Kraków is a city where even a short two-day visit can leave long-lasting memories. You can see UNESCO-listed landmarks, enjoy a great coffee in a charming café and stroll through parks — often without spending a zloty. Below you'll find a tried-and-true 48-hour plan, a list of genuinely free attractions, practical tips and recommendations for well-rated places to eat or stay. Everything to make your weekend in Kraków smart, comfortable and enjoyable.
Morning: start early at the Main Market Square — an empty square in the morning looks fantastic. St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall and the hourly trumpet call are sights you can enjoy for free from the outside. Walk the Planty, take a look at the Cloth Hall and then head toward Wawel.
Noon: stroll around Wawel Hill — the castle courtyard and the hill surroundings are accessible without a ticket; it's also worth seeing the Wawel Dragon and the Vistula riverfront boulevards.
Afternoon: head to Kazimierz — the former Jewish district now full of cafés, galleries and atmosphere. Walking along Józefa Street, Plac Nowy and Mostowa costs nothing and shows you the city's variety.
Evening: dinner at one of the recommended restaurants (list below), then a walk along the Vistula Boulevards or enjoy the bars and nightlife on Kazimierz.
Morning: visit Podgórze — Bednarski Park, Zabłocie and the surroundings of Oskar Schindler's Factory (the area itself is free; entrance to the museum is paid) offer a different side of Kraków. Check out the Podgórze Market Square and walk along the river.
Noon: pick one of the mounds — Krakus Mound offers lovely views and is free; note that Kościuszko Mound can be subject to fees at certain times, so check ahead.
Afternoon: relax on the Błonia meadow or take a quick trip to Zakrzówek — the impressive flooded quarry has viewpoints and, in season, a swimming spot. Finally, visit Rakowicki Cemetery — a walk there is like a small sculpture gallery and a look into the city's history.
Evening: if you like, take an affordable ride on a water tram or simply end your visit with dinner and a slow walk through the illuminated Old Town.
Wawel Hill — the hill area and the Royal Castle courtyard are free to access; it’s a great place for a riverside walk and views.
St. Mary's trumpet call (Hejnal Mariacki) — played from the tower of St. Mary's Church every hour; a Kraków sound-symbol and a free audio experience.
Collegium Maius — in the courtyard you can see the musical clock and a short figure display that takes place several times a day.
Wawel Dragon and the Dragon Trail — the fire-breathing dragon sculpture is a free and very photogenic attraction; the city has also added smaller playful dragon figures around town.
Planty, Błonia, Jordan Park and the Vistula boulevards — great for walks, picnics and recharging without any cost.
Krakus Mound (and some other mounds) — a bit of effort, great views and zero fees.
Rakowicki Cemetery — a peaceful walk among historic graves, interesting funerary architecture and reflections on the city's past.
Museum free-entry days — many museums offer free days (often on Tuesdays) — a chance to see exhibitions for 0 zł if your visit coincides.
City events and parades — depending on your dates you may catch free outdoor events, parades and traditional celebrations (for example Lajkonik or Wianki).
Buy a 24/48-hour public transport ticket if you plan to use trams and buses — it’s convenient and usually economical if you make several trips a day.
Check museums' free days before your trip — if you hit a free day you can visit certain exhibitions for no charge. When planning a weekend, remember many free days fall on weekdays.
Some attractions (e.g., castle interiors and certain museums) charge admission — buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Best times to visit popular spots are early morning and late afternoon — you’ll avoid the biggest crowds then.
Watch out for paid parking zones in the centre — if you arrive by car, learn the rules and prices before you come.
To see the most in two days, mix walking with short tram rides — many attractions are close to each other, but a slower pace is more enjoyable.
If you want high-quality dining, Kraków has restaurants praised in guides and polls — from Michelin-starred spots to excellent bistros and places with great value. Examples that often appear on recommended lists: Bottiglieria 1881, MAZI, Zazie Bistro, Vegan AF Ramen, Orzo, Nolio, Akita Ramen and Kolanko No 6. Choose depending on your mood — fine dining, bistro, ramen or local specialties.
For a quick coffee and a nice atmosphere, visit a café in the centre or on Kazimierz — these spots usually have the best reviews and are perfect for a break while sightseeing.
Accommodation: if you want to be close to the Market Square, choose hotels or apartments in the very centre; for a quieter stay, small places in Podgórze or Salwator are good options. Among highly rated properties you’ll find boutique hotels and comfortable apartments near the main attractions.
Arriving for a weekend and trying to 'do everything' — it’s better to pick 6–8 highlights and give them attention than to rush from monument to monument. Leave time to enjoy a coffee or beer outside — that’s part of the Kraków experience.
Not checking opening hours and free days — before visiting a museum check for schedule changes, renovations or special events.
Eating only in the most touristy places on the Market Square — outside the centre you’ll find excellent, highly rated restaurants with better quality and often better prices.
Thinking that 'free' means boring — many free places give great historical and aesthetic context, and a walk along the Planty, Błonia or the Vistula can be as memorable as a museum visit.
The musical clock in the Collegium Maius courtyard is a modern addition from the late 20th century and has its own repertoire — if you catch a show, it’s a pleasant little spectacle at no cost.
The Dragon Trail with small dragon figures is a relatively new city idea — it’s fun to spot them on walks because they’re cute and make for unusual photos.
Zakrzówek — while it feels like nature outside the city, it’s actually very close to the centre and easy to reach by public transport; it can be busy in season but the views are worth it.
Not all mounds give the same experience — Krakus Mound is smaller but charming and free; Kościuszko Mound can charge fees in some seasons, so check ahead.
Can you see the main sights of Kraków in 48 hours? Yes — with sensible planning, emphasis on walking and a few priorities. The combination of Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz and Podgórze gives a very good picture of the city.
When are museums free? Many museums set free-entry days — often a Tuesday for selected institutions, but dates can change, so check the museum’s website before your visit.
Is buying a 48-hour transport ticket worth it? If you plan several tram or bus trips over the weekend, a 24/48-hour pass is usually worth it.
How to avoid queues at Wawel and top attractions? Arrive early in the morning, avoid midday on weekends and consider buying online tickets for paid exhibitions.
If this article helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others heading to Kraków. If you prefer exploring with a local who can show you the city from historical and local perspectives, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers personalised walks that highlight both well-known sights and hidden corners. Enjoy your stay and happy discoveries in Kraków!
