If you only have three days in Kraków, it’s worth combining the classic Royal Route with a calmer, deeper day in Kazimierz and a shorter outing or extra museums on the third day. This guide shows how to plan your days so you avoid rushing while still seeing the main sights and feeling the local atmosphere.
Day 1: Old Town and Wawel — the Royal Route: Barbican, Florian Gate, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Grodzka and Kanonicza streets and Wawel Hill. Day 2: a full day in Kazimierz — get there by tram, walk past the synagogues, stop at Plac Nowy, enjoy cafés, take breaks and finish the evening with local cuisine. Day 3: choose according to your interests — museums (National Museum, Oskar Schindler’s Factory), a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or a relaxed day along the Vistula and in Podgórze.
This plan is flexible — you can swap days or leave more time for meals and rest. Trams plus walking make it easy to see the city even with larger luggage, if your accommodation is near the centre or in Kazimierz.
Kazimierz is a district that blends Jewish history with a modern cultural and dining scene. In one day you can visit synagogues and the Remuh Cemetery, stop at Plac Nowy for the famous zapiekanka, pop into a few small museums and linger in cafés or restaurants.
Kazimierz has a very different feel from the crowded Market Square — it’s more intimate, full of side streets, galleries and venues that invite you to sit and stay. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing, slower day without racing from point to point.
Plan an evening in Kazimierz or right after returning from other sights — the food and live music options give you plenty of ways to finish the day nicely.
Kraków has a dense tram network and stops near Kazimierz are located on the district’s edges — expect a short walk from the tram stop to the heart of Kazimierz. The most convenient connections from the Market Square head toward Stradom and Podgórze.
Before you travel, check connections in an app (for example Jakdojade) and buy a ticket at a machine, kiosk or via the carrier’s mobile app. Note time-based tickets - 20, 40 or 60 minutes - and 24/72-hour tickets if you plan to use public transport a lot. Remember to validate your ticket after boarding or use the app — inspectors are active, especially at peak times.
When planning routes: trams are faster for longer distances, but the Old Town and Kazimierz are best explored on foot because many attractions are close together. A tram is useful for quickly returning to your hotel or reaching more distant places like Nowa Huta or the train station.
Day 1 - the Royal Route and Wawel: start in the morning at the Barbican, walk through Florian Gate to the Market Square, leave time for St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, then follow Grodzka and Kanonicza streets up to Wawel. In the evening have dinner near the Market or take a short walk to Kazimierz.
Day 2 - Kazimierz all day: take the tram in the morning, stroll Plac Nowy, visit synagogues (Old Synagogue, Isaac Synagogue, Remuh), take a break at a well-reviewed restaurant (recommendations below), spend the afternoon in galleries and cafés and finish the evening with local dishes or an intimate concert.
Day 3 - culture and options outside the city: choose between city museums (Oskar Schindler’s Factory, National Museum) or a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Alternatively, relax with a walk along the Vistula and visit Podgórze.
If you want to taste local flavors and well-reviewed cuisine, consider these places: Starka (Kazimierz) - traditional Polish dishes and homemade vodkas; Hamsa (Kazimierz) - Middle Eastern cuisine inspired by regional traditions; Plac Nowy - the zapiekanka stand is a classic you should try.
Near the Market and its surroundings look for historic, highly-rated restaurants like Wierzynek if you want a special dining experience. For sweet breaks and coffee we recommend the charming cafés in Kazimierz and the Old Town - cozy places where you can relax between sightseeing.
Note: choose venues with many positive reviews and book a table for weekend evenings in the high season.
The best locations for a three-day stay are the Old Town or Kazimierz - they save travel time and make evening walks easy. Boutique hotels and well-rated places in the centre guarantee quick access to attractions.
If you prefer quieter accommodation, consider Podgórze as an alternative - lower prices and good tram connections to the centre. For travelers arriving or departing by train the area around the Main Railway Station is most convenient.
When choosing accommodation pay attention to reviews about noise, breakfast and distance to the nearest tram stop.
Did you know that some of the city’s most interesting murals and installations connected to Kraków’s history are in Podgórze, on the other side of the Vistula? It’s a place that often surprises visitors with a calmer, artistic vibe.
A common tourist mistake is trying to ‘tick off’ as many places as possible in one day - it’s better to spend more time in smaller areas and soak up the atmosphere than to rush between attractions.
Another trap is assuming the tram will stop in the very centre of Kazimierz - lines stop nearby, so be ready for a walk; that walk is the best way to discover hidden corners.
Don’t leave all bookings to the last minute - popular attractions can have limited availability, especially in season. Book tickets online as soon as you know you want to visit an attraction.
Don’t ignore time for food and rest - breaks make sightseeing more enjoyable and help you see more. Plan one long meal a day rather than several rushed short ones.
Don’t rely only on a map - ask café or hotel staff for recommendations off the beaten path; they often suggest less crowded but excellent places.
Will the tram take me directly into the centre of Kazimierz? Trams stop at the edges of the district - you’ll reach the heart of Kazimierz with a short walk. It’s best to check the exact stop and map route in an app.
How much time should I reserve for Kazimierz? To explore the district at a relaxed pace with food breaks plan 4–6 hours; if you want museums and longer meals, reserve a full day.
Is it worth buying 24/72-hour transport tickets? If you plan to use public transport intensively, day or multi-day tickets are usually more economical and more convenient than many single validations.
Jakdojade - plan tram and bus journeys; it shows stops and travel times.
MPK mobile app or other ticket sales apps - buy and show tickets without queuing.
Offline maps - if you prefer not to use mobile data, download the city map and mark the places you want to visit.
Kraków in three days is a realistic plan that lets you see monuments, feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz and enjoy local flavors. The tram is a great way to move quickly between areas, but remember that the best discoveries come while walking.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - it helps others plan well. A small suggestion: if you’d like to explore Kraków with personal support and local commentary, consider contacting Małgorzata Kasprowicz - her offer and contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful stay in Kraków!
