Krakow has an atmosphere that invites walks, coffee conversations and spontaneous ideas like "Maybe one more museum, and then dinner?" The Old Town, Kazimierz, the Vistula boulevards and nearby parks create a natural setting for couples who want to combine sights, good food and quiet moments in nature. In two days you can catch the spirit of the city, visit one or two museums and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Below you will find a list of 10 places worth adding to your plan, plus a practical 2-day itinerary, food recommendations and travel tips.
This text is written with visiting couples in mind — the suggestions are balanced between must-see sights and romantic touches. You can adapt the pace to your preferences: slower with longer coffee breaks or faster if you want to fit in more stops.
Later in the guide you'll also find an FAQ and practical tips: how to get from the airport, when to book tickets for popular attractions and how to avoid crowds.
1. Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral - a must-see: history, royal chambers and a viewpoint over the Vistula. A walk on Wawel Hill also gives lovely photo opportunities and a close feel for the city's texture.
2. Main Market Square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica - the heart of Krakow; perfect for a morning coffee, browsing crafts in the Cloth Hall and hearing the trumpet call from the St. Mary’s tower.
3. Kazimierz - an atmospheric district with Jewish heritage, cozy cafés and restaurants serving Jewish and modern cuisine. In the evening it has a uniquely intimate vibe.
4. Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Podgórze) - an important, moving place with an exhibition worth taking time for about the city’s history during World War II.
5. Vistula boulevards and the Kościuszko Mound / Krakus Mound - a riverside walk and a viewpoint with panoramic city views are ideal spots for sunset.
6. The mounds and Wolski Forest - a short trip outside the strict city centre, great for a peaceful walk or a picnic (for example the Piłsudski or Kościuszko mounds).
7. Zakrzówek - cliffs and the reservoir near the centre; a popular place to relax with beautiful views and short walking routes in spring and summer.
8. Wieliczka - the Salt Mine (half-day trip) — if you fancy something just outside the city, this classic sight impresses many visitors.
9. Ojców National Park - an alternative half-day trip: picturesque limestone rocks, a castle in Ojców and short walking trails, perfect if you want to escape the urban bustle.
10. Indie cafés, small restaurants and mini galleries in Podgórze and Kazimierz - here you’ll find the most intimate spots for coffee, dessert and an evening drink.
Morning - Old Town and Wawel: start early at the Main Market Square with a short coffee in one of the cafés (for example Café Camelot or another cozy spot in the Old Town lanes), stroll through the Cloth Hall and then head to Wawel - walk around the castle and the cathedral. Book tickets for the interiors if you want to visit the royal apartments.
Midday - lunch and the Planty: have lunch near the Market; recommended choices are restaurants serving modern Polish cuisine or a snug bistro. After the meal, take a walk along the Planty — the relaxing green belt encircling the Old Town.
Afternoon - museum or themed walk: choose one museum (Oskar Schindler’s Factory if you are interested in 20th century history, or one of the city museums), or walk to a nearby viewpoint mound (for example the Kościuszko Mound).
Evening - Kazimierz: dinner in Kazimierz at one of the recommended restaurants (Starka, Alchemia, Klezmer Hois — choice depends on taste). Stroll the lantern-lit streets and enjoy conversations over a glass of wine. Kazimierz at night feels very romantic.
Morning - Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory: begin the day in Podgórze; visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory in the morning to avoid crowds. After the museum, take a short walk among old factories and memorial sites.
Midday - Vistula boulevards and lunch: relax with a walk along the Vistula boulevards, then stop for lunch at one of the riverside spots (for example a jazz café or a bar with a view).
Afternoon - options: if you want to stay in the city — visit Zakrzówek or head to the Piłsudski Mound. If you prefer a trip outside Krakow — choose Wieliczka (the salt mine) or Ojców National Park for a short excursion.
