Short answer: it depends — but in most cases I don't recommend trying to do both places in full within only 3 hours. Why? The classic Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine (the Tourist Route plus the museum sections) is a rich, full visit that takes about 3 hours. That means if you want to go “deep” underground and experience the mine properly, you need at least those three hours just for Wieliczka.
If your time is limited and your priority is to see both places, consider planning a shorter, surface-level visit in Wieliczka (for example a walk around the entrances, seeing the castle or museum sections on the surface) and spend the remaining time in Kazimierz — or the other way around: dedicate the full 3 hours to Wieliczka and leave Kazimierz for a separate stroll. Below you’ll find two realistic trip variants and practical tips.
Remember: the decision depends on what matters more to you — going underground (this requires time and some mobility, although there are accessibility options) or exploring the historic, atmospheric surface area of Kazimierz, where pavements and steps can be challenging.
Practical note: before you go, it’s a good idea to contact the Wieliczka Salt Mine staff to check availability of assistance, lifts and accessible toilets; in many cases the museum asks visitors to report the need for assistance in advance (preferably with some lead time).
In the sections below I describe in more detail what to expect in Wieliczka, what the realities of moving around Kazimierz are, and I give a practical plan and a list of things to arrange before you head out.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique place — underground chambers, chapels and a long history. The standard combination of the Tourist Route and the museum route takes roughly 3 hours. This is a rich visit with different levels and underground sections, so you need to plan time and logistics.
Regarding accessibility: accessibility in the mine and museum spaces is mixed. Some parts are adapted (there are lifts or platforms, and accessible toilets on the surface and in selected underground points), while other areas, because of historical layout, have limitations. The museum asks visitors who need assistance to contact them in advance so staff can plan appropriate support.
In practice this means a full, comfortable visit for wheelchair users or people needing extra help is possible but requires prior arrangements: agreement on entry/exit points, available lifts/platforms, locations of adapted toilets and possible assistance for surface movement and transfer zones. Check whether the route you plan includes an option adapted for reduced mobility or whether a special accessible tour can be arranged.
On the surface, around the entrances and along some parts of the route there are facilities and conveniences, however whether a particular chamber or corridor is wheelchair-accessible should be confirmed with the mine staff before your visit.
If your aim is the ‘full’ mine experience, reserve at least 3 hours just for Wieliczka — combining the full Wieliczka route with an extended walk in Kazimierz in a single short 3-hour visit is rarely comfortable.
Kazimierz is the heart of Kraków’s Jewish history and one of the most atmospheric areas for walking — narrow streets, synagogues, cafés and hidden corners. It’s also historic: cobbles, uneven sidewalks and at times steps or thresholds at entrances. This means accessibility varies: some main pedestrian routes are easier to pass, others less so.
The city of Kraków is implementing measures and standards to improve public accessibility — curbs are being lowered, pedestrian crossings improved and accessibility standards introduced in public buildings — but change is gradual and conditions depend on the specific street or venue.
Practical advice for wheelchair users: plan a route that favors wide, paved streets where possible and allow extra time for moving around; check accessibility of specific synagogues, museums and restaurants if you plan to go inside — not all historic interiors have ramps or lifts. Don’t hesitate to ask staff for alternative entrances without steps or for help — many places can provide a back or staff entrance that is easier to use.
If you plan to visit synagogues or exhibition rooms, call or message ahead — some institutions limit access at certain times or require prior arrangements for assistance.
If you prefer a calmer visit, consider going outside peak hours (weekdays outside morning and late-afternoon rush), when it’s easier to move and stop for coffee or rest on small squares.
Variant A — Full Wieliczka (recommended if the underground experience is your priority): dedicate the full 3 hours solely to the Salt Mine. This allows you to take the Tourist and Museum routes without rushing and to use available accessibility features and assistance as needed. After this visit, leave Kazimierz for a separate, more comfortable walk.
Variant B — Short combination (if you truly have only 3 hours and want a taste of both places): choose a very short, surface-level visit in Wieliczka (for example a quick look at the castle/museum on the surface and the area around the entrance) and spend the rest of the time strolling Kazimierz — use main streets with better surfaces. This won’t give the full mine experience, but it lets you feel both places in limited time.
Variant C — Comfortable alternative: if you can split your visit across two half-days, reserve a full 3 hours for Wieliczka on one day and use another day for a relaxed, accessible walk around Kazimierz with stops in cafés. This is the best option if you value comfort and want to fully enjoy each place.
Which to choose? If you want to go underground and see chambers and chapels — pick Variant A. If you want a quick impression of both places, choose Variant B and be ready for compromises.
Logistics tip: travel time from central Kraków to Wieliczka is usually around 20–30 minutes by car or taxi (depending on traffic). When planning a short trip check travel times and add a margin for walking and possible waits at the entrance.
1) Contact the Wieliczka Salt Mine: report the need for assistance, ask about available lifts/platforms and locations of accessible toilets — preferably at least a week in advance.
2) Check opening hours and accessibility of the specific places in Kazimierz you want to visit (synagogues, museums, selected cafés) — call or message if you plan to go inside.
3) Plan travel time and add a cushion (traffic, transfers). If you use a taxi, tell the driver you need an easy-access spot for boarding and disembarking.
4) Ask about accessible toilets and rest places along the route (cafés with level entrances, benches).
5) Take with you: medical/ID documents if needed, a charged phone, powerbank, a light jacket (underground is cooler and constant), comfortable clothes and a small bag with water and snacks.
6) If you need sign language, audio description or other sensory support — ask in advance which places provide these services and how to arrange them.
- Communicate with staff: many places have employees willing to help with an easier entrance or to point out the best route.
- In Kazimierz use the main pedestrian streets — they are usually easier to wheel along than narrow alleys.
- In Wieliczka ask where the accessible toilets are located — there are facilities both on the surface and at selected underground points, so it’s useful to know their positions beforehand.
- If you plan to dine in Kazimierz, choose a restaurant with a level entrance or call in advance to check for a ramp — many places can arrange easier access if notified.
- For peace of mind: leave your route plan and an approximate return time with a companion or with your accommodation host.
If you like, I can prepare a route adapted to your needs: I will check places in detail, confirm step-free entrances, plan breaks and point out accessible toilets. My guiding adapts to guests’ pace so you feel comfortable and confident.
If you prefer to plan on your own — use the checklist above and contact the places you want to visit in advance. When you’re ready to go, I can help with reservations and a plan so your day in Kraków is pleasant and unhurried.
I wish you calm planning and many enjoyable, safe experiences — Kazimierz has an unmistakable atmosphere, and Wieliczka is an experience worth having, even if it takes a whole morning or afternoon. If you tell me when you plan to arrive, I’ll prepare a concrete route and check availability before your visit.
See you in Kraków! Małgorzata Kasprowicz — Kraków guide.
