Yes — it is possible if you plan your route and buy online tickets where entry times are required. Kraków’s Old Town is compact, so many attractions are close to each other. An express version is perfect for short stays, groups on a quick city break or travelers with limited time.
In this article you’ll find: a simple step-by-step route, a list of places worth booking in advance, practical tips to avoid queues, recommendations for cafés and restaurants worth visiting, and a short FAQ — all in a friendly tone so you can prepare quickly for your visit.
More and more institutions in Kraków operate on timed-entry systems. Buying a ticket online gives you a fixed entry time, saves you from queuing and helps you structure your day. This is especially important in the tourist season and on weekends.
Many attractions have limited capacity per time slot (for example castle chambers, towers, or underground exhibitions). Popular slots fill up fast near opening time — it’s best to reserve 1–7 days in advance, and during high season even earlier.
When buying online tickets pay attention to: ticket type (general, reduced, family), whether it’s a guided tour or independent entry, cancellation rules and the requirement to show ID for discounts. If you try to book on the spot you may face a limited offer or no available times.
Start: Wawel — book the earliest available slot (for example 9:00). Begin at Wawel, visit the courtyard and castle exhibitions or at least the Cathedral with its crypts. If you want to enter the private royal apartments or go up the tower, reserve a timed ticket.
Grodzka and Podzamcze — a short walk leads straight to the Main Market Square. On the way you can glance at St. Peter and St. Paul Church and enjoy a view of the Vistula River.
Main Market Square — immerse yourself in the city’s heart: the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall (with its viewing tower), souvenir stalls. If you have time, visit the Cloth Hall interior or one of the galleries on the square.
St. Mary’s Basilica — it’s worth seeing the interior and, if tickets are available, going up the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Remember the hour of the hejnał — a short ritual that draws every visitor’s attention.
Kazimierz — you can walk from the Market or take a tram. In Kazimierz visit Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the synagogues. It’s a perfect place for a break — many atmospheric cafés and restaurants serve Jewish and modern cuisine.
Finish — if you still have time choose one extra spot: Oskar Schindler’s Factory (book in advance), MOCAK, or a short walk by the Vistula on the riverbanks.
Book the first timed slot for Wawel or another must-see as early as possible — crowds increase during the day. Morning hours also give better light for photos and cooler temperatures in summer.
Set a maximum visit time for each stop: Wawel 60–90 min (depending on exhibitions purchased), Market + Cloth Hall 45–60 min, St. Mary’s 30–45 min, Kazimierz 60–90 min for a quick walk and coffee.
Leave 10–20 minutes between points for walking, photos and short stops. If you have a timed ticket at the next place, follow estimated walking time and allow for possible tram delays.
Wawel — especially entry to the private chambers and some exhibitions. Reserve a specific time if you want to see castle interiors or enter the Cathedral crypts.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory — very popular and often requires a timed ticket.
Selected exhibitions at the National Museum, special museum branches and the Market underground — check the museum’s page and buy online.
Entry to St. Mary’s tower and some temporary exhibitions — better not to risk missing a spot.
Check which documents entitle you to discounts (student ID, ISIC, identity card). For reduced tickets you may be asked to show proof at entry.
Pay attention to cancellation policies and possible fees. Some online tickets can be cancelled up to a specified time before entry, others are non-refundable.
If you buy through resellers check reviews and terms. The safest is to buy directly from the organiser (museum, castle, institution) to get the most current information about availability and conditions.
If time is limited, choose skip-the-line options or guided visits with fixed hours — these often allow quicker entry without long waits.
Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network — on a short inner-city route most points are within walking distance, but public transport will save time when moving to more distant spots.
Tickets for trams and buses can be bought at machines, from drivers (usually more expensive) and via mobile apps. For a short stay consider a 24-hour ticket if you plan several journeys in a day.
If you travel with luggage or in high heat, consider taking a tram between Kazimierz and the Market or to/from the Main Railway Station.
Around the Market and near Wawel you’ll find both fine dining and quick snack options. For classic Polish cuisine choose places with good reviews and a long tradition of serving regional dishes.
In Kazimierz try local favourites: zapiekanki stalls at Plac Nowy, cosy restaurants serving Jewish and fusion cuisine, and popular cafés ideal for a coffee break.
A few well-known names (highly rated by guests): Wierzynek — for a historic atmosphere; Pod Aniołami — traditional Polish cuisine in atmospheric cellars; Cafe Camelot — a charming café for a break; Starka — a popular spot in Kazimierz. Choose restaurants with many positive reviews if you prefer consistent standards.
If you travel with children, plan shorter stages and frequent breaks. Many museums offer educational activities for younger visitors, but check age recommendations before buying tickets.
For visitors with limited mobility check accessibility information on each institution’s website. Not all historic interiors have lifts or ramps, so plan visits to places with documented accessibility.
If needed, contact the venue’s helpline — staff can often help arrange entry or advise on the most convenient route.
Mistake: arriving at the last minute and expecting to buy tickets on-site. Fix: check online and buy in advance, at least for key sites.
Mistake: not reading ticket conditions (entry time, restrictions). Fix: read descriptions and regulations before purchase, especially if time is limited.
Mistake: not carrying ID for reduced tickets. Fix: bring the relevant document or you may pay the difference or lose the discount.
Mistake: planning too many must-sees in one day. Fix: choose fewer places, enjoy them more and soak up the city rather than racing a checklist.
Wawel has little-known corners — beyond the most promoted chambers it’s worth noticing smaller exhibitions and courtyards that are often less crowded.
Some Kraków museums offer free entry on selected days or hours — check this in advance, but remember free entry doesn’t always mean no queues.
If you want photos of the Market with fewer people, plan a morning visit right after opening or an evening after sunset. The Town Hall tower and the Cloth Hall balconies often offer less obvious perspectives.
Do I have to reserve tickets for St. Mary’s Basilica? - The interior is open during visiting hours, but the tower usually has timed tickets and it’s worth buying them online.
Is entry to Wawel paid? - The castle courtyard and surrounding area are free, but entrances to the chambers, cathedral, crypts and some exhibitions are paid and require tickets.
Can I book tickets on the same day? - Often yes outside peak season; however on weekends and during the high season it’s safer to buy in advance.
How long does it take to visit the main attractions? - Wawel 60–90 min, Market and Cloth Hall 45–60 min, Kazimierz 60–90 min for a quick walk with coffee.
1) Check and buy online tickets for key attractions (Wawel, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, selected exhibitions). 2) Plan your route with entry times. 3) Bring documents for discounts. 4) Wear comfortable shoes and schedule coffee breaks. 5) Leave time to simply sit — Kraków is a city to enjoy even when you do nothing.
If you want to sightsee faster and more comfortably, consider contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her experience and local tips will save you time and show the city differently. Contact details are available on the website.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or post it on your social media — you’ll help others plan a better stay in Kraków.
Wishing you great sightseeing: keep your own pace and let the city reveal its most interesting sides. If you have questions feel free to contact via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata Kasprowicz will happily advise and plan a "fast and focused" route especially for you.
