Did you know that walking the Royal Route is, in practice, a walk through a thousand years of history? Starting at St. Florian’s Gate, passing through the Market Square and ending at Wawel, you pass through successive layers of medieval and modern Krakow — so treat this route as a small journey through time. Below you’ll find my practical top 10 list, typical opening times for the most important sites (note: they can change — I’ll also explain how to check) and trusted addresses where you can eat well after sightseeing.
This article was written to help visitors plan a day in Krakow — you’ll find clear tips, practical advice and an FAQ. The content is friendly and useful, prepared with visitors in mind.
Before you set off: wear comfortable shoes, take a bottle of water and keep a photo of a map on your phone — many places in the city centre have limited car access and lots of pedestrian zones.
1. Wawel (Castle and Cathedral) - the city’s symbol: royal chambers, the chapel and royal tombs; an absolute must. 2. Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the heart of Krakow: architecture, souvenir stalls, an upstairs art gallery and a lively atmosphere. 3. St. Mary’s Church - famous altarpiece and the trumpeted hejnał played from the tower. 4. St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican - remnants of the medieval city walls; the natural starting point of the Royal Route. 5. Kazimierz - the former Jewish quarter with atmospheric streets, synagogues and an excellent food scene. 6. Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Museum) - an important and moving exhibition about Krakow during World War II. 7. Kościuszko Mound - a viewpoint and a nice way to get some fresh air away from the center. 8. Planty - the green belt surrounding the Old Town — perfect for a relaxed walk. 9. Dragon’s Den and the Wawel Dragon - legend and a fun stop for families with children. 10. Museums and historic university buildings: Collegium Maius, the National Museum, MOCAK — each has a different character, so pick what matches your interests.
When choosing from the list, remember that some sites (castles, museums, exhibitions) have varied opening hours and closed days — it’s a good idea to check the exact times before you go.
If you have only one day: focus on the Royal Route (St. Florian’s Gate - Market Square - Cloth Hall - St. Mary’s Church - Wawel) and add an evening stroll through Kazimierz with dinner.
Wawel actually includes several distinct areas: the Castle (with exhibitions and royal chambers), the Cathedral, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the gardens and courtyards. Opening hours vary by exhibition; some displays are closed on Mondays or have shortened morning hours. Practical tips: - Check in advance which part you want to see (royal chambers, armory, cathedral) and buy a ticket for that specific exhibition — many slots are limited to certain times. - If you can, visit Wawel early in the morning or later in the afternoon outside peak hours (after about 15:00) — queues are usually shorter. - The Cathedral is an active place of worship — sightseeing can be limited during services. - The courtyard and the area around Wawel are free to enter all day; it’s a great place for a walk, photos and a rest.
If you plan to visit several museums in Krakow, consider a museum card or check whether particular sites offer combined tickets — this can save both time and money.
Note: during high season and special events opening hours and visiting rules may change — check the official information of the specific site before heading out.
The Cloth Hall is more than a souvenir market: the upper floor houses an art gallery, while the ground floor still hosts traditional craft and souvenir stalls. In the Market Square you’ll also find numerous cafés, restaurants and historic townhouses. A few practical notes: - In the city centre (Market Square and Cloth Hall) most attractions are available daily, but information points and museums usually have set opening hours (check exhibition times in advance). - The Cloth Hall is a great place for quick souvenir shopping and for a coffee break with a view of the square. - Be aware of crowds at midday and in the afternoon, especially at weekends — if you want to avoid the busiest times, come in the morning.
Practical info: in season the tourist information point in the Cloth Hall operates regularly and can help with ticket bookings and locating the nearest toilets or medical points.
If you want to hear the hejnał from St. Mary’s tower, check whether the tower climb is available that day — access is sometimes limited for safety or due to renovations.
