Only have a weekend, want to see the must-see sights and care that the trip is friendly to the environment and local residents? It's possible. Two days are enough to feel the city's atmosphere — short, intense and with respect for urban space. Short, well-planned trips reduce a group's carbon footprint, and conscious choices — from transport to accommodation — make the stay better both for you and for Kraków.
Ecotourism in practice is more than having “eco” in the name. It’s about choices: using public transport or walking, carrying reusable bottles, choosing restaurants that serve seasonal produce and booking tickets in advance to avoid queues and overcrowding. Kraków actively promotes sustainable tourism and in recent years has introduced programmes to better manage visitor flows — it’s a good time to plan your visit thoughtfully.
For groups of 7–20 people there are extra advantages: you’re big enough to negotiate entrances and transport but not so large that you’ll create major discomfort for venues or landmarks. It’s an ideal size for a personalised, relaxed programme where everyone feels looked after.
Below you’ll find a ready, flexible summer plan — with practical logistical and eco tips that will make organising a trip for a group of 7–20 people easier.
Note: in summer many attractions have entry limits and variable opening hours — it’s worth booking tickets in advance and planning breaks outside the busiest times.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel — walk the Royal Route, visit Wawel Royal Castle/Wawel State Rooms, short rest on the Market Square, afternoon on the Planty, evening in Kazimierz with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Kazimierz and Wieliczka — morning exploring the Jewish quarter and synagogues, afternoon trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (tour route ~2–3 hours), return and optionally a short walk along the Vistula or a visit to Kościuszko Mound before departure.
This plan is flexible: if the group prefers a calmer pace, swap Wieliczka for a deeper discovery of Kraków’s green spaces (Botanical Garden, Błonia) or a city bike ride. To keep things eco-friendly and comfortable, arrange attractions so you avoid long transfers during peak hours.
Important — tickets and limits: the most popular sites (e.g. Wawel routes, Wieliczka Salt Mine) have limited places and changing opening hours. Booking ahead saves time and reduces group stress.
If you plan to stay overnight: choose accommodations that practise sustainability (energy saving, waste separation, local food). For groups of 7–20, reserving a block of rooms or one larger part of a hotel simplifies logistics.
Start in the morning — walk the Royal Route: St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall and the Main Market Square. Short stops at the key points set the rhythm of the tour and leave time for photos and quick stories. Avoid longer car journeys in the centre — walk or use trams where possible.
Wawel Hill is a must. Plan visits to the State Rooms and Cathedral — note that some entrances require timed tickets. For groups of 7–20 it’s worth buying tickets in advance and setting a clear meeting point, because scattering can lengthen entry times.
Lunch: pick a place that serves seasonal, regional dishes and follows eco-friendly practices (waste separation, short supply chains). That supports local producers and cuts emissions associated with food transport.
Afternoon and evening: after a short rest you can visit the Planty or take a stroll by the Vistula. Dinner in Kazimierz is a great way to experience the city’s culinary side — choose local spots that emphasise seasonality and waste reduction.
Practical note: in summer tourist traffic peaks between 10:00 and 17:00 — to avoid crowds start the day as early as possible or plan some attractions for late afternoon.
Morning in Kazimierz: walk the historic Jewish quarter, visit synagogues and small museums, and take a coffee break in one of the local cafés. Early hours give a more intimate atmosphere and fewer crowds.
Green alternative to crowds: if the group prefers nature, instead of Wieliczka take a bike route across the Błonia, visit the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden or go up Kościuszko Mound — good options for groups wanting fresh air while limiting car transfers.
Wieliczka (midday/afternoon): the classic tour of the Salt Mine takes about 2–3 hours and requires some preparation. The temperature underground in summer is steady — around 14–16°C — so bring light layers. You can reach Wieliczka from Kraków by train or bus; for groups it’s worth coordinating one specific departure to avoid waiting in queues. After the tour you can visit the graduation graduation salt graduation or have a short meal nearby.
Return to Kraków and wrap-up: a short walk along the river or a quick viewpoint stop before departure is a pleasant way to close the trip. Remember to leave the place tidy and respect local spaces.
Organisational tip: the mine and other popular attractions operate on seasonal schedules — check opening hours and group availability before finalising the programme.
Getting around the city: trams and buses are convenient and eco-friendly; for a medium-sized group (7–20) public transport or short minibus rides are often simpler than large coaches. In the centre many places are faster and easier to reach on foot.
Getting to Wieliczka: the train from the Main Station to Wieliczka is a quick, ecological option; buses run regularly too. For convenience, plan a specific train or bus and coordinate entrance times to the mine.
Parking and large vehicles: if you arrive by private minibus, check parking rules around the Old Town in advance — many zones are restricted. For residents’ comfort and trip efficiency, plan short drop-offs rather than long coach stays in the centre.
Small eco actions: encourage participants to use electronic tickets, reusable bottles and city apps; this saves time and reduces waste. For groups of 7–20, prepare a plan B in case of rain or sudden changes to opening hours.
Safety and comfort: carry a participant list, a local contact number and brief meeting-point instructions. A short set of rules before departure (times, meeting points, behaviour in sacred sites) makes moving around easier and improves everyone’s experience.
Choose accommodation with a sustainability policy — many hotels and guesthouses now apply energy-saving measures, waste separation and work with local suppliers. It’s an easy way to make your trip more responsible.
