Yes — you can. It just takes sensible planning: book tickets online, choose morning time slots, and where possible use free entry days or slots (usually with prior reservation). In this article you’ll find a concrete, visitor-friendly three-day plan plus practical tips on organising a visit to the Market Underground and taking part in a workshop at the Living Museum of the Obwarzanek without wasting time in queues. Everything is written plainly, like good city hospitality. :)
It’s worth starting with a short "must see" list: the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica), the Market Underground, Wawel (state rooms and crypts), Kazimierz, the Living Museum of the Obwarzanek — and a few great cafés and restaurants to rest in after a busy day of sightseeing.
The plan below allows time for relaxed visits, leaves room for coffee breaks, and gives guidance on when to reserve tickets to minimise waiting in lines.
Morning: start early at the Main Market Square — have breakfast in one of the cafés on the square and take a short walk around the Cloth Hall. Early hours help you avoid the biggest crowds and let you take nice photos without the throng.
Before noon: visit the Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku). Book your ticket online at least several days in advance — if you plan to visit on a Tuesday, check whether free-entry slots are available (these often require prior reservation). The visit usually takes about 60–90 minutes; groups meet near the Cloth Hall a few minutes before the start.
Afternoon: stroll around the Square, pop in for the legendary coffee at Noworolski or a dessert at Jama Michalika. If you want dinner in a popular place by the Market, reserve a table for the evening — nights can get busy.
Morning: visit Wawel — if you plan to enter the royal state rooms or the crypts, remember to reserve tickets online. Some free-entry slots also require tickets, which usually become available in advance (check the official reservation system).
Afternoon: walk the Vistula boulevards toward Kazimierz or relax on the Planty park. In Kazimierz take a stroll along Szeroka Street and taste local specialties at well-reviewed places.
Evening: dinner at a well-rated restaurant — if you want tradition and formality, consider places known for good reputation near the Market; if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, Kazimierz offers many atmospheric venues.
Morning: walk around Kazimierz — synagogues, cosy cafés and small galleries. It’s a great spot for a calm breakfast away from the biggest crowds.
Before noon: head to the Living Museum of the Obwarzanek. This interactive venue offers workshops where you can shape, boil briefly and bake your own obwarzanek, then take it home as a souvenir. Workshops last about an hour — book your spot in advance because session sizes are limited.
Afternoon: if you have time left — a short visit to the Planty park, last-minute souvenir shopping and a walk up the Town Hall Tower or a visit to any museum exhibition you still want to see.
Buy tickets online whenever possible — it’s the most reliable way to avoid long lines. Official sites and reservation systems are usually the most stable, but it’s worth comparing availability across authorised sellers.
Choose morning time slots and weekdays — museums and popular attractions are quietest right after opening and on weekdays. If you can, schedule the biggest attractions for the morning of your first available day.
Check promotions and free-entry days — some exhibitions and routes offer free admission on specific days, but these often still require prior reservation (a common example: some routes offer free Tuesday slots after reservation).
Consider timed-entry tickets — these guarantee you won’t have to queue before the chosen time. Last-minute availability is harder, so the earlier you book, the better.
This place was created to show the history and baking process of the Kraków obwarzanek in an interactive way. The practical part of the workshop includes shaping your own obwarzanek, briefly boiling it and baking it — afterwards you take your baked ring home as a keepsake.
Workshops usually last about an hour and are run so participants of different ages enjoy them. Information about allergens (flour, sesame) is available on site, so check this if someone in your group has food allergies.
Workshop fees are usually listed on the museum’s site — when planning your visit, reserve online because participant numbers per session are limited and popular slots sell out quickly, especially in the high season and during city events like Obwarzanek Day.
The Market Underground is a multimedia exhibition located directly under the Cloth Hall, showing the city’s historical layers — from medieval street foundations to archaeological remains. The route runs along glass walkways and ramps, which are an attraction in themselves.
A common rule is timed visits in groups, so online reservations give you an advantage. Some days offer free-entry slots, but even then prior reservation is usually required. Check current opening hours and entry rules before you go, as seasonal changes may occur.
The visit typically lasts about an hour; the route is well-signposted and extra attractions and family-friendly zones are prepared for children.
If you want a special lunch by the Market, consider the historic Wierzynek restaurant — it’s a classic and an experience in one. For coffee with atmosphere try Jama Michalika or Café Noworolski, both with rich histories and distinctive interiors.
For a cosy, relaxed café try Cafe Camelot — a snug place with character. For French-style pastries and breakfast we recommend Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) — fresh baked goods and good coffee are a great way to start the day.
In Kazimierz and the surrounding area you’ll find many well-reviewed places serving modern cuisine and local flavours — great for dinner after a day of sightseeing. It’s always wise to reserve a table for popular evening times.
Trying to enter the most popular attractions "on the fly" without reservations — the result can be long waits or no entry at all that day. Instead, book tickets in advance, especially in season.
Assuming that free entry means no registration — many free slots still require prior reservation. Check the rules on official pages and reservation systems.
Buying souvenirs only at the most touristy stalls — prices are often higher. Look for smaller shops off the Market or local markets where you can find nice souvenirs at better prices.
Poor time management — when planning several attractions in one day, leave buffer time for breaks and possible delays. That makes sightseeing more pleasant and less stressful.
Can I buy tickets for the Market Underground on site? Yes, but in high season it’s better not to take the risk — timed tickets sold online usually ensure faster entry.
Are the obwarzanek workshops suitable for children? Yes — it’s one of the activities children remember most. Workshops are family-friendly and last around an hour.
How much time should I allow for the Market Underground and Wawel? For the Market Underground plan about 60–90 minutes; for Wawel (depending on chosen routes) allocate 1 to 3 hours if you include the Cathedral, Treasury and Dragon’s Den.
What else should I check before arrival? Current opening hours, ticket requirements and information about special events (these often change availability).
The Kraków obwarzanek has over 600 years of tradition and a Protected Geographical Indication — it’s not just a street snack but part of the city’s culinary heritage.
Under the Market you can find fragments of streets and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages — a walk through the Underground is like a short journey through time, showing the city’s successive layers of history.
Local celebrations and initiatives occur in the city (for example Obwarzanek Day) — on such days you might enjoy free tastings, souvenirs and events, but places can also be much busier.
If this guide helped you plan your stay — share it with friends or on social media. We’re glad to know the information was useful.
If you would like someone to help refine your itinerary or lead a personalised tour of the city — we warmly recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). You can find contact details and information about her offer on her guide page — it’s a convenient option when you want stress-free sightseeing with local support. Good luck and enjoy your stay in Kraków!
