Krakow’s attractions are densely packed and ideal for a short visit: the huge Main Square, Wawel with its cathedral and courtyards, the atmospheric Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards — all within walking distance. If you prefer to experience the city itself rather than museum interiors, you can put together a beautiful, memorable 48 hours.
This plan focuses on views, walks, churches, panoramas, food and a dozen or so essential stops that give a true sense of Krakow without buying tickets to exhibitions.
Bring comfortable shoes — Krakow is best explored on foot. The Planty and the cobbles of the Old Town can be tiring if you plan a full day out.
Check the weather and carry a light jacket — it often feels windier along the Vistula than in the center.
Wawel separates freely accessible areas (the hill, courtyards, the cathedral exterior) from paid exhibitions — even if you skip museums, it’s worth walking up the hill and visiting the cathedral (some parts of the cathedral interior may require a ticket).
If you plan a specific attraction (for example the Dragon’s Den), check opening rules in advance — some places have tickets or entry limits.
Cash and card — most places accept cards, but cash is handy at street stalls and small kiosks.
Day 1 - Old Town and Wawel:
- Morning: start at the Main Square — see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Adam Mickiewicz monument and sit for a while to watch everyday life on the square.
- Late morning: St. Mary’s Basilica — even if you don’t go into paid exhibitions, it’s worth seeing the altar by Wit Stwosz and listening to the hejnal (trumpet call) played every hour from the tower (a short, atmospheric moment).
- Afternoon: walk the Planty toward Wawel; explore the hill — castle courtyards, the cathedral and the view over the Vistula. A nice spot for photos and a rest.
- Evening: dinner around Podgórze or Kazimierz — choose a place with local cuisine or a cozy restaurant with a good atmosphere.
Day 2 - Kazimierz, the Vistula and surroundings:
- Morning: stroll through Kazimierz — view synagogues from the outside, wander streets full of galleries and charming cafés. Stop for breakfast at one of the cafés (recommended around Józefa Street and Plac Nowy).
- Late morning: Plac Nowy and zapiekanki — a quick local snack, then a relaxed walk along the Błonia or the Vistula boulevards.
- Afternoon: optional boat trip on the Vistula or a riverside walk, then return across the Grunwald Bridge toward the center — nice views of Wawel’s skyline on the way.
- Evening: dinner in Kazimierz — try a restaurant offering Jewish-inspired dishes or modern takes on Polish cuisine; the neighborhood has lively and varied nightlife.
Main Square — the largest medieval market square in Europe: walk through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) with its stalls and souvenir shops, look up at the townhouses and consider climbing a tower if you like city panoramas.
St. Mary’s Basilica — stand on the square to hear the hejnal from the tower and pop into the interior if you feel like it. Short visits are perfect if you want to avoid long museum queues.
Wawel — a walk on the hill gives you a lot: courtyards, the castle exterior, the cathedral and views over the Vistula. Even without entering major exhibitions you’ll feel the royal atmosphere.
Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter: cafés, murals, small galleries and atmospheric courtyards. Plac Nowy is a landmark and a great place for a snack.
Vistula boulevards — ideal for a relaxed afternoon: benches, bike rentals, a riverside stroll or a boat trip. Locals come here to unwind in summer and evenings.
Breakfast / coffee: Cafe Camelot (atmospheric interior near the Main Square), Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and great coffee).
Lunch / dinner (tradition and modernity): Szara (near the Main Square — refined Polish dishes), Pod Wawelem (hearty portions and traditional atmosphere), Mleczarnia (Kazimierz — relaxed coffee and light bites).
Quick snacks: Plac Nowy — famous Krakow zapiekanki; if you like street food, this spot is a classic.
Something special: choose a restaurant with a view of Wawel or one of the intimate eateries in Kazimierz. Weekends can be busy, so reservations for dinner are recommended.
The Planty — a green belt around the Old Town created on the site of the former city walls; it forms a pleasant ring for walking and is ideal for a short break between sights.
Townhouses with interesting stories — many buildings around the Main Square have hidden architectural details (coats of arms, sculptures) worth spotting during a careful walk or with a guide.
Bridges and Vistula views — from some bridges (for example Bernatek Footbridge) you get lovely panoramas of Wawel and the Old Town, perfect for sunset photos.
Kazimierz café courtyards — the neighborhood’s cafés often hide mini-spaces with local art and shaded courtyards in summer.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — choose a few priorities and actually enjoy them. Quality of experience matters more than the number of checklist items.
Underestimating distances and rest breaks — Krakow is a walking city. Plan coffee breaks and rests, especially in summer.
Buying Wawel tickets at the last minute — if you plan to enter specific exhibitions, buy tickets online in advance; otherwise stick to walking the hill and visiting the cathedral exterior.
Eating only near the Main Square — walk a little further (Kazimierz, Podgórze, Józefa Street) to find less touristy places that are often cheaper and more interesting.
Can you see Wawel without buying a ticket? - Yes: the hill’s outdoor areas, courtyards and views over the Vistula are accessible. Some interiors and exhibitions are paid.
Is St. Mary’s Basilica free? - Entrance to the church and attending mass are free; certain parts/crypts or special exhibitions may require a ticket.
Is the Krakow Card worth it? - If you plan to visit many paid attractions, it can pay off; if you mostly explore outdoors and eat locally, it may not be necessary.
How to get around the city? - The Old Town is easiest on foot; trams and buses connect farther neighborhoods. Bikes and e-scooters are also options, especially in summer.
Opening hours and service availability change seasonally and during special events — if a specific attraction matters to you, check it the day before your trip.
Carry a phone number and an offline map or mapping app, because signal isn’t perfect everywhere and spontaneous walking discoveries are common.
Clothing: light clothing and a hat in summer, layers in spring and autumn, and warm coat and winter boots in winter.
If this plan helped you — share it with friends or on social media! A short, well-planned 48 hours in Krakow can stay with you longer than weeks spent rushing from one attraction to another.
If you’d like a personalized tour — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide) can prepare a route tailored to your interests, with or without museums. Contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website for reservations and questions.
