Yes — four days is a great amount of time to visit the key monuments, feel the atmosphere of different neighborhoods and leave room for local discoveries. Good planning is important: don’t try to see everything at once; pick priorities and pace yourself according to your interests. Below you’ll find a practical day-by-day plan, logistical tips and a few culinary recommendations worth including.
I’ll also point out how to avoid common tourist mistakes and where to book tickets in advance — this will save you time and nerves.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city inside out, at the end of the article there’s information about the option to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Start at Wawel — preferably in the morning before large groups arrive. A walk around the castle courtyards, a visit to the cathedral and a stroll across the Hill give excellent historical context for the whole stay. From Wawel you can easily walk down to the river boulevards and then head along the Royal Route toward the Market Square.
At the Main Market Square visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), go up to the viewing terrace and plan a visit to St. Mary's Basilica if you like sacred art — the altarpiece by Veit Stoss is one of the biggest attractions. Remember: the trumpeter's call (the hejnał) sounds on the hour and is a nice moment to stop and listen. In the afternoon reserve time for the Rynek Underground or a walk around the Planty — a good way to rest after an intense day.
In the evening it’s worth going to Kazimierz for dinner — this district has the most atmospheric restaurants and bars. Recommended and well-tested places include Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine), Starka (traditional Polish dishes in a cosy setting) and Massolit Books & Cafe if you fancy a good coffee and a book. Booking a table for weekend evenings is a good idea.
Dedicate the second day to immersing yourself in the history and vibe of Kazimierz and Podgórze. Kazimierz is full of synagogues, narrow streets, cosy cafés and street-food classics — the zapiekanki on Plac Nowy are a must-stop for many visitors.
Cross the bridge to Podgórze, visit the Ghetto Heroes Square and see sites connected with 20th-century history. If this topic interests you, plan a visit to Schindler’s Factory (it’s worth buying tickets in advance). Give yourself time for a slower walk and discovering murals, small galleries and local craft shops.
In the evening you can return to Kazimierz or use the Vistula boulevards — a beautiful place for sunset with views of Wawel and the bridges. For dinner consider places popular with locals: Pod Aniołami (classic Polish cuisine near Wawel) or the many well-liked spots on Szeroka Street.
On the third day you can choose between two options: a trip to Wieliczka or exploring museums and less obvious attractions in the city. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is about a 30–40 minute journey from the center and is an attraction that can be easily combined with an afternoon in Kraków. The tourist route usually takes around 2–3 hours, so plan for half a day.
If you prefer to stay in the city, visit museums such as the National Museum, the Czartoryski Museum (if exhibitions are open) or the Polish Aviation Museum (for those interested in technology). Another option is the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden or a quiet afternoon in the parks (the Planty, Jordan Park).
If you go to Wieliczka — buy tickets online in advance and check the guide schedules. Pay attention to travel time and return tickets; after coming back you can spend the evening enjoying a dinner with regional flavours.
The fourth day is perfect for contrast: visit Ojcowski National Park to see picturesque valleys, the Hercules Club rock formation and caves if the weather is good. It’s a short drive from Kraków and a great option for nature lovers.
Alternatively, spend the day in Nowa Huta — its socialist-realist architecture, Central Square and local cafés create a distinct and interesting part of the city. This is for those who want to see a different dimension of Kraków beyond the Old Town and Kazimierz.
If you prefer a slower pace, keep this day for favourites from earlier days, souvenir shopping at Stary Kleparz and gentle walks along the Planty. On your last evening choose a restaurant with a good regional menu and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Buy tickets to the most popular attractions in advance: Wawel (some exhibitions), the Rynek Underground, Schindler’s Factory and the Wieliczka Salt Mine often have limited slots. Online reservations help you avoid long queues.
Kraków is very walkable — the centre can be explored on foot. For farther destinations (Wieliczka, Nowa Huta, Ojcowski National Park) use regional trains, buses or short organised trips. Trams and buses in the city run reliably; consider a time-based ticket (for example 24 hours) if you plan several journeys in a day.
Watch opening hours for museums — many close on Mondays. Also check seasonal hours because they can vary. Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and hill walks are the norm.
If you want to try traditional Polish cuisine in a representative setting, consider Pod Aniołami near Wawel or Wierzynek on the Market Square (check menus and prices in advance). In Kazimierz, Hamsa and Starka are popular and highly rated — good choices for an evening of local flavours.
For breakfast good cafés include Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe; for bakery goods and French-style pastries choose Charlotte. If you need a place with a working atmosphere, many city cafés offer free Wi‑Fi and a pleasant environment.
It’s best to stay in the centre (near the Market Square, Kazimierz or Kleparz) — that way most attractions are within walking distance. If you prefer a quieter stay, consider the Dębniki district or nearby Bronowice, but remember travel will take more time.
Surprising fact: the Planty is not a single park — it’s a belt of greenery created on the site of the former city walls and still fully surrounds the historic centre. Walking the Planty gives you a special sense of the city’s layout.
Common mistake 1: trying to “check off” too many attractions in one day. It’s better to see less and feel more. Common mistake 2: not booking tickets where space is limited — that costs time. Common mistake 3: booking accommodation far from the centre without checking transport connections — you lose time on commuting.
How to avoid them: plan realistically, buy tickets in advance and reserve tables at popular restaurants for the evening. Early-morning visits to Wawel or quick entry to St. Mary’s Basilica will help you avoid the largest crowds.
Do I have to book tickets to Wawel? - For some exhibitions and chambers, yes — especially in season; check current info and buy tickets in advance.
Is it worth going to Wieliczka? - Yes, if you’re interested in a unique UNESCO attraction and have half a day. For some visitors it’s a must; others prefer more time in Kraków itself.
How to get around the city? - Best on foot in the centre; for longer trips use trams, buses or regional trains. Buy time-based tickets if you plan several rides in a day.
Is Kraków safe? - Generally yes; as in any big city, watch out for pickpockets in crowded places and keep an eye on your belongings at the Market Square and on public transport.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on your profiles — it’s the best way to help other travellers plan. If you’d like someone to guide you step by step through Kraków and tell stories you won’t find in guidebooks, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck with planning and bring wide, comfortable shoes — Kraków likes to be discovered slowly! If you want, I can prepare a condensed printable checklist or adapt the route to your interests (museums, food, photography). Let me know how you prefer to explore.
