Yes — but you need to plan the route and set priorities. In 48 hours you can see the main Old Town attractions, Wawel and the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory museum, and still spend a good few hours getting to know Nowa Huta. The pace is moderate — a lot of walking, a few coffee stops and local meals, but without running from morning to night.
In short: day one focus on the center and the Schindler Factory; day two reserve for Nowa Huta and places that show the city’s industrial and socialist-realist history.
Day 1 - Old Town and the Schindler Factory:
- Morning: start at the Main Market Square — Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (short visit or view from outside if short on time), coffee in a cozy café.
- Walk to Wawel: the castle and cathedral (if you want to enter the royal chambers — book ahead).
- Afternoon: Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — plan about 1.5–2 hours for the exhibition. Tickets are sold for timed entries, so it’s worth buying online.
- Evening: stroll around Kazimierz or have dinner there — a perfect place to try local cuisine and rest before the next day.
Day 2 - Nowa Huta and surroundings:
- Morning: take a tram/bus to Nowa Huta — start at the Central Square (Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana) and the Avenue of Roses (Aleja Róż).
- Midday: walk among the socialist-realist landmarks, visit the Arka Pana (the famous church), Wanda Mound (Kopiec Wandy), and the Nowa Huta Meadows (Łąki Nowohuckie) — these places show that 'Huta' is more than just apartment blocks.
- Afternoon: if you’re interested in military history and the PRL period, check availability for bunker or fort tours; return to the city center in the evening.
Alternative: if you prefer to visit both the Schindler Factory and Nowa Huta on the same day, do the Schindler Factory in the morning (less crowded) and head to Nowa Huta in the afternoon — remember to allow travel time and the museum visit duration.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is a very popular site — entries are sold for specific time slots. The safest option is to buy tickets online through the museum’s official sales or trusted ticket platforms in advance — especially during the tourist season and at weekends.
Visiting time: about 1.5–2 hours. The last admission is usually around 1.5 hours before closing; check the current opening hours before you go.
Mondays can be specific — on some dates the museum has shorter hours or special entry rules. If you plan to visit on a Monday, confirm ahead whether there are any restrictions or free-admission days (these often require collecting tickets in person).
Watch out for resellers: commercial packages with tickets can sell out quickly or be sold at much higher prices. To avoid overpaying, use the museum’s official ticketing or ask for help from an experienced, trusted guide.
Photography: photography is usually permitted without flash, but follow the rules displayed on site.
Nowa Huta is a large district with a unique architectural and urban heritage. Key spots include the Central Square and Avenue of Roses, the monumental Arka Pana church, Wanda Mound and the green Nowa Huta Meadows — great for walking or a picnic.
Getting there: the easiest way from Kraków city centre is by tram or city bus. One popular tram route goes directly to the Central Square. Check current MPK timetables before you travel, as line numbers and schedules may change seasonally.
Walking around Nowa Huta: plan at least 3–4 hours if you want to calmly see the Central Square, pop into local shops, reach Wanda Mound and stroll the meadows. If you’re interested in bunkers or themed tours, add extra time.
Time balance: distances in Kraków are relatively short, but keep in mind traffic and waiting times for public transport. From the centre you can reach the Schindler Factory by tram or on foot depending on where you start — the museum sits on the border of the Old Town and Kazimierz.
MPK tickets: buy them in mobile apps, at ticket machines at stops, or from the driver (if permitted). Apps make planning connections easier and show up-to-date timetables.
If you prefer taxis or ride-hailing, remember that journeys may take longer and cost more at peak times. For groups, consider booking a transfer for greater comfort.
Old Town and Kazimierz: to soak up the city vibe — have coffee in a cozy café, and for lunch choose a restaurant serving Polish dishes or seasonal menus. Cafés around the Market Square and small restaurants in Kazimierz are perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Nowa Huta: home-style cuisine and milk bars (bar mleczny) are common here — great for a quick, inexpensive meal. Along the main avenues and near the Central Square you’ll find local restaurants serving Polish dishes at reasonable prices — try traditional Polish comfort food and regional specialties.
Tip: if you want something traditional and hearty, pick a restaurant offering Polish cuisine; if you prefer light meals and good coffee, look for small cafés and bakeries along your walking routes.
Luggage and lockers: if you have large luggage, consider leaving it in a station locker or at your hotel — it’s more comfortable to sightsee without heavy bags.
Weather and clothing: Kraków weather can be changeable; bring comfortable walking shoes, a light raincoat and layered clothing. In winter expect cold; in summer expect crowds.
Accessibility: the Schindler Factory and many city sites have facilities for visitors with disabilities, but check details about stroller access or elevator availability before your visit.
Payments: most places accept cards, but in smaller milk bars and with local vendors it’s good to have some cash on hand.
How far in advance should I book a ticket to the Schindler Factory? It’s best to book a few days to a week ahead in high season; on weekends and holidays, book further in advance.
Can I see Nowa Huta in 2–3 hours? You can visit the main points on a quick walk, but to feel the district’s atmosphere and enter a few places, allow 3–5 hours.
Is the Schindler Factory suitable for children? The exhibition deals with heavy historical topics — assess in advance whether the content is appropriate for younger children. The museum offers educational materials and activities for older children and teens.
What if tickets are sold out? Check other time slots that day, choose another day, try the museum ticket desk in the morning (sometimes spots are released), or ask Małgorzata Kasprowicz for help finding available options.
If you want to sightsee without stress, a guide can book routes, advise the best visiting times and help purchase tickets. On zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you can find tours of Nowa Huta and other routes — guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will gladly tailor the program to your expectations.
A tour with a local guide is also a great way to hear stories and anecdotes you won’t find in guidebooks — this makes your 2 days in Kraków more meaningful and less chaotic.
Start early — mornings have the nicest light and fewer crowds. If you want good photos and peaceful walks, begin your day earlier.
Book the most important entries in advance (Schindler Factory, Wawel chambers), and leave the rest for spontaneous discoveries — Kraków rewards those who allow time to wander side streets.
Remember that Nowa Huta is a different side of Kraków — give yourself time to feel its atmosphere, talk with locals and try homestyle food. This experience wonderfully complements a visit to the historic interiors of the Schindler Factory.
