Yes — it’s possible, but it takes planning, an early start and a few compromises. If you want to see the essentials (Wawel, the Main Market, Kazimierz) and go down into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, expect an intense but very rewarding day. The key is choosing what to explore inside and what to view only from the outside — and booking your Wieliczka entry in advance so you don’t waste time in queues. This guide will help you plan the route step by step, with practical tips for students and Erasmus groups.
This text is written in an easy, friendly style — we focus on practical advice, a pace suited to young travelers and a few local recommendations for food and breaks.
Shall we start?
08:30–09:30 - Wawel and the Vistula boulevards: start the day with a visit to Wawel Hill. From the outside you can admire the castle, the cathedral and the dragon statue; if you want to go into the royal chambers or up the tower, add extra time and tickets.
09:30–11:00 - Main Market Square and surroundings: walk the Royal Route — Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (listen for the trumpet call at the top of the hour). A quick visit to the Rynek Underground only if you have a reserved ticket.
11:00–13:00 - Kazimierz: atmospheric streets of the former Jewish quarter, synagogues and memorial sites. This area is also a great spot for lunch — see the food and budget suggestions below.
13:00–13:30 - Return to the center and travel to Wieliczka: choose train, bus or taxi depending on your plan and your salt-mine reservation time.
14:00–17:00 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: the tourist route usually takes around 2–3 hours. It’s an incredible experience — salt chapels, sculptures and underground corridors.
17:00–18:00 - Return to Kraków and dinner: in the evening you can still pop in for coffee or a snack in Kazimierz or near the Market.
Why start at Wawel? Early hours mean smaller crowds and nicer light for photos. After a short walk around the hill, it’s pleasant to head down along the Vistula boulevards toward the Market — the route is pretty and doesn’t take long.
At the Market, allow a few moments for the Cloth Hall and a glance at St. Mary’s Basilica. If you only have one day, you don’t need to go inside everything — sometimes it’s better to soak up the atmosphere than to rush through every interior. Choose one attraction to explore inside (for example the Rynek Underground or Wawel) and view the rest from the outside.
Practical tip: if you want to enter museums or tour Wawel from the inside, buy tickets online in advance — you’ll save time and avoid queues.
Kazimierz is the perfect place for a lunch break and a short rest. Charming courtyards, many bars and cafés and historic synagogues create an unmatched atmosphere.
Where to eat (quick and student-friendly):
- Zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — a cheap, iconic choice for those short on cash and hungry after walking.
- If you want something a bit more relaxed: Starka (Kazimierz) — a cozy spot with local flavors; on the Market Square, Wierzynek is for a more formal or festive meal.
If you’re a group of Erasmus students, consider splitting tasks: some people stay for conversation and coffee while others do quick ‘sightseeing sprints’ — Kazimierz can be seen fast, but I recommend stopping at least 45–60 minutes to feel the vibe.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular attractions near Kraków — unique underground corridors, chapels and salt sculptures. The tourist route usually lasts around 2–3 hours, so plan travel time to and from the mine.
Booking and tickets: it’s best to buy your entry in advance — especially in season and on weekends. Students usually qualify for reduced tickets upon showing a student ID (check the rules and age limits when you buy).
Getting there: Wieliczka is close to Kraków — it takes roughly half an hour by car from the center, and public transport (train or bus) takes similar time depending on schedules. If you take the train, disembark at the station closest to the mine (check current timetables and the correct stop).
Underground the temperature is steady and cool — bring a light jacket or a layer, even in summer. There are many stairs and uneven surfaces; comfortable closed shoes are the best choice.
If you have claustrophobia or health issues (difficulty with stairs), check in advance whether the route is suitable for you. Many visitors are delighted, but the tour does require physical effort — it’s worth keeping that in mind.
Luggage: leave large suitcases in a left-luggage facility in Kraków or at the mine entrance — there is information on site about storage options for smaller items.
Transport planning saves the day: pick one method to reach Wieliczka (train/bus/taxi) and mentally reserve it for a specific time. Check timetables and buy tickets online when possible so you don’t waste time at ticket counters.
Attraction tickets: book ahead, especially for the salt mine and for museums that have limited entry. For students — carry your student ID, as it often gives you a discount.
One more reminder: during the tourist season (spring–autumn) it’s worth starting earlier than most organized groups — mornings are calmer.
- Comfortable shoes and a light jacket (it’s cooler underground).
- Student ID (if you want discounts).
- Water and a small snack — although the city has many places to buy food, having your own water helps keep the pace.
- Powerbank for your phone and an offline map (or a transport app).
- Small umbrella or rain jacket — Kraków’s weather can be changeable.
- Eat where locals eat: zapiekanki at Plac Nowy are a Kraków classic and inexpensive.
- Avoid entering every museum interior — pick one or two places to go inside and view the rest from outside. This way you’ll see more and spend less.
- Use public transport and combined plans (for example the train to Wieliczka) instead of taxis, unless you’re short on time and traveling in a small group — then a taxi can make sense.
Budget and quick: Zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — a Kraków classic, perfect for a stroll through Kazimierz.
Mid-range — atmospheric restaurants in Kazimierz: Starka is one option with local flavors; near the Market Square restaurants like Wierzynek offer a more formal experience.
Coffee and dessert: if you want to rest, look for cafés by the Market or in Kazimierz — Kraków’s cafés have a relaxed, student-friendly vibe and many stay open late.
Is one pair of shoes enough for the whole day? Yes, if they’re comfortable — you’ll do a lot of walking on cobblestones and a number of stairs in the mine.
Do I need to reserve Wieliczka in advance? Yes — especially on weekends and during the tourist season it’s best to have a confirmed entry time.
Do students get discounts? Yes — usually students up to a certain age (check the rules at purchase) receive a reduced ticket upon showing an ID.
What if the weather ruins plans? Kraków has many indoor options: museums, cafés and restaurants — if it rains you can shorten outdoor walks and spend more time inside a museum or a café, and the trip to Wieliczka won’t be much affected since the mine is underground.
'Cultural' variant (for museum lovers): choose one museum (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory or the National Museum) and instead of Kazimierz take a longer stroll around Podgórze or Salwator.
'Lazy' variant (for those who prefer a slower pace): skip Wieliczka and spend the afternoon discovering Kazimierz’s cafés, the Vistula boulevards and the Błonia meadows.
'Budget' variant: focus on walking the Royal Route and enjoy street food — you’ll see the heart of Kraków for little money.
Have a plan, but leave room for surprises — the best discoveries in Kraków often happen in side streets or during a spontaneous coffee break.
Remember your student ID — it’s often real savings. Book entries in advance, especially for Wieliczka, to avoid stress and queues.
And finally — have fun. Kraków and Wieliczka can enchant even those who visit for just one day. If one day isn’t enough (and it probably won’t be), treat this trip as an invitation to come back.
