Looking for a day plan in Krakow that mixes history, views and truly Polish flavors? This route is for you. Wieliczka is an underground world of salt with the St. Kinga Chapel, Krakus Mound gives you a peaceful panorama of the city from a different perspective, and along the way (or at the end of the day) you can enjoy pierogi that both adults and kids will love. This combination works well in almost any weather - it’s always cooler underground, and the mound and the pierogarnia are great spots to relax and soak up local atmosphere. I prepared practical tips so you can plan the trip without stress.
The article is friendly and simple - you’ll find a suggested route, logistics tips and a list of places for delicious pierogi. I’m not promoting other guides here - I want to help you, the visitor to Krakow.
We start with the day plan and then break down the details - transport, what to bring, what to order and a few local tricks.
Enjoy the read and happy planning!
- Małgorzata
Half-day (quick trip): leave Krakow city center in the morning - take the train to Wieliczka - Tourist Route in the mine (approx. 2 hours) - return to Krakow and have pierogi near the Market Square or in Kazimierz - afternoon walk around the city or a short visit to Krakus Mound before sunset.
Full-day (slower, with time to rest): breakfast in Krakow - travel to Wieliczka in the morning, full visit (Tourist Route + optional Museum Route) - lunch in Wieliczka or return to Krakow for pierogi - afternoon walk in Podgórze and climb Krakus Mound - evening photos of the city from the mound or relax in a cozy café.
Why this order? Wieliczka takes time and is physically demanding (stairs, a lot of walking), so planning lunch between attractions gives you a chance to recover. Krakus Mound is great for catching views and quiet - save it for late afternoon when the city looks its best.
I’ll give transport and practical tips for each option further in the text.
What you’ll see: The Tourist Route goes through chambers, underground lakes and the famous St. Kinga Chapel - this is the spot that most often inspires awe. The route is about 2.2 km and descends to depths between roughly 64 and 135 meters below ground.
Visiting time: plan about 2 hours for the Tourist Route; if you want to add the Museum Route, allow roughly an extra hour.
Temperature and clothing: it’s cooler underground - around 15–18°C. Bring a warmer layer and comfortable shoes. Even in summer a jacket can be useful.
Stairs and accessibility: the route includes stairs and ramps; expect several hundred steps during the visit (depending on the chosen option). There are accessibility options for visitors with limited mobility - it’s worth asking when booking.
Tickets and booking: buy tickets online and choose a convenient time - queues can be long in high season and on weekends. Entrances are time-regulated, so it’s best to arrive punctually.
How to get there from Krakow: the easiest way is by train from Kraków Główny to the Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station - the trip takes about 20–25 minutes. Alternative: bus (for example line 304) - about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Driving is straightforward, but in season parking is paid and can be crowded.
Other notes: events sometimes take place underground (concerts, masses in the chapel) - check the events calendar if you’re interested. There is also a restaurant deep underground - an interesting option if you want to extend the experience.
What it is: Krakus Mound (also called Krak Mound) is a prehistoric tumulus built on Lasota Hill - it’s about 16 m high and sits on a limestone rise that offers pleasant views over southern Krakow.
Access: visiting the mound is free and it’s open year-round. Several walking paths lead to the top; the climb is not difficult - just wear comfortable shoes.
Why visit: it’s a spot of calm and panorama without the crowds typical of the Market Square. Perfect for sunset, morning photos or a short rest after sightseeing. On a clear day you can see Wawel, Kazimierz and, with good visibility, even the Tatra Mountains.
Best time to go: early mornings and late afternoons have the best atmosphere - fewer people and nicer light for photography.
How to get there: from Rynek Podgórski it’s a short 10–15 minute walk. You can also bike or take a bus to nearby stops and finish on foot.
What to bring: something to drink, a camera and a light fleece if it’s breezy - the top can feel cooler than the valleys.
Pierogi are a must when visiting Krakow - you’ll find both classic pierogi and modern variations. Here are a few tips on how to choose and what to order.
Which pierogi to try: - Pierogi ruskie - the classic choice and often the benchmark for a place’s quality. - Meat-filled pierogi - hearty and filling, good after an active day. - Cabbage and mushroom - a traditional holiday filling, aromatic and seasonal. - Sweet pierogi (for example with blueberries) - great for dessert. - Creative variations (for example with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, or with duck) - if you want to taste the chef’s creativity.
