You’re coming to Krakow for a short 3‑day trip and want to see the most important places without rushing? You’re in the right place. This plan will help you spread visits so you can see Wawel, enter St. Mary’s Basilica, hear the hejnał, and find time for strolls through the charming corners of the Old Town and Kazimierz.
In the text you’ll find practical information about approximate opening hours, types of tickets, best times of day and simple tricks that will help you avoid queues. Keep in mind: some places limit daily entries, and services take place in historic churches — it’s worth checking details before you set out.
St. Mary’s Basilica: part of the church (the chancel and the altarpiece by Veit Stoss) is open to visitors at set times, while the main entrance remains open for worshippers without a fee. Visiting parts of the church may require a small paid ticket, and visiting one of the towers (where the hejnał is played) is a separate ticket and requires climbing stairs.
Wawel: the castle-and-cathedral complex includes many routes and exhibitions — each route may require a separate ticket. It’s worth booking in advance because daily visitor limits and differing exhibition hours can limit what you can see. Some castle exhibitions close earlier than the courtyard.
General ticket tips: buy in advance at official ticket offices or authorized sellers, check date and time — tickets are usually valid only for the date shown. Wawel sometimes offers limited free ticket allocations at the on-site box office (for example in selected periods) — if you want to save, check how this works in the season you visit.
Morning: start at the Main Market Square. It’s best to come early — the early hours bring calm and better light for photos. Before entering the Basilica, check visiting hours for the visitor area — usually the altarpiece and chancel are accessible at set times, while the rest of the church remains a space for worship.
St. Mary’s Basilica: be sure to see the altarpiece by Veit Stoss — it’s one of the most important late-medieval works in Poland. If you plan to climb the tower, book the ticket in advance or get to the ticket office early; tours run in small groups and the climb is up steep stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
Hejnał: the Mariacki hejnał is played every hour from one of the towers. Stand on the Square and listen — it’s a Krakow tradition that draws visitors and locals alike. If you arrive during a mass, be respectful of worshippers and the areas reserved for them.
It’s best to get to Wawel early. The hill is close to the Market Square, but to give exhibitions and the cathedral proper time you should reserve at least 2–3 hours. If you want to visit several castle routes, plan them for one block during the day — some rooms need a lot of time.
What to see at Wawel: the Cathedral with its chapels and crypts, plus selected castle exhibitions. Remember that Wawel has rules about baggage and sometimes visitor limits, so check reservation details in advance. After visiting, you can walk down toward the Vistula for a peaceful stroll or visit nearby cafés.
Practical tip: if you want to save, check whether limited free ticket allocations are available for some exhibitions during your season — they are sometimes issued in small numbers at the on-site ticket offices (but don’t rely on them for a short trip).
Kazimierz is a district worth visiting without time pressure: synagogues, narrow streets, cafés and atmospheric squares are perfect for a relaxed afternoon wander. It’s a good time for museums or temporary exhibitions if you’re interested in art and history.
If you fancy something less typical, consider a walk on the Planty, a lunch at a local restaurant with traditional cuisine or visiting smaller galleries. Depending on the season, also check local events and concerts.
Buy tickets in advance for routes with limited capacity — this especially applies to some Wawel exhibitions and church tower visits in high season. Queues can be long on weekends and during summer.
Check opening hours: exhibitions and cathedrals may have different hours than the courtyard or surrounding area. In summer hours are often extended, in winter they are shorter. Some places close on selected holidays or days, so before your visit make sure you won’t encounter a major service or closure.
Baggage and restrictions: Wawel and some museums have rules about baggage. Large backpacks may be prohibited — better leave unnecessary items at your hotel or in luggage storage.
Dress and conduct: behave respectfully in places of worship — keep quiet in prayer areas, take photos only where allowed, and respect those attending services.
Prices: some historic sites charge small or symbolic fees, others require full-price tickets. Reduced tickets are often available for youth, students and seniors — carry ID proving entitlement.
Comfortable shoes are essential — cobbled streets and tower stairs call for comfortable footwear. A small backpack, a water bottle and a light jacket are enough for most days.
Transport: Krakow’s center is very compact — many attractions are within walking distance. Trams and buses connect farther neighborhoods. For short hops through town you’ll often find walking quicker than public transport.
Planning: leave extra time for a coffee break, discovering a hidden alley and unplanned attractions — those are often the best parts of a short trip.
- Check opening hours and ticket availability for the places you really want to see: Wawel, tower access, special exhibitions.
- Buy tickets online where possible or note box office hours - if you plan to climb St. Mary’s tower, arrive early.
- Prepare documents for reduced tickets (if applicable).
- Plan a place for lunch or coffee near the Market or in Kazimierz — short rests give energy for more discovering.
- Check the weather and dress in layers — Krakow’s weather can change, especially outside summer.
Instead of rushing, leave an evening for a calm walk around the Market at sunset. When the crowds thin out, the monuments take on a different, quieter character.
Try local cuisine and a pastry in a small bakery. Little pleasures add flavor to the trip and help you feel the city.
If something doesn’t go according to plan — for example you miss an exhibition — treat it as an excuse to come back. Krakow often draws visitors back again.
