Instead of rushing from one point to another, I suggest a plan tailored to people who want to see the heart of Kraków with minimal effort and longer rest breaks. In this text you will find two options: a sensible 2-day Kraków itinerary and a condensed “Kraków + Wieliczka in 1 day” version for those who have only one free day. Everything is written in a simple, friendly tone and with comfort in mind — benches, places with elevators and tram/taxi timetables that make getting around easier. At the end I add a packing list and short answers to the most common questions. Sometimes slowing down makes the trip more memorable.
I do not mention competing offers or other local guides — if you want a guided tour, feel free to contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
The plan is universal — you can adapt it to your pace, fitness and interests. If someone in the group walks more slowly, it’s easy to postpone a coffee stop or shorten indoor visits (for example view church interiors from the outside only). Leave some extra time for unplanned stops — lovely views along the Vistula, a rest on the Planty or a short walk in Kazimierz.
- Pace: short walking sections, frequent benches and stops at cafés or parks. This removes pressure and makes sightseeing enjoyable.
- Logistics: routes are designed to limit repeated stair climbs and long uphill stretches — where there are stairs I recommend alternative transport options.
- Reservations: buy tickets in advance for popular attractions (for example the Wieliczka Salt Mine) — this avoids queues and helps plan time comfortably.
- Flexibility: every part of the program can be shortened or extended — I give sample times, but treat them as a framework, not strict rules.
- Photos and memories: many places offer comfortable seating with a view — the Planty, Vistula riverbank or cafés in Kazimierz — perfect for photos without exhausting rush.
Day 1 - morning: Old Town at an easy pace
Start the day slowly — breakfast near the Planty will put you close to most of the main sights. A walk along the Planty is pleasant and even, full of benches. Enter the Main Market Square — look at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the exterior of St. Mary’s Church. If someone feels up to it, a short visit inside St. Mary’s is an option, but you can comfortably skip it and instead enjoy the craft stalls in the Cloth Hall.
Day 1 - afternoon: Wawel and a relaxed lunch
After a short rest, walk (or take a taxi) to Wawel. A stroll around the castle hill can be planned with many places to sit and views of the Vistula. Seeing Wawel from the outside and visiting the cathedral are the main highlights; if anyone wants to go inside the cathedral or the Royal Castle’s interiors, check ticket availability and options for step-free access. After sightseeing I recommend lunch in a nearby restaurant — choose venues with comfortable seating and relaxed service.
Day 1 - evening: rest and a light dinner
Spend the evening with a walk along the Vistula or a quiet dinner in Kazimierz — no rush, with the option to return to the hotel early. For those who prefer shorter days, keeping evenings light is a good idea.
Day 2 - morning: Kazimierz and surroundings
Begin in Kazimierz — a district with a gentler pace, many cafés and places to sit. A walk along the main streets (ul. Szeroka, ul. Józefa) can be easily interrupted for coffee and rest. Consider visiting the synagogues and Jewish cemeteries — some sites have simple, step-free entrances.
Day 2 - afternoon: break and optional extras
After lunch choose a shorter option: a walk by the Barbican and the Planty, or a riverboat cruise on the Vistula (weather permitting) — a relaxing way to see the city without much walking. For those interested, visit a museum with an elevator or step-free entrance. Finish the day with a light dinner and an easy return to your accommodation.
This variant is for those who have only one day but want to see both Kraków and the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. I recommend this schedule:
Sample timetable (calm pace — with places to rest)
- 08:30 - 09:30: Breakfast and a short walk along the Planty toward the Main Market Square.
- 09:30 - 11:00: Main Market Square — Cloth Hall and a walk along Grodzka Street toward Wawel. View Wawel from the outside; if someone wants to enter the cathedral, plan a shorter visit.
- 11:15 - 12:00: Transfer to Wieliczka (taxi or short car ride) — plan about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- 12:00 - 14:30: Wieliczka Salt Mine — the tourist route usually takes around 1.5–2.5 hours. For a slower group, check route availability and possible physical limitations in advance — some sections include steps and uneven ground. After the tour, plan time to rest on the surface and have a light meal.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Return to Kraków, short coffee break.
- Evening: light dinner and rest at the hotel.
A few practical notes for this plan:
- The mine is a wonderful experience but requires some physical effort — choose the route best suited to the group and book tickets in advance.
- If someone in your group has difficulty with stairs, consider alternative attractions in Kraków instead of descending into the deeper parts of the mine or ask about gentler routes.
- For this schedule, pre-planning travel is important — a taxi gives the most flexibility and shortens transfer times.
- Buy tickets in advance for the most popular attractions — it saves time and energy.
- Transport: for comfort choose short taxi rides between points — often faster and less tiring than long walks or multiple transfers. Trams and buses are an option, but remember peak hours.
- Entrances and lifts: some historic sites have limited access — if you need step-free entry, check in advance by phone or on the attraction’s website.
- Sightseeing pace: plan shorter visits inside buildings — it’s better to see fewer things and enjoy them than to be exhausted.
- Rest spots: the Planty, the Vistula riverbank, cafés in Kazimierz and the passages around the Market offer many benches and seating.
- Toilets and breaks: take regular breaks for the restroom and to drink — that is a big comfort when traveling at an older age.
- Accommodation location: choose a place near the Planty or in the Kazimierz area — shorter distances to main attractions and easy taxi access.
- Room comfort: pay attention to a comfortable bed, an elevator in the building and an ensuite bathroom — these details save energy.
- Restaurants: pick places with a calm atmosphere and reasonable portions — local dishes can often be served in lighter versions. Reserving a table for a specific time helps avoid waiting.
- Cafés: an afternoon coffee or tea break is part of the plan — Kraków has many cozy spots; choose those with tables and comfortable chairs.
- Diet and health needs: if someone has special dietary requirements, central restaurants can usually adapt a meal if asked in advance.
- Comfortable shoes with soft soles — even a short walk is better in comfortable footwear.
- Pain reliever and basic medications, documents and emergency contact numbers — keep them close at hand.
- A small bottle of water and a snack — helpful between meals.
- An umbrella or light jacket — weather can change during the day.
- Phone with charger or powerbank and a city transport card or taxi app — these make getting around and contacting others easier.
- If anyone uses mobility aids — check in advance whether the place you plan to visit provides storage or step-free access.
Is 2 days enough to “see Kraków”? - Yes, at a relaxed pace you can visit the main sights: the Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz and still have time to rest. If you want to explore museums in depth, add another day.
Is visiting Wieliczka difficult for older people? - The mine is a beautiful experience but requires walking on steps and some uneven ground. For many older visitors it is possible at a calm pace with planned breaks. If mobility is severely limited, consult the mine’s staff or choose an alternative surface visit.
How can I minimize walking? - Use taxis, plan shorter walking segments and choose places with easy access to seating and toilets.
Should I make reservations in advance? - For popular attractions and restaurants, yes — reservations save time and increase comfort.
What if I feel tired during the day? - Stop, sit down, have a drink, shorten indoor visits and leave something for another day. Sightseeing will wait — health and enjoyment come first.
Kraków and Wieliczka can be seen without hurry and without excessive fatigue — a plan adapted to the group’s pace, advance reservations and attention to rest spots are enough. The 2-day version lets you enjoy the city slowly, while the condensed 1-day option allows you to combine Kraków with the salt mine if you choose routes and transport carefully.
If you wish, I will happily help adapt the route to your group — taking into account pace, mobility needs and favorite themes (history, art, food). Contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and I will prepare a comfortable and pleasant plan so the trip becomes true enjoyment.
Wishing you calm planning and wonderful memories from Kraków — Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
