Yes — absolutely. In two days you can see the essence of Krakow, feel its atmosphere and get a local’s perspective by visiting Nowa Huta and a few green corners. This itinerary is created with Erasmus students and university students in mind: the pace is lively but includes breaks for cheap, good food, a moment of rest by the water and evening cultural events like the Night of Museums. In the text you’ll find not only the route, but also practical tips, pitfalls to avoid and recommendations for trusted places to eat and sleep. Enjoy your trip!
Did you know that Nowa Huta was designed as a “model city” of the communist era and remains one of the clearest examples of socialist-realist planning in Europe? A walk across Plac Centralny (Central Square) or along Nowa Huta’s avenues feels like stepping into another era — a great contrast to the medieval streets of the Old Town. The Museum of Nowa Huta (a branch of the city museum) presents this story in an accessible way.
Start your morning at the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (visit briefly and listen for the bugle call), then stroll the Planty — the green ring that encircles the Old Town. The Planty are a perfect spot for a short break between sights and your first photos. If you’re in the mood for a museum near the center, Collegium Maius offers a strong historic university atmosphere.
For lunch head to Kazimierz — a neighborhood full of cafes, bars and restaurants. For a student budget, zapiekanki at Nowy Square are a great option; if you have a bit more time I recommend some well-reviewed nearby places known for home-style cooking and a relaxed vibe.
Spend your afternoon among the synagogues and atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, visiting galleries or cafés. In the evening keep room in your schedule for the Night of Museums program (if it coincides with your visit) or choose an intimate concert or an improvised event in one of the neighborhood cafés.
The Night of Museums is a great chance to see sites normally closed at night or enjoy unusual attractions — many institutions stay open late and often offer free or symbolic-entry events. In practice this means queues and limited spaces for special events, so plan your priorities and register where necessary.
If you’re interested in Nowa Huta in the evening, note that the Museum of Nowa Huta and local walks (neon signs, stories about socialist-realist buildings, guided tours of former cinemas) are often part of the Night of Museums program. It’s a perfect time to see the Ark of the Lord (Arka Pana), Plac Centralny and the district’s neon signs in atmospheric light.
Practical tip: plan your route to avoid long tram transfers during peak evening times and allow extra time for queues at popular spots. Bring a small powerbank — evening events and photos will drain your phone quickly.
After breakfast dedicate a full day to Nowa Huta. Start at Plac Centralny — its monumentality and proportions show the idea behind the “ideal city.” Then walk Aleja Róż (Avenue of Roses), find the former Światowid cinema (today a part of local cultural life) and discover stories connected to monuments and the district’s history.
Don’t miss the Ark of the Lord (Arka Pana) — a church with strong symbolic meaning and an interesting history of being built under difficult conditions. The Museum of Nowa Huta will help you understand the district’s urban and social context; exhibitions and themed tours are sometimes organised there (check the current program if possible).
For lunch choose one of the well-known local restaurants — Stylowa is an iconic spot in Nowa Huta, famous for traditional flavors and an atmosphere that evokes the era. It’s a good choice if you want to taste the district’s character with a homely meal.
Krakow has more green spaces than you might expect. Błonia is a large meadow right beside the centre — perfect for a picnic or a morning run. The Planty were already mentioned as a pleasant walking ring around the Old Town.
If you want a short escape from the city, visit Zakrzówek — the reservoir and limestone cliffs create an impressive view, especially on a sunny day. It’s a peaceful place for a stroll and photos. Wolski Forest and Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) are other good options for those who like green panoramas of the city.
Practical: on sunny days bring water and sunscreen; not every spot has shops right next door.
Getting around Krakow is straightforward: trams and buses connect the centre with Nowa Huta, Zakrzówek and other points of interest. City tickets can be bought at ticket machines, via mobile apps or at kiosks; remember to validate paper tickets if you use them.
If you plan an intense Night of Museums schedule, consider walking between closely located venues in the evening or using the tram — services are often reinforced during events, but queues and crowds are normal. Check museum programs in advance and reserve places where required.
Student tip: buy a one-day public transport ticket if you plan many rides — it’s often cheaper than buying single tickets.
For food, I recommend places that are well-rated and popular with locals. In the centre and Kazimierz you’ll find both cheap options (zapiekanki at Nowy Square) and pleasant, atmospheric restaurants and cafés. MOCAK Café and the cafés of Kazimierz are good spots for a coffee break.
In Nowa Huta try Stylowa — a restaurant with a long tradition, well-liked by visitors to the district. For an evening in Kazimierz choose a place with an authentic feel and good music.
Accommodation: for student groups and Erasmus students, hostels near the Market Square or close to the main train station are a good choice — affordable and a chance to meet other travelers. If you prefer quiet, consider lodging in a calmer neighbourhood with good tram links to the centre.
Too ambitious an itinerary. Trying to see every “icon” in 48 hours leads to exhaustion and a feeling you remembered nothing. It’s better to pick fewer things and explore them more attentively.
No reservations for Night of Museums events. Some guided tours and concerts have limited places — check ahead and book.
Not prepared for the weather. Krakow can be changeable — carry a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
Is the Night of Museums always in May? Usually the event takes place in the second half of May as part of Krakow’s museum nights, but dates can change, so check the current schedule before you arrive.
Is Nowa Huta safe for tourists? Yes, Nowa Huta is safe and is increasingly popular with visitors; as everywhere, keep basic precautions and watch your personal belongings.
How much time is needed to see Nowa Huta? To see the main points at a relaxed pace plan half a day to a full afternoon, depending on your pace and interests.
Nowa Huta’s neon signs have their own story and in recent years have been reconstructed and documented more often — an evening neon walk can be surprisingly photogenic.
During the Night of Museums many institutions prepare short local happenings — from photo shows to impromptu concerts. Often these small initiatives are the most memorable.
Finally — if you liked this quick, practical plan and want to explore with someone who knows Krakow inside out, feel free to contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her contact details are available on the guide’s site. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other Erasmus students and visitors get to know Krakow better.