The Royal Route is the walk along Floriańska - Market Square - Grodzka - Wawel. The street is publicly accessible at all times, but individual sites along the route have their own opening hours. How to plan: - Start at St. Florian’s Gate in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. - On the Market Square stop at the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church. - Walk down Grodzka toward Wawel and plan a stop at the university area (Collegium Maius) or for coffee in one of the atmospheric cafés. - Reserve enough time for Wawel — it usually takes the longest on the route.
Practical tip: the route is easy to do on foot, but note the steep sections when approaching Wawel. If you’re travelling with small children or people with limited mobility, allow extra time and check for barrier-free access.
The Royal Route is best enjoyed without rushing — you can break it into parts: morning on Floriańska and the Market, afternoon around Wawel, and evening in Kazimierz.
Krakow has a great food scene — from classic restaurants to modern bistros. Here are some suggestions by area (examples worth visiting): - Market Square / Old Town: Wierzynek - a historic restaurant serving traditional Polish dishes; Szara - an elegant spot in the heart of the Square; Pod Wawelem - hearty portions of Polish cuisine close to Wawel. - Kazimierz: Starka - Polish cuisine with Jewish influences; Hamsa - popular Middle Eastern dishes; Mleczarnia - a cosy café perfect for exploring the district. - Near Wawel and the river boulevards: cafés along the Vistula and small bistros offering fresh dishes and local beers.
A few culinary tips: - Book a table at popular restaurants, especially in the evening and at weekends. - If you want to try local specialities: żurek (sour rye soup), pierogi (dumplings in many varieties), roast duck, or Krakow-style cheesecake (sernik krakowski) — ask the server for the day’s recommendations. - For a quick, inexpensive meal try a traditional milk bar (bar mleczny) or a small place with home-style cooking.
For families: many places in Kazimierz and the Old Town offer children’s menus and high chairs. For vegans and vegetarians Krakow has growing options — well-regarded plant-based dishes are mainly found in central districts.
Tickets and reservations: - Buy tickets online where possible — it saves time in queues and lets you select a specific entry time. - Some exhibitions at Wawel and other museums have time-limited entry slots. Transport and getting around: - Krakow city centre is well connected by trams and buses. The Old Town is best explored on foot. - If you plan to visit several sites spread across the city, use the tram network or short taxi / ride-hailing trips. Best time to visit: - Early mornings (before 10:00) and late afternoons (after 16:00) usually mean smaller crowds at major attractions. - If possible, avoid national holidays and long weekends — queues are longer and accommodation prices rise.
Safety and convenience: carry a payment card (most places accept cards), follow museum announcements about schedule changes and remember that in an emergency the InfoKraków point in the Cloth Hall can assist with tourist information.
What often saves the day: have a backup plan — a short list of alternative attractions in case something is closed or the weather turns.
Does the Royal Route have set opening hours? - No, the streets themselves are open at all times; only the individual sites along the route have opening hours.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? - For the most popular exhibitions and displays it’s worth buying tickets online, especially in high season.
Is Wawel expensive to visit? - Ticket prices vary by exhibition; there are discounted tickets and often combined-entry options.
Where should I eat after a walk? - The choice depends on your budget: from traditional restaurants at the Market to cosy spots in Kazimierz. Booking for the evening is a good idea.
Is Krakow family-friendly? - Yes, many attractions offer family options; Wawel, the Dragon’s Den and interactive museum exhibits are great choices for children.
If you have other questions about planning a day in Krakow — write and I’ll happily help tailor the route to your interests.
Reminder: opening hours of sites (for example Wawel or the Cloth Hall) change seasonally and for special events — if you need exact times check the site’s official information before you go.
- Walk along the Vistula at sunset - a short, picturesque trip with views of Wawel and the river boulevards. - Nightlife and live music in Kazimierz - after dinner look for bars with live performances. - Cycle around the Planty - a pleasant and quick way to move between points. - Short trips outside the centre: Kościuszko Mound or a Vistula boat trip if you want a different perspective.
These ideas will help diversify your plan and show Krakow from a side different to the standard tourist trail.
In the end: enjoy Krakow slowly — allow time for a walk, a cup of coffee and a moment to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
