Yes — if you like walking, enjoying the city slowly and combining the main attractions with a visit to Cricoteka (the Tadeusz Kantor Museum) and places connected to the artist, three days are enough to feel the atmosphere of the city and understand the context of his work. This guide offers a balanced pace: morning exploration of landmarks, afternoon museum visits and time for meals in well-rated spots. It’s worth leaving room for rest — Krakow is best enjoyed without haste.
In this text you’ll find: a sample three-day schedule, a walking route focused on the city centre and Kantor’s traces, practical tips (tickets, hours, logistics), recommended places to eat and a few surprising facts and common mistakes to avoid. If you prefer, you can mix in short tram rides, but the plan is built around walking.
Day 1: the Royal Route — the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, Grodzka, Kanonicza and Wawel; afternoon in Kazimierz. Day 2: Krakow’s museums and Cricoteka — visit Cricoteka and the Tadeusz Kantor Gallery–Studio on Sienna Street, then a walking trail through Kantor-related spots in the city centre. Day 3: Kazimierz and Podgórze — a relaxed exploration of synagogues, small squares, Nowy Square and memorial sites in Podgórze; optionally a short trip outside the city (Wieliczka or Kalwaria/Nowa Huta).
In practice: book entry to paid sites (Wawel, some exhibitions) in advance, start early in the morning, take breaks every 60–90 minutes and bring comfortable shoes. Leave evenings for dinners in local restaurants — that’s also part of the experience.
Start at Matejko Square or by the Barbican, walk through St. Florian’s Gate onto Floriańska Street, reach the Main Market Square and spend time at the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. Walking along Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets will bring you to Wawel — consider visiting the Cathedral or the State Rooms if you’re interested in history and art. Walking this route without entries usually takes 2–3 hours; with visits it can take half a day.
For a lunch break I recommend well-reviewed places near the Market Square and in Kazimierz — restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine or popular cafés will recharge you for the afternoon. Save the evening for relaxing on the Planty park or strolling the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz.
Spend this day on contemporary art and the artist’s life. Cricoteka — the modern centre documenting Tadeusz Kantor’s art — is where you’ll see permanent and temporary exhibitions and learn about Kantor’s theatrical practice. Also visit the Tadeusz Kantor Gallery–Studio on Sienna Street — an authentic place connected to the last years of the artist’s life.
Cricoteka often offers a free permanent exhibition and charges a small fee for temporary shows; it also runs guided tours (check current opening hours and booking options). The programme may include documentary film screenings and themed walks. After visiting Cricoteka I suggest a walking route through places linked to Kantor: the area around the Academy of Fine Arts, parts of the city where his early theatre projects were born, and small intimate spaces that mattered to him.
When planning the day, allow time to absorb the displays and to sit and reflect — Kantor’s work benefits from contemplation, not just a quick checklist of exhibits.
Kazimierz is a must: synagogues, the Remuh cemetery, Nowy Square with local snacks and the district’s atmospheric cafés. Spread the visit out and try regional flavors at a market stall or one of the recommended restaurants.
In the afternoon head to Podgórze — the Ghetto Heroes Square, Schindler’s Factory (Museum), and then walk along the Vistula with views of Wawel from the opposite bank. End the day with a gentle stroll along the river boulevards or dinner in a quiet restaurant. If you have an extra half day, consider a short trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or a walk following the pope’s trail to Wadowice (for longer walking options).
Krakow has a huge range of dining options — from cozy cafés to high-quality restaurants. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find reliable, highly rated places for various budgets. I recommend choosing venues with good reviews and booking tables for weekend evenings.
For accommodation, pick a location close to the centre (Old Town, Kazimierz, Stradom) to maximize walking opportunities. Boutique hotels and well-rated guesthouses offer comfort after a full day of walking — check reviews before booking and reserve early during the high season.
Hours and tickets: check museum opening hours before you go — some temporary exhibitions have irregular schedules; some places require booking tickets online in advance.
Transport: when planning a walking route, consider short tram or bus rides if you want to save energy — but most key central sites are within walking distance.
Safety and comfort: wear comfortable shoes, carry a small backpack with water, tissues and a power bank. In the tourist season start early to avoid crowds.
Toilets and breaks: public restrooms are available near main attractions, but it’s often better to use cafés or restaurants (purchase a drink when using their facilities).
Luggage care: if you arrive with luggage and have free hours, use luggage storage at stations or in your hotel so you don’t have to carry bags during long walks.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — it’s better to plan less and see it well. Give yourself time for museum interiors and rest between points.
Not checking opening hours and special events — verify museum and institution pages (including Cricoteka) because programmes may change on event days.
Neglecting reservations for popular restaurants and exhibitions — in season, evening bookings and tickets to popular shows should be purchased in advance.
Tadeusz Kantor had strong ties to many Krakow locations: not all of them are obvious “attractions” — sometimes it’s an apartment, a cellar or a small room that played a role in his creative life. When walking Kantor’s trail, pay attention to less obvious points and architectural details.
Cricoteka today is not only an exhibition space — it’s an institution combining screenings, education and archival work; programmes sometimes include documentary screenings and sound walks that let you “hear” the city and Kantor’s history differently.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on your social profiles — help others plan a pleasant walking stay in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a private guide, consider the offer of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your trip and pleasant walks in Krakow!
