica Square and the nearby streets of Kazimierz — good choices include specialty espresso bars or cafés serving local pastries.
Should I buy tickets in advance? If you plan to attend a specific temporary exhibition or a workshop, it’s a good idea to reserve in advance. For most permanent exhibitions advance booking is usually not required, but it’s wise to check beforehand.
If you found this plan helpful, share the article with friends or on social media — a short recommendation from someone you know can make planning easier for others.
If you’d like to explore Krakow without stress and hear additional local stories and insights, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalised tours and extra background information to enrich your visit. You can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy great coffee and have a wonderful two days in Krakow!
Feel free to contact me for customised tips — happy travels!
