Krakow is full of history and atmosphere, so you can come back many times - but four days is an ideal amount of time for a first, satisfying introduction to the city: enough to calmly see the Old Town and Wawel, feel the vibe of Kazimierz, peek into Podgórze and choose one trip outside the city (for example to Wieliczka). This plan is tailored to Erasmus students and university students - it takes into account walking pace, budget-friendly food breaks and places for evening meetups with friends. Let me guide you step by step so the sightseeing is enjoyable, unhurried and dotted with a few local discoveries.
In the following sections you'll find a detailed plan for each day, practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, recommended places to eat and stay, and a short FAQ. Routes can be shortened or extended as you like - the goal is to make your time in Krakow well used.
Start at Wawel Hill: the Cathedral, the courtyards of the Royal Castle and the dragon legend are a great way to get introduced to the city's history. After visiting Wawel, walk along the Vistula boulevards and continue on foot to the Main Market Square via the Royal Route - along Grodzka Street past historic townhouses.
At the Market Square pause by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), look at the Town Hall Tower and admire St. Mary's Basilica from the outside - the bugle call played from the tower is one of those moments worth experiencing. If you plan to enter museums or the cathedral interior, buy tickets in advance, especially in high season.
In the evening a short walk through the Planty park or relaxing in one of the cafes near the Market is a good idea. Recommended first meals: a traditional Polish restaurant near Wawel (for example the popular 'Pod Wawelem' near Grodzka Street) or a cozy cafe in the Old Town - perfect for first conversations and planning the next days.
Kazimierz is a district best explored on foot and without rushing. Start at Plac Nowy, try the famous zapiekanka, walk along Szeroka Street, visit the Old Synagogue and the quiet Remuh cemetery - places full of history that deserve respect while visiting.
Spend the afternoon on galleries, small design shops and cafes. In the evening Kazimierz comes alive - it has bars and good restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine. I recommend visiting a friendly local place known for home-style cooking and one of the well-known spots serving authentic regional dishes - both are popular with students and tourists. It's a great evening plan if you want to feel the student pulse of the city.
If you prefer a short alternative, visit Schindler's Factory Museum on the way to Podgórze - an important historical site that connects well with a Kazimierz itinerary.
Podgórze is where history meets new energy. A walk around the Ghetto Heroes Square, looking at murals and visiting Schindler's Factory are moving and educational experiences. The Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula boulevards are excellent spots for photos and relaxing by the river.
On the third day I suggest choosing one trip outside the city - the most popular option is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, reachable by train or a coach tour in about 30-40 minutes from the center. An alternative is Ojców National Park for those who prefer nature and short hikes. Remember to book Wieliczka tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during high season.
In the evening you can return to Kazimierz or try one of the budget places near Stary Kleparz - a good spot for a casual meal and catching up with friends.
Save the fourth day for what you missed or want to repeat: a walk to the Kościuszko Mound, a visit to the Pinball Museum, the Botanical Garden or a calm morning on the Błonia meadow. You can also spend it shopping at the Stary Kleparz market, where you'll find local produce and treats.
It's also a good time to visit less crowded spots: small themed museums, galleries with works by local artists or atmospheric off-the-beaten-path cafes. Leaving this day as a buffer gives you flexibility and a chance to rest before your trip home.
If you're planning a late-night departure, reserve a short afternoon for packing and one last coffee at the Market - Krakow has a way of making the simplest moments memorable.
For Erasmus students and university students, tasty options at reasonable prices matter. Plac Nowy is a legendary spot for street food - zapiekanki and quick snacks work well between lectures and sightseeing. For a sit-down meal, try well-known restaurants near the Market and Wawel that are praised for good food and friendly service - these places combine tradition with solid portions. One popular choice is the restaurant 'Pod Wawelem' - known for hearty servings and an atmospheric interior, often recommended by visitors.
For cafes, check out classic spots in the Old Town or small cafes in Kazimierz that offer good coffee and space to work on a laptop. Accommodation: hostels and budget apartments in the center are most convenient for students - proximity to tram lines and walking distance to most attractions are big pluses. Book ahead for busy dates (student festivals, May long weekends and other holidays).
Remember to check reviews and ratings (ideally from a few sources) - good student and tourist reviews are often the best signal.
Trying to see "everything" in one day - this leads to exhaustion. It's better to spread the pace: intense morning, a relaxed afternoon break and a calm evening walk.
Not booking tickets for popular attractions - Wawel, Wieliczka and some museum exhibitions have limited capacity. Buy tickets online in advance.
Not preparing for changeable weather - even on a nice day carry a light jacket or umbrella. Krakow can be windy by the Vistula and chilly in the evenings.
Ignoring safety rules in crowded places - be mindful of pickpockets in tourist crowds; keep valuables close and use bags that close securely.
The Planty park is the former line of fortifications and moats that surrounded the medieval city - walking the green ring you can imagine the old outline of the town.
The bugle call from St. Mary's tower is intentionally cut short as a tribute to the trumpeter who was shot while sounding the alarm during a historical attack - it's a short, distinctive tradition worth hearing.
If you want to avoid the biggest queues visit popular places early in the morning or late in the afternoon; in the evening the city changes its mood and becomes more intimate, and photos often look better.
Is Krakow safe for students and Erasmus visitors? Yes - Krakow is generally safe, especially during the day. Take basic precautions in very crowded places at night.
What's the best way to get around the city? Krakow's center is compact and many routes are walkable. Trams and buses complement travel to farther parts of the city and to the airport. City cards and mobile tickets make public transport easier.
Is it worth booking a private guide? A private guided tour lets you tailor the route to your interests, schedule and group pace. If you want to see Krakow with someone who knows the city and can tell stories in an accessible way, it's a great investment in comfort and quality of your stay.
If this article helped you plan your stay, share it with friends or on social media - it's the best way to help others benefit from practical tips. If you'd like to tour with a private guide and experience Krakow from the perspective of someone who regularly leads Erasmus students and university groups, feel free to contact guide Malgorzata Kasprowicz through her official channels.
Enjoy your stay in Krakow and see you on a walk!
