Kraków looks like a scene from a book — with the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, the wide Main Market Square and the atmospheric lanes of Kazimierz. In two days you can feel its character and visit the most important sights, also with children, as long as you choose a short, logical route full of breaks. This plan combines the “classics” (Wawel, the Market) with opportunities for free play and good food — without trying to break walking records. Read on: there’s an hourly schedule, practical tips, rain alternatives and ideas children will remember for a long time.
If you want the route personalized to your accommodation, the children’s ages or your walking pace, write and I’ll prepare a short version tailored to your family. At the end of the article you’ll also find a brief FAQ and a list of common mistakes to avoid. If you prefer a ready-made service, contact information for tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site.
Day 1 (morning and afternoon): Planty — St. Florian’s Gate — Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Basilica from outside or a short visit) — Grodzka Street to Wawel (courtyard and Cathedral) — lunch break near Grodzka — afternoon and evening in Kazimierz (Plac Nowy, cozy cafés, a zapiekanka for the kids).
Day 2 (morning and afternoon): Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound (short walk with a view) or Zakrzówek in the morning — then Podgórze: Bernatek footbridge, Oskar Schindler’s Factory (grounds and exhibitions) — afternoon walk along the Vistula boulevards or Park Jordana/Błonia (space for play and rest).
If you prefer less walking: swap a mound visit for a tram ride to Podgórze and spend more time in Kazimierz and by the river. If you want to see the salt mine, plan it as a half-day trip (Wieliczka is about 1 hour away by car).
Estimated timing: the plan is set for family pace — allow 20–40 minutes for breaks every 1–1.5 hours. With children the best rule is: 45–60 minutes of active sightseeing, then 30–60 minutes of rest or play.
Start in the morning at the Planty — a short walk along the green ring around the Old Town is the best “warm-up” after travel. The Planty are flat and stroller-friendly, and the morning hour helps avoid crowds.
Enter the Market from St. Florian’s Gate: give the kids a moment to spot the Cloth Hall and the big square — great for photos and getting your bearings. A short visit to St. Mary’s Basilica can be appealing, but it’s not always worth standing in a long line — a better option is to listen to the bugle call (hejnal) from outside on the hour and tell the children the trumpeter’s legend.
Walk to Wawel along Grodzka Street: this is a short, very picturesque stretch. On Wawel see the courtyard and pop into the Cathedral (a brief look at the royal tombs and the interior) — for younger kids pick just the most “photogenic” spots. Remember tickets if you want to enter the castle chambers — booking ahead significantly reduces waiting time.
Lunch: around Grodzka and the Market there are many family-friendly places. If you want a relaxed sit-down meal, the well-regarded Miód Malina (Grodzka Street) is a reliable option with consistent menu choices good for kids. If you prefer a quicker, more local option, Plac Nowy in Kazimierz offers the legendary zapiekanka, a treat that usually delights little ones.
Afternoon/evening in Kazimierz: Plac Nowy, winding streets, cafés and murals. Kazimierz has a more relaxed atmosphere than the Market and is great for a calmer dinner. Children will enjoy the souvenir shops and colorful shopfronts. In the evening return with a stroll by the Vistula or relax at one of the riverside cafés.
Option A — mounds and woods: start at Kościuszko Mound (short but steep climb) — the panorama is the reward and gives children a feeling of having “conquered” something. From the Wolski Forest you can follow easy trails or return by public transport.
Option B — by the water and Podgórze: a morning walk along the Vistula boulevards, Bernatek footbridge to Podgórze and Oskar Schindler’s Factory (grounds and exhibitions). The Factory can be especially engaging for older children — it has a strong historical context, so consider preparing them gently for difficult topics.
Afternoon options: Zakrzówek (weather permitting), Park Jordana or Błonia — ideal spots for running around and a picnic. If the children have extra energy, consider a trampoline park or the Museum of Illusions/interactive science museum, which combine entertainment and learning.
End of the day: a light walk through the Planty or along the river, coffee for adults and dessert for children. If you’re leaving in the evening, plan buffer time to reach the train station or airport.
