Did you know that most of Krakow’s key sights are arranged so you can visit them on a comfortable walking loop? If you only have one day — focus on the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz. This article gives you a quick, practical plan plus tips about tickets, best times to visit, and places worth seeing in the evening.
1. Wawel - the royal hill with the Castle and Cathedral; set aside separate time for the “most valuable” route or for visiting the crypts.
2. Market Square (Rynek Główny) and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the city’s heart: architecture, stalls, and the Underground Museum beneath the square.
3. St. Mary’s Basilica - the bugle call (hejnał) and the option to climb the tower for city views.
4. Kazimierz - the former Jewish district: synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the charming streets around Szeroka and Plac Nowy with atmospheric bars.
5. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Podgórze) - an important 20th-century historical site.
6. Kościuszko Mound or other viewpoints (towers, observation balloon) - the best spots to see panoramic views of the city.
7. Collegium Maius and Grodzka Street - university history and delightful courtyards.
8. Planty and the city gates (St. Florian’s Gate) - a quick, pleasant walk around the Old Town.
9. MOCAK / Museum of Contemporary Art - for contemporary art lovers.
10. Wieliczka Salt Mine - a classic excursion worth booking in advance if you have time beyond the city center.
Kazimierz is best explored on foot: start on Szeroka Street, visit the Izaak Synagogue, the Remuh Cemetery, and the cosy cafés around Plac Nowy. The district comes alive in the evening — many bars and restaurants have great reputations and an authentic atmosphere.
A walk from Kazimierz to Wawel takes about 10–20 minutes depending on the route; it’s a perfect pairing if you want to start the day on the hill and spend the evening in Kazimierz.
Recommended places to eat in Kazimierz include Starka (traditional Polish food and flavored vodkas), Alchemia/Alchemia Bar (atmospheric evening spot) and the cafés and bars around Plac Nowy. Choose venues with high ratings and book a table in the evening during the season.
If your time is limited, choose a shorter, condensed route that highlights the castle and cathedral’s most important parts. These condensed tours are designed for visitors who want to see the “most valuable” in a nutshell — plan about 2–3 hours.
Buy tickets in advance online — this saves time queuing and lets you schedule entry times. Popular routes (especially in season) sell out fast.
Accessibility note: parts of the route include stairs and narrow passages; if you travel with small children or people with limited mobility, pick alternative options or check accessibility in advance.
The evening glow of Wawel from the Vistula riverside is a big plus — if you don’t have time for interiors, a walk along the boulevards with views of the castle still makes an impression.
Plan A (1 day, quick): morning at Wawel (2–3 hrs), walk to the Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s), lunch, afternoon in Kazimierz (Plac Nowy, synagogues), evening dinner in Kazimierz.
Plan B (1 day, more relaxed): morning at the Market Square and Underground Museum, lunch, afternoon at MOCAK or Schindler’s Factory, evening walk along the Vistula and dinner by the boulevards.
If you have 2 days: separate Wawel and Market Square into different days, and add Wieliczka or Kościuszko Mound as a separate trip.
Check opening hours before you leave — some exhibits have reduced hours off-season or are closed on Mondays. It’s always best to verify on official sites before your visit.
Buy tickets online where possible: Wawel, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Wieliczka Salt Mine. During busy periods most places sell timed tickets.
Avoid the longest queues: arrive early (first entry slots) or late afternoon; taking a lunch break in a local café can also help you skip the busiest times.
Left-luggage: if you have large suitcases, leave them at your hotel or use storage at the station. Narrow streets and stairs make moving around with big bags difficult.
Trying to see everything in one day — it’s better to choose a few highlights and enjoy them slowly than to rush and remember nothing.
Not booking tickets for popular attractions — result: long queues or no available entries that day.
Leaving Wawel until the last minute before departure — plan Wawel for the start or middle of the day to ensure interior access.
Eating only at restaurants on the Market Square without checking reviews — there are excellent and mediocre places in the center; pick well-reviewed venues or ask locals.
Restaurants and cafés (selected and well-rated): Szara Gęś (Rynek) - traditional cuisine with good reviews; Pod Wawelem - classic spot near the Castle; Café Camelot - atmospheric café near the Old Town; Starka (Kazimierz) - a well-known, well-rated place with a great atmosphere; Plac Nowy 1 - a popular bar in Kazimierz.
Accommodation (different price ranges): Hotel Stary (luxury, by the Market Square) - excellent location; PURO Kraków (design and comfort) - known and well-regarded; budget options: hostels and small guesthouses in Kazimierz or the Old Town - book ahead in season.
Tip: when choosing accommodation check distance to attractions (Kazimierz is ideal if you value evening life, the Old Town if you want to be near most sights).
The Wawel Dragon is a symbol of the city, and in Kazimierz you’ll find places connected to literature and film — the district has been a backdrop for well-known productions.
The Planty park was created where the old city walls once stood — a walk around the Old Town follows the former defensive line.
Many Krakow museums and memorials offer free or reduced-price days — check schedules to save money and see more.
How long does it take to visit Wawel? - A short, condensed tour usually takes around 2–3 hours; seeing all exhibitions can take much longer.
Do I need a ticket for Wawel Cathedral? - Some parts of Wawel (courtyards, exterior areas) are sometimes accessible without a ticket, but entry to certain routes and chapels requires tickets. Always check before your visit.
Is Kazimierz suitable for an evening walk with children? - Yes, the district is family-friendly, though some venues become more nightlife-oriented in the evening; choose restaurants and cafés you’ve checked in advance.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their visit to Krakow.
If you’d like to explore with a local guide, feel free to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and booking information are available on the site. I wish you a wonderful stay in Krakow and many discoveries off the beaten path!