Meals: send group bookings to restaurants that use local, seasonal produce. Avoid single-use tableware; for picnics ask participants to bring their own cups and cutlery.
Reducing waste: prepare a map of refill stations for water and information about waste separation at your accommodation. Small instructions for the group cut waste and show you care for the places you visit.
Respect for place: plan visits outside the busiest hours, don’t leave litter and follow rules in sacred sites and museums. Such behaviour makes a real difference for residents and the quality of tourism in the city.
On-route education: a short guide’s note about Kraków’s sustainable tourism policies and how the local community manages visitor flows is a nice addition that raises awareness and integrates the group.
Group meals: when booking dinner for 7–20 people, choose restaurants offering seasonal menus and clear waste policies. Places serving traditional dishes made from local ingredients usually have shorter supply chains and lower environmental impact.
Accommodation: for a mid-size group it’s worth negotiating conditions (meals, early check-in, luggage storage). Hotels with eco practices (water saving, LED lighting, waste separation) are a plus. If you prefer a more intimate feel, consider guesthouses or apartments near the centre — shorter walks mean fewer transfers.
Special diets: inform restaurants in advance about allergies and preferences. Local kitchens increasingly offer vegetarian and vegan options, and eco-aware restaurants are often happy to adapt menus.
Budget: include group-entry fees, public transport and possible transport to Wieliczka in your planning. Early reservations often reduce costs and waiting time.
Practical tip: ask participants to chip in small change for a group fund — it simplifies paying for tickets and small unforeseen expenses.
Documents and tickets: reservation confirmations for accommodation, attraction tickets (if bought online), a participant list with phone numbers and the guide/organiser’s contact number.
Clothing: in summer remember sunscreen, hats and light layers. In the Salt Mine the temperature is stable at about 14–16°C — pack a thin sweater or light jacket.
Eco essentials: a reusable bottle, a cloth bag for souvenirs and a small rubbish bag for short trips outside the city. A powerbank for the group can be useful — it reduces the need for less eco-friendly charging options while on the go.
Health and comfort: a basic first-aid kit, plasters, pain relief, insect repellent (if you plan green areas) and blister protection for long walks.
Communication: agree on a simple communication channel (for example one group in a messaging app) and a meeting point after each stage. This avoids chaos and shortens stops.
Book tickets in advance — Wawel, certain exhibitions and the Wieliczka Salt Mine may have limits or special group blocks. This saves a lot of time and nerves on site.
Check up-to-date opening hours and route availability — summer schedules can change. For groups it’s good to have confirmed times and written confirmations from venues.
Permits and payments: if you are a school or corporate group, check what documents qualify for discounts and the rules for group payments. Also ask about a single invoice if you need one.
Additional info: be aware of local events (festivals, city days) that might affect traffic and access — check the event calendar before finalising your programme.
Final tip: the more you sort out before departure, the more time you’ll have to savour Kraków on site. A short, well-planned trip can be far more rewarding than a rushed checklist of sights.
Dining suggestions: for a local seasonal experience consider places such as Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish, friendly for groups), Miodova or Miodowa Street bistros near Kazimierz, Charlotte (Market Square bakery and bistro) for breakfast, and local cafés in Kazimierz like Café Camelot or Cheder for atmospheric coffee breaks. Many restaurants now offer group menus based on seasonal produce — ask about local and vegetarian options when booking.
Cafés and light lunches: for a relaxed group pause try Charlotte (Market Square), Vegab (for fast vegetarian options), or Bistro Charlotte. In Kazimierz, Hamsa or Alchemia’s neighbourhood cafés provide a good feel of the area.
Accommodation examples: mid-size hotels and eco-conscious guesthouses near the Old Town or in Kazimierz make walking easy and reduce the need for transfers. For a more intimate stay, consider boutique guesthouses or central apartments that can host the whole group in neighbouring rooms.
Notes on choosing venues: when you contact restaurants or hotels, ask about their sustainability practices (local sourcing, waste management) and whether they can prepare a group menu or offer early check-in/storage space for luggage.
Currency and payments: Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Most places accept cards, but small cafés and market stalls sometimes prefer cash. For groups it’s useful to have one person collect small cash contributions for minor expenses.
Tipping: rounding up or leaving 10% for good service is common practice. For larger groups check whether the restaurant adds a service fee to the bill.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, cafés and museums. Having one local contact number and a lead organiser helps if anything needs quick coordination.
Emergency numbers: in Poland the general emergency number is 112. Keep these numbers and local accommodation contact details handy.
Accessibility: many central attractions have limited accessibility due to historic structures; check accessibility information for museums, Wawel and Wieliczka in advance if any participant has mobility needs.
Pace is everything: two days are short — choose a few highlights and enjoy them slowly rather than trying to tick off everything.
Be early: mornings are quieter and more pleasant in summer. Early starts help you avoid crowds and enjoy calmer neighbourhoods.
Keep it local: prioritise seasonal food, local suppliers and short transfers — it improves the quality of your trip and reduces environmental impact.
Stay flexible: have a couple of alternatives ready (green options, indoor museums) in case of weather or schedule changes.
Enjoy the atmosphere: Kraków is more than monuments — let time for a coffee, a river walk or sitting on the Planty be part of your programme.
