Only have three days? Great — it’s enough to feel the city’s atmosphere, see the main sights and taste several tasty dishes. When planning, keep a few simple rules in mind: walk where you can, book tickets for the most popular attractions in advance, and schedule coffee and lunch breaks every 1.5–2 hours so you don’t get tired on the first day.
Many central sites are close to each other, but cobbled streets and steps at historic places call for comfortable shoes. Public transport (trams and buses) helps reach farther spots; tickets are available from machines, kiosks or mobile apps. If you plan to visit Wawel, museums or other attractions, reserve entries where possible — it will save a lot of time in queues. One simple tip: leave some room for spontaneous discoveries — the best Krakow moments often happen off the itinerary.
Remember that some sites are places of worship or have visiting restrictions — check service times and visiting rules before you go.
Below you’ll also find practical advice about St. Mary’s Tower and suggestions for where to eat a traditional schnitzel. These are friendly recommendations worth checking rather than a definitive ranking.
I don’t list other guides or free walking tour offers here — my goal is simply to help you plan a relaxed, enjoyable visit.
Day 1 - Old Town and Wawel: Main Market, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (and optionally the tower), stroll the Royal Route and Wawel.
Day 2 - Kazimierz and Podgórze: morning exploring the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, Plac Nowy for a second breakfast, afternoon around Zabłocie and the former ghetto area — the Oskar Schindler Factory is often a good choice.
Day 3 - something extra: the Wieliczka Salt Mine or the Tyniec area and riverside gardens, or a calmer day with a walk on the Planty and a visit to the National Museum — depending on weather and energy.
This short plan leaves time for meals and small photo stops while letting you feel different sides of Krakow: royal, Jewish, industrial and recreational.
Detailed daily suggestions follow below, with practical tips on hours, tickets and the best times to visit.
Start early: the Main Market in the morning is most pleasant, before the crowds arrive. A walk from the Barbican toward St. Florian’s Gate sets the medieval mood, then it’s worth visiting the Cloth Hall and following streets that lead to Wawel.
Wawel is a must-see: the hill, the castle and the cathedral are different layers of history. If you want to enter specific castle chambers or the crypt, buy tickets online — time slots can be limited. Even without interior access, a walk around Wawel and its viewing terraces is very rewarding.
St. Mary’s Basilica — stand in the Market at the full hour and listen to the hejnał. If you dream of climbing the tower, see the dedicated section on tickets and opening times. Inside the church, notice Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and the polychromes — remember basic rules in places of worship: quiet and appropriate dress.
In the afternoon leave time for a coffee break and people-watching — sometimes the best thing is simply sitting on the Planty and watching the evening lights of the Market.
If you want lunch in the center, avoid the most touristy traps right on the Market and look for places serving traditional food a few streets away.
Kazimierz has a unique atmosphere: cobbled lanes, synagogues, cafés and many places to try local dishes. Start with the synagogues and the Galicia Jewish Museum if history interests you, and take time to walk between Szeroka, Meiselsa and Józefa streets.
Plac Nowy is a good spot for a quick bite — iconic zapiekanki and small bars. In the evening this area comes alive: many restaurants and bars create a relaxed vibe. In Kazimierz check local cafés for coffee and cake — a perfect moment to recharge before more sightseeing.
Podgórze, across the Vistula, contains important memorial sites — including fragments of the former ghetto and memorial mounds, plus the bridge to the Schindler Factory. It’s a fitting place for reflection and to complete your picture of the city.
If you like street art and alternative galleries, Zabłocie often hosts exhibitions and small galleries worth visiting.
In the evening you can return to Kazimierz for dinner — here you’ll find both traditional Polish flavors and international cuisine.
If you want something “spectacular” outside the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a classic — book in advance and reserve half a day. It’s a long route with many steps, so plan appropriate clothing.
A nature-near alternative is the Benedictine abbey in Tyniec on the Vistula — ideal for those who prefer quiet, a short walk and lovely views. It’s a great choice if you want to finish your visit on a calm note.
If you’d rather stay in Krakow, plan relaxed museum visits, shopping for handmade souvenirs and tasting local food — three days is enough to fall in love with the city without running flat out.
Whatever you choose, leave time margins for travel and possible queues.
One more thing: if your flight is on the last evening, leave buffer time for transfer to the airport or train station.
