Have 24 hours to spare? Great — you can see the most important sights and still enjoy delicious pierogi. The key is a well-thought-out route, a bit of flexibility and clear priorities. If you're drawn more to history and the city's atmosphere, focus on the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz. If you travel with children and want a loud dose of fun, consider dedicating a separate day to Energylandia in Zator - it’s roughly a 1 to 1.5 hour trip from Kraków depending on transport.
In short: save the morning for the Main Market Square and the Underground Market, make lunch your pierogi moment, spend the afternoon at Wawel and Kazimierz, and finish the evening with a relaxed walk by the Vistula or a fragrant dinner. Below you’ll find a detailed plan, restaurant suggestions and practical tips.
Keep in mind that many attractions have seasonal opening hours and may change on holidays, so if you want to be sure to get in, check opening times and buy tickets online before your trip.
This guide is meant to help you plan a practical and friendly one-day itinerary in Kraków.
Start early and leave room for surprises - Kraków likes to delight visitors.
09:00 - 10:00: Start the day with coffee or breakfast by the Main Market Square. It’s a great place to feel the rhythm of the city and plan the rest of your walk.
10:00 - 12:00: Visit St. Mary’s Basilica (a quick look from outside and enter if time allows) and stroll through the Cloth Hall. Descend to the Rynek Underground, where you can spend about 1 to 2 hours - it’s a unique multimedia archaeological exhibition beneath the square.
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch with pierogi - pick one of the recommended pierogi places in the centre. It’s the perfect moment to try classics like potato-and-cheese (ruskie) or meat-filled, or, if you’re curious, a more creative variety.
14:00 - 15:30: Wawel - walk around the Hill, the cathedral and the courtyard from the outside. If you want to enter the Royal Chambers, allow extra time and check ticket availability in advance.
16:00 - 18:00: Kazimierz - wander the atmospheric streets, make a short visit to the synagogues and stop for coffee or a local dessert.
18:00 - 19:30: Walk along the Vistula or head to Podgórze, then have dinner in one of the cosy restaurants. The Market Square has a special evening atmosphere, so consider returning there briefly before you leave.
The Rynek Underground is where archaeology meets modern presentation - here you’ll see the remains of medieval trade, building fragments and interactive displays that help you imagine how the old Market once bustled with life.
Plan at least one hour for the visit; if you enjoy multimedia exhibitions and reading exhibits, allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Some days feature temporary exhibitions and family-friendly facilities.
Entrances are busier during summer and weekends, so consider booking in advance or arriving early. Occasionally there are days with reduced or free admission - it’s worth checking ahead.
The entrance is accessed from the Cloth Hall and is conveniently located in the centre, so it fits naturally into a walking route around the Old Town.
If you carry a small backpack or larger luggage, check the on-site rules for cloakroom access and photography.
Pierogi places in Kraków are practically a culinary attraction on their own. Here are tried-and-true spots locals and visitors like - each has its own character, so choose by your mood:
Przystanek Pierogarnia - a small chain with several locations in the city; home-style flavours and generous portions. A good choice for classic pierogi at reasonable prices.
Przypiecek - a well-known pierogi spot in the centre, open late and popular for lunches or night snacks; large selection and always-fresh offerings.
Pierogowy Raj - a place with many flavours and creative options; great if you want something less conventional alongside the classics.
Pierogarnia Domowa - a cosy spot near the Market Square serving traditional recipes in a homely atmosphere.
Eat Pierogi - a more modern take on pierogi with seasonal variations and interesting flavour combinations.
Bar Pod Wawelem - a classic for those seeking hearty, traditional dishes served in a lively Kraków atmosphere.
If you’re short on time, choose a pierogi place near the Market Square or on the way to Wawel - the centre has many outlets that serve tasty pierogi quickly. Portions and prices vary, so check the menu at the door.
Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland and a fantastic option for families, roller coaster fans and anyone seeking a big dose of fun. The park is in Zator, about 50-70 km from Kraków - typically around 1 to 1.5 hours by car or bus.
If you have only one day in Kraków and want to see the city, I recommend staying in town. If you plan a longer stay or travel with children, Energylandia works well as a separate full day of entertainment - consider booking accommodation and travelling to the park early in the morning.
Buy park tickets in advance online, especially in high season, to avoid long queues at the ticket office. The park offers different ticket types and themed zones - check which option matches your group and any height requirements for rides.
If you really want both Kraków and Energylandia, a good plan is: day one in the city, day two at the park. That’s the least tiring and most satisfying option.
Be aware that opening hours vary by season - Energylandia stays open later in summer and has shorter hours outside peak season; weekends sometimes include special evening events.
Walking is the best way to explore Kraków’s centre - the main attractions of the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz are close together and easy to cover on foot. Starting from the Main Railway Station lets you dive straight into the centre.
To reach Energylandia, the simplest options are car or bus services from Kraków to Zator; organised day trips are also available, but if you travel independently check bus connections and travel times. The park has parking, but in high season there may be fees.
Kraków’s public transport is well developed - trams and buses can take you close to most attractions, but in the central area it’s usually faster to walk to avoid transfers.
If you stay outside the centre, plan extra travel time in the morning as streets and trams can be busy during rush hours.
If you arrive by train from the airport or other cities, check schedules and travel time to the Main Railway Station - it’s the most convenient starting point for sightseeing.
Shoes: comfortable. Even if your plan says "short walks" - cobbled streets can be tiring.
Advance tickets: for the Rynek Underground and popular museums it’s better to buy in advance during the high season. For Energylandia I strongly recommend online tickets before your trip.
Wallet and menus: the centre has both pricier restaurants and budget places. If you want authentic flavours, choose a trusted pierogi place a bit off the most touristy windows, yet still near the Market.
Weather: in autumn and winter bring a jacket and an umbrella. In summer carry water and sunscreen - part of the route is outdoors.
Time: don’t try to see everything at once. It’s better to choose calm and feel the atmosphere than to rush from one point to another.
Will I see everything important in 1 day? - You’ll see the key highlights and feel the city’s vibe. Full exploration of museums and interiors requires more time.
Is it worth going to the Rynek Underground? - Yes, if you’re interested in history and urban archaeology; it offers a different perspective on the Market Square.
How long does it take to get to Energylandia from Kraków? - Usually about 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Bus and organised trip times vary.
Where to eat pierogi near the Market? - There are several great pierogi places around the Market Square and in Kazimierz; choose by your mood and schedule. Start with the spots listed above if you want recommendations.
Do I need to reserve a table? - In popular places at weekends a reservation can help, especially for larger groups.
Morning: Main Market Square and the Rynek Underground - soak in the atmosphere and begin your day in the centre.
Lunch: pierogi at a local pierogi place - classic flavours and great value.
Afternoon: Wawel and Kazimierz - a short dose of history and atmospheric streets.
Evening: walk by the Vistula and dinner - a peaceful end to an intense day.
Energylandia option: if you want the amusement park, plan it as a separate day with a night stay or an early departure from Kraków.
If you’d like, I can help tailor this plan to your pace, interests and arrival day. Kraków is a city to discover slowly, but even one well-planned day can leave beautiful memories and a desire to return.
Wishing you delicious pierogi, interesting encounters and a great trip - see you in Kraków!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
If you have more questions or want a personalised one-day plan, write to me - I’m happy to help.
Enjoy your sightseeing!
