Kraków is a city whose atmosphere, history and views are often available without a ticket — you just need to plan your route well. In two days you can see the main spots: the Market Square, Wawel, the Vistula boulevards, Kazimierz and a few mounds/viewpoints, without entering paid interiors.
A walk through the compact city centre gives many “free” experiences: the Cloth Hall and townhouses architecture, the bugle call from St. Mary’s Tower (hearing it live is an experience in itself), the atmosphere of Kazimierz and panoramas from the ramparts and mounds.
This article gives a practical two‑day plan, a list of free places, photography tips, food ideas and an FAQ — all in a friendly tone so you can make the most of your time in Kraków.
Day 1: city centre and Wawel. Morning — Planty and the Main Market Square, then a walk along Kanonicza and views of Wawel from the ramparts and Vistula boulevards. In the afternoon head to Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and the alleys with murals and cozy cafés. Evening: dinner in Kazimierz and a stroll along the lit boulevards.
Day 2: mounds and panoramas + Podgórze. Morning visit a mound — Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound (both offer wide city panoramas). Then explore Podgórze — the area around the former Oskar Schindler's Factory, Heroes of the Ghetto Square and the Bernatka Footbridge. Afternoon alternative: Zakrzówek or a walk across the Błonia and Decjusz Park.
The route is designed so most attractions are seen from the outside — that way you don’t need paid tickets and still experience Kraków’s icons and atmosphere.
Start: Planty and St. Florian's Gate. Begin with a short walk around the Planty — the green ring around the Old Town — a pleasant introduction to the historic centre.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (about 1–1.5 hours). View the Cloth Hall from the outside, photograph facades, pass by St. Mary's Church and listen to the bugle call on the hour. Without entering paid exhibitions you will feel the place’s atmosphere and see the most important architectural details.
Kanonicza Street and the Wawel area (30–45 min). The winding, photogenic Kanonicza and the view of Wawel from the outside — instead of entering paid courtyards you can use the ramparts and Vistula boulevards, where the castle panorama is excellent.
Vistula Boulevards (time as you wish). A walk along the Vistula is a moment of calm and offers great photo opportunities, especially at sunset. Walking further will take you to the bridge leading to Kazimierz.
Kazimierz in the evening (1–2 hours). Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy (famous for its zapiekanki) and the many alleys and cafés. This is a great place for dinner and evening atmosphere — atmospheric eateries and jazz bars often have live music.
Mounds — morning panorama (1–1.5 hours). Kościuszko Mound and Krakus Mound are free viewpoints giving wide views over the city. The climb is short but pleasant — ideal for a morning stretch and photos without crowds.
Podgórze and Oskar Schindler's Factory area (1–2 hours). Cross the Bernatka Footbridge to the right bank of the Vistula and explore Podgórze: Heroes of the Ghetto Square, the surroundings of the former Schindler's Factory and the industrial‑style corners. Even without entering museums the area has many memorial spots and open-air points of interest.
Zakrzówek or the Błonia (afternoon). If you want more nature, choose Zakrzówek (picturesque turquoise water and rock formations) or the green Błonia and Decjusz Park. Both are great to relax after an intensive day of sightseeing.
Alternative: Nowa Huta. If you’re interested in urban planning and contrasting histories, a short trip to Nowa Huta will let you feel the socialist‑realist atmosphere and see another face of Kraków.
Some museums and exhibitions in Kraków offer free entry on specific days — it’s worth checking this before your trip. In practice many institutions have set hours or days with free access and occasional special events.
Note: not every branch or exhibition is free and free entry often applies only to permanent displays or specific hours. If you care about interiors (e.g., Wawel State Rooms, Market Underground, Oskar Schindler's Factory), check the rules and possible tickets in advance.
Wawel Cathedral and the hill: walking on the hill and viewing the cathedral from outside is free. Paid entries apply to selected spaces (crypts, treasury, etc.).
The mounds (Kościuszko, Krakus, Piłsudski) give wide perspectives and are free — ideal if you want to see the city “from above” without spending. The climbs are short and provide high photographic value.
The Vistula boulevards and Wawel ramparts are another free option with views of the castle, river and city skyline. An evening walk along the boulevards is a perfect way to end the day.
Zakrzówek adds a natural touch — while access to some areas may change, the views and rock formations are impressive. Pay attention to local signs and rules on site.
For a quick local bite: zapiekanki at Plac Nowy (Kazimierz) — a classic and cheap option, perfect between sightseeing and further walks.
Cafés worth visiting: Café Camelot (charming interior near the Market), Charlotte (fresh bakery and breakfasts), Mleczarnia in Kazimierz (relaxed atmosphere). These are places to rest and recharge before the next stage of your route.
Budget lunches: try a milk bar (traditional inexpensive spot with Polish dishes) or a small bistro away from the Market — locals often recommend places “off the beaten path” where portions are generous and prices fair.
If you want something more upscale — consider a dinner in one of the restaurants in Kazimierz or on Grodzka Street, but remember that places in the very centre can be pricier.
Transport: Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network — city tickets can be bought in mobile apps, ticket machines at stops or from the driver (but it’s better to use machines/apps). If you plan to travel often, consider a 24‑hour or 72‑hour ticket.
Parking in the centre is paid and zoned — for short stays public transport or leaving the car outside the strict centre is a better option.
Safety: Kraków is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens in crowded spots (Market, Kazimierz) — keep documents and your phone secure and stay alert.
Luggage and cloakrooms: if you arrive by train or bus with luggage, check for left‑luggage facilities at the station or luggage services — this will make walking around the city easier.
Toilets: public restrooms are limited; cafés, shopping centres or larger museums are usually the most convenient options (often free for visitors).
Morning (approx. 6:00–9:00) is the best time for photos in the centre — few people, soft light and calm. If you want to avoid crowds at the Market, get up early.
Golden hour at sunset gives beautiful colours over the Vistula and Wawel ramparts — boulevards and bridges are great spots for reflections and skyline shots.
In the evening photograph illuminations and the atmospheric cafés in Kazimierz, but remember a tripod and camera settings for low light.
Can you really see everything for free? Most outdoor points and panoramas are free, but some popular interiors (Wawel rooms, Market Underground, museums) require tickets. Planning lets you combine free attractions with one or two paid visits if you want.
Are there free museum days? Yes — many institutions run free‑entry days or hours. Check the museum’s website ahead of time if you want to catch a free opening.
How do I move between points? Many sites are close and walkable; for longer distances use trams or buses. Buy tickets in an app or at machines.
Is Kraków family‑friendly? Yes — walks in the Planty, mounds and boulevards are family‑friendly; short workshops or exhibitions can also be appealing, but check opening hours and tickets.
- Comfortable shoes; cobbled streets can be uncomfortable.
- Powerbank and a charged phone — photos and maps drain batteries fast.
- City transport ticket or app installed in advance.
- Water bottle and small change for coffee or snacks.
- Saved points on your map app for offline use if you don’t have constant internet.
Kraków is fortunate that it can enchant visitors even without spending a lot. In two days you can catch the city’s rhythm, see its icons and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Old Town and Kazimierz. All you need is a comfortable pace, walking shoes and a bit of curiosity.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized route (e.g., focused on photography, history, family activities or places with great food) — tell me your preferences and I’ll suggest the best times and alternatives tailored to you. Enjoy your visit and see you in Kraków!
