Did you know that the Sigismund Bell in Wawel Cathedral weighs about 11 tons and is one of Kraków's most famous symbols? That's just one of the many attractions at Wawel — a place full of royal tombs, chapels, museums and history that’s worth planning for, especially when you have only 48 hours.
This text will help you plan an efficient but pleasant walk through Kraków: how to split sightseeing over 2 days, which parts of Wawel require tickets, who can buy concession tickets and how, plus practical tricks to avoid queues and disappointment.
Day 1: Wawel in the morning (Cathedral, Royal Tombs, Cathedral Museum), walk through the Planty to the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, afternoon for souvenir shopping or a short museum visit.
Day 2: Kazimierz from the morning (synagogues, atmospheric cafés), afternoon at Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory Museum and a light evening walk by the Vistula or up one of the mounds if you prefer views.
This schedule lets you see the city's highlights without sprinting and leaves time for good food and rest.
Start early, ideally right when places open — this helps you avoid crowds on the hill. Access to parts of the Cathedral can be free in general areas, but visiting specific sites (Royal Tombs, Cathedral Museum, the Sigismund Bell, chapels) usually requires separate tickets.
After Wawel, walk through the Planty to the Main Market Square. See the Cloth Hall, listen to the trumpeter’s hejnał from St. Mary’s tower and take a moment for coffee at a well-rated café — recommended options include Charlotte (breakfast and baked goods), Café Camelot (atmospheric interior) or local coffee spots around the square.
For lunch choose one of the best restaurants by the Market Square: Wierzynek (for a historic atmosphere), Pod Nosem (excellent Polish cuisine in a modern style), or smaller, highly rated places favored by guests.
Remember that some routes at Wawel require separate tickets — if you want to see several exhibitions, check opening times and whether a combined ticket is worth it. Sometimes a seasonal or family ticket pays off if you plan to visit many displays.
Plan at least 2–3 hours to visit Wawel if you want to go inside; if you only walk around the exterior and courtyards, less time is enough.
Kazimierz is a district to explore slowly: synagogues, narrow streets, cafés and many galleries. Have brunch at Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, highly rated) or visit Mleczarnia or Alchemia for a relaxed coffee.
In the afternoon visit Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory — the exhibition is moving and tells the city’s World War II history well. Booking tickets in advance for popular exhibitions is often helpful.
In the evening relax by the Vistula, pick a well-reviewed bar or try local street food at Plac Nowy (famous zapiekanki).
A concession ticket is usually available to pupils, students, doctoral students, seniors and other groups defined by the exhibition hosts — normally after showing a valid ID. Accepted documents include student ID, ISIC, EURO26 card, school ID or a document proving age.
At many exhibitions and museums you will not receive a concession without presenting the document. Prepare it at the entrance — staff have the right to ask for verification. Don’t rely on a verbal declaration alone.
Sometimes institutions offer family, seasonal or promotional tickets — check current options online or at the ticket office before your trip, as offers may change with the season and temporary exhibitions.
Buying online usually saves time — many places sell tickets on the internet with set entry times. However, some tickets are only sold at the box office on the day, so check the rules for each exhibition.
When planning Wawel and popular museums, I recommend booking the first entry of the day or choosing afternoon hours outside peak times. In summer it's also wise to arrive early in the morning.
Pay attention to rules about large backpacks and strollers — some places offer free cloakroom service and do not allow strollers in exhibition spaces.
Access to parts of the Cathedral is open, but visiting particular spaces (royal tombs, cathedral museum, the bell) is ticketed. Photography inside may be restricted (for example, no flash) — follow staff instructions.
If you want to attend a service or ceremony, respect silence and the rules that apply in the church. Designated visitor routes are provided and should be followed.
Trying to see everything in half a day — it’s better to focus on a few things and feel the city than to rush from one attraction to another every hour.
Not carrying the document required for a concession ticket — always have your ID with you. Without it, your concession may be revoked.
Not checking opening hours and breaks — museums and some exhibitions have specific entry schedules, so check availability first.
Is entry to Wawel Cathedral paid? - Part of the cathedral is publicly accessible, but entry to royal tombs, the cathedral museum and other designated spaces is ticketed.
How do I prove my right to a concession? - In most places you must show a valid ID (student, pupil, senior, etc.).
Is it worth booking tickets in advance? - Yes, especially during the tourist season and for popular exhibitions; booking saves time and guarantees entry at a chosen time.
How much time should I allow for Wawel? - Minimum 2–3 hours if you want to enter interiors and museums; a quick walk around the hill is possible in 1–1.5 hours.
For breakfast and coffee: Charlotte (fresh baked goods and a charming interior).
Lunch by the Market Square: Wierzynek (tradition and history) or Pod Nosem (modern Polish cuisine).
In Kazimierz: Hamsa - Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern cuisine, often highly rated), Mleczarnia (a café with an artistic vibe).
For a quick evening bite: Plac Nowy and its zapiekanki, if you want to try local street food.
Wawel is not only the castle and cathedral — it is a complex of many smaller exhibitions and routes; sometimes special seasonal and family tickets are offered that can significantly reduce the cost of visiting multiple displays.
On certain days and at specific times there are sometimes free entries or promotional events — check current news before you arrive.
The Sigismund Bell rings on exceptional occasions; admiring its history is one of the most memorable moments of a visit for many guests.
Pack comfortable shoes — Kraków is best explored on foot, and cobblestones and walking stretches can feel after a longer walk.
Carry the document that entitles you to a concession and some small cash for possible cloakroom fees for a backpack or stroller.
Plan coffee and rest breaks — it’s better to feel the city than to tick off every point on a list.
If this guide proved helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — useful tips are the best travel souvenirs.
If you would like to explore with a personal guide, consider arranging a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the guide's website. A personal guide is a great way to see the city from a local perspective and learn additional, less obvious stories.
Public transport in Kraków is efficient — trams and buses connect the Old Town, Kazimierz and Zabłocie. A single ticket is usually valid for a set time; check zones and ticket validity.
If you plan to visit several museums, consider a city museum pass or look for bundled offers that may save money.
Summer weekends are busiest; if you prefer quieter visits, choose shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or weekdays.
Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places like the Main Market Square.
Many museums offer reduced mobility access, but older buildings can have limited accessibility — check in advance if you need ramps or elevators.
