Yes — but you need to prioritise. In 48 hours you can see the most important sights of the Old Town, spend time on Wawel Hill, visit the Eagle Pharmacy in Podgórze and still eat at several great places. The key is to spread attractions sensibly, buy tickets in advance where possible, and stay a little flexible (weather, masses, events).
The plan below is practical, pedestrian-friendly and takes into account the ticketing formalities for Wawel Cathedral and a visit to the Eagle Pharmacy.
Day 1 — morning: Old Town. Start early at the Market Square — Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or enter if you have time), a short walk along Floriańska Street and the Planty. Afternoon: Wawel — the Cathedral and the castle surroundings. Evening: dinner near Kazimierz or the Old Town.
Day 2 — morning: Kazimierz and Podgórze. Walk the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, then cross the Vistula to the Ghetto Heroes Square where the Eagle Pharmacy is located. In the afternoon you can visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory or relax by the river. End the day with a café dessert or a local beer.
If your time is limited: prioritise Wawel and the Eagle Pharmacy for historical significance, and treat the Old Town as a walking tour and photo stops.
The Eagle Pharmacy is a former pharmacy turned memorial museum — a place tied to the history of the Krakow ghetto and the figure of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, who ran the pharmacy and helped ghetto residents. It is an intimate exhibition that leaves a strong impression and provides useful context for exploring Podgórze and Kazimierz.
Practical note: the pharmacy is located at Ghetto Heroes Square; opening days and hours may vary seasonally, and admission is sometimes paid (full and reduced tickets). Plan your visit in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and to take your time with the exhibition.
A few important tips: this is a memorial site — keep quiet and respectful. The exhibition is small, so very large groups may feel crowded; if you want a calm visit choose less busy hours. The museum displays original objects and mementos connected to the pharmacy’s wartime history.
The Cathedral is a must-see: royal tombs, chapels, and the Sigismund Bell. Entry to selected parts (including royal tombs, the bell, and some chapels) requires tickets. There are full-price and concession tickets; buying in advance online saves time and often lets you avoid queuing at the ticket office.
Practical rules to remember: the cathedral has set visiting hours and some areas may be closed during religious services. Appropriate dress is required at the entrance (covered shoulders), and silence and photography restrictions apply in certain places. Tickets may be valid for a specified time after purchase — check whether your ticket is for a timed entry or open within a validity window.
How to avoid queues: 1) buy tickets online in advance; 2) arrive just before opening — mornings are usually less crowded; 3) if your schedule is tight, consider a combined ticket covering several institutions or a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who offers private guiding services and can help streamline entry.
If you love cosy cafés and homemade cakes — Cafe Camelot on Świętego Tomasza Street is a Krakow classic: intimate interiors, a famous apple pie and an atmosphere many visitors call a 'must visit'.
For traditional Polish cuisine in Kazimierz, Restauracja Starka is a great choice — home-style dishes, fruit vodkas and generous portions. It’s a nice spot after a stroll around Plac Nowy.
For hearty, classic dishes near Wawel, Restauracja Pod Wawelem is known for large portions and a strong traditional menu — it’s worth reserving or coming outside peak times.
If you need accommodation, choose highly rated places (near the Old Town or Kazimierz) — this keeps most attractions within walking distance. Book in advance, especially on weekends and in summer.
Mistake: trying to 'tick off' too many attractions in one day. Result: exhaustion and a superficial experience. Solution: pick 2–3 priorities per day and schedule breaks.
Mistake: not checking cathedral service times or museum closure days. Result: disappointment when you can’t enter. Solution: check opening hours and days when the site may be closed (for example, important holidays and liturgical events).
Mistake: buying tickets at the last minute during high season. Solution: if you want a specific time slot — buy online in advance or plan visits for off-peak times (morning, late afternoon).
Few people know: during World War II the Eagle Pharmacy was the only pharmacy operating inside the Krakow ghetto, and its owner Tadeusz Pankiewicz became an important figure in the help and memory associated with the site.
If you plan to see the Sigismund Bell — remember it is included as part of the visit and usually involves separate entry or restrictions, so check the visiting rules beforehand.
Transport: the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz are close to each other — it’s most convenient to explore on foot. Public transport is useful for farther points and the airport; schedule apps will help plan your journeys.
Weather: in winter bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes; in summer wear a hat and drink water — taking coffee breaks in crowded places helps you rest and recharge.
Do you have to reserve tickets for Wawel Cathedral? Not always, but in high season or if you want to enter at a specific time, booking online is safer.
How much time to allow for the Eagle Pharmacy? Usually 30–60 minutes is enough to view the exhibition and absorb the historical context.
Is it worth taking children into the Cathedral? Yes, but remember the rules of silence and respect; younger children will benefit from shorter visits.
Krakow in two days is intense but doable — the key is choosing priorities: Wawel and the Cathedral for royal history, the Eagle Pharmacy for a powerful, personal World War II context, and breaks for the best coffee and local flavours.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better stay in Krakow. If you’d like to explore with a private guide, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who organises personalised visits and can help tailor the experience to your needs.
Wishing you a great stay and many wonderful discoveries in Krakow!
