Krakow is a city where history appears at every turn — the royal Wawel Hill, the lively Main Market Square, atmospheric Kazimierz and the increasingly interesting district of Podgórze. Four days is a great compromise: long enough to see the classics and to have relaxed time for less obvious discoveries.
Below you'll find a detailed, practical 4-day plan and an alternative, more nostalgic 3-day version — including a horse-drawn carriage ride and extra time for coffee and desserts.
Start at Matejko Square and follow the Royal Route: St. Florian's Gate, Floriańska Street all the way to the Main Market Square. Allow time for St. Mary's Basilica (listen for the hejnał) and the Cloth Hall. A visit to the Wawel State Rooms can be scheduled for the afternoon or the next day — they take longer to see properly.
Practical tip: begin in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Save some energy for dinner near the Market or for a short evening walk around the Planty park.
In the morning visit Wawel: the castle courtyards, the Cathedral and, if you wish, the State Rooms or crypts. In the afternoon cross the bridge to Kazimierz — here you’ll find synagogues, the distinctive Jewish atmosphere of the lanes and Plac Nowy with its popular food stalls.
Food recommendation: in Kazimierz try well-regarded local places and coffee shops with homemade cakes. Examples of spots visitors often enjoy include Café Camelot, Starka or Mleczarnia for a cozy atmosphere. In the evening Kazimierz offers live music and intimate bars — a great place to feel the modern pulse of the city.
Dedicate this day to Podgórze — the part of the city across the Vistula that holds important 20th-century memories. Be sure to visit Ghetto Heroes' Square, Oskar Schindler’s Factory (museum) and walk along the river boulevards to admire the view of Wawel from the water side.
Podgórze is also home to the impressive Church of St. Joseph — built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic style, with an interesting interior and a strong parish presence. It’s a good place to feel the daily life of the neighborhood and to take a calm stroll along less crowded streets.
If you want to leave the city — the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a classic and makes for a convenient half-day trip. Alternatively, spend the day at a slower pace: markets, less-crowded museums, extra visits (for example the National Museum) and a long walk through the Planty and quieter neighborhoods.
If you prefer a more active break, consider a bike ride along the Vistula or a visit to Zakrzówek — natural spots ideal for relaxing and swimming in summer.
If you only have 3 days and want a touch of nostalgia, plan shorter walking stages and take a horse-drawn carriage once or twice — a pleasant way to rest between key points (the Market, Wawel, the Planty area).
Suggested layout: Day 1 — the Royal Route and the Market; Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze (with a stop at Schindler’s Factory); Day 3 — Wawel in the morning and possibly a quick trip to Wieliczka or relaxation by the Vistula. Use a carriage for short loops around the Market to add an elegant touch, but always consider animal welfare and choose licensed services.
Podgórze is history you can read on the streets: Ghetto Heroes' Square, memorials connected to the Krakow ghetto and Schindler’s Factory. The district also has pleasant, less crowded boulevards along the Vistula and local cafés worth visiting.
St. Joseph's Church in Podgórze is a fine neo-Gothic example built in the early 20th century. Its size and interior are impressive, and the parish has cared for renovations to preserve the church’s original character.
Book tickets for the most popular attractions (Wawel — State Rooms, the Market Underground, Schindler’s Factory) online where possible — this will save a lot of time during the high season.
You can cover the center on foot. Trams and buses are useful for longer trips. If you want to conserve energy, taxis and ride apps work well, but traffic during rush hours can be slow.
Krakow offers many highly rated places — from elegant restaurants by the Market to cozy cafés in Kazimierz. In the centre look for restaurants known for regional cuisine and modern takes on classic dishes; in Kazimierz and Podgórze seek smaller cafés and bistros run by local owners.
A few places visitors often mention: Wierzynek or Szara near the Market for a classic setting, Pod Wawełem for hearty local meals, and cafés such as Café Camelot or Mleczarnia in Kazimierz. In Podgórze you’ll find pleasant bars and cafés converting former industrial spaces. Always check current opening hours and reviews before you go.
The view of Wawel from the Vistula gives a very different perspective than the panorama seen from the Market — that’s why an afternoon walk along the boulevards is often recommended by locals.
In Podgórze you’ll find places that blend history with new creative energy — murals, small galleries and cafés housed in former industrial buildings.
Trying to cram too many monument visits into one day — it’s better to spread them out and leave time for breaks. Krakow is best enjoyed at a calmer pace.
Using a carriage without checking conditions — make sure the service is licensed and that the horses are cared for. Avoid long rides on hot days.
Is 4 days too little for Krakow? For a first visit, 4 days is a sensible amount of time to see the main sights and relax a bit. If you want to dive deep into museums and surroundings, you’ll need more time.
Is Podgórze worth a visit? Yes — especially if you’re interested in 20th-century history and want to see the city from a less typical perspective.
Is a carriage a good idea? A short horse-drawn carriage ride can be a charming addition, but treat it as a luxury experience rather than a main way to get around; choose operators who follow ethical care standards for horses.
Check opening hours of the attractions you plan to visit and any reservation requirements. In the summer it’s best to plan early mornings or late afternoons for walks; in colder months remember comfortable shoes and layers.
If you plan to enter Wawel or other popular museums, buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues and free up time to explore Podgórze and other districts.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others prepare for their trip.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a private guide — you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for current offers and contact details. I’ll be happy to help tailor an itinerary to your interests and pace.
