You have just one day, and you want to show your partner the most beautiful parts of Krakow and still fit in Wieliczka? It’s possible — but you need a plan, predictability and a little flexibility. In this guide I describe a tried-and-true plan friendly to couples: classic morning attractions in Krakow, an afternoon visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and an atmospheric evening in Kazimierz. Practical tips are included so the day feels enjoyable rather than rushed.
Before we start: set the pace. Do you prefer an intense day full of must-see sights, or a slower walk with a few places to savour the city? My proposal is designed to satisfy most couples — a bit of history, a touch of atmosphere and time for a romantic meal.
A few quick facts useful for planning - Wieliczka lies close to Krakow and the trip usually takes about 30–40 minutes (depending on transport and traffic). The tourist route in the mine normally takes about 2–2.5 hours, and the temperature underground is steady and cooler, so bring a light jacket. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for the most popular attractions to avoid long lines.
Now to the details — below you’ll find a sample itinerary, descriptions of the main points of interest and practical tips specifically for couples. This plan was prepared especially for visitors who want to spend the day as a couple and enjoy it together.
Ready? Let’s go!
08:15 - 09:00 - Breakfast and departure: start the day with a hearty breakfast near Plac Matejki or the Main Market Square. Less time spent getting ready in the morning means more time for exploring.
09:00 - 11:00 - Old Town and Wawel: walk the Royal Route (Floriańska Gate - Floriańska Street - Main Market Square), make a short visit to St. Mary’s Basilica (or go inside if you have a reservation) and head to Wawel — courtyard and cathedral. This classic route is best seen early when the city still has that fresh morning atmosphere.
11:00 - 12:00 - Coffee break and light lunch: pick a small café or bistro — a chance to breathe and enjoy a good coffee. Try a local snack like an obwarzanek or a light soup.
12:00 - 12:40 - Travel to Wieliczka: head towards the salt mine. Travel time is usually around 30–40 minutes — plan some buffer for peak traffic hours.
13:00 - 15:30 - Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine: the tourist route takes about 2–2.5 hours. Don’t miss St. Kinga’s Chapel and the main salt chambers. Remember to bring a warmer layer for underground (temperature around 14–16°C).
15:30 - 16:15 - Return to Krakow: depending on traffic you’ll typically be back in about 30–40 minutes.
16:30 - 18:30 - Kazimierz and Plac Nowy: stroll through the atmospheric Jewish quarter, visit cafés and cozy bars, and explore charming alleys — perfect for afternoon flavours and photos.
19:00 - evening - Dinner and a romantic walk: end the day with candlelit dinner in one of Kazimierz’s intimate restaurants or by the Vistula River, then take a short walk along the Vistula boulevards.
Why go? The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site that amazes with its scale, salt sculptures and underground chapels — an experience unlike a typical museum.
Time and pace of the visit - the tourist route is a few kilometres long and includes many stairs (visitors often note a large number of steps to descend and climb). The whole tour usually takes about 2–2.5 hours. If you have mobility issues, plan ahead — some parts of the route are physically demanding.
Conditions underground - the temperature stays around 14–16°C, so even in summer bring a light jacket. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
Tickets and reservations - on popular days and at weekends it’s worth buying tickets in advance. Check available entry times and any restrictions for the day you plan to visit.
How to get there - from central Krakow you can reach Wieliczka by car, bus or train — travel typically takes about 30–40 minutes. If you plan to use public transport, check timetables on the day of travel.
Wawel - a must: the courtyard, cathedral, terraces with views over the Vistula and the Dragon’s Den make a great backdrop for memorable photos. A short visit inside is rewarding, but avoid an overly long program at Wawel if you want to make it to Wieliczka on time.
Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica - a walk across the Square is classic: Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower and the trumpet call from St. Mary’s. For couples I recommend early morning or late evening for particularly beautiful atmosphere.
Kazimierz - evening mood: after returning from Wieliczka, Kazimierz is ideal for dinner and a walk. Its atmospheric streets, small galleries and cozy eateries, plus Plac Nowy with its famous street snacks, create a special vibe.
Vistula Boulevards - if you still have energy, a short walk along the river is a lovely way to relax after a busy day. Sunsets over the Vistula can be very romantic.
Tip: don’t try to fit everything in. Better to see less with calm and pleasure than to rush through many places without stopping.
Morning start - a café by the Market Square or near Plac Matejki: I recommend beginning with a good coffee and a light breakfast in a small, cozy spot.
Lunch / light lunch - near Wawel or on the way to Wieliczka: choose something light so you’ll have energy for the underground visit. Avoid heavy, greasy meals before the mine tour.
Dinner - Kazimierz: the district is perfect for a candlelit romantic dinner. Pick a restaurant with an intimate atmosphere or a local bistro serving regional flavours. If you prefer a more casual ending, a tasty snack on Plac Nowy also has charm.
A small bonus for couples - take a dessert to go and enjoy a short walk along the Vistula Boulevards as a simple, charming way to close the day.
Important: reserve a table for the evening, especially on weekends — the best places fill up fast.
Book tickets in advance - this saves time and stress, especially for the salt mine and some interiors at Wawel.
Clothing and footwear - comfortable shoes, layered clothing (it’s cooler underground), a small backpack for personal items.
Time - allow extra time for travel and possible queues. It’s better to plan a shorter program than to be under time pressure.
Transport - if you use public transport, check schedules on the day of travel; if driving, allow time for city-centre parking.
Photos - the best light for photos in the Old Town is in the morning and late afternoon; Wawel and the Vistula Boulevards offer particularly nice photo opportunities.
Documents and reservation confirmations - tickets, any entry passes, ID.
Some cash and a card - handy for snacks, coffee or souvenirs.
Light jacket - especially for the visit to Wieliczka (the temperature underground is steady and lower than above ground).
Comfortable shoes - key to an enjoyable day.
Phone and powerbank - photos, navigation and quick contact.
A small elegant touch - a scarf, shirt or a pretty dress for the evening will make dinner feel even more special.
One day for Krakow and Wieliczka with your partner is a challenge, but also a fantastic adventure. The key is a realistic plan, advance ticket reservations, a comfortable pace and a willingness to make small compromises.
Focus on what matters most to you — whether that’s architecture and history, or romantic moments over coffee and dinner. Choose a few highlights rather than trying to see everything.
Finally — allow for small surprises: a stop for ice cream, a moment on a bench by the Vistula, or an impromptu toast with coffee in one of Krakow’s cafés. These little things turn the day into a shared memory rather than a checklist.
If you’d like, I can create a short, personalized version of this plan tailored to your pace, culinary preferences and the season. Tell me how you want to spend the day and I’ll design a route just for you.
Safe travels and happy sightseeing - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
