Yes — you can! Three full days let you see Kraków’s main sights, feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz and stroll around Wawel, and with good planning you can add a short visit to Wadowice (the hometown of Pope John Paul II) — especially if you book a half-day trip or use a transfer. An electric golf cart is a comfortable way to cover more ground quickly and give your feet a rest between walks.
Below I offer a practical 3-day plan, logistics options for visiting Wadowice, tips for booking and using a golf cart in Kraków, plus a checklist and FAQ to make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
This guide is written for visitors to Kraków — if you’d like I can adapt the plan to your pace (more walking, fewer museums) or make a family-friendly version.
Day 1 - Old Town and Wawel: start at St. Florian’s Gate and walk the Royal Route, visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and Market Square, climb St. Mary’s Tower for a view if you wish, then in the afternoon head to Wawel — Cathedral, Castle and the castle terraces. In the evening enjoy dinner near the Market or in the atmospheric Kazimierz district.
Day 2 - Kazimierz, Podgórze and a golf cart ride: morning walk in Jewish Kazimierz (synagogues, cozy cafés, Plac Nowy), then a reserved golf cart ride — plan 1–2 hours to cover Old Town and Kazimierz. In the afternoon visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory (museum) or take a leisurely stroll along the Vistula River boulevards.
Day 3 - Half-day trip to Wadowice + free afternoon: depart in the morning for Wadowice — visit the Family Home of John Paul II museum and the basilica, and don’t miss the famous cream cake (kremówka). Return in early afternoon for last-minute shopping, coffee and a farewell walk.
Logistics note: Wadowice is about 50 km from Kraków — driving usually takes ~1 hour; by bus or transfer expect 1–1.5 hours depending on the connection. If time is tight, choose a private transfer or an organized half-day tour to maximize time on site.
Highlights: the Family Home of John Paul II museum (Dom Rodzinny Jana Pawła II), the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the market, a walk around the market square and a stop at a local bakery to try the famous kremówka (cream cake).
How much time to allocate: half a day (around 4–5 hours including travel) is enough for a relaxed visit to the museum and a coffee with a kremówka. To see more of the surroundings (for example the monastery “Na Górce” or the Pope’s oak) plan a full day.
How to get there: best options are a private car or a transfer/tour from Kraków for speed and convenience, or regional buses which run regularly. Timetables change seasonally, so check schedules before you go.
Practical tip: in high season, weekends and during pilgrimages there can be queues at the museum and bakeries. To avoid crowds choose early morning or late morning hours.
What is a golf cart? An electric, small vehicle seating about 4–8 people used for short tourist rides in the city center. It lets you see key points quickly without long walks — ideal for people with limited mobility or tight schedules.
Typical routes and duration: short rides of 45–60 minutes around the Old Town; 1–1.5 hour routes connecting Old Town and Kazimierz; and longer options up to 2–3 hours. Routes usually include major sights and allow brief stops for photos.
Booking and prices: book in advance, especially in season. Prices vary by operator and length — often charged per vehicle or per person. Check reservation terms and cancellation policy.
Practical considerations: - Ask about passenger limits, weather-related limitations and whether the driver can stop at chosen points. - Bring a light jacket — carts are often open or lightly covered. - If you prefer a Polish commentary, confirm the language when booking; some offers include an audio guide or a Polish-speaking driver.
In Kraków (Old Town / Kazimierz): - For breakfast or coffee: Cafe Camelot (a cozy café in the Old Town) and several bakeries and boulangeries near the Market Square. - For lunch/dinner: traditional Polish restaurants near the Market and around Wawel; Kazimierz has many intimate restaurants with international and local dishes. - Snack: zapiekanki on Plac Nowy are a Kazimierz classic.
In Wadowice: don’t miss the kremówka — look for a local patisserie on the market square. The center also has cafés and small restaurants serving local dishes. In season, pick a place with a view of the basilica and the square.
Tip: if you plan to eat at a specific restaurant in Wadowice or Kraków during peak hours, reserve a table in advance — popular places can fill up.
Tickets and reservations: museums, especially the Family Home of John Paul II, may have limited entry times — buy tickets or reserve a time in advance during high season.
Weather: bring warm clothing in autumn and winter — evenings can be chilly. Golf carts are most pleasant in warmer weather; in rain consider an enclosed tour or a traditional walk with an umbrella.
Getting around: in central Kraków it’s easiest to explore on foot or by golf cart. For Wadowice check bus timetables or book a private transfer or drive. Parking in Kraków center can be limited — plan accordingly.
Payments and tipping: most places accept cards, but small cash is handy for a kremówka or a zapiekanka. A tip of about 5–10% is customary for good service.
Is a golf cart ride safe? Yes — these are low-speed vehicles driven by trained drivers. Follow the driver’s instructions and avoid getting off on busy streets.
Is Wadowice worth visiting if I’m not religious? Yes — Wadowice offers history, local culture and a well-curated museum that presents context beyond the purely religious aspect.
Will a golf cart be able to reach every corner of the center? No — very narrow streets and certain zones may be off-limits. Operators plan routes to avoid restricted areas; ask for the exact route when booking.
How long does a trip to Wadowice from Kraków usually take? A half-day trip typically takes 4–6 hours including travel time. To see more of the area, book a full day.
- Check and reserve tickets for popular attractions when possible.
- Book your golf cart ride in advance for the high season.
- If going to Wadowice, check bus timetables or reserve a private transfer.
- Pack comfortable shoes, a small backpack, a rain jacket and a phone charger.
- Carry some cash for small purchases (and a kremówka!).
Have a great trip — Kraków and its surroundings have so much to offer, and a well-planned weekend can create wonderful memories!
If you’d like me to tailor this plan to your interests (history, food, photography) — write to me and I’ll prepare a version with exact times and recommended spots. From experience: - The best photos of the Market Square are taken early in the morning before the crowds arrive. - The kremówka tastes best in Wadowice when you can sit and watch local life on the square. - A golf cart is a great way to get an overview on your first day, then return on foot to explore details later.
I’m available to advise on routes and help with bookings for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I’ll be happy to suggest timings and reserve places.
Safe travels and see you in Kraków!