Evening - final dinner and viewpoint: finish the weekend with dinner in a place that has a view of the city (a restaurant near Wawel or a riverside spot), or take a short boat trip on the Vistula or an evening walk around the illuminated Market.
- Morning coffee on the square at sunrise or an evening dessert by lamplight — little moments that stick in memory.
- A picnic in Wolski Forest or on the Piłsudski Mound - in good weather this is a great alternative to crowded restaurants.
- An evening walk along the Vistula boulevards - many bars and spots to enjoy a glass of wine by the water.
- A photo session in the hidden corners of Kazimierz or with Wawel as a backdrop - simple but effective.
- Tasting local pastries and cakes in specialty cafés, for example near the Old Town.
- For a hearty traditional meal: Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa - large portions and Krakow atmosphere.
- Romantic dinner in the centre: Szara (by the Market) or restaurants near Kanoniczna/Wawel with a view.
- Cosy spots in Kazimierz: Starka, Alchemia, Massolit (bookshop + café) — ideal for dessert and a glass of wine.
- Lunch by the Vistula: riverside bars/cafés serving light salads and fish dishes.
- Coffee and cake: Café Camelot, Charlotte, or local patisseries near the Planty.
Remember to book on weekends — top restaurants are often full in the evenings. It’s worth reserving a table in advance if you plan a romantic dinner.
- Transport - Krakow’s centre is best explored on foot. For longer distances use trams and MPK buses. From Kraków-Balice airport you can reach the centre by train or bus; taxis and ride-hailing apps operate as usual.
- Tickets and reservations - popular attractions (Wawel, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Wieliczka) have limited entries in high season. Check opening hours and buy tickets online when possible.
- Best times of day - morning (before 10:00) and late afternoon (after 16:00) are times when it’s easier to avoid the biggest crowds. For dinner consider booking around 19:00-20:00.
- Weather - bring warmer jackets in autumn and winter; in spring and summer comfortable walking shoes are most important. Weather in Krakow can change, so dressing in layers is a good idea.
- Safety - Krakow is generally safe, but as in any tourist city keep an eye on small valuables and documents, especially in crowded places.
Is 2 days enough to get to know Krakow? - Yes, 2 days let you see the key places and feel the city’s atmosphere. It will be an intensive plan — pick priorities and leave time to rest.
Is it worth visiting Wieliczka during the weekend? - If you want to see something outside the city and have half a day, yes. The salt mine makes a strong impression, but book tickets in advance and allow time for travel.
How to get around in the evening? - Kazimierz and the Market are great for evening walks. Night transport runs, but after midnight the most convenient option is a taxi or ride-hailing app.
Where to park if we come by car? - Parking in the centre is paid and often limited; it’s better to leave the car at your hotel or a Park & Ride lot and switch to public transport.
Do we need to reserve tables and tickets in advance? - For popular attractions and restaurants on weekends, yes — reservations save stress and queues.
- A Vistula boat trip - a short cruise gives a different view of the city and is very romantic at dusk.
- An evening with live music - check local events: intimate concerts in churches, small concert halls or jazz clubs in Kazimierz.
- Local markets and seasonal events - on weekends there are craft markets, fairs and cultural events; check the current calendar before your trip.
- Photogenic corners - Szeroka Street, Józefa Street, the area around Plac Nowy in Kazimierz and the streets of Podgórze are great for walks and photos.
Krakow is a city that’s easy to fall in love with: its pace, contrasts and rich variety of places make it ideal for a long weekend for two. The most important thing is to leave room for surprises — often the smallest discovery (a café with perfect cake, a quiet alley, a random street performance) becomes the most lasting memory. If you wish, I can prepare a personalized 2-day plan for you — I will take into account your culinary preferences, pace of sightseeing and any limitations (for example mobility issues). Have a wonderful stay in Krakow and many beautiful moments together!
If you want — I can also add a shortened printable checklist version of the plan. Just tell me which places interest you most. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide) - a friendly guide to Krakow who happily helps couples discover the city.
