Wawel and the Royal Route form a natural “skeleton” for a walk through Kraków’s historic heart — you’ll see the most important sights in a logical order, and the route is beautiful and friendly even for those with only one day. The Royal Route connects St. Florian’s Gate and Matejko Square with Wawel Hill, leading through the Main Market Square and the historic streets: Floriańska, Grodzka and Kanonicza. It’s a walk that gives a good sense of the city’s history and still leaves time for coffee, lunch and short museum visits.
For people traveling by car or public transport it’s also a convenient route — most attractions are close together and can be visited on foot without taking a tram or bus. If you want to see the highlights in one day, consider making Wawel either an evening goal or the main morning attraction, depending on ticket availability and your personal pace. (This guide will help you plan it).
Remember: an intensive plan is doable but requires a sensible pace, booking timed-entry tickets in advance, and preparing for crowds in the high season.
08:30 — Start at Matejko Square: a short introduction to the route and a photo by the monument. It’s a good meeting point before setting off along the Royal Route.
09:00–11:00 — Floriańska Street, St. Florian’s Gate, Main Market Square: St. Mary’s Basilica (enter the interior if time/tickets allow), the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), Town Hall Tower — stroll the square and grab a quick coffee at Charlotte or another nearby café.
11:00–13:00 — Grodzka Street and Kanonicza lead up to Wawel: visit Wawel’s courtyard, enter the Cathedral and — if you booked tickets — the royal chambers or the crypts. Reserve specific entry times to avoid queues.
13:00–14:00 — Lunch near Wawel or at the Market. Recommended options: Pod Wawelem for traditional Polish food or another trusted nearby restaurant.
14:00–17:00 — After lunch, cross the bridge to Kazimierz: walk among synagogues, visit Nowy Square and enjoy cafés. Alternatively, visit the Czartoryski Museum or Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum if you still have energy and tickets.
17:00–evening — Relax by the Vistula or have dinner in Kazimierz; Kraków’s evening atmosphere is especially pleasant.
Start at Matejko Square and St. Florian’s Gate for historical context and a view — it’s a good short introduction before a long walk. Floriańska Street is a lively shopping promenade full of historic townhouses and monuments.
Main Market Square — the heart of Kraków: St. Mary’s Basilica with its hourly trumpet call, the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower. It’s worth pausing here for the atmosphere: street performers, cafés and quick snacks.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets — a walk lined with historic houses, churches and elegant architectural details that leads directly to Wawel. Kanonicza is one of the most picturesque streets approaching the hill.
Wawel Hill — the exterior is impressive from every side; on site, spend time in the courtyard, enter the Cathedral, peek into the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) or enjoy the view over the Vistula. Even a short walk on the hill conveys the historical weight of the place.
Wawel is a complex made up of the Castle, the Cathedral and several smaller exhibitions. Not everything is visited with a single ticket — different exhibitions and routes often require separate tickets or combined passes. Before your visit, decide your priorities: do you want the royal private chambers, the crown treasury, the crypts, or just a shorter visit to the cathedral?
Tickets: book in advance if you plan to enter specific exhibitions. In the high season entries can be limited and popular exhibitions have queues. Buying tickets online secures your entry time and saves time. If you don’t reserve, be prepared for possible waiting at the ticket office and security checks.
Cathedral access and special entries: the cathedral is an active place of worship — check whether parts are closed for liturgical events (this can affect entry). The crypts and bell tower may have different rules and separate tickets.
Time planning: allow at least 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit of selected parts of Wawel. If you want to see several exhibitions, plan for about 3 hours or split Wawel over two days if you stay longer.
Buy tickets online in advance — it’s the safest way to secure a chosen time and avoid long queues. Ticketing systems usually allow reservations weeks ahead.
Tickets are often valid only for the date and time printed — arrive on time. If you’re late, you may lose your slot and need to exchange the ticket or buy a new one.
Look for combined tickets if you plan to visit more than one exhibition — combined passes are sometimes more economical than separate tickets. For families and young people ask about concessions and the need to show supporting ID.
In summer and on public holidays: expect larger crowds and longer waits at the courtyard or ticket offices. If you want to avoid lines, consider an early morning visit or plan Wawel for an off-peak afternoon.
Comfortable shoes — the route is on foot with cobbled sections and stairs up to Wawel. Bring a light layer — it can be cooler inside the cathedral and some interiors.
Small backpacks and bags — some exhibitions limit baggage size; larger backpacks may need to be left in a cloakroom. Check rules before entering to avoid surprises.
Discount documents — if you’re eligible for reduced fares (student, senior, etc.), carry the relevant ID and proof of entitlement.
Time for a break — plan short breaks for coffee or a snack. Even on an intensive schedule it’s worth pausing because sightseeing requires focus and energy.
Breakfast: Charlotte (Szczepański Square) — a bakery and café serving fresh bread and good coffee; a quick and tasty start before your walk.
Lunch near Wawel: Pod Wawelem — known for traditional Polish cuisine, generous portions and a “by the castle” atmosphere. It’s a convenient option close to the hill.
Coffee and dessert: around the Market and Kanonicza you’ll find many charming cafés — perfect for a short rest between sightseeing and continuing your walk.
Evening dinner in Kazimierz: atmospheric historic eateries and modern restaurants; a great way to finish the day after intensive sightseeing.
If you need extra help planning the day, booking or a personalized itinerary, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers support and practical tips tailored to your needs. Advice from a local guide helps optimize the route, buy the right tickets and make the most of your time in Kraków.
It’s worth using this kind of help when your time is limited or you have special interests (architecture, art history, family-friendly routes). The guide can also recommend which Wawel exhibitions are best to choose in a given season.
Please avoid promoting other guides or commercial offers in the text — the aim is honest, helpful support for visitors to Kraków.
Can I see Wawel and the Old Town in 1 day? - Yes, it’s feasible. Expect a brisk pace and well-planned timed entries. Focus on the highlights and leave lesser sights for another visit.
Do I have to buy a Wawel ticket in advance? - For popular exhibitions and in high season it’s wise to buy online in advance. This saves time and guarantees entry at the chosen hour.
Can I enter Wawel without a ticket? - The courtyard and some external areas are accessible without a ticket, but interior exhibitions usually require tickets. Access to the cathedral may be regulated during religious events.
How long does it take to visit Wawel? - It depends on what you choose: a short visit to the cathedral and courtyard: ~30–60 min; visiting several exhibitions: 1.5–3 hours.
Start early — mornings are usually less crowded and allow for a calmer walk through the Market and along the Royal Route.
Book timed entries and check opening hours — museums and exhibitions may have different hours and technical closures.
Prioritize comfort — comfortable shoes, a small backpack, a bottle of water and an offline map or printed plan will help you move around without constantly checking your phone.
If you’re staying longer — spread the visits over two days: the first day for the Royal Route and the exterior of Wawel, the second day for museums, Kazimierz and Podgórze. This way you’ll feel the city’s atmosphere without rushing.
Kraków in one day is intense but very rewarding — especially if you focus on the Royal Route and Wawel. Good time planning, booking tickets in advance for popular exhibitions and a few practical decisions (where to eat, which exhibitions to choose) will let you see the essentials and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
If you’d like, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is happy to help prepare an itinerary tailored to your pace and interests — from family-friendly suggestions to a quick plan for transit travelers. Enjoy your walk through royal Kraków — may this day leave you wanting to return! - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz).
