You have only two days and want to see Wawel, the Market Square, Kazimierz and one more major attraction outside the center? That’s absolutely possible — if you plan your mornings, book tickets in advance and use a few practical tricks you’ll find below.
The basic rule is: visit the most popular places early in the morning or late afternoon, and book timed-entry tickets for museums and underground attractions. That way you avoid the biggest queues and get more time for relaxed visiting.
In the plan I suggest you’ll find the classic highlights like Wawel or St. Mary’s Church, as well as alternative spots with great views or shorter lines — perfect when you want to keep the pace and not waste time waiting.
Morning: start as early as possible at Wawel. Walk the courtyards and around the cathedral before 9:00 — it’s much quieter then. If you want to enter the Cathedral, the Castle state rooms or the Dragon’s Den, buy online tickets with a time slot.
Late morning: walk the Royal Route to the Main Market Square. Do a short visit to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Church — if you plan to climb the church tower, book your time in advance because lines can form at the ticket desk. Alternatively, admire the interior from the side and listen to the Hejnał (bugle call) from the square.
Lunch: choose a restaurant off the main square, for example on Grodzka or Świętej Anny streets — these spots usually have shorter waits and a nicer atmosphere. Recommended places in Kazimierz include Starka (traditional Polish cuisine) or Pod Wawelem (near Wawel) — both have character and local charm.
Afternoon: after lunch head to Kazimierz for a stroll — synagogues, Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy. It’s a great time for coffee and small bites; in the evening the neighborhood really comes alive and offers the most dining options.
Evening: have dinner in Kazimierz and walk along the Vistula. If you still have energy, pick one of the bars with live music or try the famous zapiekanki (open-faced baguette toasts) at Plac Nowy.
Option A (classic): take an early trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine — it’s a full-day excursion, so buy tickets in advance and arrive for the first tour to avoid crowds. The guided route usually takes 2-3 hours plus travel time.
Option B (city option, no out-of-town trip): start at Schindler’s Factory and explore Podgórze — the museum runs timed entries, so booking online is recommended. After Schindler’s you can visit Kościuszko Mound or Zakrzówek — both offer great views and usually fewer crowds than the center.
Afternoon: if you stay in the city, choose one museum with a specific entry time (for example the National Museum or MOCAK) and spend a relaxed few hours there. Timed reservations save you from waiting in line.
Evening: finish your stay with dinner at one of the recommended restaurants or a walk around the Planty park — a good moment to sum up the trip and take final photos of the city.
Buy tickets online where possible: Wawel (if you plan to enter the Castle or Cathedral), the Market Underground, Schindler’s Factory, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and major museums often use timed-entry systems — booking brings peace of mind and shorter waits.
Plan mornings carefully: the busiest hours are between 11:00 and 15:00. If you want to see Wawel or the Market without the crush, come before 9:00. Evening can also be quiet — especially late afternoon and the hours after museums close.
Choose less obvious entrances and alternatives: instead of standing in a long line to enter a popular museum, consider outdoor exhibitions, viewpoints (Kościuszko Mound, Vistula terraces) or smaller galleries that are often less crowded.
Check opening hours and closed days: many institutions have different hours on weekends and holidays — confirm this before your trip.
Think about the order: don’t try to see everything in one day. It’s better to calmly visit a few places than spend half the day in queues.
Krakow’s center is very compact and most sights can be visited on foot. To save time use trams and buses for longer hops — for example between the Main Train Station and Kazimierz or Podgórze.
Buy a 24- or 48-hour public transport ticket if you plan to use trams and buses frequently — it’s convenient and saves time when transferring often.
Consider a taxi or ride-hailing service if you have a tight schedule or heavy luggage — getting from one end of the city to the other can save you an hour.
If you go to Wieliczka, check transport options: suburban train or tourist bus. Leaving early in the morning helps you avoid the biggest queues at the mine entrance.
On day one I recommend having lunch off the Market Square — the streets around Grodzka and Floriańska have many pleasant places. Restaurant Szara (by the Market) and Pod Wawelem are classics serving Polish cuisine; in Kazimierz you should visit Starka.
If you want something quick and local — try zapiekanki at Plac Nowy, and for something sweet visit one of the cozy cafes in Kazimierz. In the evening the neighborhood’s clubs and bars also offer a great atmosphere and regional snacks.
For a more refined experience — Wierzynek is the historic option at the Market Square, but book a table in advance.
It’s worth choosing places off the busiest tourist strips: they often offer better value and shorter waits for a table.
Mistake 1: trying to “see everything” in one day. It’s better to choose fewer sights and remember them than to run around the city and retain nothing.
Mistake 2: not booking attractions that use timed-entry systems. Result: standing in line or being unable to enter on the chosen day.
Mistake 3: planning Wieliczka and several major museums on the same day. The salt mine needs time — if you want to visit it, treat it as a half- or full-day trip.
Mistake 4: ignoring opening hours and closed days. Check these in advance and plan alternatives in case of unexpected changes.
The Wawel Dragon 'breathes' fire at the Dragon’s Den — it’s a modern installation that attracts visitors, especially in the evening.
Krakow has many hidden viewpoints that don’t always appear on the first pages of guides — Kościuszko Mound and the Vistula terraces offer panoramas without the crowds.
In the center it’s easy to miss the city’s modern side: beyond the historic sights there are contemporary museums, galleries of modern art and atmospheric cafes worth visiting between classic stops.
Can you see Wawel and the Market in one morning? Yes, if you start very early and go to Wawel first, and you have timed-entry tickets for paid sections.
Is Wieliczka or Schindler’s Factory better? It depends on your interests: Wieliczka is a unique underground experience and usually a half- to full-day excursion; Schindler’s Factory and Podgórze are an important history lesson and a more convenient option if you prefer to stay in the city.
How long do the basic visits take? Short walks around the Market and Wawel can be done in a few hours; full visits to museums and the salt mine usually take half a day or more.
Is public transport convenient? Yes — trams and buses connect the main points, and the city center is very walkable.
Krakow in 48 hours is a challenge, but it’s very rewarding if you follow a few simple rules: book in advance, start early, choose alternative viewpoints and leave time to taste the city — its food and atmosphere.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city deeply and can tailor the route to your expectations, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) - you can find contact information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
