Autumn is a special time to explore Kraków: golden leaves, fewer crowds and a quieter city rhythm make it easier to notice places connected with Karol Wojtyła - from the walls of the Jagiellonian University to the sanctuary in Łagiewniki. This guide will help you plan a day full of impressions, reflection and friendly stops - so you return home feeling that Kraków showed you its quieter, more personal side.
Guide author: Małgorzata Kasprowicz - Kraków guide. I prepared the text to be friendly for visitors coming in autumn: with practical tips, a suggested route and a few recommendations for places to eat and rest after a walk. The aim is to help - not to rush through attractions, but to calmly discover John Paul II’s traces in the city space.
In the text you will find: a suggested one-day route, descriptions of the most important places linked to John Paul II in Kraków, practical information on transport and opening hours (where they are stable), recommendations for cafés and restaurants and an FAQ answering common tourist questions.
Kraków in autumn has an unmistakable atmosphere: cooler temperatures invite longer walks, mist over the Vistula and warm colors of the trees create an ideal backdrop for photography and reflection. Places of worship and memory that can be crowded in summer gain silence and space now - perfect for pausing at monuments, memorial plaques or in small chapels.
For those interested in history and spirituality, John Paul II’s presence in Kraków’s landscape becomes easier to read when the city slows down. You’ll have time to sit by the Papal Window, enter the quiet Na Skałce church or travel to Łagiewniki without feeling rushed. Autumn also makes sightseeing more comfortable: traffic flows more calmly and trams and buses are less crowded than in peak season.
If you care about good photo weather - choose sunny but cooler days (October-November): the low-angled light at this time of year gives architecture warmth and depth.
The route is designed so you can see the key places connected to John Paul II’s life and ministry in Kraków in one day without hurrying. Suggested start time: around 9:00-10:00, finishing after dusk or earlier depending on the group’s energy.
Morning: Wawel and the Cathedral - begin with a walk on Wawel Hill: the cathedral, crypts, places of remembrance. Many visitors link Wawel with papal presence - allow at least an hour to visit the cathedral and spend a moment of reflection at the sacral monuments.
Walk to Na Skałce - this is a short walk along the Vistula. The Na Skałce church is a memorable spot: meetings of the pope with youth and a sculpture commemorating those moments. Take a break and look at the local memorials.
Papal Window at Franciszkańska 3 - return toward the Old Town and stop at the famous Papal Window. It symbolizes the pope’s dialogue with locals and students - a good moment for a photo and silence.
Lunch near the Market Square or Kazimierz - pick one of the cozy cafés or restaurants (see recommendations later). After lunch, rest and prepare for the afternoon.
Afternoon: Jagiellonian University and the Collegiate Church of St. Anne - visit places where Karol Wojtyła studied and later worked: the Faculty of Polish Studies (commemorative plaque) and the Collegiate Church, important for his contacts with students.
Transfer to Łagiewniki - in the evening visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and the John Paul II Centre 'Do not be afraid'. The sanctuary offers space for prayer and the Centre displays exhibitions and memorial spaces devoted to the pope. This is a perfect way to end the day and is often quieter toward the end of the day.
Alternative: spread the route over two days if you prefer to move more slowly or want to visit museums in more detail.
Papal Window - Franciszkańska 3: a symbolic place of John Paul II’s meetings with young people. Today the window often shows an image of the pope or a mosaic; people gather in front of the building on anniversaries and important occasions. A short visit and a moment of silence are enough to feel the atmosphere of those meetings.
Na Skałce church and monastery: a site linked to tradition and pilgrimages where in 1979 John Paul II met academic youth. On the courtyard stands a monument commemorating the meeting - a good starting point for a conversation about history and the church’s role in city life.
Jagiellonian University - Faculty of Polish Studies (ul. Gołębia): here Karol Wojtyła studied Polish philology and later taught. A plaque on the façade commemorates his ties with the university. A walk around the university area lets you feel Kraków’s academic atmosphere.
Collegiate Church of St. Anne: a place close to the pope’s heart, often visited by him during his episcopal and papal service; he preached homilies and met students here.
Łagiewniki - Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and the John Paul II Centre 'Do not be afraid': an extensive complex of memory and devotion, including the famous Divine Mercy image, chapels, relics and exhibitions dedicated to the pope. Important for both pilgrims and visitors interested in the history of the pontificate.
