Kraków is compact: the main sights lie close to each other, many public spaces and viewpoints are free to visit, and some museums offer free entry on selected days. With a good plan and comfortable shoes you can feel the city’s atmosphere in two days, see Wawel, the Main Market Square, Kazimierz and even catch a view from one of the city mounds — all without spending a fortune.
This guide shows a realistic two-day plan for exploring with your cousin, focusing on low-cost and free attractions, practical tips, a few food suggestions and common mistakes to avoid. If you want a more personalized route, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private guiding services (contact details are available on the site).
Start early — mornings are nicest and the crowds come later. Enter near the Florian Gate and walk the Royal Route: the Barbican, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. A stroll around the Square is free and full of photo opportunities.
Allow at least 2-3 hours for Wawel. The castle courtyards and the Cathedral are a great introduction to Polish history, and walking the castle walls and terraces costs little or nothing depending on which exhibitions you choose to enter. If you plan to visit specific halls or the underground exhibitions, buy tickets in advance to save time.
In the evening head to Kazimierz for dinner. This neighborhood comes alive after dark — atmospheric streets, cafés and bars make for a pleasant end to a day of walking. If you prefer a quieter, private view, a short walk to the Vistula riverside boulevards at dusk is a lovely option.
Begin at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz — try a local zapiekanka or sit down for coffee in one of the recommended cafés. Walk among the synagogues and side streets where you’ll find small galleries and craft workshops.
In the afternoon walk along the Vistula, cross the Bernatek Footbridge to Podgórze and admire Wawel’s panorama from the opposite bank. If your budget allows and you want to go outside the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is about an hour away and makes an attractive option; note that it usually requires tickets and several hours to visit.
If you prefer a completely low-budget day, walk up one of the mounds (Kopiec Krakusa, Kopiec Kościuszki) — access is usually free and the city panoramas reward the climb. For relaxation consider the Vistula boulevards or Błonia meadow for a picnic.
Many public places in Kraków are free and wonderful to explore: the Main Market Square, Planty Park, the Vistula boulevards, the city mounds and walking routes in Kazimierz and Podgórze. These are perfect options when you want to keep costs down but still feel the city.
Take advantage of museum free-entry days. Many museums set one day a week with free admission to permanent exhibitions. Days and rules vary between institutions, so check the current calendar of a specific museum before your visit — this can save money and let you see indoor spaces that normally charge admission.
Remember that parts of Wawel and popular exhibitions like the Market Square Underground are often paid and have limited entry. Even on a tight budget it’s smart to reserve one or two tickets online to avoid spending time in queues.
To eat well on a budget, look for places a block or two off the Market Square — streets 100-200 metres from the main promenade often hide small family restaurants and milk bars. A bar mleczny (milk bar) is an excellent way to get a cheap, home-style meal and authentic flavors.
For coffee and sweets try well-reviewed cafés known for atmosphere and quality. For a quick lunch in Kazimierz, the stalls and small shops around Plac Nowy serve zapiekanki and grab-and-go snacks. In the evening, if you want something a bit nicer, choose a restaurant in Kazimierz or near Wawel — reservations are recommended on weekends.
Don’t forget to try an obwarzanek from a street vendor — a local classic that’s cheap, filling and often sold right by the main tourist spots.
Planty is a green belt planted where the medieval defensive walls once stood — a walk through Planty is literally a walk through the city’s history. This ring of greenery is perfect for a short breather between sights.
Many viewpoints in Kraków are free to reach: the mounds, the Vistula boulevards and some church terraces offer great panoramas. Sometimes a higher floor in an unexpected spot gives you that 'bird’s-eye' photo.
On certain weekdays some museums offer free entry to permanent exhibitions — this is the result of both local institutional policy and national museum regulations. Timing your visits to match these schedules can bring significant savings.
Assuming you can 'see everything' in a rush is a typical mistake. It’s better to choose a few priorities and spend time with them than to chase a long checklist without pausing to taste the city.
Not planning meals or failing to reserve at popular evening spots can lead to long waits. Have a plan B with a few restaurant options or check whether you can reserve a table in advance.
Ignoring free museum days or not checking opening hours can ruin your plans. Check the hours of your chosen sites a day before and keep alternatives in mind if a place is closed.
The city center is best explored on foot — distances between sights are small. For longer trips use public transport (trams, buses). Purchase tickets before boarding (mobile app or ticket machine) and carry some change for ticket machines.
Buy tickets to the most popular paid attractions (Wawel, Market Underground, Schindler’s Factory, Wieliczka) online in advance — this saves time and stress. If you’re on a tight budget, decide which paid sites matter most and reserve only those.
Kraków is generally safe for tourists, but as in any big city watch out for petty theft in crowded places. Keep documents and money in a safe place, carry copies of reservations and have each other’s contact numbers.
Are two days enough for Kraków? Two days are enough to see the main sights and feel the city’s atmosphere if you choose a sensible plan and avoid long queues. If you want to visit more museums or go to Wieliczka you’ll need more time.
How to save on food? Eat outside the Market Square, use milk bars, try street snacks like obwarzanek and zapiekanka. Share larger dishes so you can taste more without spending much.
Should I reserve a table for the evening? On weekends and at popular restaurants a reservation is recommended. If you prefer spontaneity, have a list of alternatives and check online reviews before you go.
Two days in Kraków with your cousin can be intense but very rewarding: a good route, awareness of free options and a few budget-smart choices are all you need. Share this article with friends — someone else may be planning the same trip!
If you’d like the weekend tailored even more to your interests, the site lists the private guiding offer of Małgorzata Kasprowicz and contact information. That’s a quick way to turn a good visit into a truly personalized experience. Enjoy your stay in Kraków!
