Kraków in winter has a unique atmosphere: illuminated streets, the smell of mulled wine and spiced cookies, carols in the background and stalls full of handicrafts and local flavors. The largest market on the Main Square is the heart of the experience, but the city also hosts smaller, very atmospheric fairs at Wolnica Square or the Podgórze Market — these are worth adding to your plan, especially if you come with a group of friends and want to combine sightseeing with relaxing shared meals.
The Main Square market usually opens at the end of November and runs through December into early January — it’s an ideal time to combine visits to historic sites with the holiday atmosphere. Local markets on Wolnica or in Podgórze take place on specific dates (often in early and mid-December) and feel more intimate: more handcrafted goods, regional products and local performers.
This guide offers a practical, friendly three-day plan for Kraków so you can see the key sights, visit markets, taste local specialties and still have time for evening chats over mulled wine.
Clothing: December can be cold and wet — bring warm, waterproof shoes, layered clothing, hats and gloves. Lightweight, packable pieces (scarf, thin down jacket) make it easy to move between the cold outdoors and warm indoor spots.
Money and payments: many market stalls accept cards, but some are cash-only — carry small change. Prices vary from inexpensive snacks to pricier handcrafted items.
Reservations: if you plan dinner at a popular restaurant (especially at weekends), book ahead. For attractions like the Wawel State Rooms or the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum, consider buying tickets online and check winter opening hours.
Pace: a three-day plan can be busy, so schedule coffee breaks and longer stops at market stalls. This is a trip with friends — leave room for spontaneous discoveries and rest.
Day 1: Old Town and the Main Square Market - Start the morning with a walk around the Main Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (the trumpet call from the tower at the top of the hour is a must-hear), and the Town Hall Tower. A short visit to the Cloth Hall Museum or the Underground Museum beneath the Market can give you the history of the place. - In the afternoon, enjoy the market: stalls with decorations, crafts and food. Try oscypek with cranberry, mulled wine (grzaniec), and local sweets. In the evening the square is lit up — a perfect time for photos and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2: Kazimierz — history, culture and the Wolnica market - Kazimierz is a district of historic sites and great cafés. Start with a stroll along Szeroka Street, visit synagogues and Plac Nowy. - At Wolnica Square (if a market is taking place during your stay) you’ll find a more local vibe: more handcrafted goods and traditional dishes. It’s a great place to hunt for original gifts and try Jewish-Kraków specialties. - In the evening consider dinner in one of Kazimierz’s atmospheric restaurants — the neighborhood’s nightlife and small bars add charm to winter evenings.
Day 3: Podgórze, the mound and last-minute shopping - Head across to the right bank of the Vistula in the morning — Podgórze has an authentic, less touristy character. Visit the Podgórze Market, and if a Christmas Fair of Special Things is on that weekend, it’s a great chance for unique souvenirs. - In the afternoon walk by Wawel and, weather permitting, take a short trip to Krakus Mound or Kościuszko Mound — the city views are worth the effort. - Finish the day with dinner at a restaurant serving regional cuisine and a final stop at a market to pick up something for the journey home.
Wawel: the Castle and Cathedral are Kraków’s showcase. If you want to enter the State Rooms or the Armory, check opening hours and buy tickets, especially in the holiday season. A short visit to the Cathedral takes little time, but castle chambers often require advance reservations.
Museums: traveling with friends allows variety — one or two people can visit the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków while others go to MOCAK or the Schindler’s Factory Museum. Plan so you can meet later at the market and compare impressions.
Walk along the Vistula: even in winter a short riverside walk is relaxing and gives a different perspective on Wawel. Remember warm shoes, as paths can be slippery at night.
At the markets: be sure to try oscypek with cranberry, grilled sausages, pierogi, and sweets like gingerbread or roasted nuts. Mulled wine warms you quickly, and regional sweets are perfect snacks while strolling.
Restaurants and cafés worth noting: - Wierzynek - a historic restaurant near the Market, good for a special dinner. - Pod Wawelem - popular for hearty Polish fare, often chosen by visitors looking for generous portions. - Cafe Camelot - a cozy café ideal for warming up with coffee and cake after a walk. - Massolit Books & Cafe - great for book lovers and coffee; a relaxed spot for an afternoon. (These are examples — if you have a larger group, reserve tables in advance.)
Tip: if you want traditional pierogi, look for well-reviewed pierogarnie in the city center and Kazimierz — they’re quick, tasty and perfect after a long market walk.
Getting from the airport: the train (Koleje Małopolskie/PKP) from Balice Airport to Kraków Główny is a fast option, and there are also buses. Check current schedules before you travel.
Transport in the city: Kraków’s center is compact and most attractions are walkable. For longer trips, trams and buses are convenient — buy tickets from machines or apps and validate before boarding.
Toilets and longer breaks: there are toilets on the Market and in nearby museums, but queues are possible during the holiday season — plan breaks between sightseeing and meals.
Safety and crowds: markets draw crowds, especially on weekends and evenings. Keep wallets secure and agree on specific meeting points with friends if you get separated. For better photos and fewer people, go early in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays.
Is entry to the markets paid? - No, most markets and fairs are free to enter. Fees apply only to certain museums and paid attractions.
When is the Main Square market held? - Traditionally the market opens in late November and runs through December into early January. Exact dates change each year, so check event calendars before your trip.
Are markets suitable for vegetarians/vegans? - Yes — stalls often offer pierogi with various fillings, potato pancakes and sweet baked goods. Look for signs or ask vendors about ingredients.
How to avoid lines at major attractions? - Buy tickets for popular museums online and choose mornings or weekdays. For photos with fewer people, arrive earlier than most visitors.
When traveling with friends, agree on a pace: some of the group may want museums while others prefer markets and food. Splitting up for half a day and meeting in the evening over mulled wine works well.
Bring a small shopping bag — handicrafts are light but souvenirs and sweets add up.
For a special group photo, look for quieter corners in the eastern part of the Old Town or in Kazimierz — these spots often have more character and fewer tourists.
Three days in Kraków with friends is the perfect mix of monuments, markets and good food. Focus on the essentials: the Main Square and its market, Kazimierz and local fairs, and the right-bank neighborhood of Podgórze. Allow time for breaks, reserve where needed, and enjoy long shared walks.
Most importantly: enjoy the atmosphere — markets are not a race for presents but an opportunity for conversation, tasting and creating memories. If you’d like, I can help tailor the route to your interests — history, food or quiet walks off the beaten path. - Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. (Wishing you a wonderful, festive stay in Kraków!)
