Yes — you can see the main sights and get a taste of the city’s culinary side over a long weekend if you plan your time well. In practice it’s worth splitting the itinerary so one day is for the Old Town and nearby areas, a second for Kazimierz and specialty cafes, and the third for a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This layout helps avoid rushing and leaves room for a dessert and some relaxation over excellent coffee. The May holiday brings more tourists, so bookings and buying tickets for attractions in advance are key to a smooth trip.
In this article you’ll find a concrete day-by-day plan, a list of recommended cafes and patisseries with short descriptions, and practical tips about Wieliczka tickets, how to get there, and common mistakes to avoid. If you’d like, I can shorten the plan and prepare a printable map of points to visit.
Day 1: Old Town and the Market Square - in the morning stroll around the Main Market Square, see St. Mary’s Basilica from the outside (the interior can be crowded), visit the Cloth Hall, and have lunch at a locally recommended restaurant. Spend the afternoon walking the Planty park. After lunch, take a sweet break: visit Słodki Kazimierz (a cozy patisserie near Kazimierz) or another well-rated bakery on the Square — it’s a perfect moment for a creamy cheesecake or a local cake.
Day 2: Kazimierz and specialty cafes - morning in Kazimierz: old synagogues, atmospheric streets and galleries. During the day plan to visit two or three specialty cafes: coffee plus a small dessert makes for pleasant breaks between sightseeing. Recommended stops include Body Espresso (great espresso and cheesecake), Pop Up Coffee Shop (coffee from rotating roasters), and Trzy Kawki (wide selection of homemade cakes). In the evening enjoy dinner in the Kazimierz area, for example along Szeroka or on Plac Nowy.
Day 3: Wieliczka - travel in the morning to the Salt Mine (train or car takes about 20–30 minutes). Book tickets in advance — the Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours. Remember to bring a light jacket for the underground (temperature around 14–16°C) and wear comfortable shoes. After returning to Kraków stop for a final coffee and dessert at a cafe near the station or on the Market Square.
Buy tickets only from the mine’s official website or at the ticket office — during holidays and the May long weekend both group and individual tickets sell out quickly. Prices vary by season and by route (Tourist Route, Miners’ Route and special themed routes).
Plan around 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route; if you also want to visit the graduation tower or relax nearby, allow extra time. The mine has rules such as restrictions on large luggage (there is a left-luggage facility at the entrance) and policies on animals (only assistance dogs are usually allowed).
The underground temperature stays fairly steady — about 14–16°C — so even in May bring a light jacket or sweater. Stairs and walking may be tiring for people with limited mobility — check accessibility information and alternative routes in advance.
The easiest: take a local train from Kraków Główny to the Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station — the journey is roughly 20–25 minutes, then a short walk to the entrance. Alternatively you can take city bus 304 or drive (note limited parking near the entrance).
Expect bigger crowds during the May holiday — trains run frequently but it’s smart to travel in the morning to avoid the busiest times and have more relaxed sightseeing. You can buy tickets at machines or at the station, but during holidays it’s better to have a pre-purchased ticket printed or on your phone.
Kraków has many places that combine great beans with distinctive desserts. Here’s a selection of spots highly rated by locals and visitors — ideal for a break between sights.
Body Espresso - a small coffee workshop with very well-prepared espresso and a recommended cheesecake. Perfect for those who love classic, expertly made coffee.
Pop Up Coffee Shop - a small, energetic spot serving coffee from rotating roasters; great for quick specialty coffees and seasonal drinks (for example matcha latte with fruit purée).
Słodki Kazimierz - a patisserie and cafe in the heart of Kazimierz, known for a wide selection of cakes, tortes and desserts; a great place for a sweet stop after a walk.
Trzy Kawki - a friendly neighbourhood cafe with homemade baked goods; ideal for a relaxed afternoon coffee.
Wesoła Cafe - a cafe with a laid-back atmosphere, a broad coffee menu and homemade sweets, good for longer breaks and breakfast.
Urban Coffee and Karma Coffee Roastery - spots for specialty coffee fans where the barista can tell you about the beans and brewing methods.
Chimney Cake Bakery - a quick sweet option for a street dessert (trdelnik / chimney cake) that works well as a snack while sightseeing.
When choosing a place look at reviews, the baristas’ passion and seasonal dessert offers. During a long weekend some cafes may have different opening hours, so check ahead.
Kraków-style cheesecake may differ from what you expect — it’s often very creamy and served with seasonal fruit or sauces; try it in a local patisserie rather than opting for a generic 'tourist dessert'.
Wieliczka is not only salt chambers and carved sculptures — along the museum route you’ll see displays about the history of Kraków’s salt works and ongoing conservation projects that reveal the scale of work done underground.
In many Kraków specialty cafes baristas enjoy talking about the coffee’s origin — if you have time, ask about single-origin beans and try a pour-over. It’s an easy way to broaden your taste beyond a standard cappuccino.
Buying Wieliczka tickets from third parties or resellers - many disappointments come from fake offers and inflated prices. Buy only from the official site or at the mine’s ticket office.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day - holiday crowds and weekend lines often slow things down. It’s better to plan fewer stops and enjoy them calmly.
Not reserving a table at a popular cafe or restaurant - during a long weekend many places fill up; if you have a specific cafe or dessert spot in mind for the evening, call or book ahead.
Do I need a timed ticket for Wieliczka? Yes — online tickets are usually for a specific entry time. Arrive a little early to collect tickets, use restrooms or leave luggage.
Is the Salt Mine wheelchair accessible? Some routes are limited — if you need accessibility arrangements, check the specific route’s information before buying tickets and contact the mine staff.
How much does a ticket to Wieliczka cost? Prices depend on the season and the chosen route. Check the current pricing on the mine’s official website and buy tickets in advance — popular dates can sell out during the May holiday.
Kraków in three days can be intensive but very rewarding: monuments, Kazimierz, specialty cafes and a visit to the salt mine make a full programme that balances history and pleasure. By planning ahead — especially buying Wieliczka tickets — and leaving some space for coffee and dessert, you’ll have a trip you’ll remember.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with a local guide, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — details and contact information are available on the guide’s page. Enjoy your trip and bon appétit!
