Want to see the heart of Kraków, feel the atmosphere of medieval walls and add film-related highlights — all in one day with friends during the May long weekend? It’s possible if you plan the day smartly. Start early (around 8:30–9:00), keep a steady walking pace and remember to schedule breaks for coffee and lunch.
Suggested order: the Barbican and Florian Gate — Floriańska Street — Main Market Square (a brief visit to St. Mary’s Basilica for the trumpeter’s call) — Wawel (courtyard, cathedral) — a short walk along the Vistula boulevards — lunch near Kazimierz — Kazimierz (synagogues, Plac Nowy) — afternoon film highlight: a section of the Kraków Film Trail (especially around Krowodrza and locations linked to arthouse cinema) or visits to places that tell the city’s film history.
Time: intensive — expect 8–10 hours on the go; if you plan to visit interiors and museums, add time and check reservations (Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica, museums).
The Barbican is a surviving fragment of Kraków’s medieval fortifications — a well-preserved circular defensive structure that’s worth circling and photographing from different angles. A walk from Florian Gate along Floriańska Street gives a quick introduction to the historic centre and leads straight to the Main Market Square.
The Royal Route is the path formerly used by monarchs — today walking it is the best way to see key historic points quickly: Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, Grodzka Street and the approach to Wawel. Expect crowds at Florian Gate and the Market during the May long weekend — the best times for photos are morning and late afternoon. If you’re short on time, choose the segment that interests you most.
Practical tip: if you want to climb St. Mary’s tower or visit some interiors at Wawel, check ticket availability online in advance — queues during the May holiday can be long.
The Kraków Film Trail is a great addition to the classic route — it links places connected to the history of Polish cinema, filming locations and stories about filmmakers. Focus on trail sections in the centre and around Krowodrza, where important film initiatives began and legendary arthouse cinemas once operated.
What you can see on the film trail: traces of former cinemas and film clubs, places tied to the lives and education of filmmakers (the so-called "pre-film school" area in Krowodrza), and locations used as sets in well-known Polish films. In recent years the trail has also appeared as a city game or an app — if you’d like a less traditional way to discover the city, using such an app can be a fun twist to your day.
If your group is into cinema, add a short visit to an arthouse cinema in the evening or check local film events — Kraków has a lively festival and arthouse scene, especially in spring and autumn.
In the afternoon move to Kazimierz — one of the friendliest districts for meeting friends. A walk by the synagogues, a stop at Plac Nowy (home of the famous zapiekanki) and the many cafés and restaurants give plenty of options for a longer break.
If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, cross the Dębnicki Bridge toward Podgórze, where you can see memorial sites connected to 20th-century history and visit parts of a former factory now functioning as a museum branch. Evening in Kazimierz is a great chance for dinner in one of the recommended restaurants — local cuisine has a lot to offer.
Food and coffee suggestions (classic favourites and friendly spots): Cafe Camelot (a cosy café near the Market), Charlotte (known for fresh bread and breakfasts), Plac Nowy — stalls with zapiekanki; for dinner consider restaurants serving Polish or fusion cuisine in Kazimierz. These are practical suggestions — the final choice depends on your group’s preferences.
08:30–09:00 — Start at the Barbican (brief route outline, photos).
09:00–10:30 — Walk Floriańska Street, Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, trumpeter’s call).
10:30–12:00 — Walk to Wawel, exterior visit to the courtyard and cathedral (book interior visits in advance if desired).
12:00–13:00 — Short stroll along the Vistula / Vistula Boulevards — break for rest and photos.
13:00–14:30 — Lunch near Kazimierz.
14:30–17:00 — Kazimierz: synagogues, Plac Nowy, cafés; then a section of the Film Trail (Krowodrza or other film points), with an optional arthouse cinema visit in the evening.
17:00–19:00 — Easy evening: dinner or a beer with friends in one of the atmospheric local spots.
The May long weekend brings increased tourist flow — expect bigger crowds, especially at midday. Simple ways to save time:
- Start early; the best photo opportunities and quieter streets are before 10:00.
- Book tickets online in advance for attractions that require them (Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica, some museums).
- If you want to avoid queues at popular eateries, plan lunch for a less busy time (for example 13:30–14:30) or pick tried-and-true cafés a little away from the Market.
- Use public transport (trams) or simply walk — central distances are short and walking is often the fastest option.
- Have a plan B in case of rain: cafés, small museums and arthouse cinemas are good shelters from unpredictable weather.
Also check local traffic disruptions and any city events — sometimes parades or public events during the May holiday change pedestrian and tram routes.
Accessibility: some historic interiors and steep areas (Wawel) can be difficult for wheelchair users — check accessibility of specific sites in advance.
Toilets and ATMs: public and café toilets are available in central locations — keep small change for pay toilets at tourist spots. ATMs are most common on main streets and in shopping centres.
Weather and clothing: May can be changeable — dress in layers, bring a light rain jacket and wear comfortable shoes. It can be cooler on the Vistula boulevards and in the evening.
Safety: Kraków is relatively safe, but as in any busy tourist area be aware of pickpocketing — keep valuables close to you.
Can you see all the main sights in one day? - Yes, you can cover the main points (Market Square, Wawel, Barbican, Kazimierz) in a day, but it will be intensive. If you want to enter many museums or spend more time dining, consider two days.
How long does a Wawel visit take? - A quick look at the courtyard and cathedral takes about 45–90 minutes. If you plan to visit the royal chambers and museum exhibitions, add 1–2 hours and book tickets in advance.
Is it worth adding the Film Trail to a one-day route? - If your group likes film or wants an unusual accent beyond classic monuments, yes. Pick short trail segments and consider an app or city game that will liven up the walk.
When are the best hours for photos without crowds? - Morning (before 10:00) and late afternoon (after 17:00) — the light at these times is often good for photography too.
Should I book restaurants for the May long weekend? - At popular places near the Market and in Kazimierz it’s worth reserving a table, especially for larger groups. Alternatively, look for smaller venues a few streets away from main attractions.
Be flexible — group pace, weather and unexpected events may require small changes to the plan. The May long weekend is a great chance to feel the city’s joy, but it’s also a busy time — a smile and patience go a long way.
If you’d like, I can help tailor the route to your preferences: a slower pace with more breaks, a route focused on architecture, or a version with a strong film emphasis and arthouse cinemas. Kraków has many faces — choose the one you like best. I wish you a great May long weekend and many lovely memories of the city!
Happy touring — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
