You have only two days in Krakow and want to make the most of your time around the Main Market Square — see the key sights, feel the atmosphere and not go hungry? Good plan: a clear itinerary, a few reliable stops and tried-and-true places to eat — and you can go home feeling you made the most of the weekend. The text below is a practical sightseeing plan and a list of recommended lunch spots around the Market and beyond, with notes to help you avoid tourist traps.
The Krakow Market is the heart of the city — the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, the bugle call, craft stalls and the buzz of the streets. Most of the tourist-focused dining options are concentrated around it: from elegant traditional restaurants to quick local snacks. It helps to know where and when to look for a proper midday meal.
The article is friendly and practical — written with guests of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com in mind. Tips and recommendations are based on current observations and on places that are well rated by locals and visitors.
Start in the morning at St. Florian’s Gate and walk slowly into the Old Town. If you arrive by train, the walk from the Main Station to the Market takes about 10–15 minutes. Mornings are quieter — a perfect time for a first look at the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church tower.
In the middle of the day visit Wawel — the castle and the cathedral. Touring Wawel and walking along the Vistula will take about 1.5–2 hours, depending on whether you visit the state rooms or special exhibitions. After returning to the Market you can choose a lunch option depending on your mood: classic, elegant or quick and local.
If you want something traditional close to the Market, consider well-established places — restaurants serving Polish cuisine in a charming central setting. During lunch hours (usually 12:00–16:00) many places have a set menu of the day, which can make a lunch both tasty and better value.
If you want a place with history and tradition — choose restaurants known for local cuisine and elegant interiors; this is a good choice when you want to try regional flavours in comfort. A calm lunch after visiting Wawel pairs well with this option.
For lovers of modern cuisine and seasonal produce, pick places that focus on ingredient quality and changing menus. If you fancy French-style cooking or a cozy bistro, Kazimierz and the areas around the Market offer several very good addresses.
If you need a quick but tasty meal — look for a lunch menu or trusted spots with fast service. Around the squares and nearby you’ll also find stalls with local snacks, for example fresh obwarzanki — a Krakow street-food classic worth trying as a quick bite.
Hawełka — a legendary spot close to the Market; its classic arcades, atmosphere of old Krakow and dishes inspired by historic Polish cooking make it a favourite for visitors seeking an authentic vibe. Great for a traditional lunch.
Pod Baranem — a restaurant near Wawel known for generous portions and carefully prepared Polish cuisine in a refreshed style. A solid choice for a meal after exploring the castle.
Szara (Market) — elegant but unpretentious spot right on the Market; the menu often features dishes inspired by local ingredients. Recommended if you’re short on time since the central location makes it easy to continue sightseeing afterwards.
Zazie Bistro — a French bistro tucked in the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, perfect for dinner or a later lunch; a nice option for your second day in the district.
MAZI (Podgórze) — a more contemporary option that pays attention to product quality and a friendly atmosphere; worth planning for dinner if you cross to the right bank of the Vistula.
Vegan and vegetarian venues — if you prefer plant-based food, Krakow has well-rated addresses with creative dishes; many are conveniently located near the city centre and in Kazimierz.
09:00–11:00 — walk from St. Florian’s Gate through the Market, visit St. Mary’s Church (check mass times and tower access).
11:00–13:00 — Wawel: castle, cathedral and a walk on the hill. Depending on the exhibitions you may spend 1 to 2 hours here.
13:00–14:30 — lunch near the Market: choose a set lunch menu or one of the recommended restaurants; booking is strongly advised on weekends.
14:30–17:00 — stroll the Planty, visit museums or the Underground Museum beneath the Market (a great option if it rains).
Kazimierz is a district you shouldn’t skip — synagogues, cosy cafés, galleries and an excellent food scene. Start early, see the main sites and allow yourself a break at one of the local bistros.
For day-two lunch consider Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) — here you’ll find both legendary fast-food stands and a growing number of well-reviewed places serving seasonal dishes. It’s a good spot if you want local flavours in a more informal setting.
Spend the afternoon walking to the right bank of the Vistula — Podgórze has several interesting points, including modern cafés and restaurants that pay clear attention to ingredient quality. It’s also a good place for a final dinner before you leave.
Book tables for dinner, especially on weekends — the best places can be full. If you have limited time, check for a lunch menu (menu of the day) — it often offers much better value.
Pay attention to prices and dish descriptions — restaurants immediately around the Market can be pricier; to avoid disappointment check reviews before going in or ask locals for recommendations.
Many restaurants accept cards, but small places and street stalls may be cash-only. For larger groups it’s simpler to reserve in advance.
Rushing through the Market just to tick off a photo by the Cloth Hall — it’s better to stop for a short coffee and soak up the atmosphere, even briefly. That makes the time spent more rewarding than racing to the next spot.
Entering the first restaurant with a Market view without checking reviews — looks don’t always match food quality. Common traps include high prices and mediocre dishes.
Not booking a table for the weekend or not checking opening hours — many places keep different schedules off-season or have a break between lunch and dinner.
The St. Mary’s bugle call — the trumpet is sounded from the tower of St. Mary’s Church every hour, with the most famous performance at the top of the hour; it’s a short melody worth hearing live and one of Krakow’s strongest audio souvenirs.
The Krakow obwarzanek is more than a snack — it has a long regional tradition and tastes best fresh from the oven, often sold from street carts. Try a warm obwarzanek for an authentic local experience.
The Market Underground is a multimedia museum that often surprises visitors — it’s great for a rainy day and lets you learn the history of the square from a different perspective.
Do I need to reserve a table by the Market? — For a weekday lunch usually not, but for dinner and on weekends reservations are recommended, especially at popular places.
Is the lunch menu a good option? — Yes, if you want a tasty, quick and economical solution; the menu of the day is often available between 12:00 and 16:00.
Where to eat cheaply and well near the Market? — Look for places offering a lunch menu, delis with ready meals or small bistros a few streets away from the Market — prices there are usually friendlier than right on the Cloth Hall.
Two days in Krakow is enough to feel the city’s rhythm and try several great dishes — the key is sensible planning, booking for evenings and choosing places recommended by locals and visitors. Combining the classics (Wawel, the Market, St. Mary’s Church) with a visit to Kazimierz and a short trip to Podgórze gives a good sense of the city.
If you’d like, share this article with friends or on social media — it will make planning a short stay in Krakow easier. And if you prefer to explore with someone who will show you the city from the inside and tailor the program to your expectations, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Enjoy your meals and happy sightseeing — Krakow has a lot to offer, even in 48 hours!
Carry a small umbrella or light rain jacket — weather can change quickly and many streets are best explored on foot.
If you have dietary restrictions, mention them when booking — many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free requests, especially if notified in advance.
Public transport and taxis are easy to use, but the Old Town is most enjoyable on foot. Expect pedestrian zones and limited car access around the Market.
Is tipping customary in Poland? — Tipping around 10% for good service is common but not mandatory; many people round up or leave a small tip.
Are attractions wheelchair accessible? — Some places in the Old Town have limited accessibility due to historic buildings; check individual venues in advance if accessibility is essential.
What currency should I carry? — The złoty (PLN) is used in Poland. Cards are widely accepted, but small vendors and some cafés may prefer cash.
