Is it possible to comfortably see Kraków’s highlights and also drop by Wieliczka in 3 days? Yes — if you plan your route well and combine walking with a melex ride plus one underground tour of the Salt Mine.
This guide will help you build a 72-hour plan in Kraków: what to see each day, which attractions pair well with a melex ride, how to prepare for Wieliczka, and where to enjoy a good meal after sightseeing.
Day 1 - Old Town and Wawel (easy pace with stories):
- Start at the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Town Hall Tower. Allow time for a short walk through the Planty Park to feel the city’s rhythm.
- Wawel Hill: the Royal Castle and Cathedral. To avoid queues, plan a castle visit in the morning or book tickets in advance.
- Afternoon melex ride around the Old Town: a fast way to see the main points with commentary and save energy for the rest of the day.
Day 2 - Wieliczka (full day):
- Head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the morning — the tourist route usually takes about 2.5–3 hours. Remember the constant underground temperature (around 14–16°C), so bring a light jacket.
- After returning to the surface, take a short walk around Wieliczka’s market square, visit the Żupa Krakowska (Saltworks) Museum or the graduation tower if you want a breath of salty air.
- Return to Kraków in the evening — dinner in Kazimierz or the Old Town.
Day 3 - Kazimierz and Podgórze (history, culture, food):
- Morning in Kazimierz: visit synagogues, Nowy Square (famous for zapiekanki), and the atmospheric streets filled with cafés and galleries.
- In the afternoon cross the Vistula to Podgórze: Oskar Schindler’s Factory, the Ghetto Heroes Square, and the Bernatek Footbridge.
- Optional: a short melex ride in Kazimierz and Podgórze if you prefer resting between stops.
1 - Wawel: the castle and cathedral with royal tombs — a symbol of Kraków worth visiting for its history and architecture.
2 - Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall: the city’s heart, Adam Mickiewicz monument, lively café terraces and craft stalls.
3 - St. Mary's Basilica and the trumpeter’s call: the interior and the famous hourly trumpet signal from the tower.
4 - Kazimierz: the historic Jewish quarter full of synagogues, cozy cafés and dinner spots — Nowy Square and Szeroka Street are must-sees.
5 - Oskar Schindler's Factory (Podgórze): a powerful, well-told story of Kraków during the occupation.
6 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: St. Kinga’s Chapel, impressive chambers and salt sculptures — a UNESCO-listed, unique site.
7 - Rynek Underground (Underground Museum): a modern, multimedia story about the city’s beginnings (if you have extra time).
8 - Planty Park, St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican: parts of the medieval fortifications and a green ring around the Old Town.
9 - Vistula Boulevards and the Bernatek Footbridge: a pleasant riverside walk, especially at sunset.
10 - Wieliczka market square, the Żupa Krakowska Museum and the graduation tower: after your descent from the mine, spend a moment on the surface to enjoy the mining-town atmosphere.
Melex is a convenient way to quickly travel between points and hear short stories about places — ideal when time is limited, when traveling with older people, or when you want to save energy.
At the same time, some attractions (for example Wawel, the Market Square or Kazimierz) are best experienced on foot — plan a mix: first a melex to cover distance, then a short walk and a coffee in a favorite spot.
Melex pricing can be flexible depending on route length — short rides (about 40 minutes), longer tours (80–120 minutes) and private hire are often available. Check exact conditions before you go.
Tickets: book your Wieliczka Salt Mine entry in advance, especially in season and on weekends; there are different routes — the basic tourist route and a miner’s route for adventure-seekers.
Clothing: underground temperatures are steady and cooler than the surface (about 14–16°C) — bring a light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes and possibly an extra pair of socks if you plan a longer descent.
Time: including travel and the visit, allow half a day to a full day for Wieliczka; the tourist route itself takes around 2.5–3 hours.
Getting there: Wieliczka is about 20–30 minutes from central Kraków by car; there are also frequent trains from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station and several suburban buses.
Accessibility: some routes in the mine and historic sites include stairs and uneven surfaces; if you travel with someone with limited mobility, plan ahead and ask organizers about accessibility.
Old Town:
- Cafe Camelot — a cozy café on św. Tomasza Street, great for morning coffee and a light breakfast.
- Szara Gęś w Kuchni — a slightly more elegant spot by the Market Square, offering Polish cuisine with a pleasant touch.
Kazimierz:
- Starka — a friendly restaurant with regional flavors and original dishes.
- Nowy Square — here you’ll find local snacks and the famous zapiekanki at the round hall — perfect for a quick bite.
After visiting Wieliczka:
- There are several restaurants on Wieliczka’s market square serving regional dishes; if you return to Kraków, consider dinner in Kazimierz or near Wawel.
The Salt Mine is a big attraction for children — the route includes chambers and salt sculptures that fascinate younger visitors. Keep in mind time and pace — children can tire after 2–3 hours underground.
A melex is great for families with small children who won’t walk long distances. Combine rides with short stops at playgrounds or for ice cream.
With small kids, bring an extra snack and a water bottle — some parts of routes may have few food points.
In monuments and museums follow staff instructions: don’t touch exhibits, keep distance where indicated. In chapels and places of worship dress appropriately and keep quiet.
In the mine follow the guide’s rules — it’s about safety and the comfort of other visitors.
If you use a melex, confirm the route and parking/stopping times with the driver/guide — it makes logistics easier and helps you use time efficiently.
Does the melex operate year-round?
- Yes, many melex companies run all year, though some routes and schedules may change in winter. In colder or rainy days, dress warmer; many melexes have rain covers.
Should I book a melex in advance?
- For groups and during high season it’s wise to book to secure your time and language for commentary. On quieter weekdays short rides are sometimes available without prior booking.
How long is a standard Wieliczka Salt Mine tour?
- The typical tourist route lasts about 2.5–3 hours. There are also shorter or longer and special routes available.
Is the Salt Mine suitable for people with claustrophobia?
- The tourist route goes through wide corridors and chambers, but if you have doubts consult before buying a ticket — there are different routes and comfort levels.
How best to plan transport from Kraków to Wieliczka?
- The quickest and most convenient ways are by car (about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic) or by train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station. Suburban buses and organized transfers are also available.
- Check opening hours and ticket booking rules (especially for Wieliczka and popular museums).
- Bring a light jacket for the underground sections and comfortable shoes for walking on cobbles and stairs.
- Plan time for coffee and a lunch break — Kraków is rich in food options and it’s worth setting aside time to taste local dishes.
- If you want a guided melex, agree the route in advance and confirm language options, duration and start/end points.
- Carry a payment card and some cash for small expenses and keep a flexible plan in case of weather changes.
Kraków and Wieliczka combine history, atmosphere and flavors best discovered by mixing walking with a comfortable melex ride and one underground trip. If you like, I can help refine this plan for your pace: family-friendly touring, a fast weekend, or a relaxed stay with culinary stops.
Wishing you a wonderful visit and many discoveries — Kraków truly stays in the memory for a long time!