Miód Malina (Grodzka Street) — a well-rated restaurant with class, convenient for a family lunch near Wawel and the Market. Reservation recommended on weekends.
Camelot Cafe (St. Thomas Street) — an atmospheric café with desserts and homemade pastries; a good stop for a break with kids and an easy dessert after sightseeing at the Market.
Plac Nowy — zapiekanki and street food: a quick, inexpensive option most children love. Try to visit Plac Nowy outside peak hours if you want shorter lines.
Forum Przestrzenie (riverside area in Podgórze) — an open space with a terrace, food and easy terrain for kids, often chosen for relaxing by the Vistula.
If you fancy artisanal ice cream or quick sandwiches, look for local ice-cream parlors and bakeries with good reviews — Kraków has many small high-quality places perfect for a stroll-time dessert.
The Museum of Experiments and other interactive museums — great when the weather is poor; children love hands-on experiments and space to move. Check opening hours and possible family workshops.
The National Museum and its family programs — many museums in Kraków offer guided activities and workshops for the youngest visitors; check event calendars before your trip.
Aviation Museum and Bricks and Figs (LEGO museum) — themed attractions hold kids’ attention and are educational at the same time.
Parks and playgrounds — Park Jordana, Błonia and the Vistula boulevards are great for rest and free play after a morning of sights. Many parks have fountains and benches, giving a chance for a picnic or a nap for the little one.
Book tickets for popular attractions (Wawel, Market Underground, the salt mine) in advance, especially in high season. Booking saves time and avoids long queues.
Public transport: trams and buses are convenient, especially if you prefer not to walk the whole city. Single tickets and time-based tickets can be bought from machines, apps and kiosks. Check schedules and possible roadworks.
Parking in the center is expensive and complicated — if possible, leave the car outside the center and take a tram in. Paid parking zones apply in the center; check signs and fees before you go.
Strollers and accessibility: most walking routes are doable with a stroller, but cobbled streets and steep steps (for example on some parts of Wawel) can make it harder. For family comfort choose flat approaches and carry a lightweight baby carrier or sling for younger children.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — instead plan the essence and one extra attraction. Fewer well-enjoyed places make better memories.
Not booking tickets for the most popular sights — the Wawel chambers and Market Underground can have long queues; online booking is a simple fix.
Skipping breaks and snacks — bring small snacks and water. Children (and adults) do better with regular breaks and something to eat, especially during intensive sightseeing.
Ignoring the weather — Kraków’s weather can change quickly. Take light jackets, rain ponchos and comfortable shoes. For a rainy afternoon have a plan B (museum, indoor playroom, cinema).
Is two days enough to “see” Kraków? Yes — enough for the essence of the city and a few attractions outside the center. If you want to visit every museum, you’ll need more time.
Is it worth taking kids to the salt mine? It depends on the child’s age and temperament — Wieliczka is unique but requires more time and stairs; for younger kids shorter city attractions may be better.
How to save time in high season? Get up early, book tickets online and pick morning visits to the most popular sites. Use afternoons for parks and riverside walks.
Where is best to stay with kids? The most convenient areas are near the Old Town or neighborhoods with good connections to the center — this minimizes transfers. If you prefer quiet, consider areas near Błonia or Wola Justowska.
The Planty are a true “green ring” around the city — walking them is a quick way to feel Kraków’s atmosphere without Market crowds. Kids often like the Planty because they feel separated from traffic.
The Vistula boulevards can be surprising: in the evening, with mood lighting, they’re a lovely place for a light walk and play, and in summer many temporary food spots and events appear by the river.
Many museums run special family workshops — a great way to make visits more than just “standing by exhibits” and to provide an actual experience for kids. Check calendars before you arrive.
Please share this article with friends planning a family weekend in Kraków — a tested quick plan saves time and nerves. If you liked this guide, share it or send it to loved ones.
If you prefer to hand planning and guiding to someone, consider booking a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you can find contact details and offers for family-tailored routes and short customized tours. Private guiding gives convenience, a pace set for children and the flexibility for unlimited breaks.
Good luck planning and enjoy your stay in Kraków — may these two days be full of discoveries, tasty breaks and moments the whole family will remember.
