Can you feel the heart of Kraków, visit St. Mary's Basilica and see the engaging exhibition at Schindler's Factory in three days? Yes — but a well-planned itinerary and a few practical choices make the difference between chaos and a truly great weekend. This guide shows recommended routes, when to buy tickets, what to skip, and what to make sure to include.
First impression: the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is an excellent starting point for anyone visiting Kraków for a few days. From there most major sights are within walking distance, and Schindler’s Factory or the Wieliczka Salt Mine are easy to reach by public transport or taxi.
Start your morning with a walk around the Main Market Square before the crowds arrive. Visit St. Mary's Basilica, admire the Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), and try to listen to the hejnał (trumpet signal) played from the tower on the hour — it's a Kraków tradition worth experiencing.
The church opens selected parts of the building for visitors (the presbytery with the altarpiece) at set times; on weekends and in high season queues are common, so allow time for ticket purchase and security checks. If you want to climb one of the towers for the view, check tower opening hours and group limits — tower visits run at scheduled times and often have a separate fee.
Spend the afternoon at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Market Underground — a great complement to the historical picture of the center. In the evening choose one of the recommended restaurants near the Market or in atmospheric Kazimierz and rest before the next day.
Begin at Wawel: the courtyard, the Cathedral, and — if time allows — a visit to the Treasury or the Royal Chambers. Keep in mind that some parts of Wawel require separate tickets and have entry limits, so plan with time to spare.
In the afternoon head to Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter. Walk the streets, visit synagogues and cemeteries, and if you want deeper historical context, plan a short visit to local museums or exhibitions. Kazimierz is also excellent for dinner — you'll find many well-reviewed restaurants and cozy bars.
In the evening consider returning to Plac Nowy or to one of the cafes to soak up the local atmosphere.
Day three is ideal for exploring Podgórze and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory. This site tells the story of Kraków during the occupation and is one of the city's most visited attractions. The exhibition “Kraków — Occupation 1939–1945” offers layered narratives with reconstructions and multimedia — allocate at least 1.5–2 hours for the permanent display.
Schindler's Factory tickets: the museum sells tickets online in advance (often up to 90 days before visit) and also has limited tickets at the ticket office for the nearest available slot. The museum sometimes offers free admission on a designated day and occasionally has closure days — always check opening times before arriving.
If you have the afternoon left, consider a short trip to Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa), a walk along the Vistula, or a return to the Market for last-minute shopping and photos.
Schindler's Factory: online tickets usually go on sale well in advance (commonly up to 90 days) and can sell out quickly in high season; individual and group entries are released for different time slots, and the museum enforces entry limits. The museum sometimes has a free-entry day but always verify current rules and availability before your visit.
St. Mary's Basilica: a portion of the church is open to visitors at set times; tower access for views and participation in the hejnał may require separate tickets. On Sundays and religious holidays visiting arrangements can change — if you want to see the altarpiece closely, check opening times and when the presbytery is accessible.
General advice: many popular sites limit entries and have fixed last-admission times — buy tickets online when possible, and have a plan B in case a time slot is sold out.
Around the Market and in Kazimierz you'll find both regional restaurants and modern bistros. A few frequently recommended places to consider: Pod Aniołami (Polish cuisine in a historic interior), Cafe Camelot (a cozy cafe near the Market), Starka (popular in Kazimierz with local dishes) and Sant'Antioco (a well-regarded Italian bistro).
Avoid booking the first restaurant you see right on the Market without checking reviews — in the very center there are tourist spots with high prices and average quality. If you're after traditional pierogi, check reviews or ask hotel staff or locals for recommendations.
If you want dinner with a view, restaurants with terraces around the Cloth Hall offer atmosphere, but expect higher prices.
The most convenient place for a 3-day stay is the center (Old Town) — from the Market most attractions are within walking distance. Kazimierz is a great option if you value atmosphere and nightlife, while Podgórze offers a quieter vibe with easy access to Schindler's Factory.
If you travel by car, look for accommodation with parking — spaces in the strict center are limited and expensive. Boutique hotels and apartments in historic townhouses offer charm, but book ahead in season.
For families: apartments with a kitchen and good tram connections are practical. For couples or those seeking comfort: a 4-star hotel in the center or near Wawel gives easy access to main attractions.
Not booking Schindler's Factory tickets in advance — this often leads to frustration because slots can sell out early in the season. Buy online in advance or arrive early and try for same-day tickets at the ticket office for the nearest time.
Assuming everything in the Old Town is open all day — some museums have closed days, shorter hours, or breaks. Always check opening hours the day before you plan to visit.
Eating only at restaurants right on the Market — by choosing places a little further away (for example in Kazimierz or Sławkowska Street) you'll often find better value and a more interesting atmosphere.
The altarpiece in St. Mary's Basilica is one of the largest Gothic works in Central Europe — carved by Veit Stoss, its masterful sculptures impress even those who aren't usually drawn to sacred art.
Schindler's Factory is more than the film's setting — the museum exhibition reconstructs the atmosphere of occupied Kraków and combines Polish, Jewish and German perspectives to give a broad picture of the city's wartime history.
The hejnał from St. Mary's tower cuts off abruptly — this is part of the legend about a 14th‑century town watchman. Even if you don't understand the melody's words, it's worth pausing to listen.
Do I need to buy tickets to St. Mary's Basilica in advance? Not always — parts of the basilica are visited at set times and tickets are often available on site, but in season it's wise to arrive earlier to avoid queues.
Is Schindler's Factory suitable for children? The exhibition deals with difficult historical subjects but presents a narrative adapted for various audiences; if you travel with younger children, consider whether the content is appropriate for them.
How long should I plan for visiting Schindler's Factory? Recommended 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibition, longer if you join a guided tour or use additional materials.
Plan morning visits to the most crowded sites (St. Mary's, the Market Underground, Schindler's Factory) and leave afternoons for neighborhood walks and coffee breaks.
Install an offline-capable map app or carry a paper map — in the crowded center GPS signal can sometimes be less precise.
To avoid restaurant queues on weekends, book a table in advance.
If this plan was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. You can also save this article, send the link, and return to it while preparing your trip to Kraków.
If you prefer to explore Kraków with a private, personalized guided tour, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Kraków!
