The May holiday in Krakow is a great chance to get to know the city at a relaxed pace — between walks and coffee. If you’re coming as an Erasmus student or you’re a student here, you’re in the right place: below you’ll find suggested 1–2 day routes, spots to grab a sweet break, and practical tricks to make getting around town easier.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a long weekend. Krakow is a mix of historic sights, green spaces and cozy cafes — the perfect backdrop for meeting friends, photo sessions and chilling with a dessert.
Morning: start early at Collegium Maius — take a short walk around the Jagiellonian University campus and follow the Royal Route toward the Main Market Square. A morning visit helps avoid the biggest crowds.
Late morning: Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica (a short visit if time allows) — then walk to Wawel and quickly photograph the castle courtyard. If you want to go inside, book tickets in advance.
Lunch and afternoon: Kazimierz — a perfect place for a break, lunch and slowly discovering atmospheric streets. After lunch I recommend the Vistula Boulevards for a riverside walk and dessert at one of the cafes by the river.
Evening: return to the center or chill on Błonia if the weather is nice. For students: check local concerts and university events — the May holiday often includes open concerts and university festivities.
Day 1 — center and Kazimierz: Collegium Maius, the Main Market Square, Wawel, a coffee and dessert break near the square, afternoon in Kazimierz with a visit to the synagogue and a walk along Szeroka Street, evening on the Vistula Boulevards.
Day 2 — Nowa Huta and Łagiewniki or a themed route: morning trip to Nowa Huta — explore the industrial landscapes and the planned-city layout; afternoon at the Łagiewniki Sanctuary and the John Paul II Center for those who want to see pilgrimage sites.
Between visits: make time for sweet snacks and coffee — Krakow’s cafes are an important part of the experience. When planning a route for an Erasmus group, leave time for informal chats and joint photo sessions.
Cafe to start with: look for places that serve good coffee quickly and have comfortable seating. In the center you’ll find both popular bakeries with a wide selection of sweets and intimate cafes with artisan bread.
Sweet classics: try kremówka (a Krakow classic), fresh croissants, cheesecakes and local pastries. For those seeking new flavors — many cafes serve modern desserts and seasonal cakes.
Student-friendly spots: look for cafes with student discounts or places where coffee and a pastry cost less than in the most touristy spots. It’s also worth visiting artisan bakeries for breakfast before starting your walk.
Dessert picnic: if the weather’s good, buy pastries to go and sit on Błonia, the Planty or the Vistula Boulevards — the best way to relax between attractions.
Breakfast and bread to go — find bakeries with artisan bread in the center; perfect for a quick start and to take along on your route.
Cafes with indoor seating — pick a spot where you can sit longer: a good option if it’s raining or if you want to work on a laptop between walks.
Places with a view — several cafes and bars along the Vistula Boulevards let you sit by the river and watch city life; a very pleasant choice for the May holiday.
Pastry to go and a picnic — doughnuts, kremówkas and seasonal cakes taste great on the grass, especially with an Erasmus group and a favorite playlist in the background.
Błonia — a huge meadow close to the center, ideal for large groups and picnics; many student events and concerts also take place here.
Planty — the green belt around the Old Town, perfect for a short rest between sightseeing; plenty of benches and pleasant shade.
Vistula Boulevards — if you enjoy urban river views and a cafe-like atmosphere, this is for you. Lots of benches, platforms and places to sit.
Respect nature: clean up after yourselves, sort your rubbish and avoid lighting fires.
Transport: buy group tickets or use student discounts if you have the right documents. Check short-term weekend tickets — they often work out cheaper than single fares.
Food: instead of pricey restaurants on the Market Square, choose places a few blocks away — prices there are more student-friendly. Also look for milk bars and small kebab shops near the universities.
Events: the May holiday is full of festivals and open concerts — many are free. Check local event calendars and university social media.
Reservations: if you’re planning for a larger group, reserve a table in a cafe or restaurant — it will save waiting time and stress during the long weekend.
Independent cinema or a small concert — during the May holiday there are often special screenings and film events; a great alternative for a cooler evening.
Student concerts and university festivities — if you’re in town during academic celebrations, soak up the atmosphere; it’s a chance to party and meet local students.
Kazimierz at night — atmospheric streets, small bars and late-open cafes. A good place for dinner and a later walk.
Split larger groups into smaller subgroups so you don’t block entrances and walkways in popular places. Smaller groups are also easier to organize and keep track of.
Respect memorial sites and places of worship — keep quiet and dress appropriately if you enter a church or sanctuary.
Watch your personal belongings in crowded places — as in any tourist city, pickpockets operate where there are crowds.
Check the weather forecast before you go out — May can be changeable; carry a light jacket and an umbrella just in case.
Check opening hours for museums and churches and the event calendar for the May holiday.
Book a table or tickets if you plan to enter popular places with limited capacity.
Buy a public transport ticket for longer trips — it will make getting between districts easier.
Prepare a playlist and a powerbank — lots of walking means lots of photos and drained batteries.
Share your plan with someone staying at home (meeting place and approximate times) — it increases safety when the group splits up.
Be curious but patient — the May holiday attracts many visitors, so you may need to adapt your plan a little.
Taste local specialties: coffee plus a pastry in a small family-run cafe often tastes best and leaves the longest memories.
Give yourself time to do nothing — the best moments between attractions often happen during simple breaks with friends and a good dessert.
Enjoy your stay in Krakow! If you want, I can help plan a route for a specific number of days, food preferences or budget — tell me what you prefer.
