Kraków is compact — which is an advantage when you only have a weekend. Two days are enough to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town, visit Wawel, stroll the Planty park and find time for an attraction that kids usually love most: the Museum of Illusions. This article gives a ready-made sightseeing plan, practical tips, a list of family-friendly restaurants and a few ideas to avoid common mistakes.
If you’re traveling with children, breaks and engaging spots where kids can move or play are essential. The Museum of Illusions is a great break between historical sights — it stimulates the eyes, offers fun photo opportunities and provides a short, intense playtime.
At the end I add an FAQ and practical advice about tickets, visit duration and reserving a table at a restaurant.
Start the morning at Wawel. A walk around Wawel Hill and a brief visit to the Cathedral take about 1–1.5 hours, depending on whether you enter the state rooms or the crypts. It’s a good way to begin the day — the central location makes it easy to walk to the Main Market afterwards.
From Wawel, follow the Royal Route along Grodzka Street straight to the Main Market Square. On the way you can stop for a quick snack, ice cream or coffee. At the Market, plan a short stop by St. Mary’s Church — children are often fascinated by the bugle call (the hejnal).
The Museum of Illusions is very close to the Market, making it a natural part of the itinerary. It’s an interactive exhibition with optical installations and a “glass maze” — a visit usually lasts 45–60 minutes. It’s a good idea to go there after your morning walk to give kids a lively, fun break before lunch.
On the second day I suggest exploring Kazimierz in the morning: atmospheric streets, cafés and places tied to the district’s history. In Kazimierz you’ll find many small spots where kids can quickly find something they like and adults can enjoy coffee or a relaxed lunch.
If you fancy a longer outing, consider the Wieliczka Salt Mine — it’s a half-day option and a great idea when the weather isn’t ideal for long walks. Alternatively, visit Podgórze and take a riverside walk or see the Ghetto Heroes Square and the famous steps up to the mound.
Finish the second day by choosing a restaurant in a convenient location — either the center or Kazimierz — so you don’t lose time on long transfers.
The museum’s location is very convenient — right in the city center, close to the Market, so it’s easy to combine with other sights. The exhibition is interactive and built for play and “Instagram-worthy” photos, which further engages children.
Visiting time is usually 45–60 minutes, although families who take many photos or have several children may stay longer. The exhibit includes a glass maze and dozens of optical installations that alter perceptions of height, reflection and gravity.
Ticket options often include standard, reduced and family tickets, and special prices for the youngest visitors; children under 3 frequently enter for free. Opening hours generally cover weekdays and weekends, but it’s a good idea to check before you go — in high season the museum can be busy, so booking online in advance is recommended.
La Forchetta — a place appreciated by families and tourists, known for a wide menu (breakfasts, lunches) and a friendly atmosphere. A good spot when you want a quick, tasty meal near the center.
Miód Malina — an elegant restaurant on the Royal Route with traditional Polish dishes and Italian touches; spacious interiors and the possibility to reserve a table make it a convenient option for a family lunch after sightseeing.
Szalone Widelce — a restaurant near the Market with a children’s corner, kids’ menu and amenities like high chairs. It’s a practical choice if you need a place where your child can play with toys while you eat in peace.
Viale Verde — a restaurant with a green terrace and open space that suits family visits; it has a welcoming atmosphere and often offers dishes that appeal to both children and adults.
If you’re looking for a specific cuisine (for example Italian, Polish, burgers), book ahead — especially on weekends — because the best local places can get full.
Do I need to reserve tickets for the Museum of Illusions? Not always, but on weekends and during the tourist season buying online or reserving will help you avoid queues.
How much time should I set aside for the Museum of Illusions? Plan 45–90 minutes if you want to take photos and let the children play with the installations.
Can I bring a stroller? That depends on the venue — some museums and restaurants have limited space. I recommend checking accessibility information beforehand or leaving the stroller in the car/hotel for a short visit.
Are photos allowed? In most interactive exhibitions private photography is allowed and even encouraged. Remember to be considerate of other visitors.
How to plan two days without rushing? Focus on two neighboring areas: day 1 — Wawel and the Old Town (including the Museum of Illusions), day 2 — Kazimierz and possibly Podgórze or a day trip to Wieliczka. This minimizes transfers and gives more time for breaks.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — it’s better to focus on fewer attractions and leave buffer time for breaks. Children tire quickly, so shorter, engaging stops work best.
Not reserving a table at a popular restaurant — on weekends and during peak season many places fill up. If a specific restaurant matters to you, reserve in advance.
Underestimating walking time — although Kraków’s center is compact, getting around with children (stroller, breaks) takes longer than you might think. Add a 20–30 minute buffer between points.
The Museum of Illusions is not just a “photo booth” — many exhibits also have an educational angle and explain optical phenomena in an accessible way, which is great for family conversations about how our senses work.
The center hides many quiet “nooks” — narrow streets and courtyards where you can quickly escape the crowds and eat peacefully with a child. Local cafés often provide changing tables and high chairs even if they don’t advertise as “kids friendly.”
It’s handy to carry some cash for speed: in small places card terminals can be slower or not always available, so cash can sometimes speed up ordering.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on your social media — it will help other families better plan a Kraków weekend.
If you’d like a personalized itinerary or a tour tailored to your children’s ages and your family’s pace, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers customized tours that save time, reduce stress and include tailored dining recommendations. Wishing you a wonderful trip and many smiles in Kraków!
