Krakow and Wieliczka are a mix of history, architecture and unusual experiences — from the royal Wawel and the lively Main Market to underground chambers carved from salt. For students and Erasmus participants it’s a great way to see “the essentials” quickly and take eye-catching photos for Instagram.
If your time is limited, a smart day plan works best: dedicate one larger attraction to a half-day (usually the Wieliczka Salt Mine) and spend the other half walking around the Old Town and Kazimierz. This helps you avoid rushing and lets you feel the atmosphere of both places.
06:30–08:00 - Wake up and a quick breakfast at your accommodation.
08:30–11:30 - Travel to Wieliczka, visit the Salt Mine (tourist route) - book tickets in advance.
12:30–14:00 - Return to Krakow, lunch near Plac Nowy or in Kazimierz (cheap and tasty options).
14:00–17:30 - Walk the Royal Route: Wawel - Kanonicza Street - Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Church, Cloth Hall) - Planty Park.
17:30–19:00 - Kazimierz: coffee or dinner, then enjoy the student vibe for an evening out or relax.
19:00+ - Optional concert, live-music bar or a peaceful walk along the Vistula.
Why this works - the Wieliczka tour takes about 2–3 hours plus travel time. Mornings usually have shorter ticket lines and fewer people underground.
How to get there - the fastest option is the train from the Main Railway Station to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station (about 20–30 minutes). Alternative: city bus 304, longer travel time. Check timetables and buy tickets in advance.
What to bring to Wieliczka: a warmer sweater, comfortable shoes, and your ID if you want student discounts. Booking online lets you skip long ticket lines.
Start at Wawel early to have time for the courtyard and a view over the Vistula. Then head to the Market Square and a quick lunch.
Watch opening hours - some exhibitions at Wawel and museums have limited hours; check them before you go.
If you choose Wieliczka in the afternoon, remember that the last admissions to the tourist route can be earlier, especially outside the high season.
Wawel - a climb onto the hill and a courtyard walk doesn’t take long, but if you plan to visit the Royal Chambers or the Cathedral allow extra time.
Royal Route - Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets lead straight to the Main Market; along the way you’ll pass historic churches and charming city corners.
Main Market Square - St. Mary’s Church (trumpet call), the Cloth Hall and the Underground Museum are must-sees. For students, we recommend shorter interior visits and more time to wander the area.
Public transport tickets - buy them in a mobile app, kiosk or ticket machine; buying single tickets on the go can waste time.
Train to Wieliczka - Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is convenient for tourists. Trains run frequently and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
Salt Mine reservations - book online for a specific time; on-site lines can be long, especially during the tourist season.
Discount cards - do you have an ISIC or a student ID? Use student discounts at museums and for some guided tours.
Plac Nowy - legendary zapiekanki and street food in Kazimierz — quick and budget-friendly.
Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) - great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for those who want to rest with a book or laptop.
Pod Wawelem - generous, traditional portions; a good place to try Polish cuisine on a student budget (watch out for large servings!).
Several cafés and bars on Kanonicza Street and Szeroka Street offer student-friendly prices - check the daily menu when you go in.
ID and student card - useful for discounts.
Small backpack, water, light sweater - it’s cooler underground in Wieliczka than on the surface.
Comfortable shoes - lots of walking on uneven surfaces and stairs (both in the mine and around Wawel).
Powerbank and camera/phone - lots of photos!
St. Kinga’s Chapel in Wieliczka is almost entirely made of salt - sculptures, altars and decorations are salt or covered with salt plates.
Wieliczka’s history goes back to the Middle Ages and it was one of the most important sources of “white gold” for Polish monarchs.
Krakow has many small, themed museums that often offer lower student prices and interesting exhibitions off the main tourist track.
Not booking Wieliczka tickets in advance - this can mean long waits or no spots at your preferred time.
Planning too many paid attractions in one day - it’s better to choose a few quality experiences than to rush from place to place.
Ignoring transport timetables - trams and trains can be crowded at peak times; check departures in advance.
Is one day enough? - Yes, if your goal is to see the highlights and get a feel for Krakow while visiting the Salt Mine. It will be an intense day but doable.
Do student discounts really work? - Yes, most museums and some attractions offer reduced prices with a student ID or ISIC card.
Is it comfortable to get around on foot? - Yes, Krakow’s center is largely walkable; to reach Wieliczka it’s best to go by train or bus.
Stay flexible - if you find a place you want to explore longer, skip a less important item on your list.
Meet a local student for coffee - you’ll learn about interesting non-touristy spots and better food prices.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other Erasmus students plan a great day in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a private guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized tours and practical advice. Contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
