Kraków is a city where history meets everyday life: the royal Wawel Hill, the bustle of the Main Market Square, the intimate Kazimierz district and the green boulevards along the Vistula form a varied mosaic you can comfortably explore in seven days.
If you are interested in medieval fortifications, short river cruises and museums that tell the story of the city — this plan is for you. I arranged the sightseeing so each day is satisfying but not exhausting.
At the end you'll find practical tips: tickets, food recommendations, common tourist mistakes and an FAQ — everything so you can enjoy your week without stress and with pleasure.
The Barbican is one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic defensive architecture in Europe. Built at the end of the 15th century, it was an important element of the fortification system guarding the northern approach to the city and still impresses with its massive, circular form.
Fragments of the defensive walls and the adjoining towers form an interesting museum route. During the season the Museum of Kraków opens exhibitions and sections of the walls that can be visited as part of the city’s defense-themed displays.
Practical tip: visit the Barbican and the walls in the morning, before Florian Gate and Floriańska Street get crowded. Also check opening hours for the seasonal museum branches — availability can change depending on the time of year.
A cruise gives you a different perspective on Kraków: Wawel, the Skałka church, historic riverbanks and bridges look completely different from the water. For many visitors even a short 45–60 minute cruise becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
You can choose a short city-center cruise (30–60 minutes) or longer trips toward Tyniec (Wawel–Tyniec–Wawel), which combine the cruise with a short stop and a visit to the abbey. Pick depending on your time and the weather.
Piers are usually near Wawel or along the boulevards. I recommend a cruise at sunset — city lights and reflections on the water create a lovely atmosphere. In season, reserve your spot in advance and bring a light sweater — it can be cooler by the river.
Day 1: Old Town and the Royal Route - start at Florian Gate and the Barbican, walk along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square. See the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Basilica, listen for the trumpet signal, and visit the Rynek Underground if you want a quick introduction to the city’s history.
Day 2: Wawel and surroundings - book morning entry to the Royal Castle and the Cathedral, visit the State Rooms or the courtyard, look for the Wawel Dragon and stroll along the Vistula.
Day 3: Barbican, defensive walls and the defense route - visit the exhibition dedicated to the walls and the Barbican, walk along preserved sections of the fortifications and learn about the city’s defensive history.
Day 4: Kazimierz - the atmospheric former Jewish quarter: synagogues, museums, cozy cafés and small restaurants. In the evening I recommend dinner in one of the well-reviewed restaurants in this district.
Day 5: Vistula cruise and the boulevards - book an afternoon or evening cruise; after the cruise walk the boulevards, relax in cafés and enjoy the view of Wawel from the river side.
Day 6: Museums and lesser-known places - choose a themed museum (for example Museum of Kraków, National Museum, MOCAK) or visit Nowa Huta for a contrast to the old center.
Day 7: Little pleasures and shopping - morning coffee, souvenir shopping at the market or in the Cloth Hall, stroll through nearby alleys, and time for whatever you loved most. End with a visit to your favorite café or a farewell dinner.
If you plan intensive sightseeing for a week, check time-based public transport tickets — 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day tickets often pay off and make moving between districts easier.
For popular attractions (Wawel, some museum exhibitions, Rynek Underground) it’s worth buying tickets in advance, especially in season. Some museum branches (for example parts of the defensive route) have seasonal hours — check them before you go.
For Vistula cruises reserve your place in high season; longer trips (like to Tyniec) have limited capacity and may depend on navigational conditions.
If you want traditional Polish cuisine in a classic setting, consider well-reviewed restaurants near the Market Square that serve traditional dishes — a convenient choice after a day of sightseeing.
For coffee and cake I recommend cozy cafés in the Old Town and Kazimierz — places known for good coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. Popular choices include local café classics on the Old Town and small coffee-and-book cafés in Kazimierz.
If you’re looking for something special for dinner — choose a highly rated restaurant and book a table in advance. On weekends popular places fill up quickly.
For a first visit it’s best to stay near the Old Town or Kazimierz — from there most attractions are within easy reach, and evening walks are safe and pleasant.
When choosing a hotel or apartment, check guest reviews, the location relative to public transport and amenities (luggage storage, early check-in or parking if you arrive by car).
If you plan many walks and cruises, a location near the boulevards or close to Wawel gives quick access to piers and riverside paths.
The Barbican was at one time threatened with demolition — thanks to the efforts of local activists a part of the fortifications was preserved and can be admired today.
The Royal Route (Droga Królewska) practically begins at the Barbican and Florian Gate — it’s the same route once used for ceremonial processions to Wawel.
From the Vistula perspective Wawel and the historic riverbank look completely different — for many visitors this is a new favorite view of Kraków, which explains the growing popularity of river cruises.
Trying to see everything in one day - Kraków is a city worth taking time over. A week is a great opportunity to feel the city’s rhythm without rushing.
Not booking popular attractions or cruises in season - buying tickets in advance saves time and nerves.
Not preparing for the weather by the Vistula - it can be cooler and windier by the river, especially in the evening; bring a light jacket or scarf.
Is the Barbican always open to visitors? - The Barbican and parts of the walls are sometimes opened seasonally by the Museum of Kraków. Check current opening hours before your visit.
How long is a typical Vistula cruise? - Short cruises usually last 30–60 minutes; a cruise to Tyniec with sightseeing can take several hours.
Is it worth buying a Kraków Tourist Card? - If you plan to visit many paid museums and use public transport intensively, the card can be worthwhile.
I hope this plan helps you organise a successful and enjoyable week in Kraków — unhurried, with time for details and for tasting the city.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Recommending it helps others prepare well for their trip and discover Kraków in the best possible way.
If you want to explore with a guide, I invite you to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her contact details and offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com - a convenient option when you want to learn the stories, curiosities and tips about the city from a local, friendly perspective.
