The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) sits at the heart of the Main Market Square and is an ideal starting point if you want to discover Krakow on foot. Once the centre of the cloth and textile trade, today it combines representative, market and museum functions — upstairs there is a permanent 19th-century painting exhibition.
Starting here puts St. Mary’s Basilica, Floriańska Street and the whole Royal Route to Wawel within easy reach. It’s a perfect place to plan the first day, with short walking sections and a logical arrangement of sights.
This article gives you three days planned to make the most of walking around the city while avoiding stress and long queues. At the end I add practical tips, an FAQ and recommendations for reliable places to take breaks.
Start the morning at the Sukiennice and make a short visit to St. Mary’s Basilica — if you want to enter the interior, allow 20–40 minutes for the queue. Between 8:00 and 10:00 it’s usually quieter and the light is better for photos.
Walk down Floriańska Street toward the Barbican and Matejko Square — along the way it’s worth looking at Matejko’s House and the townhouses with interesting architectural details. A relaxed walk along the Royal Route to Wawel takes about 2–2.5 hours with short stops.
At Wawel, see the castle courtyard and, if time allows, visit the Cathedral and the royal chambers. Some parts require tickets — booking online will save time.
Spend the afternoon on the Planty, exploring small squares and shops with local souvenirs. In the evening return to the Market Square — the city feels different at night, and the illuminated townhouses make a perfect backdrop for dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.
Begin with a calm morning walk around Wawel — if you plan to enter the State Rooms or visit the crypts, buy tickets in advance and reserve a specific time.
After Wawel, walk along the Vistula riverbank — the riverside route gives a different view of the castle and eases the pace after a busy morning. It’s also a good time to stop for coffee and a light bite.
In the afternoon I recommend visiting one of Krakow’s museums depending on your interests: the National Museum, the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum, or smaller thematic exhibitions. In the evening you can stroll the Planty again or have dinner at a cozy riverside restaurant.
Dedicate the third day to Kazimierz — mornings are less crowded, so it’s a good time to visit synagogues, the Remuh cemetery and explore local galleries. Kazimierz is also an excellent area for a long lunch.
Spend the afternoon in Podgórze and Zabłocie — visit the Ghetto Heroes Square and the exhibitions at the Schindler Factory. A walk along the Vistula from the Podgórze side gives less touristy views of Wawel.
If you still have energy, finish the day with an evening walk by the river or return to a favorite spot at the Market Square — Krakow at night has a unique atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed end to your trip.
Near the Market Square choose places with a good reputation and tradition. For classic Polish cuisine consider restaurants like Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami for a historic dining experience in beautiful surroundings.
In Kazimierz I recommend cafés and smaller restaurants with good reviews, for example Massolit Books & Cafe — a great spot for coffee and cake — and Starka, which pairs local flavors with a pleasant atmosphere.
For a quick and tasty bite try zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — a local classic. If you want something more refined, check restaurants on Kanonicza Street and near Wawel — you’ll find menus suited to an evening out.
If your budget is limited, choose places a few streets away from the main square — prices and quality often improve just a short walk away, and the experience can be much better.
Book tickets to popular attractions in advance — Wawel Cathedral, the State Rooms and the Market Underground have limited admissions and queues. Online reservations save time.
Wear comfortable shoes — Krakow’s centre has many cobbled streets and uneven pavements. Pack a light jacket or a small umbrella, because the weather can change quickly.
The best times for walking are early mornings and late afternoons — crowds are smaller and photos look better. In summer, plan breaks and reserve tables for dinner.
If you plan day trips (Wieliczka, Ojców), set aside one day or plan a half-day trip outside the city. Public transport and short taxi rides make logistics easy.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — it’s better to pick a few priorities and explore at a calm pace. Three days is a great amount of time to feel the city without rushing.
Eating only right next to the Sukiennice — restaurants there are often more expensive and sometimes lower in quality. A few streets away you’ll find equally atmospheric and better-rated places.
Not checking opening hours — museums and churches have varying hours on weekdays and during the season. Check current information before visiting.
Being unprepared for weather and long walks — bring comfortable footwear, a water bottle and light clothing to adapt to changing conditions.
The bugle call from St. Mary’s tower ends suddenly — it refers to a medieval legend about a trumpeter who warned the city of an attack and was struck while playing.
The Sukiennice hasn’t always looked the way it does now — the building’s history includes Gothic and Renaissance layers and 19th-century reconstructions that gave it its present representative character.
The Barbican and fragments of the city walls are among the best-preserved defensive structures in Central Europe — a walk around the Floriańska Gate area is a quick lesson in medieval architecture.
How much walking is there? - A typical walking program in the centre is 3–5 km per day with stops, but it depends on pace and how many interiors you visit.
Can I see everything on foot? - Most central attractions are within walking distance; for farther trips (Wieliczka, Nowa Huta) use public transport or a short ride.
Do I need restaurant reservations? - In season, for popular evening meals it’s better to reserve a table, especially on weekends.
Is Krakow safe? - The centre and tourist districts are generally safe, but as in any larger city watch out for pickpocketing and keep an eye on your luggage.
This plan is a flexible map for walks: adapt the pace to your needs, leave time for breaks and don’t be afraid to swap the order of the days. Krakow likes to be explored slowly.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others better plan their stay in Krakow.
If you’d like to explore the city with a local guide and get to know Krakow more deeply, I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
