The May long weekend is when Krakow really wakes up – parks become green, cafés open their garden seating, and long evenings invite relaxed strolls. It’s an ideal moment to visit the city’s main sights with friends and combine classic sightseeing with outdoor relaxation.
Practically speaking, this means larger crowds at the most popular spots, but also more outdoor events, food trucks and open green spaces. With a few simple tricks you can still see a lot without long waits and find time for shared meals and photos.
Below you’ll find a friendly day plan, a must-see list, useful practical tips and ideas for food and entertainment – everything to make your May long weekend in Krakow enjoyable and stress-free.
- 08:00 - Start: Early walk around the Planty and a quick coffee at one of the cafés near the Market Square. Morning is the best time to feel the city’s atmosphere without the crowds.
- 09:00 - Wawel: walk the courtyards, visit the Cathedral and enjoy the viewpoint over the Vistula. Buy e-tickets in advance where required, or arrive right at opening time.
- 11:00 - Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Church (view from outside or visit the interior depending on time and interest), and a short walk through the Old Town streets.
- 13:00 - Lunch around Kazimierz: local or international flavors – a great chance to sit down and enjoy conversation.
- 15:00 - Kazimierz and Podgórze: atmospheric streets, synagogues, Plac Nowy, and if you’re up for it - a visit to the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum.
- 18:00 - Evening on Błonia or by the Vistula: picnic, sunset and a beer/cocktail by the river.
- 20:00 - Dinner and night out: restaurants in Kazimierz or the Old Town, followed by pubs or cafés if you want to extend the evening.
Wawel - the heart of historic Krakow with the Castle and Cathedral. This place combines history, legends (the Wawel Dragon!) and beautiful views over the Vistula - plan at least an hour here, longer if you want to visit the castle exhibitions.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the largest medieval market square in Europe. A walk through the Square is a must; the Cloth Hall tempts with souvenirs, and the Town Hall Tower and St. Mary’s Church are iconic elements of the city panorama.
St. Mary’s Church - famous for Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and the trumpet call (hejnał). Even if you don’t enter, take a moment to admire the façade and listen for the hejnał on the hour.
Kazimierz - the former Jewish district, now a culinary and cultural hotspot. Plac Nowy with its distinctive market and famous zapiekanki is unmissable. It’s also a great area for coffee and evening outings.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Museum) - an important place of memory and Second World War history. If you want a deeper understanding of Krakow’s past, plan your visit in advance as it can be very busy.
Planty and Błonia - perfect places to rest between attractions. The Planty circle the Old Town, while Błonia is a large meadow ideal for a picnic with friends.
Kościuszko Mound and Vistula viewpoints - for a different panorama of Krakow, head to one of the city mounds or walk along the river boulevards, which are especially lovely at sunset.
The Old Town and Kazimierz offer plenty of lunch and dinner options. For a group of friends look for restaurants with larger tables or places with a garden – everyone will feel more comfortable.
A few well-known spots (book ahead for the May weekend): Pod Wawelem - a classic Polish bistro near Wawel; Starka in Kazimierz - tasty regional dishes and a cozy atmosphere; Massolit Books & Café - great for coffee and dessert; Mleczarnia in Kazimierz - atmospheric for an evening out.
If you’re after quick street food - Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is famous for its zapiekanki (Polish open-faced sandwiches). By the Vistula you’ll find seasonal bars and food trucks - perfect for a relaxed evening.
For dessert try Kraków-style cheesecake or artisan ice cream from local makers. Don’t forget a coffee break – during May the cafés’ garden seating is especially pleasant.
Start early - the most popular spots like Wawel or the Market Square are noticeably quieter in the morning. This is a great way to take nice photos and save time.
Buy tickets online where possible - museums and exhibitions often offer e-tickets with timed entry. This speeds up visiting and helps you skip some lines.
Plan your route logically - avoid walking back and forth through crowds. Combine Wawel with a short walk along the Vistula, then the Market Square, and then Kazimierz - this route is natural and easy to cover on foot.
Check parking rules and public transport - traffic organization can change on holiday weekends and parking fees may apply on some days. It’s useful to have a public transport app and an offline map.
Clothing and footwear - May weather can be changeable - bring a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Public toilets and benches - it can get busy in season, so schedule breaks. Cafés with garden seating and parks are great for recharging.
Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places - pickpocketing is rare but better to be cautious. Consider a hip bag or zippered pockets for your passport, wallet and phone.
Respect the residents’ space - the Old Town and Kazimierz are not only tourist attractions but also residential areas. Keep noise moderate in the evenings and use designated meeting spots.
Travel sustainably when you can - walking the center or taking public transport isn’t just convenient, it also reduces your carbon footprint.
How long does it take to see the main places? - If you want to visit Wawel, the Market Square, walk the Planty and spend time in Kazimierz, plan for a full day. For a more relaxed pace spread it over two days.
Is the May long weekend a bad time to visit because of crowds? - Not at all - it’s a great time for atmosphere and outdoor events, but expect more tourists. An early start and e-tickets help a lot.
Are all museums open on public holidays? - Some institutions may have altered hours on holidays. Check current opening times and entry rules on the museums’ websites or apps before you go.
How to get around the city with a group? - Walking is most convenient in the center; for longer distances use trams and buses. Taxis or ride-sharing are useful for late returns from evening outings.
If you want to slow down, consider a Vistula river cruise, a picnic on Błonia, or a trip to Kościuszko Mound for panoramic views. Alternatively, spend an afternoon in art galleries or small themed museums.
For an active group - rent city bikes or electric scooters to move quickly and discover less obvious corners of the city.
In the evening we recommend a walk along the Vistula boulevards where you can sit by the water and talk late into the night - a perfect way to end an intense sightseeing day.
- Plan your priorities - don’t try to see everything at once.
- Reserve where you can - tickets, restaurant tables, special attractions.
- Leave room for spontaneity - the best memories often come from a coffee in the square or discovering a hidden courtyard.
Wishing you a wonderful May long weekend in Krakow - full of fun, great photos and moments you’ll remember for a long time. If you’d like, I can prepare a version of this route tailored to your expectations - shorter, more food-focused, or focused on history and museums.
