Yes — but aim for quality, not quantity. Instead of a 'must-see' list stuffed with places you'll only glimpse while rushing between points, pick a few scenes and plan breaks around them: a good coffee, a relaxed lunch, a moment for the sunset over the Vistula. One such scene can be the Romanesque St. Andrew's Church on Grodzka Street — a stone witness to history that tells of medieval Kraków and can surprise you with a richly decorated Baroque interior. In a two-day plan leave room for wonder and rest, because those are the moments that stay in photos and memory.
If you want the 'unhurried and classy' mood, treat sightseeing like several short stories: morning in the Planty, midday at the Market Square, afternoon in Kazimierz, and evening with a view of Wawel or the Vistula. That way, instead of chasing a checklist, you'll build a narrative that's easier to remember and share.
Day 1 — in the old rhythm: in the morning take a walk through the Planty and let your first coffee be calm and long. From the Planty walk along the edge of the Main Market Square, notice the Cloth Hall arcades and allow 30–45 minutes for a stroll around the Square, with pauses to observe details instead of lightning-fast photos. Spend midday on a short visit to the Market Square underground or the Cloth Hall gallery, and plan lunch at an intimate restaurant near the Square. Leave the afternoon for a walk along Kanonicza, admire the courtyards and reach the Vistula boulevards for the golden hour. Evening is an aperitif with a view and dinner in a place where you can hear conversation, not plates clinking.
Day 2 — Kazimierz and Podgórze at a slowed pace: start along the Szeroka–Miodowa–Plac Wolnica axis, with a coffee break in a well-rated café. Midday, cross the Bernatka footbridge to Podgórze, take a photo by St. Joseph's Church and enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon pick one viewpoint — Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound — and leave time to return along the boulevards with a stop for dessert. End the day with a relaxed evening with live music or in an intimate restaurant.
A few rules worth following: book tickets and tables in advance, plan short tram or taxi rides instead of walking nonstop all day, and leave 60–90 minutes each day with no plan at all — that free time often leads to the best discoveries.
St. Andrew's Church stands on Grodzka Street and is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Kraków. Built at the end of the 11th century, it also played a defensive role for centuries — hence the massive stone form and relatively few windows in the lower parts. Because of this fortification, the church survived the 1241 invasion when many other buildings were destroyed.
Inside, the modest Romanesque exterior contrasts with a rich Baroque interior — a pulpit shaped like a boat, Rococo-style organs and stucco decorations draw the eye. Monastic communities (including the Poor Clares) have been active at the church for centuries, visible in the adjoining buildings and small courtyards. It’s a place that gives a calm, historical frame to a walk along the Royal Route.
Practical note: central churches have varying opening hours and services — check visiting times before you go, especially if you plan to enter outside standard tourist hours.
Kraków has many highly rated spots — for slow travel pick intimate cafés and restaurants where you can linger. For morning coffee and cake consider Café Camelot or Massolit Books & Café — both offer atmospheres that encourage reading and resting. For breakfast or brunch, Charlotte at Plac Szczepański is popular for bread straight from the oven.
For dinner, choose restaurants with attentive service and consistent positive feedback. Around the Market Square and Kanonicza you'll find places serving modern Polish cuisine and chef-driven menus based on local ingredients — a great choice if you want to impress without pretension. In Kazimierz there are many cosy bistros and relaxed places with good food. Always book a table if you want a comfortable window seat or a quiet corner.
If you want to try local classics, look for places praised for pierogi, żurek and seasonal starters. Avoid the most tourist-heavy restaurants in the exact centre of the Market Square if you value authenticity and calm.
The best base for slow sightseeing is the edge of the Planty — Stradom, Kanonicza, or the Vistula boulevards. From these areas you can walk to major sights in 5–15 minutes, and evenings are quieter because rooms usually face courtyards or side streets. If your budget allows, choose a small boutique hotel with a comfy lobby and the option of a relaxed breakfast service.
Alternatively, consider staying in Kazimierz if you want to focus on that district's evening atmosphere — then mornings can begin with a longer walk along the Vistula or the Planty. Pay attention to reviews about noise and whether windows face the street or a courtyard. Extra tip: ask for an early check-in if you arrive in the morning.
Too many points in one day. Better to choose fewer places and linger longer than to tick off attractions like a checklist. Result: better photos and real memories.
Not booking a table or ticket. Popular restaurants and some attractions (museums, Wawel) may require reservations — book ahead, especially on weekends.
Eating in the most obvious spots in the middle of the Market Square. Choose side streets and locally recommended places — the food and atmosphere will usually be better.
Skipping a check of church and museum opening hours. Always check the day of the week and possible masses or events that might limit visits.
St. Andrew's Church was once part of the city's defensive system and was nicknamed the “lower castle” because of its strategic position near Wawel. That military character shows in the small defensive windows and massive walls.
Although the exterior is Romanesque and austere, the church interior hides rich Baroque decorations — a surprise for guests expecting a bare stone space.
The best photos of the Market Square are made from the edges, not the crowded centre — a calm shot of architecture and everyday life often captures the city's spirit better than a crowded selfie.
How to get from the main station? From the Main Railway Station you can walk to the centre in 15–20 minutes or take a tram — several lines stop near the Planty. From the airport, the quickest options are the airport bus or a taxi/Uber; travel time to the centre is typically 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Is it worth buying a tram ticket? Yes, if you plan more than one ride a day — short hops around the city are convenient and save time. Always validate your ticket when boarding a tram or bus.
How much time do I need for Wawel? For a quick walk around the castle and cathedral allow at least 1.5–2 hours; if you want to visit museums and the crypts, reserve more time and buy tickets in advance.
Is St. Andrew's Church open to tourists? Usually yes, but services and events sometimes restrict access — check visiting hours before you go.
Weather tip: have a Plan B — if it rains switch a walk for a museum, gallery or a longer coffee break. In hot weather do longer walks in the morning and evening and leave the hottest part of the day for cooler activities.
If this plan and these tips helped you design a calm, tasteful weekend in Kraków, share the article with friends or on social media — you'll help them plan a better trip than a standard 'quick sweep' of the city.
If you'd like the weekend to become a coherent, stress-free story with a local perspective, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — shared planning helps match pace, themes and places to your expectations, and sometimes opens doors that are harder to access on your own. Have a good trip and enjoy calm, memorable moments in Kraków!
