Kraków is a city that suits a slower pace: in three days you can see the main sights and still find time for moments with a view — from the panorama at Wawel to the green mounds and the open spaces along the Vistula. Many visitors stay about three days on average, so this plan feels natural and lets you combine sightseeing with relaxation and great photo opportunities.
If you’re traveling with a friend, plan the route so that after sightseeing you can sit in a comfortable place for coffee or a drink and wait for the sunset — it’s a great chance for long conversations, photos and “just the two of us” moments in an urban setting. Below you’ll find a three-day proposal built around views and sunsets, plus practical tips.
Start with a walk around the Market Square and the lanes of the Old Town — short café stops (for example well-rated classic cafés near the Square) will give you energy for the rest of the day. In the afternoon head toward Wawel Hill: the castle terraces and the viewpoint above the Vistula offer some of the city’s most iconic frames.
To finish the day, reserve a table at a restaurant or bar with a view of Wawel or find a spot on the Vistula Boulevards. The bend of the Vistula and the illuminated castle create a unique sunset setting — romantic and perfect for photos. If you prefer something more intimate, a rooftop bar near Wawel (some operate seasonally, others year-round) can be a great choice — remember to book ahead on weekends.
Practical tip: after sunset it gets cooler and darker on Wawel — bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes. If you plan to photograph, the best light is about 20–30 minutes before the sun disappears and right after it.
Kazimierz is a neighbourhood where an artistic vibe meets excellent dining — it’s perfect for morning coffee and a stroll through streets full of cafés. Highly rated cafés and eateries in Kazimierz are ideal for longer breaks and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon on the Vistula Boulevards: the promenades along the river offer lots of space, great river viewpoints and places to sit with a blanket. The Bernatka Footbridge (Kładka Bernatka) connects Kazimierz and Podgórze — from the bridge you get a lovely view of the Vistula and Wawel, and in the evening city lights reflecting on the water make a beautiful sunset backdrop.
In the evening check out one of the recommended restaurants in Kazimierz — places with good reviews tend to focus on quality and atmosphere, and booking a table timed for sunset is a smart idea if you want to combine dinner with a view.
Dedicate the third day to greener viewpoints. Kopiec Krakusa and Kopiec Piłsudskiego are classic spots — they offer a panorama of the city from a slightly different angle than the Old Town. The mounds are especially charming just before sunset, when the light sculpts Kraków’s roofs and towers.
If you want to combine views with a bit of adventure, visit Zakrzówek — a former quarry with a picturesque lake and steep cliffs. The panorama from there is raw but impressive; remember to move carefully near cliffs and wear appropriate footwear.
Las Wolski and Kopiec Piłsudskiego let you rest among greenery, and in good weather you can see a wide stretch of the urban area. It’s a lovely way to close a three-day trip — quiet, open space and a view that contrasts nicely with the city bustle of the previous days.
Kraków has many excellent, highly rated gastronomic spots — choose local, recommended cafés and avoid random tourist traps. In the centre and in Kazimierz you’ll find cafés known for good coffee and atmosphere, perfect for long conversations and getting ready for an evening with a view.
For dinner, pick restaurants with good reviews and reserve a table, especially if you plan to sit by a window or on a terrace at sunset. If you’re choosing accommodation, pick a convenient location — the Old Town or Kazimierz are best for a first visit, and if you value quiet, consider staying closer to Las Wolski.
Examples to look for: cafés and places near the Market Square and in Kazimierz, restaurants offering refined local dishes, and intimate rooftop bars at hotels — book ahead in high season.
Beyond the well-known viewpoints, pay attention to museum rooftops, quieter squares and edges of the centre — some roofs or elevated gardens offer a completely different perspective on the city. For instance, rooftop spaces at certain cultural institutions can be very atmospheric.
City parks, the botanical garden and lesser-known terraces are often calmer than the most popular lookout points. In good weather plan an afternoon picnic on one of the mounds — it’s a relaxed option and great for photos. Charming surprises can also include themed cafés in old townhouses that combine a good drink with a view of the street or courtyard.
Small tip: in months with short days (autumn/winter) sunsets happen earlier — that’s a great chance to plan an evening with a view right after an early dinner.
Not planning timing: many people arrive casually and only then discover that the best sunset spots are crowded. Reserving a place or arriving 30–45 minutes early solves this.
Wearing the wrong shoes: the mounds and some paths (for example near Zakrzówek) can be uneven — comfortable shoes are essential. After dark paths may be poorly lit, so bring your phone flashlight or a small torch.
Ignoring the weather: although storm clouds can create spectacular sunsets, rain often spoils plans. Check the forecast and have an alternative (for example a bar with a view) if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Choosing a random restaurant right before sunset: window and terrace tables go fast — reserve in advance.
Do you have to pay to enter the mounds? No — most mounds (for example Kopiec Krakusa) are open to the public and accessible 24/7, but they aren’t lit after dark so take care.
Where is best to watch the sunset if it’s raining? Choose an indoor spot with a view — some hotels and restaurants have panoramic windows or sheltered terraces. Booking a table is a safe option.
Is Zakrzówek safe at dusk? Cliffs require attention — stick to marked paths and avoid getting too close to edges. Proper footwear and caution are essential.
Sunsets in Kraków are best enjoyed with company — a friend, good coffee, a blanket and a comfortable spot make for a memorable evening. Take photos, but also remember to look and store the moment in your memory without the screen.
If you liked this plan and want to explore Kraków with the help of a private guide, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information about her services is available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Share this article with friends and post photos of your sunsets — it’s lovely to see which places you liked most!