Climbing St. Mary’s Tower is a fantastic experience — the view over the Market and Krakow’s roofs is very rewarding, and standing beneath the tower you can also hear the hejnał. A few practical notes before going up:
Where to buy a ticket: tickets and entrance passes are usually sold at the visitor service desk at St. Mary’s Square. Many people buy them on the day of the visit, but in high season plan to arrive early or consider less busy times.
Prices and rules: fees for entering the basilica and for the tower vary by season; typically tower access costs a modest fee. Watch for age limits and maximum group sizes for safety reasons — these rules can change, so check shortly before your visit.
Best times: early morning right after opening or late afternoon — crowds are smaller and the light often flatters the rooftops. Daytime entry in high season can involve longer waits, especially on weekends.
Safety and limitations: the tower is reached by stairs, spaces may be narrow and it’s not suitable for people with severe mobility issues. Some points indicate minimum age for visitors — check this in advance.
And one more thing: whether you climb the tower or not, stand in the Market at the full hour to listen to the hejnał — it’s a simple but very Krakow experience.
The pork schnitzel (schabowy) is a symbol of Polish cuisine; in Krakow you’ll find many places serving a classic version. Rather than naming a single “best” spot, here are types of places worth considering — each has its character:
Traditional Polish restaurants - in districts like Kazimierz or near the Old Town you’ll find eateries serving classic, homestyle schnitzel with potatoes and cabbage — a good choice if you want a comforting, authentic meal.
Taverns and regional inns - for a more rustic atmosphere, taverns often serve hearty portions and traditional side dishes that match the cutlet.
Milk bars and simple canteens - if you look for simplicity and value, milk bars still surprise with authentic taste and a homemade feel. A great option for a quick, filling lunch.
A few practical tips when choosing a schabowy: - pay attention to the thickness of the breading and the juiciness of the meat; - traditional sides are potatoes and braised cabbage or beets; - if you want a local twist, ask about homemade salads and kompot (stewed fruit drink).
If you like, I can provide specific addresses and types of places in Kazimierz and near the Market to match your budget and tastes.
If your time is limited, plan ahead for the most crowded entries: interior rooms on Wawel Hill, selected museum exhibitions and some church and Market Underground entrances. Many places sell tickets online — the most reliable way to avoid long queues.
On site tickets are often available at box offices, but in peak season be prepared for timed-entry and group limits. If you want a specific visiting time, buy online or arrive early in the morning.
Ticket offices and visitor service points at popular attractions (for example near St. Mary’s Square) are good for quick information — ask about current entry hours and group restrictions.
If you plan a trip to Wieliczka, reserve in advance and factor in travel time and an underground guide.
If you’d like, I can prepare a list of attractions to book ahead and suggest time windows when crowds are smallest.
Pace: don’t plan more than one big attraction in the morning and one in the afternoon. Krakow is better savored at a calm pace — cramming too many spots can tire you and reduce the pleasure of discovery.
Breaks: plan at least one longer meal break and several short coffee or snack stops. This also helps avoid standing in queues at entrances — crowds shift while you rest.
Safety: like any tourist city, watch your personal belongings in crowded places. Krakow is generally safe, but an inside pocket and keeping backpacks visible can help deter pickpockets.
Transport: trams and buses run frequently, but can be crowded at peak times. For convenience carry a time ticket or download a mobile ticketing app.
Weather: in autumn and winter bring a warm layer, in summer use a hat and water. On rainy days museums are a great alternative.
- Comfortable shoes and a light backpack.
- Charged phone, powerbank and tickets/reservations in electronic form or printed.
- Cash and card - some small bars accept cash only, but most central places take cards.
- Check opening hours of main attractions the day before your visit.
- Reserve tickets online where possible (Wawel, museums, Wieliczka).
- Allow time for a coffee break and lunch - don’t rush across the city just to tick boxes.
Krakow is best discovered on foot, with stops for stories and plates of local food. Allow a moment of reflection at Wawel and a laugh over a schnitzel in a cozy restaurant.
If you want, I can prepare a personalized three-day plan — I’ll factor in pace, food preferences and ticket availability. I’ll gladly help map a route so you leave Krakow in a good mood and with a full stomach.
See you in Krakow! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Krakow guide (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
If you would like specific restaurant addresses for a great schnitzel or help booking particular tickets, write to me and I’ll prepare a list tailored to your preferences and budget.
