Kraków is compact — most of the main sights can be seen even in a single day if you plan your route well and choose your transport wisely. For couples it’s ideal to combine walks around the Old Town and Kazimierz with short tram or bus rides where distances are too long or when you want to save energy for the evening. Below you’ll find clear tips on which tickets make sense, which apps are worth having and an example day plan that’s friendly for two people.
If you plan several rides during the day (for example from the station to the centre, then a tram to Kazimierz and back), the simplest and often cheapest option is a 24-hour (day) ticket. In the central fare zone (Zone I) a 24-hour ticket is usually cheaper than the sum of several short single-ride tickets. There are also 48- and 72-hour tickets and shorter options: 20-minute, 60-minute and 90-minute tickets — pick the one that matches your day’s plan. Don’t forget about reduced fares if one of you is eligible.
The most convenient way is to buy a ticket in a mobile app before boarding — popular apps covering Kraków allow purchase of single-ride, short-term and day tickets. In the app you can pay by card, BLIK or other methods and, in case of inspection, show the inspector the "For inspection" screen. If you prefer paper, buy a ticket at a kiosk or machine and remember to validate it on board (if required). Golden rule: board the tram or bus with a purchased and active ticket — lacking a valid ticket may result in a fine.
In practice: check beforehand whether the places you plan to visit lie in Zone I — most tourist attractions in the centre are within it. If you plan to travel further outside the centre (for example to some parts of Podgórze, Zakrzówek or Nowa Huta), check in advance whether you need a ticket covering zones beyond I.
If you buy a paper ticket — remember to validate it in the validator. If you use a ticket in an app — learn quickly where the “For inspection” button or QR code is so you can show it to an inspector without panic.
Route-planning and ticket apps make the day much easier: a route planner will show connections, departure times and journey duration, and in some apps you can buy a ticket directly. Install at least one route-planning app (handy for quick checks) and one ticket app if you don’t want to use machines. Before you travel, check the payment methods available in the app (card, BLIK, app wallet).
Additionally: it’s worth having an offline-capable maps app (in case of poor signal) and saved addresses of your hotel and the places you want to visit — this makes transfers and orientation faster.
Morning: a short walk around the Main Market Square — St. Mary’s Basilica (view from outside or enter if you have tickets), the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and a cosy breakfast in one of the historic cafés (for atmosphere try Noworolski or Jama Michalika).
Late morning: walk towards Wawel — the castle and cathedral. If you want to enter the royal chambers or exhibitions, buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues. After visiting Wawel, take a short tram ride to Kazimierz or enjoy a walk along the Vistula.
Midday and afternoon: lunch in Kazimierz — you’ll find both elegant bistros (for example Zazie Bistro, Karakter) and street food at Plac Nowy. After the meal, wander the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, stop for a coffee and relax a little.
Evening: a gentle walk by the Vistula or to Podgórze, then dinner at a well-reviewed local restaurant. If you plan concerts or events, check start times and buy tickets online in advance.
This plan balances walking with short rides — if you plan extra attractions (museums, exhibitions), add time and consider a 24-hour ticket.
Kraków has a wide culinary offer — from historic cafés on the Market Square to modern bistronomies in Kazimierz and Podgórze. If you want something really special, choose highly rated places and reserve a table for the evening. During the day, smaller local cafés and the street food at Plac Nowy are great options.
A few tips: pick cafés with short menus and good coffee for a quick stop; reserve ahead for a romantic dinner; be ready that in high season some places are very busy — a reservation brings peace of mind. If you fancy something more refined, check venues recommended by local food guides and rankings — it’s worth choosing well-reviewed restaurants.
Assuming travel or return will take the same time as a walk in the centre — traffic and transfers can add 15–30 minutes. Plan some buffer time between attractions.
Not having a valid ticket — always buy and activate the ticket before boarding a tram/bus. During an inspection you must present proof of purchase or the code.
Buying everything at the last minute — tickets for popular exhibitions and the castle are better booked ahead, especially outside the high season when slots may be limited.
Not checking fare zones — most central attractions are in Zone I, but if you go further, check whether a ticket covering additional zones is required.
Many route-planning apps also offer direct ticket purchase — you can plan a route and immediately buy the right ticket without looking for a machine. This saves a lot of time, especially if your schedule is tight.
You can actually move around the centre on foot — from the Market Square to Wawel is just a short walk; however, for longer distances trams are faster and frequent.
Many cafés and restaurants in historic parts of the city have a limited number of indoor seats — on colder days it’s good to have a plan B.
Is a 20-minute ticket or a 24-hour ticket better? If you plan more than 2–3 rides in a day, the day ticket is usually cheaper and gives peace of mind.
Are tickets bought in apps accepted during inspections? Yes — apps include an option to show the ticket to an inspector (code, QR or “For inspection” button); show it promptly.
What if I can’t validate a paper ticket? Paper tickets must be validated in the validator on board — if the machine doesn’t work, try another validator and if problems persist contact staff or keep proof of purchase.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help someone plan a great day in Kraków. If you’d like the day perfectly tailored to you — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide, will gladly prepare a route and show you around the city. Contact details for guiding services can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a wonderful day in Kraków — full of flavours, walks and moments just for the two of you.
