A lot — with a good plan. In a single day you can comfortably see the main highlights of Kraków’s historic center (Wawel, the Market Square, the Royal Route, part of Kazimierz) and take a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. You will need to get up early, keep a steady pace, and decide which places you want to explore more leisurely and which are fine for a quick stop and a photo. Below you’ll find a detailed schedule, transport options, and practical tips to make the day full of experiences rather than exhausting.
This guide is written for tourists: friendly, practical and in simple language — without recommending competing guides. You can use it as a ready-made plan to follow step by step.
At the end you’ll find an FAQ and a checklist of things to remember before you go.
07:30–09:00 - Start at Wawel: best early to avoid the crowds. A short walk around the courtyard, photos of the castle, and a quick visit to the Cathedral if you have time.
09:00–10:00 - Walk the Royal Route: along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets to the Main Market Square. Along the way you’ll see key monuments and feel the atmosphere of the Old Town.
10:00–11:00 - Main Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (outside; entering takes more time), and a short coffee break — for example at a café by the Square or on Plac Szczepański.
11:00–12:30 - Kazimierz: a short walk through the Jewish quarter, the Old Synagogue, and Plac Nowy (a quick zapiekanka stop if you feel like it). This is an alternative to longer museum visits.
12:30–13:00 - Travel to Wieliczka: the train operated by Koleje Małopolskie (SKA1 line) is the best option — about 25 minutes to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station. Alternative: agglomeration bus line 304 (about 35–45 minutes).
13:00–16:00 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: visit the Tourist Route — plan 2–3 hours for this (you’ll spend around 2–3 hours underground; the route is about 3–3.5 km with many stairs).
16:00–17:00 - Return to Kraków: an evening walk along the Planty, and a short rest in your room if you are staying overnight.
18:00–20:00 - Dinner in Kazimierz or near the Market Square: choose a restaurant serving local food and calmly sum up the day.
Train: the most convenient and often the fastest option is Koleje Małopolskie (SKA1) on the Kraków Główny — Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia route. The trip takes about 25 minutes; trains run regularly and sometimes offer integrated tickets with local public transport, which can be handy.
Bus: agglomeration line 304 connects the Main Station with Wieliczka and stops near the mine. Travel time depends on road conditions, usually 35–45 minutes. Good if you prefer bus travel or need to depart from a specific city point.
Car/taxi: travel takes about 30–40 minutes in normal conditions, but during peak hours it can take longer. Wieliczka has several parking lots near the tourist area and by the mine entrance shaft.
Getting around Kraków center: most attractions in the compact center are walkable. The Planty and the short distances between Wawel, the Market and Kazimierz make walking pleasant and efficient. For longer trips, consider a tram or taxi.
Tourist Route: an underground route several kilometres long — the walk usually takes 2–3 hours, and the touring distance is around 3–3.5 km. Expect a lot of walking and stairs.
Stairs and entry options: the route includes nearly 800 steps in total; descending the Daniłowicz Shaft alone is about 380 steps, although there is also an option to use a lift for planning entry/exit — check with the ticket office or when booking.
Temperature and clothing: underground temperature is stable at around 14–18°C. Even in summer bring a light jacket or sweater; comfortable shoes are essential.
Booking and tickets: in the high season (spring–summer) it’s wise to book tickets online in advance — popular time slots fill quickly. Organized groups usually must reserve ahead; individual visitors can sometimes buy at the ticket office but may have to wait for a group to form.
Accessibility: parts of the route may be difficult for people with limited mobility. If you need assistance (lift, accessible routes), contact the mine’s staff in advance to confirm current options.
Photos and restrictions: taking photos for private use is usually allowed, but some areas have restrictions. Follow safety rules and your guide’s instructions.
Documents and tickets: printed or screenshot copy of the Wieliczka ticket + ID (sometimes required for reduced/student tickets).
Clothing: comfortable walking shoes, an outer layer (light jacket or sweater), a small backpack, umbrella or rain jacket if the weather is uncertain.
Health and fitness: if you have respiratory or cardiovascular issues, check the suitability of the tour in advance — the route includes stairs and elevation changes.
Cash and cards: many larger places in Kraków and near the mine accept cards, but at small stalls and some spots around Plac Nowy it’s useful to have small change.
Quick lunch before heading to Wieliczka: if you want to eat before departure, consider somewhere near the Market Square or Kazimierz. Plac Nowy is famous for its zapiekanka stand — a quick option for hungry travellers.
Coffee and dessert: for a short coffee break choose cafés near the Market or in Kazimierz — well-known spots include Charlotte (for breakfast and bakery goods) and Cafe Camelot (a charming café close to the Market Square).
Dinner after return: Kazimierz offers great restaurants with local and international cuisine; it’s a good area to relax after a day of sightseeing. Near the Market you’ll find traditional places serving Polish dishes — look for taverns offering pierogi, żurek, or goose dishes if you want to try local specialties.
Wieliczka: near the mine there are several inns and restaurants by Wieliczka Market Square — convenient to recover after the underground tour. For a specific recommendation, ask at the tourist information point by the mine entrance; they can suggest current, reliable places.
Book a Wieliczka ticket in advance if you come in high season or on a weekend — it will save you stress.
Check the train/bus schedule for the day — weekend and holiday timetables can vary.
Start with the most visited sights (Wawel, Market) — this helps you avoid the largest crowds.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, choose either a deeper exploration of Kraków (museums, interiors) or a quicker city tour plus Wieliczka — both are possible in one day, but a deeper experience requires more time.
Is visiting Kraków and Wieliczka in one day physically demanding? - Yes, there will be a lot of walking and stairs in Wieliczka. At a reasonable pace it isn’t extreme, but be prepared and wear comfortable shoes.
Do I have to book a guide in Wieliczka? - For individual visitors a guide is often not necessary: the mine serves tourists continuously, but in peak season expect the need to reserve and possibly wait. Organized groups should book in advance.
How much time should I allow for the Mine? - Minimum plan is 2 hours; realistically count on 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route. If you want a calmer visit or additional attractions (for example a brine graduation tower), allow extra time.
Is the mine suitable for children? - Yes, but remember the number of stairs and the walking distance. Children a few years old usually enjoy it. Check for educational route options aimed at younger visitors.
Kraków and Wieliczka in one day is a beautiful, rewarding trip — it takes planning but offers great satisfaction. If you want a calmer visit, consider spreading the plan over two days; if you have only one day, use the schedule and practical tips above.
Wishing you a wonderful day full of discoveries: monuments, the aroma of cafés, the taste of local cuisine and the underground mysteries of Wieliczka. If you’d like, I can prepare a version of this plan tailored to your accommodation, pace, or food preferences — tell me your details and I’ll adapt the itinerary!
Enjoy your visit and travel safely!
