Yes — you can. All you need is a clear map of priorities, a few economical choices and a flexible daily plan. In 48 hours it’s best to focus on the essentials: the Main Market and nearby streets, Wawel, Kazimierz and a few places outside the strict centre that give your trip a local feel. For students and Erasmus participants the extra criteria are low cost, quick food options and evening spots where young people meet. This text gives a concrete, flexible plan and extra tips for those who also want bookstores and cat cafés — perfect for resting between sights.
Kraków is not just monuments — it’s also a coffee culture, a strong scene of independent bookstores and a few friendly places where cats are regulars. If you want to combine intense sightseeing with quiet moments with a book and coffee (or a purr in the background), you’re in the right place. Because time is short, spread the pace: busy mornings, calmer afternoons, evenings with local food or music.
Day 1 — the heart of the city and a quick introduction: start early at the Main Market Square. Walk around the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), step inside St. Mary’s Basilica (if it’s worth it, book a short visit), and enjoy the street musicians. Short options: Collegium Maius or a stroll along Floriańska Street, lunch in an inexpensive eatery with traditional cuisine or street food on the Market. In the afternoon go to Wawel: walk the castle hill, take photos of the cathedral and the castle. In the evening head to Kazimierz — there you’ll find cheap dinner options, bars with music and a young atmosphere.
Day 2 — alternatives, nature and local experiences: start on the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) or walk up Kościuszko Mound (Kopiec Kościuszki) or Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) if you want city views. Then visit at least one less crowded district: Nowa Huta (a short tram ride) or the Podgórze area with its industrial vibe. Reserve the afternoon for a bookstore or a cat cafe — perfect for recharging before the evening. Finish by returning to the Market or look for a good bar around Plac Nowy.
If you want to keep the budget: buy a 24-hour public transport ticket, eat in milk bars (bar mleczny) or cheap bistros, use free viewpoints (the mounds, the boulevards) and reserve paid entries in advance only where necessary.
An alternative “culture and learning” option — replace an afternoon attraction with a visit to one of the city’s respected bookstores or a smaller museum; it’s a great way to experience local cultural life without the crowds.
Cat lovers won’t be disappointed — Kraków has cat cafés where, alongside your coffee, you’ll spend time with cats cared for by a foundation or the venue. It’s a great place to relax after intense sightseeing and to add something unusual to your plan. Consider a short stop at a local cat café and check whether they run adoption events or workshops.
Bookstores in Kraków are a chapter on their own: the city, as a UNESCO City of Literature, has many independent shops with a special atmosphere. Try to visit at least one boutique bookstore with a good selection of fiction and an active cultural programme; there are also bookshops that serve coffee — ideal for an afternoon reset. Look for places that host author events, are recommended by the local community and have a welcoming staff.
Cafés: choose places with good reviews where prices are student-friendly, the coffee is solid and the atmosphere invites you to rest after sightseeing. In the centre there are iconic cafés — perfect for breakfast before a day of exploring. If you want coffee with a book, look for coffee & books venues.
Restaurants and bars: student budgets will like milk bars and small bistros with local dishes; if you feel like something pricier, choose places well-rated for quality and local produce. In Kazimierz you’ll find many bars with good price-quality ratio and venues with live music in the evenings.
Accommodation: for Erasmus students and undergrads hostels and small apartments near the centre or with good tram connections are optimal. Book in advance for weekends and holidays — popular dates can fill up. If you prefer quiet, choose lodging outside the immediate centre with easy tram access.
How to move around quickly and cheaply? - Use public transport: trams and buses are frequent and time-based tickets give flexibility. Buy a 24-hour ticket if you plan intensive travel.
Do you have to pay to visit Wawel? - Walking around the castle hill and viewing the facade is free; entrances to selected exhibitions and chambers are paid. If you have little time, pick a priority (for example the castle or the cathedral) and buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Where to go for an inexpensive evening meal? - Kazimierz and the areas around the Market offer many places with good price-quality ratio; choose locally recommended venues and read short reviews before you go.
Do cat cafés require reservations? - On busy days and weekends it’s worth checking the venue rules; some cat cafés ask for reservations or limit the number of guests for the cats’ comfort.
How to find the best bookstore? - Look for places with an active events programme, staff recommendations and a cosy interior; that’s often where you’ll feel the local literary atmosphere.
Planning too many paid attractions in a short time — better leave a margin, because queues and walking take more time than you think.
Sticking too rigidly to the map instead of allowing some improvisation — some of the best experiences come from wandering side streets and discovering small cafés or bookshops.
Not allowing time to rest — two days of intense sightseeing can be tiring; an afternoon in a bookstore or cat café is a perfect reset.
Kraków has a strong scene of independent bookstores often awarded in local polls — check which one is hosting an event while you’re in town.
Some cat cafés cooperate with foundations and run adoption events — by visiting you can not only enjoy coffee, but also learn how to help local animals.
Many places outside the strict centre (Nowa Huta, Podgórze) have a distinct character and let you see the city from another perspective — it’s worth spending a few hours there.
If this article helped you plan a 48-hour stay, share it with friends or on your profiles — it might save someone’s city weekend!
If you want to get to know Kraków more deeply and comfortably, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can prepare an itinerary tailored to your interests, budget and time. Wishing you a great trip and happy sightseeing!
Carry a small umbrella — Polish weather can change quickly.
Have a charged phone and a contactless card — most shops and transport accept cards.
Check opening hours of museums and cat cafés in advance, especially on Mondays when some places close.
If you plan to visit a specific exhibition, buy tickets online to avoid queues.
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, power bank, reusable water bottle, a small daypack and your student ID (for discounts).
