Yes — it's possible! You need to plan sensibly: focus on the main attractions, book tickets where you can, and leave some time for easy neighborhood strolls. Below you’ll find a concrete two-day plan, practical opening hours and tips to make the most of your time.
The plan is designed to combine the main landmarks (Wawel, the Cathedral, Old Town) with the atmosphere of Kazimierz and Podgórze, finishing with a walk across the Father Bernatek Footbridge at sunset.
If you prefer a more comfortable visit tailored to your interests, consider touring with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the visitkrakow site.
Morning: start at Wawel. On the hill you can visit the Royal Castle (selected exhibition routes), the Cathedral with its chapels and royal tombs, and enjoy the charming courtyard. Plan 2–3 hours if you want to enter several routes and the Cathedral Museum.
After Wawel, walk down Grodzka Street toward the Main Market Square. Stop for coffee or breakfast — near the square try cafes such as Cafe Camelot for an artistic vibe, or move your break to Kazimierz (for example to Mleczarnia) if you prefer.
Afternoon: in the center see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (the trumpeter plays the hejnał at 12:00) and the Old Town lanes. If you still feel like a museum visit, pick one (for example the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) — one deep experience is better than several rushed ones. In the evening take a walk through the Planty and enjoy a light dinner near the square.
Morning: begin in Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter now full of atmospheric cafés, galleries and synagogues. Walk along Szeroka and Józefa streets, visit Plac Nowy (famous for zapiekanki) and have breakfast at Mleczarnia or a local bakery.
Afternoon: head toward the Vistula and cross the Father Laetus Bernatek Footbridge - a handsome modern crossing linking Kazimierz with Podgórze. The bridge has separated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and is a great spot for photos, especially at sunset.
Podgórze is worth exploring in the evening — see the Podgórze Market Square, the Szyb Krzysztof cultural center (depending on time and exhibitions) and the view over the Vistula bend. An evening stroll along the river boulevards is a pleasant end to a two-day stay.
Bernatka Footbridge: this is a public pedestrian-and-cycle crossing and does not have standard opening hours like a museum; you can walk it at any time. It looks especially beautiful at sunset or when the city lights come on.
Wawel (castle and cathedral): hours are seasonal and vary by route. Castle exhibitions and courtyards are usually open longer in summer (often until late afternoon) and shorter hours in winter. The Cathedral normally has separate visiting hours from the museum displays and can be closed during services or ceremonies - check before your visit.
Tickets: for popular Wawel routes it’s wise to buy tickets in advance — entry limits and scheduled time slots mean buying on the day can involve long waits. Remember many tickets are valid only for the chosen date.
Last entries and routes: when planning a day, pay attention to 'last entry' times for each route — some exhibitions close earlier than the castle as a whole.
Walking is the most enjoyable way to move around the historic centre — distances between Wawel, the Market and Kazimierz are short, but cobbles and steps can slow you down.
Public transport: trams and buses connect farther parts of the city with the centre; if you plan to go further (for example to Kościuszko Mound or Nowa Huta) take the tram.
Sightseeing time: Wawel 2–3 hours, Old Town 2–4 hours depending on museums, Kazimierz 2–3 hours, and a walk along the Vistula including the Bernatka Footbridge adds another 1–2 hours with breaks and photos.
For breakfast and coffee: Cafe Camelot (atmosphere), Charlotte (fresh baked goods) or one of the cozy cafés in Kazimierz.
For lunch/dinner: Pod Wawelem (traditional, hearty Polish cuisine popular with visitors), Szara (an elegant restaurant on the Market Square), and in Kazimierz try the small restaurants and bars along Józefa and Szeroka streets.
For a snack: Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is a cult spot for zapiekanki and street food. If you want something more local, look for a pierogi place — many serve excellent classic and vegan options.
The Bernatka Footbridge is about 145 metres long and opened in 2010 - it’s a relatively new element of the Vistula panorama, designed for pedestrians and cyclists.
Wawel is in practice two separate institutions: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral - each has its own ticketing and visiting rules.
Photo tip: the best shots of Wawel against the Vistula’s curves come from the Podgórze boulevards or from the Bernatka Footbridge at sunset.
Weather and clothing: early spring and late autumn can be chilly by the river - bring a light jacket even on sunny days.
Trying to 'see everything' in one day - it’s better to pick a few highlights and spend more time at them than to rush. Plan for 2–3 major stops per day.
Not buying Wawel tickets in advance - that costs time. Book online where possible.
Not checking Mass times or events in the Cathedral - parts of the interior can be closed to visitors during services. Verify service times before you go.
Traveling only during peak hours - if you want peace and shorter queues, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays.
Is the Bernatka Footbridge always open? - Yes, it’s a public pedestrian-and-cycle bridge, free of charge and open at virtually any time.
How much time is needed for Wawel? - 2–3 hours for the main routes; if you want to see a lot, plan up to half a day.
Do I need a reservation for the Cathedral? - Standard visits usually don’t require reservations, but for the bell tower with the Sigismund Bell or other special routes check availability in advance.
How to avoid queues? - Buy tickets online, come early in the morning or choose less popular weekdays.
If this guide helped you, share it on social media or send it to friends - it helps others plan a short stay in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with local knowledge and have an itinerary tailored to your expectations, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact information is available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Wishing you a great stay and many beautiful photos from Wawel and the Bernatka Footbridge!
