Yes — Kraków has many places you can enjoy without spending a fortune. The Main Market Square, the Planty park, the Vistula boulevards, the city mounds and a walk through Kazimierz all offer great experiences and don’t require entrance fees. Even if you plan to visit several museums, you can arrange your route and days to take advantage of free-entry days and avoid the highest seasonal prices. This text will show you step by step how to do it and what to watch for so your visit is enjoyable and inexpensive.
Start by deciding how many days you have and which places are your priorities. If you want to see Wawel and the Market Square in one day, plan a morning walk through the Old Town and reserve the afternoon for Kazimierz. Check museum websites and official city pages before you travel — many institutions offer free-entry days or a limited number of free tickets available at the ticket office. That’s an easy way to save, but it requires a bit of advance checking.
Avoid buying tickets or packages from the first stall you meet on the Main Market Square — they are often more expensive than official ticket offices. Instead, look for combined tickets or free days; if you must buy a ticket, purchase it through the museum’s official online box office to avoid long queues.
There’s a long list of free and cheap attractions: walking around the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), listening to the trumpeter’s hejnał from St. Mary’s Basilica tower, visiting Wawel’s outer courtyard (entry to the courtyard is free), strolling the Planty, relaxing on the Vistula boulevards and climbing some of the mounds (Krakus Mound, Wanda Mound, Piłsudski Mound). In Kazimierz you only need to wander the streets to feel the atmosphere and see the synagogues from the outside.
Many museums offer a free weekday for permanent exhibitions — this is a common practice. Check the specific museum’s website for the exact day, because free days differ (often you’ll find a free Tuesday or another designated day).
If you’re after something unusual, look for city events, festivals or open days (for example themed events organized by museums or historic residences) — these occasions let you see more without extra costs.
Kraków has a well-developed tram and bus network. For tourists the most cost-effective options are short-term passes: 24-hour or 72-hour tickets if you plan to move around frequently. Buy tickets at machines at stops, in the MPK mobile app or at kiosks; avoid travelling without a ticket — inspections are common and fines are significant.
Walking is usually the best and cheapest way to explore the center — many attractions are close to each other. If you need to go farther (for example to Kościuszko Mound or Nowa Huta), trams and buses are fast and inexpensive. Consider a city bike or an electric scooter for short trips — sometimes cheaper and quicker than a taxi. Make sure the rental company has good reviews and follow safety rules.
Kraków offers a wide range of dining options — from budget milk bars (bar mleczny) through chain bistros to higher-end restaurants. If you want to save, look for places a few streets away from the Main Market Square: a short walk often gets you excellent pierogi, soups or daily specials at much lower prices. In Kazimierz you can grab the famous zapiekanki at Plac Nowy, and in the side streets you’ll find small venues with home-style cooking.
For coffee and cake, try well-known cafés with good reputations — for example Cafe Camelot or Charlotte — these are places with good reviews where you can have breakfast or a coffee break without spending too much (but avoid sitting at tables right on the Market Square, where prices tend to be highest).
To save a bit more, buy groceries or small meal items at a local shop or market (for example at the Hala Targowa or smaller stalls) and organize a picnic on the Planty or the Vistula boulevards. It’s a great way to relax and cut costs.
The cheapest options are hostels and budget guesthouses outside the absolute city center. Districts such as Podgórze, Grzegórzki or Krowodrza often offer lower rates while still having good tram connections to the center. Book in advance, especially in the summer season and during popular city events.
When choosing accommodation, pay attention to: public transport connections, distance to stops, reviews about cleanliness and safety, and whether breakfast is included. Sometimes a fee for breakfast makes a room seem more expensive at first, but it can be better value than buying breakfast every morning outside.
Consider places with a kitchen — you can prepare some meals yourself and significantly reduce expenses.
Booking museum visits too late — many popular exhibits have limited capacity; check offerings in advance and reserve online tickets if possible.
Eating and drinking only on the Main Market Square — prices there are considerably higher. A 5–10 minute walk away usually gives you much better value for money.
Buying souvenirs in the first shop you find — compare prices in several places, visit flea markets or smaller boutique shops to find more interesting and cheaper gifts.
The hejnał from St. Mary’s tower is played every hour and has a history stretching back centuries. It’s one of Kraków’s most recognizable traditions and you can enjoy it for free.
On Wawel Hill there is the Wawel Dragon sculpture that sometimes 'breathes' fire — a simple but spectacular attraction that children especially like. It’s worth visiting in the evening when the lighting adds atmosphere.
Many locals praise the Kraków mounds as great viewpoints over the city. They are less crowded than some official towers, so visits are often quieter and free.
Is access to Wawel free? Access to Wawel Hill and the castle courtyard is free, but visiting selected exhibitions and some castle interiors requires a ticket. Check current information on the Castle’s official site before your visit.
How to check free days at museums? Many museums have a designated weekday with free entry to permanent exhibitions. The safest way is to check the museum’s official website or the city’s official pages for the latest updates.
Is it safe to walk at night? Kraków is generally safe for tourists, but as in any city, take basic precautions: watch your belongings, avoid dark, deserted streets and don’t leave luggage unattended.
Are combined tickets worth it? If you plan to visit several institutions on the same day, combined tickets or museum cards can be cost-effective. Always compare prices and check the visiting hours.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends on social media or send it to anyone planning a trip to Kraków. A well-planned visit doesn’t have to be expensive — a little flexibility and a few simple rules are enough.
If you need more personalized help, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can tailor an itinerary to your budget and interests so your stay in Kraków becomes truly memorable.
