Kraków is a city that brings history and great food within easy walking distance. With a good plan, in 48 hours you can see the main sights, taste local specialties and find dog-friendly places.
Below you will find a concrete, tried-and-true proposal - a 2-day plan with culinary stops and an expanded 3-day variant if you want to explore more slowly and leave extra time for your pet.
Morning: start in the Old Town. Walk the Royal Route - St. Florian's Gate, the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica. For breakfast choose a stall selling obwarzanek or one of the local cafés serving fresh baked goods and good coffee.
Midday: visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and take a short break for a local specialty - żurek served in a bread bowl or traditional pierogi. Nearby you’ll find both inns serving regional dishes and modern bistros with signature versions of classics.
Afternoon: walk to Wawel and along the Vistula boulevards. It's a great time for photos and a short rest - the riverside boulevards are dog-friendly if you want to bring your pet.
Evening: Kazimierz. This neighborhood is full of life and has many places where you can try a zapiekanka at Nowy Square or enjoy Jewish-inspired cuisine. Kazimierz also hosts numerous cozy venues where guests sometimes bring dogs - an ideal way to end your first day.
Morning: take a leisurely walk around the Planty or to Jordan Park - great spots if you have a dog. Then breakfast at a café offering vegan and vegetarian options or a small bakery with local pastries.
Midday: visit Podgórze - Oskar Schindler's Factory and Podgórze Market Square are good landmarks. For lunch hunt for regional dishes or street food: Kraków's street food scene offers plenty (pierogi, sausages, modern seasonal dishes).
Afternoon: if you enjoy finding a market with local products, check what markets or food festivals are happening that day - they're an excellent way to discover products from Lesser Poland and try cheeses, cured meats and baked goods from local producers.
Evening: book a table at a pleasant restaurant that allows dogs - some cafés and restaurants offer bowls and water for animals. Even if a dog can't go inside, many places have outdoor seating where pets are welcome.
A third day is a chance to focus on food and dog-friendly spots. Plan a morning walk in Wolski Forest or to Zakrzówek, then stop at local markets (for example artisan markets) and enjoy a longer lunch in Zabłocie or on Karmelicka Street, where the bistro and culinary workshop scene is growing.
This day is a good opportunity to visit cafés that are explicitly dog-friendly - some provide bowls and treats and welcome pets indoors or on outdoor premises. In the afternoon I recommend an easy walk along the Vistula Boulevards or to Bednarski Park so your dog can run and relax.
Alternative: if you prefer a day trip outside the city, consider a short excursion to Ojców National Park or a walk around Pieskowa Skała - both work well as a one-day trip with nice views and the possibility of activities with your dog.
Obwarzanek Krakowski - a classic you'll find at many stalls. It's a quick, local snack perfect for a walk around the Market Square.
Żurek in a bread bowl and żurek with toppings - a warming traditional dish that some places serve quite elaborately.
Zapiekanka from Nowy Square - the iconic Kraków street food from Kazimierz; easy to carry while strolling through the neighborhood.
Oscypek with cranberry and Kraków-style cheesecake - sweet and regional options you can easily find in cafés and bistros.
Modern bistros and international cuisine - Kraków also has many small places with signature dishes, vegan and plant-based options, and interesting seasonal menus.
More and more cafés and restaurants in Kraków are becoming dog-friendly - from places dedicated to pet owners to venues that happily accept dogs outside or indoors if the atmosphere is calm.
Types of places to look for: cafés labeled "dog-friendly", venues with outdoor seating, bakeries and shops with snacks, and relaxed restaurants that welcome animals. It's worth asking staff before entering to confirm any restrictions (for example seating areas or rules for larger dogs).
On arrival, be prepared for basic rules: dog on a leash, clean up after your pet, and make sure it doesn't bother other guests. Many places provide water bowls or small treats - but treat that as a courtesy, not a guarantee, since it depends on the establishment's policy.
Bring: a collapsible bowl and a bottle of water, waste bags, a small towel and your pet's favorite toy. These simple things make quick stops and meals away from home much easier.
Transport and rules: dogs are common in urban spaces, but different places have different rules. In crowded areas keep your dog on a leash and make sure it is comfortable. Always pick up after your animal - this makes a good impression on locals and business owners.
Reservations: if you plan dinner at a popular spot, call ahead and ask about their animal policy. On busy days the best tables fill up fast, and mentioning your pet will help staff prepare a suitable spot.
Weather and breaks: on hot days plan rests in cooler places and carry water. On cooler days bring extra cover or a blanket if your dog is sensitive to the cold.
Kraków is relatively compact - the main historic attractions are close to each other, so walking is convenient and often the fastest way to see the city. Trams and buses make it easy to extend your visit (for example to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Kościuszko Mound).
Plan thematically: if you want to focus on monuments, reserve the first day for the Old Town and Wawel; if you want to feel the local vibe and food scene, save Kazimierz and Zabłocie for the evenings and the second or third day.
Realistic time frames: allocate a full day with breaks for the main central sights; if you want to visit several museums, schedule separate time blocks so you don't rush.
Respect others' space: especially in crowded places like the Market Square or Kazimierz keep your dog close and be responsive if it is stressed by the crowd. This matters for your pet's safety and other visitors' comfort.
If your dog has special health needs, bring a medical card or the contact details of a veterinarian. In a big city help is usually closer than you might think, but it's good to be prepared.
Leave positive memories - clean up, calm your dog if it reacts to loud noises, and be polite to staff and other guests. That way Kraków stays welcoming not only for you but for future visitors with animals.
For a 2-day trip: documents, comfortable shoes, a map of walking routes (or an app), a list of culinary must-eats, and basic items for your dog (if traveling together).
For a 3-day trip: add a restaurant booking for at least one evening, check local markets/festivals for your travel dates, and plan one longer excursion (Wieliczka or Ojców Park).
Before entering a venue: ask staff about bringing a dog and available amenities - this will prevent misunderstandings and make your meal more enjoyable.
Kraków in 2 days is an intense and tangible experience: monuments, local flavors and the city's atmosphere. Adding a third day lets you slow the pace, discover more culinary gems and give more space to your pet.
Remember: a plan is one thing and the magic of travel is another - leave some room for unexpected discoveries, quick coffee stops and places your nose (or your dog's nose) leads you to. Enjoy your stay in Kraków!
