Forty-eight hours in Kraków is enough time to feel the city’s atmosphere, see its main sights and enjoy a few romantic moments together. The key is to plan the route well and take care of a few practical details: buy tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes and keep a flexible plan in case of heat or rain.
If you want a deeper experience, consider staying longer. On top of the basic program you can add museum visits, an evening concert, or a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine is often included in two-day proposals and is definitely worth it, but it requires reserving time for travel and the visit itself.
Day 1: Wawel Hill, the Royal Route and the Old Town — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary's Basilica, Rynek Underground (optional), and an evening walk along the Vistula River.
Day 2: Kazimierz — explore the Jewish and Christian parts of the district, lunch at one of the top restaurants, and in the afternoon choose between a trip to Wieliczka or a walk and view from Kościuszko Mound. Alternative: Łagiewniki and the sanctuaries for visitors interested in religious sites.
Below you’ll find suggested times, dining tips and practical advice to help you move around smoothly and avoid common mistakes.
Start early — ideally at Wawel or the Main Market Square around 9:00. Wawel Hill is a great starting point: the Cathedral, the Royal Castle courtyard and the Dragon legend are all worth seeing before the city fills up.
Walking the Royal Route takes you along streets full of history: Kanonicza, Grodzka and then to the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. If you plan to enter the cathedral, climb the Sigismund Bell tower, or visit museums (for example the Princes Czartoryski Museum or the Rynek Underground) — buy tickets in advance, especially during the summer season.
In the evening I recommend a walk along the Vistula boulevards or a short sunset boat ride — a simple, romantic way to end the first day. If you’re after a calm atmosphere, avoid the loudest venues late at night.
For breakfast pick one of the well-rated bakeries or cafés offering fresh bread and a pleasant atmosphere — a great way to start the day. Near the Market Square, choose places known for consistent quality and good reviews. In Kazimierz try restaurants serving Polish and Jewish cuisine — well-reviewed local spots are ideal for authentic flavors.
Reserve your dinner table in advance — restaurants by the Market and in Kazimierz fill up, especially on weekends. Choose places with high ratings and reviews that highlight service and atmosphere. If you want something truly special near Wawel, there are historic venues that offer an authentic setting and menus with local specialties.
If you prefer quieter bars or cafés, pick those with the best reviews to reduce the risk of disappointment.
Kazimierz is a neighborhood to be discovered slowly — leave at least half a day for it. Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the synagogues make for a pleasant walk for couples: cosy cafés, small galleries and intimate restaurants invite you to linger.
If you go to Wieliczka, allow at least half a day: travel time, the mine tour and return take several hours. It’s a very popular attraction, so buying tickets in advance makes planning easier.
An alternative for those staying in the city: Łagiewniki with the Divine Mercy Sanctuary or one of Kraków’s eastern hills, such as Kościuszko Mound, which offers a lovely panorama of the city. The mounds are often less crowded than the center and are a peaceful option for the afternoon.
In Kazimierz you’ll find many well-reviewed places — choose those praised for food quality and atmosphere. Restaurants serving traditional Polish and Jewish dishes often earn great marks for authenticity and charm.
If you’re looking for romantic accommodation with strong reviews, consider boutique hotels in the center or in Kazimierz. Hotels by the Market offer convenience and proximity to major sights, while Kazimierz properties frequently have a more intimate, artistic character.
Book accommodation in advance during the summer season to get better choice and prices.
Trying to do everything at once — attempting to see everything in one day leads to exhaustion and frustration. Better to pick 3–4 priorities and give each enough time.
Not booking tickets for popular attractions — sold-out entries to Wawel, Wieliczka or museums can ruin your day. Buy tickets online and check opening hours ahead of time.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes — cobblestones and long walks in the center call for comfortable footwear. In summer carry water and sunscreen; in winter dress in layers.
Relying only on navigation apps — it’s good to have a route plan and landmarks, and when in doubt ask a guide who knows the city and can suggest optimal solutions.
The Hejnał from St. Mary's — the tune is cut off abruptly to commemorate the trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot while warning the city. It’s one of Kraków’s most recognizable rituals.
The Wawel Dragon — besides the legend, note the modern dragon sculpture near the castle that occasionally breathes fire, which is a favorite evening attraction for visitors.
The mounds as viewpoints — Kraków’s mounds may be less dramatic than castles, but they provide a different perspective on the city and make a great quiet alternative to crowded central spots.
Do you need a guide? Not strictly, but a private guide makes the visit richer — you’ll reach the most interesting places faster, learn their historical context and avoid queues and organizational mistakes.
How to get around the city? Kraków’s center is best explored on foot; trams and buses help reach more distant points. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps work well, but allow extra time during high season.
Should you tip? Tipping in Poland isn’t mandatory, but it’s customary to leave about 10% in restaurants for good service.
Are attractions accessible in hot weather? In summer plan major sightseeing for morning and evening, leaving afternoons for a café break or a short trip outside the center.
Tickets to top attractions bought online? - yes.
Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water? - yes.
Table reserved for a romantic dinner? - yes, if a specific venue matters to you.
Contact for a private guide? - if you want stress-free sightseeing and a story tailored to your interests, consider booking private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide's website.
