Spring in Kraków is a special time: the city wakes up, flowers appear in parks and on the Planty, and the Vistula boulevards invite leisurely riverside walks. Two days are enough to soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town, see Wawel, dive into the vibe of Kazimierz and spend an evening by the river — without rushing, with time for coffee and a good dinner. This plan combines the main sights with outdoor relaxation and local flavours.
Below you’ll find practical tips, food recommendations and alternatives in case the weather or mood changes. If you’d like a deeper historical experience filled with stories, you can book a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz prepares tailored routes and is available through her guide page.
Start at Wawel in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Buy tickets for the Royal Apartments and the Cathedral in advance or arrive early to visit the Courtyard and the Wawel Hill surroundings. Don’t miss the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama). If the weather is good, a riverside walk under the castle is a first encounter with the boulevards.
In the afternoon, walk through the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and parts of the Planty. Stop for coffee at one of the well-liked cafés near the Square — many popular places are busy, so consider reserving an evening table if you have a special spot in mind. An afternoon walk through the Planty will bring you conveniently to the starting point of the boulevards.
In the evening, descend to the Vistula Boulevards and you’ll feel a different energy: newly restored riverbanks, walking paths and many places to sit by the water. In spring the boulevards are often opened in stages — check before you travel which sections are available. It’s a perfect place for sunset and relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Begin your day in Kazimierz: synagogues, atmospheric streets, cafés and market flavours. Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy are the district’s heart — ideal for breakfast or brunch. Try local specialties and small cafés that get the best reviews from visitors.
In the afternoon take a longer walk along the Vistula: from Kazimierz you can reach the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka), continue toward Podgórze or return toward Wawel. The boulevards have separate walking and cycling lanes, which makes moving around easy and pleasant for families.
In the evening consider dinner at one of Kraków’s acclaimed restaurants — the city has a strong food scene, from Michelin-listed spots to accessible award-winning places. Booking ahead is a good habit, especially on weekends.
Spring weather in Kraków can be changeable: cool in the morning, sunny in the afternoon and windy in the evening by the river. Dress in layers and bring a light waterproof jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the cobbles in the Old Town and uneven surfaces demand sturdy footwear. A small water bottle and a phone powerbank are useful, especially if you use maps and take many photos.
If you plan to visit Wawel’s royal rooms or museums, check opening hours and admission rules — in the tourist season it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance. For public transport travellers: trams and buses connect the city well, but the most pleasant way to explore the centre is on foot.
Kraków’s dining scene is varied: from elegant, award-winning restaurants to cosy cafés and modern bistros. For a memorable dinner close to Wawel, consider restaurants such as Pod Nosem on Kanonicza Street — a charming spot near the castle that serves traditional Polish cuisine with a refined touch.
In Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés and small restaurants perfect for brunch or a relaxed lunch. Popular places include Café Camelot with its cosy interior and Mleczarnia with its famous courtyard beer-garden near Plac Nowy — both are great for a coffee, cake or light meal.
For accommodation pick a central location: Old Town, Kazimierz or near the boulevards. Boutique hotels and well-rated guesthouses often include breakfast, which helps when you’re planning a packed weekend of walking and sightseeing.
An overly tight schedule. Trying to see “everything” in two days leads to exhaustion and shallow stops. Choose a few highlights and spend more time at them.
Not booking Wawel tickets or restaurant tables. In season, tickets and popular restaurant bookings fill up quickly — reserve in advance if you want specific times.
Ignoring the weather. Spring can be capricious — have a backup plan for rain (museums, cafés, indoor attractions).
Careless use of shared bikes and paths. Boulevards have designated walking and cycling lanes; pay attention to signs and other users to avoid collisions.
Early morning by the Vistula — if you wake up early, the boulevards are quiet and empty, and the view of Wawel from the opposite bank has a special charm.
Small galleries and studios around Zabłocie and Podgórze — great places to see contemporary local creativity and escape the tourist bustle.
Check local events. In spring there are often themed walks and outdoor events — joining one is a great way to discover the city from a new perspective.
Are two days enough? Yes — two days are enough to see the main highlights and feel the city’s atmosphere if your plan is realistic and you don’t try to chase everything.
Are the boulevards open in spring? The opening of boulevard sections in spring is often gradual — check before arrival which stretches are accessible and which events are scheduled.
How to get from the airport? The fastest options are public transport or a taxi. If you travel with large luggage, consider an airport transfer or taxi. In the centre walking is often the quickest and most pleasant way to get around.
Should I reserve tables? For dinner at popular, highly rated restaurants — yes, it’s worth reserving. For breakfast and coffee you can usually walk in spontaneously.
If you want your visit to Kraków to be richer with stories about the city, its monuments and lesser-known places, feel free to get in touch — private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will happily prepare a route tailored to your interests.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a great weekend in Kraków. Wishing you a wonderful stay and many pleasant walks by the Vistula!
