Krakow is a city best discovered on foot — most of the key sights lie within short walking distances. In a 2‑day version you focus on the Royal Route (Barbakan – Market Square – Grodzka – Wawel) and one additional area, most often Kazimierz. Adding a third day gives you a calmer pace: more time for museums, a half‑day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine or alternative routes (Nowa Huta, Podgórze), and relaxed coffee breaks without rushing.
The plan I suggest is built around the Royal Route and natural walking loops in the centre — a compromise between “see everything” and a pleasant sightseeing pace. Below you’ll find a detailed timetable, practical tips and answers to common questions.
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in Krakow is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, and the Royal Route connects the most important monuments into a sensible walking loop. You can walk that route in about 2–2.5 hours without entering interiors; with entries (Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica, Market Underground) plan 4–6 hours or split visits across two days.
Walking gives advantages: shorter transfers between points, the chance for spontaneous stops in atmospheric cafés, and discoveries on side streets you wouldn’t see from a bus or car.
Start in the morning at Matejko Square or near the Barbican — from there go through St. Florian’s Gate onto Floriańska Street, across the Main Market Square and onward to Wawel. Book a morning visit to St. Mary’s Basilica (short visit) and allow time for the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower if you want a city view from above.
Slow down on Kanonicza and Grodzka streets — these are the best spots for stories about former burghers and canons. At Wawel, visit the courtyard, and if you plan to enter the Royal Chambers or the Cathedral crypts, buy tickets in advance.
Leave the evening for the Market Square or a short dinner nearby — the illuminated square has a very different atmosphere, and the hourly trumpet call from St. Mary’s tower can enchant even repeat visitors.
In the morning dedicate 1.5–3 hours to Kazimierz: Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery. This is an area where history meets modern cafés and local cuisine — an ideal place to take a break.
In the afternoon choose one option: visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory and walk through Podgórze (memorial sites and views of Wawel from the river side) or dive deeper into central museums (National Museum, Czartoryski Museum collection or the Market Underground). If you dream of a trip outside the city, Wieliczka Salt Mine takes about half a day and complements the program beautifully.
The third day is a chance for: a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, exploring Nowa Huta (socialist‑realist architecture and interesting history), or a culinary day: local markets, pierogi workshops and tastings. You can also reserve the third day for museums, temporary exhibitions and relaxed walks along the Vistula boulevards.
It’s also time for “discoveries off the beaten path”: university gardens, small galleries and craft studios you won’t manage to see when a tight schedule pushes you along.
It’s best to start at Plac Nowy and walk along Szeroka Street. Don’t miss the Old Synagogue and the Remuh cemetery — quiet, important places worth visiting with attention.
Stop at Plac Nowy for local snacks; if you enjoy Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisine, try well‑rated local spots. After walking around Kazimierz, rest in one of the cafés — choose places with good reviews and short queues rather than the first obvious cafés at main intersections.
In the centre and in Kazimierz you’ll find both elegant restaurants and budget options. For traditional Polish cuisine consider established restaurants around the Market Square; for a quick meal at Plac Nowy try the well‑regarded food stalls.
For coffee and dessert look for intimate cafés praised by guests — Kazimierz is known for atmospheric places serving homemade cakes. Avoid eating only on the Market Square if you want to avoid high prices and mediocre quality; several side streets offer better value for money.
Trying to “see everything” in a single day leads to fatigue and disappointment — set a realistic plan and leave some room for surprises.
Not checking opening hours of museums and churches can spoil your day — check current opening times before you go and, where possible, buy tickets in advance to skip queues.
Expecting top quality at premium prices right on the Market Square — compare a few options, and if you want authentic local food head to side streets or places recommended by locals.
A typical walking program in the centre covers 3–5 km per day including breaks; from the Barbican to Wawel you can walk at an easy pace in under an hour, but with stops and entries allow more time.
Public transport (trams, buses) is useful when you want to reach areas outside the strict centre (Nowa Huta, Zakrzówek) or move quickly with luggage. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps simplify transfers to the station and the airport.
If you have limited mobility, plan shorter sections and check access at entrances — some historic sites have cobbled streets and stairs.
The St. Mary’s trumpet call (hejnał mariacki) is traditionally cut off “mid‑melody” to commemorate a medieval trumpeter who was supposedly shot while warning the city of an attack — today the broken melody is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
Kazimierz was for centuries an independent town founded by King Casimir and for a long time had a distinct identity from the Old Town. That explains the different character of its streets and buildings.
At Wawel, beyond the royal rooms and cathedral, pay attention to legends and smaller architectural details; the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) under the hill is an attraction that mixes history and fun for families.
Are 2 days enough for Krakow? Yes — in 2 days you can see the essentials (the Royal Route, Wawel, Kazimierz). If you want to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine or enjoy several museums at a relaxed pace, staying 3 days is better.
When is the best time to visit the Market Square to avoid crowds? The best times are early mornings (around 8:00–10:00) or late afternoon/evening. In the high season (spring–September) expect crowds and allow extra time for waiting.
Do I need to buy tickets online? For some attractions (Wawel Royal Chambers, Market Underground, selected museums) it’s worth buying tickets online to avoid queues. Also check opening hours before your visit.
You can discover Krakow intensively in 2 days or more slowly in 3 — it all depends on the pace you choose. The most important thing is to plan the Royal Route and at least a short visit to Kazimierz, then tailor the rest to your interests: museums, food or a trip to Wieliczka.
If this article helped you — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you want to get to know Krakow through stories, anecdotes and local secrets, consider a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I wish you a great walk and many pleasant discoveries in Krakow!
