Yes — and without giving up the most interesting places. For people who prefer a gentler pace (seniors, families with small children, Erasmus students who want to see the key sights and soak up the city's atmosphere), the best plan focuses on the Old Town and nearby districts, with breaks for coffee and rest. The small but extremely charming St. Adalbert's Church on the Main Market Square is a must-see — it has stood there for over a thousand years and its underground holds an archaeological story about changes to the Market Square's surface.
In this article you'll find a friendly 48-hour route, tips on pacing your visits, reliable dining and accommodation options, and practical advice on how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
This is one of the oldest sites within the Main Market Square — the stone church was already built around the 11th/12th century, and fragments of earlier structures and Romanesque walls survive almost two metres below today's pavement level. The underground hosts an archaeological display that shows the development phases of this part of the city and confirms the area's importance before the present Market Square took shape.
The church interior is dominated by later Baroque reconstructions, but it is the plain Romanesque 'essence' of the place that makes a visit rewarding — especially for those who appreciate history and quiet, away from the bustle of the main square. It's worth coming a little earlier or later than most tourists to feel the atmosphere and listen to the stories about St. Adalbert and the city's past.
Favor shorter walks and more frequent breaks. For older visitors and those who prefer less intensive sightseeing, it's better to plan 2–3 main points per day than to try to "tick off" dozens of attractions.
Choose routes with the least uneven surfaces where possible; avoid long stretches of loose cobbles and steep staircases. When visiting interiors or museums requires a lot of standing, factor in a coffee break and a short meal. If someone has limited mobility, consider short taxi rides between key points.
Remember to dress in layers — depending on the season, even a short pause on a bench can feel chilly; breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.
Day 1: Old Town and St. Adalbert's Church. Start at the Main Market Square — a short walk through the Cloth Hall, a photo by the Adam Mickiewicz monument and a visit to St. Adalbert's Church. If the underground is open, the archaeological display is worth seeing — a short but substantial stop. Then enjoy a relaxed lunch or a break in one of the atmospheric cafés near the Square.
In the afternoon I recommend a short walk to Wawel (you can also take a taxi). Limit visits inside larger sites to the essentials: the castle courtyards and the castle exterior are satisfying even with a brief visit; the cathedral can be more physically demanding, so plan seeing it according to the group's stamina.
Day 2: Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards. In the morning, take a relaxed stroll through Kazimierz — synagogues, charming streets, small galleries and shops with local crafts. This area is ideal for a leisurely walk and lunch at a well-reviewed restaurant. In the afternoon walk down to the Vistula, rest on the boulevards and consider a short boat option if it's the season. For Erasmus students, add an easy-going evening meet-up in a local café or pub.
Morning: start around 9:30 — a relaxed pace lets you see the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica from the outside (enter only if the group is fit), and St. Adalbert's Church with a short visit to the underground.
Noon: lunch around the Market, then a short rest — I recommend a café with comfortable seating. In the afternoon travel or walk to Wawel, see the courtyards and consider a brief entry to the cathedral if it won't overtax the group.
Second day: morning in Kazimierz — slow pace, Remuh Synagogue, Kazimierz market square, break for lunch. Afternoon: walk along the Vistula, possibly a short visit to a smaller museum (if the group has the energy) or shopping for souvenirs.
Dining: choose places known for good reputation and comfortable seating. In the Old Town, reliable options include classic restaurants with traditional Polish cuisine as well as milder dishes for sensitive stomachs. For a relaxed dessert or coffee, look for cozy cafés with comfortable interiors.
Accommodation: opt for hotels with good standards and convenient location near the Old Town that offer elevators and comfortable beds. For those who value privacy and more space, apartments close to the Market with hotel-like services are a good choice. When booking, check for elevator availability and distance to main attractions — this will make moving around at a gentle pace much easier.
Don't plan too many points in one day — this is the most common mistake. It's better to see fewer things thoroughly and enjoyably than to rush to "tick off" attractions. Reserve time for rest and meals.
Don't underestimate the surface — the Old Town has a lot of cobbles; for seniors and people with joint problems, shorter routes and taxi rides between distant points are better. Always carry comfortable shoes and an umbrella or cover for changeable weather.
Check museum opening hours and combined ticket options before your trip — some seasonal exhibitions in the underground (for example under St. Adalbert's Church) are available only at certain times and have limited entrances.
Fragments of the Romanesque walls of St. Adalbert's Church now lie nearly 2 metres below the Market level — a great lesson in geology and urban history in one spot. Archaeological excavations near the church uncovered traces of a cemetery with hundreds of medieval burials, underlining the site's importance in the old town.
Notice the details of the Baroque interior and the modest but beautiful furnishings — they create a contrast between the church's simple Romanesque form and later artistic additions, which give the place a unique character.
Are the church underground displays open all year? — Sometimes they are seasonal; it's best to check current opening information before you go, as dates and hours can change.
Is the route suitable for wheelchair users? — Parts of the Old Town have uneven surfaces and the church undergrounds are not always fully accessible; if someone uses a wheelchair, plan short taxi rides and choose venues with facilities for disabled visitors.
Should I reserve a table in advance? — In season and on weekends near main attractions, it's a good idea to book in recommended restaurants or if you have a particular lunch venue in mind.
Early morning (around 8:30–9:30) the Market and surrounding streets are most pleasant — the light is great for photos and the crowds are smaller. Alternatively, choose late afternoon after 16:00, when some tourists disperse to other attractions. For real quiet, explore the side streets of the Old Town and walk along the Vistula, where it's easier to find a bench and relax.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or tag someone heading to Kraków. For those who would like to explore the city with individual support and a tempo tailored even more closely to their needs, I recommend using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
I wish you a calm, pleasant trip and many lovely discoveries — Kraków has the advantage that even a short visit can leave a lot of good memories if we allow ourselves to slow down and simply observe.