Where to look: look for places that hand-make pierogi on the spot and have steady local clientele. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find both traditional pierogarnie and modern bistros with signature fillings.
Helpful tips: - Order a few different types and share within the group - this lets you taste more flavors. - Ask for pan-fried pierogi - many places offer boiled or pan-fried served with butter and onion. - Pierogi go well with compote, tea with lemon or a local beer. - Prices for a portion of classic pierogi are usually budget-friendly - portions of 10–12 pierogi are common (check the menu on site).
Remember - pierogi are simple pleasures: good dough and fresh filling make the biggest difference.
If you want specifics - in Krakow it’s worth visiting traditional pierogi restaurants near the Old Town and Kazimierz where pierogi are hand-made and served fresh. Look for places that offer classics plus one or two seasonal chef’s specials - that’s often a good sign of quality.
What to order to start: - A portion of pierogi ruskie - to compare local versions. - A portion with meat or with cabbage and mushrooms - for something more traditionally hearty. - A portion of blueberry or sweet cheese pierogi for dessert - if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
If you travel with children: meat or cheese pierogi usually please the youngest. Venues with a family-friendly interior and quick service will make things easier.
Practical note: popular spots can have queues in season - if you plan lunch after returning from Wieliczka, allow extra time for waiting.
Start in Krakow (morning): - Breakfast in the center - head to the station (Kraków Główny). - Train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia - journey approx. 20–25 minutes. I recommend taking the earliest available train to avoid crowds.
Wieliczka (approx. 2–3 hours): - Visit the Tourist Route (2–2.5 hours) - after the route take a short rest and possibly a meal. - If you want more history and mining machinery, add the Museum Route.
Return to Krakow (midday/afternoon): - Lunch with pierogi at a chosen spot - keep waiting times in mind. - After lunch, stroll the Old Town or travel to Podgórze.
Krakus Mound (late afternoon/evening): - Arrive at the mound before sunset - ideal light for photos. - Short walk around Podgórze and return to the center for dinner or coffee.
Alternative: if you prefer a morning view, visit Krakus Mound before Wieliczka - start the day with the panorama, then head to the mine. It depends on whether you prefer the quiet of morning or the calm of evening.
Buy Wieliczka tickets online in advance - this saves queueing. - Be punctual for your chosen entry time - groups enter according to schedule. - Bring a light fleece - it can be chilly underground and windy on the mound.
Food: - If you plan lunch at a popular pierogarnia, consider reserving or coming outside peak hours (between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM). - Share portions - it lets you try more flavors without overeating.
For families with children: - Wieliczka’s stories about St. Kinga and the underground lakes often fascinate kids. - The mound offers space for running and picnics if the weather is nice.
For photos: - St. Kinga Chapel is very photogenic, but remember to be respectful - it’s also a place of worship and events. - Krakus Mound has the best light just before sunset.
Safety: wear comfortable shoes - the mine’s stairs are a natural challenge. If you have mobility issues, ask about accommodations when buying tickets.
08:30 - Light coffee in central Krakow and walk to Kraków Główny. - 09:10 - Train to Wieliczka (check the timetable). - 09:35 - Arrive at Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station, short walk to the entrance. - 10:00 - Start the Tourist Route in the mine - visit St. Kinga Chapel and the chambers. - 12:30 - End of the route, return by train to Krakow. - 13:00 - Lunch with pierogi near the Market Square or in Kazimierz. - 15:30 - Walk around Podgórze and climb Krakus Mound. - 17:00 - Sunset and photos, return to the center for dinner or coffee.
This timetable is flexible - adapt it to your interests and pace. If you like to explore more slowly, leave extra time for breaks and coffee.
Wieliczka, Krakus Mound and pierogi are classic ingredients for a great stay in Krakow - each offers a different experience: underground magic, quiet panorama and the taste of local cuisine. Combining all three in one day is doable and very rewarding if you plan your time and transport comfortably.
If you’d like, I can help create a plan tailored to your pace - more intensive or completely relaxed with long coffee breaks. Tell me how much time you have and whether you’re traveling with children - I’ll prepare a proposal matched to your needs.
Have a great visit and enjoy the food - see you in Krakow! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
