Kraków is lucky to fit history, green spaces, excellent restaurants and attractions that don’t require waiting in museum lines into one city. If you’re traveling in a group and want something active, tasty and local — you can pull most of it off in one intense day (or two). Below is a list of 10 attractions that fit a friends’ itinerary: they’re scenic, easy to combine and — importantly — not museum-focused. Each item includes practical tips to know before you head out.
If you’d like someone to help plan a route tailored to your interests and pace — at the end you’ll find a short note about the possibility of using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. We leave that as an option for comfort and local tips.
A walk around the Main Market Square is the best way to start when you arrive with friends: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (you can see the interior or listen to the trumpet call from the tower), street concerts and plenty of cafés where you can sit and watch city life. In the evening the Square takes on a different character — lanterns, music and lively cafés.
Practical tip: the Square is less crowded in the morning and late evening, which makes for better photos and easier conversation. If you plan tea/coffee and cake, try the classic cafés by the Square, but also explore side streets — prices and atmosphere can be nicer there.
Wawel is not only chambers and museum displays — a walk on the hill, visiting the Dragon’s Den and a photo with the fire-breathing dragon sculpture is a classic everyone will enjoy. The castle and cathedral are impressive from the outside, and the slopes of the hill offer pretty views of the Vistula and the Old Town.
Practical tip: if you don’t want to spend time in long queues, focus on walking the hill and its surroundings. The Dragon’s Den has limited entries, so check opening times before you go.
Kazimierz is a place where day and night feel very different: by day it’s cafés, street art and atmospheric streets; in the evening it comes alive with bars, restaurants and music. It’s ideal for dinner followed by bar-hopping.
Where to eat and drink: look for places with authentic cuisine (Mediterranean, traditional Jewish flavors, modern bistro cooking) — Kazimierz has many well-reviewed spots. For larger groups check reservations in advance, as popular places fill up on weekends.
A short boat cruise is a great break from city walks: views of Wawel, the bridges and the city skyline from the water give different, less obvious photo opportunities. Cruises can be short (30–60 minutes) or themed (with stories, concerts or dinner).
Practical tip: in summer cruises can get crowded — reserve ahead or choose a late-afternoon off-peak time. On cooler days bring a light jacket — it’s often windier on the water than on land.
For groups who enjoy activity: a short hike up a mound offers great city views and a satisfying bit of exercise. Kościuszko Mound is popular and well maintained; Krakus Mound is smaller and more intimate, with intriguing history and vistas.
Practical tip: a mound picnic is a great idea — bring a blanket and some food. Evening visits offer romantic views and the city lights.
Błonia is a huge meadow perfect for team games, kite flying or relaxing together. Jordan Park nearby has sports fields and interesting playgrounds; these are places where locals unwind and you can feel the city’s everyday rhythm.
Practical tip: if you plan a picnic, bring a trash bag and water. Błonia often hosts events — check the city’s event calendar as you may catch a festival or concert.
Nowa Huta contrasts with the Old Town: socialist-realist planning, wide avenues and sites full of history worth discovering on a longer walk. For groups interested in architecture and alternative histories it’s a must-see.
Practical tip: consider a tour with a local guide if you want historical context and anecdotes, or pick a themed route: housing estates, monuments and local cafés with good reviews.
A walk from Kazimierz toward Podgórze across the footbridge that connects the districts is simple, picturesque and offers nice views of the Vistula. In Podgórze you should see Ghetto Heroes Square, the Zalewski Mill and charming riverside cafés.
Practical tip: the footbridge and surroundings are nicely lit in the evening — it’s a good place for a quiet post-dinner stroll.
If your group wants movement — rent bikes or scooters and ride around Błonia, the Planty and the Vistula boulevards. For more adrenaline try rope parks and climbing walls that make for great team-bonding.
Practical tip: renting city bikes or from a private rental is easy, but for larger groups reserve equipment in advance. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for active outings.
Nothing brings a group together like food. Instead of one long dinner, try three–four spots: a lunch with local flavors, an afternoon café with cakes, and an evening bistro or bar with good craft beer. Recommended neighborhoods are the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Where to look: choose places with consistently high ratings and good service. For groups, reserving a table is often necessary.
The Wawel Dragon has a kind of "seasonality" — outside of official hours there are sometimes local events around the sculpture connected to the legend.
Błonia and Jordan Park often host free outdoor events — film screenings or concerts — so check the city calendar to find something special.
Mounds are not only viewpoints — some hide little memorial plaques and stories that are worth reading for local anecdotes.
Overplanning: trying to see “everything” often leads to skipping breaks and meals. Plan one main activity and a few short stops.
Ignoring reservations for larger groups: good restaurants and popular bars fill up on weekends — book ahead.
Assuming everything is within walking distance: Kraków has an excellent tram network — use it when routes are longer than a 20–30 minute walk.
Buy public transport tickets in apps or machines and remember to validate paper tickets. Trams and buses are a convenient way to move quickly across the city.
Safety: Kraków is relatively safe, but as in any big city keep an eye on valuables in crowds and at stations. At night stick to well-lit and busy streets.
Weather and clothing: spring and summer are ideal for cruises and picnics; in autumn bring warmer layers — even short walks on the mounds can be windy.
Can you see everything in one day? One day allows for 2–4 main points (for example: the Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz and a Vistula cruise). If you want to relax and enjoy food, it’s better to spread the plan over two days.
Is English widely spoken in Kraków? In tourist and hospitality spots staff usually speak English, but knowing a few basic Polish phrases is appreciated by locals.
How to avoid crowds? Choose early morning or late afternoon hours, especially in high season.
For reliable options choose establishments with long traditions and strong reviews. In the center visit classic cafés and patisseries, and in Kazimierz try bistros serving regional and international dishes. Also try local street food stalls and finish an evening with a good craft beer bar.
Practical tip: for larger groups reserve in advance, and if anyone has allergies or special dietary needs, inform the restaurant ahead of time.
City game: prepare a simple challenge list (e.g. take a photo with a specific architectural detail, buy a local treat, find a particular inscription) — a playful way to sightsee with humor.
Themed picnic: bring local cheeses, bread and drinks — a simple way to spend a longer meet-up on Błonia or at a mound.
If you liked this plan — share it with friends, tag your photos and tell us which spots spoke to you the most. Your recommendations help others discover alternative routes in Kraków.
If you want help tailoring a route to your interests and pace, consider hiring private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can save you planning time and reveal local stories and off-the-beaten-track places. Thank you for reading and enjoy your visit to Kraków!
