If you only have one day, a good plan is half the battle. I recommend starting with Wieliczka (in the morning or late morning), then returning to Kraków’s Old Town to visit St. Mary's Basilica, and finishing at Wawel. The Wieliczka Salt Mine usually takes around 2.5–3 hours — this is a guided visit, often combined with the museum route. After returning to the city you can calmly admire Veit Stoss’s altarpiece in St. Mary’s and, if time allows, climb the hejnalica tower. Wawel is best visited in the afternoon or with a timed online ticket to avoid queues and a rushed schedule.
Factor in transfer times: from central Kraków to Wieliczka it's about 20–30 minutes by car or train, plus the walk to the mine entrance. After coming back to the Old Town, plan a coffee break at the Market Square or lunch before continuing to Wawel.
If you'd rather avoid so much walking in one day, consider splitting the program across two days: Wieliczka plus a stroll around the Old Town on one day, and Wawel with the Cathedral and museums on another day.
A visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground adventure that requires planning in high season. The tourist route and museum exhibition are guided; typical underground time is about 2–3 hours. Entrance for tours in Polish usually includes the guide fee and prices vary by season — check availability and buy tickets in advance, especially in July–August and during long holiday weekends.
Practical tips: the mine is cooler than the surface (bring a light jacket), the route includes many stairs and uneven surfaces, but there are toilets and a refreshment point (including the Karczma Górnicza during breaks between routes). Arrive a little before your scheduled entry time — lateness can result in being refused admission.
If you travel with small children or people with limited mobility, check in advance which route is available. The Miners’ Route and the Tourist Route have different age and fitness requirements, and some parts are not suitable for limited mobility.
St. Mary's Basilica is a must-see on the Market Square. Tourist visits take place at set times (usually in the midday and afternoon hours), while the main entrance remains reserved for worship. Tourist entry is handled separately and typically requires a voluntary donation-ticket intended for the upkeep of the church.
If you want to climb the tower, note that the hejnalica has separate tickets and a limited number of places; tower tickets are usually purchased on-site at the visitor service point. The hejnal is played from the tower every hour and is one of Kraków’s most recognizable attractions.
During a visit please respect silence and dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered). Photography inside is generally allowed but without flash and without tripods unless agreed with the staff.
Wawel consists of several distinct areas: the courtyard, castle exhibitions, the Crown Treasury and Armory, and the Cathedral with its crypts. Many spaces require separate tickets and have daily entry limits, so it pays to decide which exhibitions you want to see and buy tickets online in advance. Some offers include guided visits at set times.
There are security rules and baggage restrictions at Wawel; in high season it can be crowded, so pre-booking saves time. On some days and hours there are quieter visiting times aimed at visitors who need a calmer atmosphere. Access to the Cathedral’s prayer space is sometimes free, but entry to crypts, bells or the Cathedral Museum often requires separate tickets.
If you care about specific exhibitions (for example the tapestries or the royal apartments), check the last admission times — some halls close earlier than others.
The most convenient options are public transport or a short taxi/ride-hail trip. Trains and buses between Kraków and Wieliczka run frequently and make getting back to the centre easy. Walking between the Market Square, St. Mary’s and Wawel is short and pleasant.
Plan breaks: visiting Wieliczka can be tiring, and in the Old Town you’ll likely want time for a meal or coffee. Carry some cash for small purchases and souvenirs, though most ticket offices and shops accept cards. For Wieliczka wear comfortable shoes and a light outer layer; in churches dress respectfully.
Check current opening hours before you set out — seasonal changes and holidays can affect schedules.
Near the Market Square you’ll find well-known options such as Wierzynek and Szara restaurants, Cafe Camelot, and Pod Aniołami — places that serve regional dishes with a high standard of service. After visiting Wawel there are pleasant cafés and trattorias on the hill with views of the Vistula River.
After the Wieliczka tour a good option is the Karczma Górnicza (on site, available during breaks between routes) or one of the restaurants just outside the mine gate in Wieliczka.
For accommodation, highly rated hotels conveniently located near the main attractions include Hotel Copernicus, Hotel Stary and Sheraton Grand Kraków — all good choices if you want comfort after an intensive day of sightseeing.
Wieliczka offers more than salt chambers and chapels: there is also the Cracow Saltworks Museum (Żupy Krakowskie) and the museum route can extend your visit by an extra hour. It’s a place where mining history meets sacred art carved in salt.
In St. Mary’s Basilica pay attention to Veit Stoss’s altarpiece — one of the largest Gothic altarpieces in Europe, full of details that can surprise even visitors who have seen many photos.
On Wawel, besides the main exhibitions and tapestries, look for small details in the courtyards and plaques that tell local stories about former residents of the hill; history here often feels very tangible and full of surprises.
Not booking Wieliczka in advance is one of the most frequent mistakes — in high season this risks long queues or no availability for your chosen day. I recommend buying tickets online when possible.
Many people confuse the tourist entrance to St. Mary’s with the main entrance for worshippers; remember the tourist entrance is on the side and has separate hours and a donation-ticket. Respect the rules of places of worship — silence and appropriate clothing are essential.
At Wawel don’t leave important attractions for later without a reservation — some exhibitions have limited entry and strict last-admission times.
Is it worth combining Wieliczka with Wawel and St. Mary’s in one day? Yes, it’s doable if you start early and plan tickets ahead, but expect an intense day and a lot of walking.
Should I buy Wieliczka tickets in advance? I strongly recommend booking ahead in season, because dates and spaces are limited.
How much does it cost to enter St. Mary’s Basilica? Tourist entry is usually based on a voluntary donation-ticket — amounts can vary; the tower has a separate fee and limited places.
Can you enter Wawel courtyard for free? The courtyard is often accessible without charge, but specific exhibitions and the Cathedral with its crypts usually require separate paid tickets.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on your social profiles — a simple share can make trip-planning easier for someone who’s still deciding.
If you prefer to explore with a local guide, I warmly invite you to consider a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — personalized guiding makes visits more comfortable and the stories about the city much richer. Contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s page.
Good luck with your planning and enjoy your visit to Kraków and Wieliczka!
