Yes — it’s possible, but you need a precise plan. In this article you’ll find a concrete, intensive 48-hour plan for Kraków, practical information about tickets and opening hours, transport tips, recommended places to eat and a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them. The text is friendly and step-by-step so you’ll leave the city feeling you saw the most important things — without wasting time in unnecessary queues or getting lost.
Remember: if you prefer a calmer visit or expert commentary, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details for her services are available on her website.
Day 1: Old Town (Market Square, St. Mary’s Church), coffee break, afternoon in Podgórze — Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (about 1.5–2 hours). Evening: dinner in Kazimierz.
Day 2: Wawel and the cathedral in the morning, a walk along the Vistula, midday at the Ethnographic Museum (about 1–1.5 hours), afternoon in Wolnica/Kazimierz or visiting small galleries and cafes.
This plan assumes an intense pace, shorter breaks and prioritizes museum visits over lingering at a single monument. If you prefer a slower tempo — spread the programme across 3 days.
Start in the morning at the Main Market Square: walk past the Cloth Hall, sit for coffee in a characterful café and, if you wish, climb St. Mary’s Church tower (a shorter climb but great views). From the square you can also walk to Wawel — if you plan to enter its interiors, book separate tickets and consider moving Wawel to day 2, since packing too many major sites into one day causes rushing.
In the afternoon head to Podgórze, where Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is located. Booking a ticket online in advance gives you a specific entry time and helps you avoid queues. Visiting the Schindler exhibition usually takes about 1.5–2 hours — the exhibition is factual and at times moving, so allow time to read the displays calmly.
Spend the evening in Kazimierz — it’s a great spot for dinner after a day full of sights.
Begin at Wawel and the cathedral: mornings mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. Book separate entry for the royal chambers if you want to see the interiors.
After Wawel head toward Wolnica / Kazimierz Market, then to the Ethnographic Museum. The Ethnographic Museum’s permanent exhibition usually takes about one to one and a half hours to see; it’s a good complement for visitors interested in ethnography, traditional dress, crafts and the region’s material culture.
If you have extra time, visit small galleries, craft shops or one of the best cafés on the Old Town for dessert.
Schindler’s Factory: tickets are available online in advance (often up to a few months ahead) and it’s recommended to reserve early because daily entries can be limited. A visit typically lasts 1.5–2 hours. The Factory may change its ticketing rules or limit on-site sales, so booking in advance is practical.
Ethnographic Museum: standard opening days are usually Tuesday–Sunday; Tuesdays are often low-cost or free for the permanent exhibition — check the museum’s rules in advance. Museums sometimes update price lists and special days, so verify opening hours and entry rules just before your trip.
Tip: check opening hours and ticket rules right before you travel — museums can announce closed days or special hours (for example quieter visiting hours).
Kraków’s Old Town is compact and walkable — many attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. Schindler’s Factory is in Podgórze on the other side of the Vistula, so expect a 25–35 minute walk from the Market Square (time depends on pace) or 10–20 minutes by tram/bus. It’s useful to have a city app for buying public-transport tickets; on a short stay trams can save you a lot of time.
Suggested visit times for major sites: Schindler’s Factory 1.5–2 hours, Wawel 1.5–3 hours (depending on what you want to see), Ethnographic Museum 1–1.5 hours. Use remaining time for coffee, meals and relaxed walks.
Kazimierz and the Old Town are full of restaurants — choose places with good reviews for both traditional and modern takes on local dishes. A few reliable options popular with visitors:
- Starka (Kazimierz) — traditional Polish cuisine in a friendly atmosphere; a good dinner choice after sightseeing.
- Plac Nowy 1 (Kazimierz) — modern, casual dining; a solid option for a late lunch or dinner.
- Cafe Camelot (Old Town) — excellent for breakfast or coffee in an artistic interior.
- Pod Wawelem (near Wawel) — classic, hearty Polish dishes; popular with people wanting to taste local flavors.
If you need a weekend dinner reservation, book in advance — especially for busy Kazimierz spots.
Trying to “see everything” in a short time — result: rushing and fatigue. Better to pick priorities and focus on them.
Not booking tickets for Schindler’s Factory — especially in high season tickets sell out fast; if you care about a specific time buy online.
Not checking opening hours — museums have varying days and hours; sometimes the first Tuesday or certain Wednesdays have different availability. Always confirm hours before you go.
Allowing too little time for meals and rest — plan short breaks so fatigue doesn’t ruin your day.
Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather — Kraków’s spring and autumn can be changeable; bring a layer and comfortable shoes.
Do I need to buy Schindler’s Factory tickets in advance? Recommended — online tickets allow you to reserve an entry time; some free-entry days have limited tickets available at the box office only.
How long does a visit to Schindler’s Factory take? Usually 1.5–2 hours.
Does the Ethnographic Museum have a free day? Tuesdays often offer free entry to the permanent exhibition — check specifics because temporary exhibitions may have different rules.
Are museums accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? Many branches offer accessibility features, lifts and adapted toilets — check the branch page for details.
Can you take photos? In most museums photography without flash is allowed — always follow signs at exhibits.
The Memory Route: some exhibitions and museum branches in Kraków can be visited as part of a combined memory route — this lets you see related sites (for example the Pharmacy Under the Eagle) within a broader context.
Tuesdays can be budget-friendly: many museums offer discounts or free entry to selected exhibitions, but usually this applies only to permanent displays — check whether your must-see exhibitions are temporary, as their rules can differ.
Schindler’s Factory sells tickets online and also runs a box office that may offer day-of tickets in limited numbers — spontaneous Monday visits are possible but risky if you want a specific time slot.
If this plan helped you — share it on social media or send it to friends heading to Kraków. One small request: if you want to see Kraków with a broader local perspective, consider the services offered by private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and service details are available on her website.
Enjoy your visit — don’t forget to take photos, try the local cuisine and take a quiet moment for a walk along the Vistula.
