Yes — although of course you won’t see everything, two days can be used very effectively to feel the city’s atmosphere, visit the most important museums and monuments, and still leave time to rest with the family.
In practice it’s worth treating the first day as the classic “heart of Kraków”: the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, the Main Market Square and Wawel, and devoting the second day to Kazimierz, Oskar Schindler’s Factory or MOCAK and calmer walks in Podgórze or along the Vistula.
Morning: start at the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — this is the beginning of the Royal Route, so a walk from here along Floriańska Street to the Market Square lets you quickly hit the city’s central points.
Afternoon: Wawel — courtyards and the Cathedral (if you plan to visit the state rooms or the treasury, book tickets in advance). Evening in Kazimierz: dinner and the special atmosphere of the historic Jewish quarter.
Day two: choose one or two museums (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory or MOCAK), add something for children — the Museum of Illusions, the Living Museum of Obwarzanek or a short river cruise/playground — and finish with a stroll along the Vistula or a visit to Kościuszko Mound if the weather is good.
Start between the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — this well-preserved fragment of the medieval defensive walls is an excellent orientation point. The Barbican was part of the city’s fortifications and lies at the start of the Royal Route that leads directly to Wawel.
A walk down Floriańska Street will bring you to the Main Market Square. Here it’s worth visiting the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (climbing the tower offers a great view) and the Market Underground — if time is limited, pick one of these attractions and book tickets.
Afternoon on Wawel: the courtyards and the cathedral are classic stops, but if you’re traveling with children skip the full castle tour in favor of a shorter program — interiors can be tiring for the little ones. End the day with dinner in Kazimierz — a perfect place to finish day one.
Spend the morning at Oskar Schindler’s Factory — the exhibition tells the story of life in Kraków during World War II and makes a strong impression; it’s best to have tickets before arrival because queues can be long.
If you prefer contemporary art, visit MOCAK — modern exhibitions, a café and comfortable family spaces. Alternatives to the big museums are smaller, interactive attractions: the Museum of Illusions, the Living Museum of Obwarzanek or the Market Underground.
An afternoon walk through Kazimierz and Zabłocie is a good idea — intimate cafés, playgrounds and fewer crowds than the Main Square. Optional activities: a Vistula river cruise or a short trip to one of the city mounds (Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound) for nice views.
The Barbican is a Gothic structure from the late 15th century, part of Kraków’s northern fortifications. It’s not only an attractive monument to photograph — in the season there are historical reenactments and cultural events here.
Near the Barbican you’ll find informational models and descriptions (including some Braille elements) and sections of the walls with towers; this spot is the beginning of the Royal Route, once used by royal visitors on their way to Wawel.
Old Town and Kazimierz: the most convenient for tourists because most attractions are within easy reach; these are also the most expensive locations — hotel and apartment prices peak in season.
Podgórze and Zabłocie: quieter, often cheaper options, a short walk or a few tram stops to the center; good for families who want to avoid noise and have easy access to friendly cafés and parks.
Nowa Huta and the outskirts: a budget option — lower accommodation prices and good public transport connections; if you’re driving, check parking availability.
Typical price ranges (approximate, season-dependent): budget stays from about 100–200 PLN/night, standard hotels and apartments 250–500 PLN/night, higher-class hotels from around 500 PLN/night upwards. For a long weekend book in advance.
In the center and in Kazimierz you’ll find many well-reviewed restaurants and cafés. For a quick family lunch we recommend places serving homestyle Polish food and restaurants that are child-friendly, with generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere.
Popular choices to consider in the area include cafés for a comfortable breakfast or cake, traditional restaurants near Wawel and Kazimierz and places serving regional specialties — choose those with good reviews and family-friendly feedback.
For kids: look for venues with high chairs and simple kids’ menus. On the streets try an obwarzanek as a local snack — easy to eat while walking and a favorite street food among visitors.
Trying to “see everything” in two days — it’s better to pick 3–4 attractions and explore without rushing. Children and seniors tire faster, so plan breaks for rest and snacks.
Not buying tickets in advance for popular museums — Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Wawel and some exhibitions have limited entries; online reservations save time and stress.
Choosing accommodation solely by price without checking location and transport — map the route from your hotel to main points, especially if you’re traveling with small children.
Transport: central Kraków is well connected by trams and buses; many attractions are walkable. Note paid parking zones if you travel by car.
Strollers and accessibility: the Old Town has cobblestones and steps (for example some parts of Wawel and access to certain monuments can be difficult), so if you have a bulky stroller consider an alternative route or a carrier for younger children.
Discounts and free days: some museums offer free admission days or discounts — check current information on the institutions’ websites before your trip.
Safety: as in any large city, watch your belongings in crowded streets and public transport. Pharmacies and hospital departments operate in the city center for emergencies.
The name 'Barbican' has origins outside Poland — it refers to a type of bastion used in medieval defensive architecture, and Kraków’s Barbican is one of the best-preserved examples in Central Europe.
Around the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate you’ll find detailed models and descriptions, including elements adapted for visually impaired visitors (Braille signs at some displays).
On many tourist maps the Royal Route starts right here — walking this path is a historical experience that connects the defensive walls with Wawel Hill.
If you’re planning a long weekend in Kraków with your family, a well-drawn plan, booked tickets and a sensible choice of accommodation will make the trip enjoyable and relaxing. Leave some time for unhurried walks and discovering hidden corners off the main routes.
If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore Kraków with a local private guide and have a plan tailored to your needs, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on her guide page.