Three Millennia Altar at Skałka: a contemporary outdoor work often used for ceremonies and processions; it fits well into Kraków’s autumn landscape.
Getting to Łagiewniki: the easiest option is by tram or bus. Trams and buses run from the city center toward the sanctuary - check current lines and timetables before you travel. The John Paul II Centre has nearby tram and bus stops and the journey from the city center usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Opening hours and Masses: sanctuaries and churches have set opening hours and Mass schedules; many sites are accessible daily and the Łagiewniki sanctuary holds several Masses during the day. If you plan to enter interiors at a specific time (for example, to attend Mass or visit an exhibition), check opening times in advance or call for information.
Tickets and reservations: most churches and sacral spaces are free to enter, but some exhibitions or centers (museums) may require a separate ticket and have limited capacity; it’s worth asking or buying tickets in advance if you want to visit exhibitions at the John Paul II Centre.
Accessibility: many memorial sites and newer facilities (for example the John Paul II Centre) strive to be friendly for people with limited mobility - there are elevators and ramps, but historic churches may have stairs. If you travel with someone who needs special assistance, check access before your visit.
Coffee breaks and light breakfast: in the Old Town and university area you’ll find many atmospheric cafés. I recommend places with a cozy atmosphere where you can sit with a coffee and plan your day.
Lunch near the Market Square: after visiting Wawel and Franciszkańska, consider classic restaurants offering Polish dishes or smaller bistros with seasonal menus - in autumn pumpkin soups and mushroom dishes taste particularly good.
On the way to Łagiewniki: if you travel south through the city, you’ll find several friendly restaurants and cafés near major tram stops. Choose places that are tried-and-true and close to your route so you don’t waste time on long transfers.
Dessert and relaxation after sightseeing: returning to Kazimierz or the Market Square lets you end the day in one of the atmospheric pubs or cafés. It’s also a good chance to try local sweets or warm mulled wine on a cooler evening.
Clothing and footwear: autumn days can be changeable - from sunny and cool to rainy and windy. Bring comfortable, waterproof shoes for long walks and a light jacket or raincoat. Layering lets you adjust quickly to temperature changes.
Light and photography: if you take photos, Polish autumn gives beautiful soft light. Planning shots in the morning or late afternoon yields the best results. Remember a power bank - a long day of sightseeing quickly drains a phone.
Time for visiting: if you plan to enter church interiors during Mass, be discreet and adjust plans to service times; if you want to attend a Mass, check schedules beforehand.
Safety and etiquette: Kraków is welcoming to tourists, but basic precautions are always useful: watch your documents and bags, respect places of worship and memory, and keep quiet where it is expected.
How long does it take to visit all the places? - If you want to see the main points (Wawel, Na Skałce, Papal Window, Jagiellonian University, Collegiate Church, Łagiewniki) in one day - plan for 8–10 hours with breaks. It’s better to spread it over two days if you want to enter museums and exhibitions calmly.
Are all places open every day? - Most churches and sanctuaries are accessible daily, but particular exhibitions may have breaks or different hours. Check current information before your visit.
Do I need tickets for Wawel and the John Paul II Centre? - Wawel has free areas (courtyard; some parts of the cathedral are ticketed) and paid exhibitions; the John Paul II Centre may require tickets for exhibitions - check when planning your visit.
Are the places accessible for people with limited mobility? - New centres and sanctuaries try to ensure access for everyone, but historic churches may have stairs. If you need assistance, contact the site in advance.
Can I take photos inside? - Photo rules depend on the place: in churches you can usually photograph without flash, but be discreet during services. Museums and exhibitions may restrict photography.
Following John Paul II’s footsteps in Kraków is more than ticking off map points - it’s a story that connects place, people and memory. Autumn is a good time to experience that story more peacefully: with a coffee break, moments of reflection and a longer walk along the Vistula.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized sightseeing plan (shorter or longer), tailored to your pace, interests and food preferences. Just tell me how much time you have and how you like to spend days in a new city - I’ll gladly suggest routes and places worth combining with the papal route through Kraków.
Wishing you a wonderful discovery of Kraków - may it be a journey full of good meetings and peaceful moments. Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Kraków guide.
