The hejnał (bugle call) from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica is played every hour — a sound many visitors consider a symbol of Kraków. If you plan a walking weekend, it’s worth starting the day early to feel the Market Square’s atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Two days are enough to see the main sights of the Old Town, hear the hejnał, enter St. Mary's Basilica and still have time for a walk around Kazimierz and some relaxation by the Vistula. It’s an intensive but enjoyable plan, based on a route you can comfortably cover on foot.
Day 1: Wawel — Royal Route — Main Market Square with St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall — Planty or a walk by the Vistula. Day 2: morning in Kazimierz — synagogues and cozy cafés — return via Grodzka and Floriańska streets, with an optional short visit to the Rynek Underground or the National Museum.
The whole route can be covered on foot. The longest stretches are Wawel–Market and Market–Kazimierz, but there are many attractions between them that make natural stops.
Start at Wawel Hill — the cathedral, courtyards and the Dragon’s Den are best seen in the morning before tour buses arrive. A walk through the courtyards usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on whether you visit the royal chambers.
From there follow the Royal Route along Kanoniczna and Grodzka streets straight to the Main Market Square. On the way you can stop for coffee at one of the cafés on Grodzka — a good moment for a short break. At the Market, spend time by the Cloth Hall and walk around the square to find the small St. Adalbert’s Church and the Town Hall Tower.
Enter St. Mary's Basilica — inside you’ll find the Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), one of Poland’s most important sculptural works. Plan your visit so you have time to calmly view the altarpiece and the interior; in high season lines can be longer. Don’t forget to listen to the hejnał — even if you miss the top of the hour, it’s worth pausing to soak up the Market’s atmosphere.
After lunch on the Market (choose reputable and well-reviewed places) you can walk through the Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town, perfect for a short rest. In the evening head to Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter, now full of atmospheric restaurants, bars and cafés. Stroll along Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy, sample local flavors and stop for a drink or dessert.
Kazimierz has a special evening charm; if you want quieter streets choose one of the side lanes. Consider staying near the Market or in Kazimierz to shorten transfers and have more time for evening walks.
Begin with a walk through Kazimierz: synagogues, streets with cozy cafés and the market at Plac Nowy are great starting points. I recommend having breakfast in one of the cafés serving local specialties and pastries.
In the afternoon return toward the Old Town via Grodzka Street — on the way you can visit smaller museums or go up to the Cloth Hall viewing terrace for a nice panorama of the Market. If you still have time and energy, consider a short trip to the Rynek Underground or one of the National Museum’s exhibitions.
Shoes: choose comfortable footwear — cobbles and stone pavements are charming but tiring for the feet. Season: expect crowds in summer; outside high season it’s easier to explore quietly. Weather: carry a light raincoat — Polish weather can be changeable.
Tickets and opening hours: St. Mary's Basilica, castle exhibitions and museums have varying opening hours; if you want to go inside, check times and consider buying tickets online, especially in season. The hejnał is played from St. Mary’s tower every hour — you can hear it without a ticket.
Getting around: most central attractions are within walking distance. If you plan trips farther afield (for example Wieliczka Salt Mine), consider regional transport or a short taxi ride. That’s also a good option for late returns from Kazimierz.
Safety and crowds: watch for pickpockets in busy places and keep an eye on your luggage. To avoid Market crowds, come early in the morning or after 6 p.m.
Restaurants and cafés: choose places with good reviews and long traditions. On the Market and nearby you’ll find historic restaurants serving Polish cuisine and cafés with baked goods. In Kazimierz there are both modern venues and places with Jewish or international cuisine.
Hotels: staying close to the Market or in Kazimierz makes the most of two days. Pick reputable properties if comfort and proximity to attractions are important. Check recent reviews before booking.
Healthy breaks: during busy sightseeing stop at small cafés and ice cream shops — short breaks help keep your energy up.
Not all parts of Veit Stoss’s altarpiece are always visible — conservation work or access limitations can apply, so check for any restoration notices when planning your visit.
In the Market you’ll find small traces of history in unexpected places — fragments of old walls or hidden chapels that are easy to miss when rushing. Take a moment to look around and listen to local stories.
Trying to fit too many sights into one day — it’s better to choose 3–4 main stops and enjoy them than to rush from place to place. Prioritize: Wawel and St. Mary’s first, then the rest.
Eating at the first place you find on the Market — prices and quality vary; choose restaurants with good ratings or ask locals for recommendations.
Being unprepared for changing weather — carry a light jacket or rain poncho, especially outside summer.
Is entry to St. Mary's Basilica paid? In most cases entrance to the interior and exhibitions is paid, and details and prices change seasonally — check before arrival.
How much time do you need for Wawel? For a general walk and to see the cathedral allow about 1–2 hours; if you want to tour the royal chambers, allocate more time.
Can you see everything on foot? The main Old Town attractions, Wawel and Kazimierz are close to one another and easy to walk between — longer trips (for example Wieliczka) will require transport.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others prepare for a successful weekend in Kraków.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city and will tell its stories in a personal way, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the website. This is a convenient option when you want to see more without spending time on logistics.
