Yes — if you plan wisely. In 48 hours you can see the main sights of the Old Town, visit Wawel, soak up the atmosphere of Kazimierz, and reach places linked to film and the city’s tragic history, like Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory or the Eagle Pharmacy. This text gives you a concrete, friendly two-day plan and practical tips so that instead of running from point to point you can really enjoy the places and their stories.
Who is this plan for? Couples looking for romantic walks, people interested in history and cinema, families, and anyone who enjoys good food. If you want more cinema or museum time, leave an extra day — but even on a weekend you’ll see many valuable things. I strongly recommend booking tickets for the most popular museums in advance — it saves time and nerves.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel — visit the Cathedral and the Sigismund Chapel, walk around Wawel, explore the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica), pause for coffee or lunch near the square, spend the afternoon in Kazimierz — synagogues, atmospheric cafés and bars, evening on Plac Nowy or by the Vistula.
Day 2: Podgórze and traces of war and cinema — morning at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (the museum is worth visiting), then the Eagle Pharmacy at the Former Ghetto Heroes’ Square, walk around Podgórze; afternoon: additional film locations, the Planty, Floriańska Street and some light shopping. Alternative: if you’re interested in Nowa Huta — head there after lunch.
If you have timed tickets (for example to Schindler’s Factory), fit them into the plan in advance. Leave a bit of time for a coffee break and watching the city — those unplanned moments are often the most memorable.
The Eagle Pharmacy (Plac Bohaterów Getta) is a small, deeply moving memorial museum connected with the work of Tadeusz Pankiewicz — the pharmacist who, during the existence of the ghetto, acted as a link, helping and protecting people as much as he could. The interiors are reconstructed to give an impression of everyday life there and to recall the fate of Kraków’s Jewish community.
This place has a specific, reflective atmosphere — it is not an entertainment exhibition but an educational and emotional one. Plan a calm visit, take time to read the exhibits and allow a moment for reflection. The museum can be closed on selected days of the month, so check opening hours before you go.
A surprising fact: the pharmacy became a symbol of local help during the war, and later efforts by artists and cultural donors strengthened the memory of the place and supported the development of the exhibition. It’s a good spot to understand the city’s context and the people who risked much to help others in difficult times.
Kraków has been a filming location for many Polish and international productions. The easiest way to feel the cinematic atmosphere is to start at Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz — scenes from “Schindler’s List” and other productions were shot in Podgórze and the Jewish district. While walking through Kazimierz, pay attention to the townhouses, alleys and synagogues that appear in film frames.
Other characteristic places include the Main Market Square, Wawel and the streets of the Old Town — often used as backdrops for historical and contemporary productions. It’s also worth looking for smaller, less obvious locations that appear in films by Polish directors. If you’re interested in the work of a particular director or title, bring a short ‘must-see’ list and adapt your route.
Practical tip for film fans: make a checklist of locations before your trip or download a map/location set to your phone — it will make finding places and comparing them to film shots much easier.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory museum is one of Kraków’s most visited attractions — the exhibition tells the story of Kraków during World War II and of the Jewish community. Tickets often have fixed entry times, so buy them online in advance, especially on weekends and during the season.
The memory trail also includes sites in Podgórze and Pomorska Street — consider combining a visit to the Factory with the Eagle Pharmacy and a walk through the areas of former events. This gives a fuller picture of occupied Kraków and shows places that are significant in the local community’s memory.
Logistics tip: after an intense museum visit, take a coffee break in one of the cafés around Kazimierz — it helps you recover and better organize your impressions before continuing to explore.
Kraków has a huge selection of places — from traditional Polish cuisine to modern bistros. In Kazimierz there are many recommended spots known for good value and atmosphere: local restaurants with regional dishes, intimate cafés and bars offering vegetarian options. Around the Market Square you’ll find more upscale restaurants — remember prices can be higher there, so check recent reviews before booking.
Some names that have been popular for years include Café Camelot (cozy café near the Old Town), Alchemia and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — but check current reviews before visiting. For accommodation, the best locations for a short stay are the Old Town and Kazimierz (close to main attractions) or Podgórze if you prefer to be near Schindler’s Factory and quieter neighborhoods.
Practical advice: reserve a table for dinner on weekends, especially at popular Kazimierz venues. For breakfast, try to get up earlier and visit smaller cafés that offer a calmer atmosphere and local pastries.
The Eagle Pharmacy was the only pharmacy operating within the Kraków ghetto that was run by a Pole, which gives it a unique historical and humanitarian context.
Artists and cultural donors were involved in creating many memorial exhibitions in Kraków — thanks to such initiatives some places gained well-developed educational displays. This is a reminder that keeping memory alive is often the result of collaboration between many people and institutions.
Kraków is a city that lives beyond typical tourist hours — evening walks by the Vistula or through Kazimierz reveal a different side of the city, full of lamps, music and local gatherings.
Trying to ‘tick off’ everything in one weekend — it’s better to choose fewer things and do them well. An overly tight schedule robs you of the joy of exploring.
Not booking tickets for the most popular museums in advance — this leads to long queues or no availability at preferred times. Schindler’s Factory and other in-demand exhibitions often use timed tickets.
Eating at the first restaurant you see by the Market Square without checking reviews — this can be expensive and mediocre. Ask locals, check reviews or ask your guide for trusted addresses.
Shoes: comfortable ones — Kraków is a walking city. Cobblestones and uneven paving can be tiring after a few hours in high heels.
Weather: check the forecast — in spring and autumn it can be changeable; a light jacket and an umbrella won’t take much space and can save your plans.
Payments: most places accept cards, but small cash for minor purchases and tips is useful. In restaurants and cafés a tip of 10–15% is appreciated.
Safety: Kraków is generally safe, but like in any popular tourist city watch out for petty theft in crowded places.
Can I see Schindler’s Factory and the Eagle Pharmacy in 2 days? Yes, if you plan day 2 well and book tickets in advance.
Is it worth hiring a guide? For those interested in history and context — yes. A guide can significantly enrich your visit. If you’d like to explore Kraków with an experienced local guide, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her offer and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Is Kraków family-friendly? Yes — many attractions are suitable for families, and in Kazimierz and the Market you’ll find child-friendly places and menus for the little ones.
Kraków in 2 days is an achievable experience if you combine well-selected sites, book tickets for key museums and leave time to relax over coffee or by the Vistula. The Eagle Pharmacy and Schindler’s Factory are places that help understand difficult parts of the city’s history, while Kazimierz and the film locations add a unique atmosphere to the weekend.
If this article was useful, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a great weekend in Kraków. If you’d like to tour Kraków with a local, experienced guide — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz; her offer and contact information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a beautiful stay and many unforgettable moments in Kraków!
