Is it possible to get to know Kraków’s traditional and modern sides in three days — Wawel and the Market Square plus the mural trail of Kazimierz and Podgórze? Yes — if you plan your route smartly and travel in a small group of 2–6 people. This article gives a practical, friendly plan, route ideas and tips to avoid common tourist mistakes. Read on for a ready-made itinerary and a list of places worth seeing and where to eat.
Krakus Mound offers a beautiful panorama of the city and is a great orientation point — it’s worth starting your day here to get perspective. Kazimierz and Podgórze are neighborhoods where murals and street art tell the story of modern Kraków: from community messages to large, comic-like works. Combining a walk up the mound with a mural route lets you see both historic and contemporary Kraków without rushing from one attraction to another.
Day 1 — Old Town and Kazimierz: morning at the Main Market Square and around Wawel (a short walk around the castle; if you want to enter the state rooms, book tickets in advance). In the afternoon move to Kazimierz: here you’ll find the first murals, atmospheric cafés and Plac Nowy with its food stalls and food trucks. In the evening enjoy a gentle walk along the Vistula and dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.
Day 2 — Podgórze and Krakus Mound: start with modern art museums (for example MOCAK and the area around Schindler’s Factory), then explore Podgórze to view murals and historic sites. In the afternoon climb Krakus Mound — it’s a perfect moment for sunset and skyline photos. If you still have energy, try local bars near the Grunwaldzki or Dębnicki bridges for the evening.
Day 3 — alternative route and free time: use the last day for anything that caught your eye (museums, design shops, street art workshops), or take a short trip outside the center (for example Ojców National Park if the weather is good). Also leave time for relaxed coffee breaks and souvenir shopping.
The most interesting murals are in Kazimierz and Podgórze. In Kazimierz pay attention to side streets and small squares where painted walls blend with the neighborhood’s Jewish heritage. In Podgórze the trail runs past former factories where large-scale works appear on industrial facades. Plan the route on foot with short stops to learn about the artists and the socio‑historical context.
A good idea is to prepare a map with a dozen or so points: around ten to fifteen murals plus 2–3 contemporary galleries or museums (for example MOCAK). For small groups the walk becomes a more personal experience — it’s easier to talk, take photos and pause where you want.
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) is located in Podgórze and offers wide views over the city and the Vistula. Access to the mound is free and you can visit at any time, though the best light for photos is in the morning or at sunset. Paths are generally easy to walk but can become slippery after rain — bring comfortable shoes.
Getting there: from the centre you can take a tram or a short taxi ride. In a small group a taxi can be the most comfortable option, especially if you plan an early ascent or want to carry bags.
Small groups have a big advantage — flexibility. Agree on the day’s pace together and allow for coffee and photo breaks. When planning, leave a 30–60 minute buffer at each important stop (murals, viewpoints, cafés) so nobody feels rushed or exhausted.
For maximum comfort consider booking a table at a recommended restaurant for dinner (especially on weekends). For getting around the city use trams and short taxi rides; in small groups the cost splits conveniently.
Cafés and quick bites: for short breaks try Plac Nowy in Kazimierz for food stalls and local street food, and the many cafés in Kazimierz that offer a relaxed atmosphere between walks.
Dinner spots: choose restaurants known for local and modern cuisine — the Old Town and Kazimierz host several well-regarded places (book ahead for weekend evenings). For a view after a day on Krakus Mound, consider restaurants and bars along the Vistula boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane).
Accommodation: for small groups boutique hotels or well-rated apartments in the centre or Kazimierz work best — you’ll be close to most walks and the evening scene.
In Kraków murals are more than decoration — many were created in response to specific events or community initiatives. Paying attention to signatures and local context reveals that each piece often tells a story about the place and its people.
Krakus Mound is often less crowded than the city’s better-known viewpoints, so it’s a great spot for calm photos and a bit of reflection. Also note that some standout street art appears seasonally — local mural projects are sometimes refreshed or expanded.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — plan realistically and choose priorities. It’s better to see fewer things calmly than to rush through a long checklist.
Not checking opening hours for museums and eateries — book important tickets and tables in advance. This is especially true on weekends and in summer.
Assuming murals are only in the city centre — some of the most interesting works are located by former industrial sites and in side streets, especially in Podgórze.
Is this route suitable for children? Yes — most places are family-friendly, but adjust the pace and include regular breaks.
Is there a fee to climb Krakus Mound? Climbing the mound is free.
Do I need to book a guide? For small groups, a good plan is usually enough — but if you want deeper historical and artistic context, a private guide adds extra value. If you prefer a private guided experience, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the site.
Bring comfortable shoes and layers — the weather can change. Carry a powerbank for your phone because photos and maps drain batteries quickly.
When photographing street art, shoot from different angles — many murals gain depth when framed with surrounding architecture or people in the foreground.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media. And if you want to explore Kraków comfortably and your way, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on the site.
