The Main Square is the heart of Kraków: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church with the bugle call, the town-hall towers and lively cafés. In half a day you can see the most important spots and feel the atmosphere of the Old Town if you plan your route well and use the tram as a quick way to move between starting points and the center. The tram saves time and helps avoid traffic, leaving more energy for walking around the sights.
Trams in Kraków run frequently and stop close to the Main Square — from the main railway station you can walk to the centre or take a short tram ride closer to the Old Town. This is a convenient option especially if you arrive by train, have limited time or want to visit several places spread across the centre within a few hours.
Start: Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny) or the nearest tram stop. If you arrive by train, it’s worth starting with a short walk to the Square (about 15–25 minutes) or hopping on a tram that will quickly bring you closer to the Old Town.
1. Main Square (60–90 minutes) — walk through the Cloth Hall, pop into St. Mary’s Church and, if you feel like it, climb the town-hall tower or visit the Main Square Underground museum. Remember the bugle call: the Hejnał is played from St. Mary’s tower on the hour.
2. Short coffee or dessert break (20–30 minutes) — choose one of the recommended cafés in the Old Town, rest and recharge before the next part of your visit.
3. Options depending on preferences: a) walk towards Wawel Castle (by tram or on foot) — admire the exterior or visit the courtyard; b) take a quick tram ride to Kazimierz to see synagogues and atmospheric streets (30–60 minutes).
Finish: return by tram to the Main Railway Station or to your accommodation. The route is flexible — you can shorten or extend it depending on your pace and the weather.
Several lines run through or near the centre and make quick transfers easy: some tram routes connect the Main Railway Station, the Main Square, Wawel and Kazimierz. This allows you to combine walking around the Old Town with short rides between more distant points.
Buy tickets at ticket machines at stops, at kiosks, via mobile apps or in some tram vehicles. Important: most single-ride tickets must be validated — always make sure your ticket has been stamped or activated in the app before you start your trip.
Check timetables and possible route changes due to construction or city events. Trams are usually punctual and frequent during the day; on weekends and in the evening frequency can be a bit lower.
If you plan to eat right on the Square, choose places with a good reputation that combine quality with atmosphere. Well-known options include Wentzl (famous for its view over the Square), Szara Gęś w Kuchni (elegant cuisine), Pod Nosem (traditional flavors), Miód Malina (good value) and popular cafés like Cafe Camelot and Słodki Wentzl.
For a quick snack or local treats, pick small cafés and bakeries in side streets rather than the most advertised spots directly in the centre of the Square. You’ll often eat better and pay less.
If you fancy pizza or Italian food after your walk, Boccanera and other nearby places have good reputations and are often recommended by locals.
The Hejnał (bugle call) has a legend about a guard warning the city of an attack; the tune is cut off abruptly in memory of that event. It’s one of Kraków’s most recognizable symbols.
The Planty park, which rings the Old Town, was created on the site of the former city walls and forms a convenient green belt for a quick rest between attractions.
Kraków has a fast tram network, and in recent years the city has been actively developing tram infrastructure, which improves comfort for visitors and shortens travel times between districts.
Assuming you need a car for everything — Kraków’s centre is compact and many places are better explored on foot or by tram. Driving in the strict centre means hunting for expensive parking and wasting time.
Not validating your ticket — this is a common and costly mistake. Buy and validate a ticket immediately or activate it in the mobile app before boarding the tram.
Eating only in the most touristy places in the middle of the Square — many visitors complain about high prices and average quality. Walk a few steps into side streets to find much better and highly rated restaurants.
How long does it take to get from the Main Railway Station to the Square? A short walk usually takes 15–25 minutes; by tram you can get there even faster, depending on the line and route.
Can I buy tickets on the tram? In most trams you can’t buy a ticket from the driver; it’s better to get one at a machine or in a mobile app. Also check whether the ticket you choose needs to be validated.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? Most modern trams are low-floor, and central stops are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Before traveling, check current information about stop accessibility and lifts.
Bring comfortable shoes — even if you plan to use trams, most attractions are visited on foot. Kraków’s weather can change, so carry a light jacket or umbrella.
Check current timetables before your trip — during the season and during construction there may be route and frequency changes.
If you want to reserve a table at a popular restaurant on the Square, do it in advance — in season terrace and view spots fill up quickly.
Half a day is enough to feel the atmosphere of the Main Square and see a few nearby attractions if you use the tram as a quick transport option and plan your route well. Combine short tram rides with walks, breaks for local flavors and small discoveries in side streets.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a more personalized visit of Kraków, consider booking a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa website. Thank you and enjoy your visit!
