Yes — technically you can walk the route from the Barbican via Floriańska Street, the Market Square, Grodzka and Kanonicza up to Wawel in about an hour if you keep a steady pace and hardly stop for photos or to enter attractions. That’s the ‘journey-only’ version.
For a visitor who wants to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town, step inside St. Mary’s Basilica or spend time on the Wawel courtyard, plan 2–4 hours for the same route; if you add museum visits, it can take a whole day. Below you’ll find a friendly, practical 2-day plan and tips for using your time well.
Day 1 (classic): Royal Route + Wawel + Market Square
08:30–09:00 — start at Matejko Square (a good orientation point; a short talk about the city walls and the Barbican).
09:00–10:00 — Floriańska Street and St. Florian’s Gate: Matejko’s House, the historic café Jama Michalika, and early photos on one of Krakow’s most representative streets.
10:00–12:00 — Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (listen to the hejnał), the Town Hall Tower, optional visit to the Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku).
12:00–14:00 — Grodzka and Kanonicza streets toward Wawel; lunch near the Market or along Kanonicza.
14:00–16:00 — Wawel Hill: castle courtyard, Cathedral (crypts, the Sigismund Bell if accessible), walk along the Vistula and the Wawel Dragon.
Day 2 (atmospheric): Kazimierz + Podgórze (or alternative: Wieliczka / Nowa Huta)
09:00–11:30 — Kazimierz: Nowy Square (famous zapiekanki), synagogues, cozy cafés and museums.
11:30–14:00 — walk to Podgórze: Oskar Schindler’s Factory and memory sites, view of Wawel from the opposite bank of the Vistula.
14:00–17:00 — optional half‑day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine; or a relaxed afternoon: Planty, National Museum, cafés and souvenir shopping.
Matejko Square and the Barbican – 15–30 minutes: brief orientation and a few facts about medieval fortifications.
Floriańska Street – 15–25 minutes (without long stops): townhouses, Jama Michalika, souvenir shops.
Main Market Square – 45–90 minutes: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (entrance 20–40 minutes depending on queues), time for coffee or lunch.
Grodzka and Kanonicza streets – 20–40 minutes: historic residences and a calm stretch leading to Wawel.
Wawel Hill – 45–120 minutes: a quick walk across the courtyard or a longer visit to the castle chambers and cathedral (tickets are often worth booking in advance).
Remember: your pace matters — photos, entries and breaks will lengthen the route. If you want more historical context, plan extra time.
Along the route you’ll find everything from traditional taverns to small cafés. A few practical, locally trusted options:
Nowy Square in Kazimierz – seasonal stalls and the legendary zapiekanki; great for a cheap, quick bite while exploring.
Jama Michalika (Floriańska Street) – a historic café with atmospheric interiors; a good spot for a break or dessert.
Near Wawel – hearty traditional portions and a rustic ‘karczma’ atmosphere close to the castle, ideal after a long walk.
Restaurants on the Market Square – you’ll find more or less formal places; check the menu and reviews before you sit down, as the most touristy spots can be pricier.
If you have dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten‑free), there are growing options in the center — it’s wise to check a menu in advance or ask the staff. You can also try well‑known local venues such as Wierzynek or Café Camelot for a classic experience.
The St. Mary’s bugle call (Hejnał Mariacki) is played from the Basilica tower every hour and deliberately stops mid‑melody — this commemorates the trumpeter who was shot while sounding an alarm defending the city.
The Wawel Dragon statue on the riverbank does ‘breathe fire’ — the installation is gas‑powered and flames are produced periodically, which delights children and adults alike.
The Planty park, a green ring around the Old Town, occupies the former line of city walls; walking the Planty offers a different, often quieter, view of the center if you want to avoid Market crowds.
Wawel is more than the castle courtyard — beneath the hill are royal crypts and museum chambers that usually require separate tickets and often reservations.
Trying to ‘see everything’ in one day — instead of enjoying a few places, visitors rush a list and feel they’ve missed the city. Solution: pick priorities and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
Not booking tickets to Wawel or the Market Underground — some entries have limits and long lines, especially on weekends and in high season.
Wearing the wrong shoes — cobblestones and uneven surfaces can tire you; choose comfortable, stable footwear.
Eating right at the Market without checking reviews — you may overpay for low quality. Walk a few streets away for better options and local recommendations.
Buy tickets for major attractions (Wawel State Rooms, Cathedral, Market Underground, Oskar Schindler’s Factory) online in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Best times to walk: early morning (8:00–10:00) or late afternoon — the city is less crowded and photos look better then.
From the main railway station you can walk to the Old Town in about 20–30 minutes; taxis and ride apps are efficient, but in the center it’s usually quicker and more pleasant to go on foot.
If you want to save time, cluster attractions and rest in one neighborhood (for example, spend a whole afternoon in Kazimierz).
Can you see Wawel and the Market in 2 days? - Yes. In 48 hours you can cover the Royal Route, Wawel courtyard, the basilica and spend a few hours in Kazimierz. If you want to enter every museum, you’ll need more time.
How long does the Royal Route take to walk? - The walk itself without stops is about one hour; comfortable sightseeing usually requires 2–4 hours.
Is a guide worth it? - A guide enriches the walk with historical context and local anecdotes. For those who prefer a self‑paced visit, this guide and a map are sufficient.
Is the hejnał played daily? - The Hejnał Mariacki is played every hour every day; the noon performance draws the largest audience.
Half‑day to Wieliczka — the salt mine is a popular outside‑the‑city option; it takes about half a day and offers a completely different experience.
Nowa Huta — for fans of modern history and socialist‑realist architecture, an interesting and less obvious part of Krakow.
Boat trip on the Vistula or a walk along the river boulevards — a different perspective on Wawel and the city skyline, particularly picturesque at sunset.
Krakow is best enjoyed slowly — leave time for coffee in a side café, ice cream on the Planty, and moments to admire architectural details.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit.
If you’d like to explore the city with someone who knows Krakow intimately and will tell more than dry facts, get in touch — contact details are available on the guide’s website. I’d be happy to prepare a route tailored to your expectations.
