Yes — if you plan the days sensibly and allow time for breaks. Golden autumn is a perfect moment for a walk in the Planty, a view of Wawel in soft light and a quiet afternoon on the Vistula Boulevards. In this article you’ll find a practical, friendly 2-day plan created for older visitors who want to see the most beautiful spots without rushing and with comfortable rests. Everything in a simple rhythm: 2–3 highlights per day, a longer meal break and time to rest on a bench.
If you like, you can use a guide’s help — a good way to see the main places without worrying about logistics. At the end you’ll also find a checklist, practical transport tips and an FAQ.
This article is prepared with comfortable sightseeing in mind — a friendly pace, easy entrances and places with toilets and benches.
Day 1: Old Town + Wawel + Vistula Boulevards. Morning in the Planty, a short visit to the Main Market Square, lunch near Wawel and an afternoon stroll along the river.
Day 2: Kazimierz + Botanical Garden or a museum (for example Manggha or MOCAK) + Park Jordana or the Błonia to finish. The route is flat, with coffee breaks and comfortable approaches.
Golden rule: one museum per day (max. 60–90 minutes of viewing), 1–2 short rides by low-floor tram or taxi, a longer lunch break and a water bottle in your bag.
Morning: start from the Planty — a level, pleasant promenade surrounding the Old Town, with benches and shade. Walking from the Planty lets you enter the heart of Krakow without standing in crowds.
Main Market Square: approach St. Mary’s Basilica, walk around the Cloth Hall through the arcades and look for a café with comfortable chairs. Avoid climbing the towers if anyone in the group has trouble with stairs — you can still get beautiful Market Square views from under the arcades.
Wawel: choose gentler visiting options — walks through the courtyards and viewing terraces. If you want to enter interiors, plan a shorter visit and ask the ticket office for the easiest route with few stairs.
Afternoon by the Vistula: heading down to the Vistula Boulevards offers peace and benches with a view of Wawel. It’s a great place to rest in the afternoon and take a short tram ride back to the centre. Evening: a light dinner — recommended choices for traditional flavours are Hawełka or Pod Baranem, and Szara Kazimierz if you prefer a more elegant atmosphere.
Kazimierz in the morning: a relaxed route Szeroka — Old Synagogue — Wolnica Square. These are flat sections with many places to rest and sidewalk-level cafés. Plac Nowy is a short stop for a snack (famous zapiekanki) or coffee.
Museum or garden: pick one place for a longer, seated visit. The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden (if the weather is favourable) is a walk among plants and a chance to rest on benches. Alternatively, Manggha or MOCAK offer quiet galleries, seating and pleasant exhibits that are not tiring.
Afternoon in Park Jordana or on the Błonia: wide paths, benches and flat terrain — an ideal way to end the second day. If you like, a short walk across the Father Bernatek Footbridge to Podgórze will give a nice river view without much effort. For dinner or supper we recommend Starka in Kazimierz for a homely atmosphere and traditional liqueurs.
1. Planty - the green ring around the Old Town: an even promenade, benches and shade — perfect for a morning walk.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - a few short scenes instead of long wandering: the bugle call, Cloth Hall arcades, sidewalk-level cafés.
3. Wawel (courtyards and terraces) - history and a panorama of the Vistula without climbing towers.
4. Vistula Boulevards - benches by the river, calm views of the castle and places for a warm coffee.
5. Kazimierz - the Szeroka–Old Synagogue–Wolnica Square route: photogenic and flat, with many rest stops.
6. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden - autumn colours, benches and fresh air; a good choice for a peaceful afternoon.
7. Museums with comfortable routes (Manggha, MOCAK) - exhibitions in accessible rooms, seating and elevator access.
8. Park Jordana and the Błonia - wide open spaces to stretch your legs, picnic or rest on the grass.
9. Father Bernatek Footbridge and Podgórze - a short walk, pretty Vistula views and a quieter atmosphere.
10. A Vistula river cruise or a calm riverside walk - a relaxing way to see Wawel “from another perspective.”
For a traditional, unhurried dinner: Hawełka — a classic near the Market Square with old-Polish dishes; Pod Baranem — elegant and close to Wawel; Szara Kazimierz — seasonal menu in a pleasant interior.
For a quick, friendly bite: zapiekanki at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz (for those who enjoy street flavours), and for homestyle regional dishes try Starka.
Cafés with easy access and comfortable seating: look for places with street-level entrances and sturdy chairs. Around the Planty and in Kazimierz you’ll find many cosy cafés where you can sit calmly and watch the city and its architecture.
Breaks and toilets: plan pauses near museums or restaurants where toilet access is easier and you can get a warm meal. Public toilets exist in the centre, but it’s better to use those in cafés and museums — they’re usually cleaner and easier to access.
Low-floor trams: plan 1–2 short rides during the day — they rest the legs and move you quickly between neighbourhoods. Buy a ticket at a machine or via an app and validate it on boarding.
Elevators and step-free routes: in museums and larger attractions ask the ticket office for the shortest sightseeing route and lift access. Wawel has level entrances to some courtyards — ask for the recommended variant.
Pace: follow the rule of 2 main highlights per day and one long seated break. Short rests every 60–90 minutes make a big difference.
Shoes and weather: dress in layers, because autumn can bring cool mornings and milder afternoons. Comfortable non-slip shoes and a light rain jacket or compact umbrella will be useful.
- A small water bottle and a spare bottle in main luggage.
- A small cushion or seat pad (for people who need lumbar support).
- Tissues, essential medicines, hand cream and a folding umbrella.
- A copy of the day plan, your guide’s phone number (if you’re using one) and cards/coins for small expenses.
- Comfortable shoes, layered clothing and an identity document.
Is November too cold for walks? - Autumn can be chilly, but with proper clothing (layers) and planned warm breaks a walk is enjoyable. Avoid long, uninterrupted walks in strong wind.
Do we need advance tickets for museums? - For popular exhibitions it’s worth booking in advance to avoid queues. If you prefer spontaneity, choose one museum and plan a shorter visit.
Are routes stroller/wheelchair friendly and accessible for people with limited mobility? - Most main streets in the Old Town and the Planty are even, but some historic entrances have steps. Always ask staff for the easiest entrance.
How long are the suggested lunch breaks? - Count on 60–90 minutes for a meal with rest. That gives time for a soup, main course and a short chat without rushing.
Krakow in autumn shines in golden and warm tones — it’s the perfect season to sightsee calmly, with a routine of rests and tasty breaks. If you wish, I can help plan a route tailored to your group’s pace and preferences — contact me via the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site.
I wish you peaceful walks, comfortable benches and many beautiful city photos. If you need a version adapted for people using a walker or wheelchair, write and I’ll help with the logistics. — Malgorzata Kasprowicz, Krakow guide.
Good luck and enjoy your visit!
