Kazimierz, Wawel, the Royal Route and the Market Square Underground together give a full picture of Krakow’s history, faith and everyday life — both past and present.
Walking the Royal Route takes you past the city’s most iconic monuments and naturally connects to a visit to Wawel. Kazimierz is a neighborhood with its own distinct and fascinating Jewish cultural history and great food. The Market Square Underground reveals to visitors a layer of the city from centuries ago.
Combining these attractions into a logical plan will save time, reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and help you make the most of the limited daily access to grand interiors and underground spaces.
The Royal Route (via regia) runs from Matejko Square through St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street and the Main Market Square, and continues along Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets up to Wawel Hill. It’s a ceremonial route — along it you’ll pass the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, the Barbican and many interesting historic townhouses.
Wawel — the castle complex offers a sweeping view of the city from the courtyard; inside you can visit royal chambers, collections and the cathedral with tombs and crypts. Note: indoor exhibitions often require separate tickets and have limited entry times.
Market Square Underground — an exhibition showing the medieval level of the Main Market Square, remains of old buildings and historical trade. The route is well prepared with multimedia and interactive displays.
Kazimierz — synagogues and their interiors, atmospheric streets (Szeroka Street, Józefa Street, Nowy Square), cafés, bars and restaurants serving both local and Middle Eastern cuisine.
The safest way to avoid long queues is to buy tickets online in advance. Many attractions sell time-slot tickets and the number of daily entries can be limited.
If you want guaranteed entry to specific Wawel exhibitions or special routes in the Market Square Underground, choose a ticket for a fixed time. This not only saves time but also helps you structure your day.
Avoid buying last-minute tickets from unknown resellers — some offers include excessive fees or restrictive change/refund conditions.
The term “skip the line” is used by many vendors. The most reliable option is the official online sale from the institution or trusted ticket platforms. If you want a guided visit, plan the route to minimize time spent waiting at ticket desks.
Opening hours vary by season and for special exhibitions. Many museums typically open around 10:00 and close between 17:00 and 20:00; check current hours before you go.
Some museum branches and exhibitions have free-admission days or shortened opening times (for example, different schedules on Tuesdays or Sundays). Always check the institution’s calendar before your visit.
Weekends and holidays are much busier — timed tickets sell out faster, especially in summer and during long holiday weekends.
Morning (9:00–12:00) - Wawel Hill: walk around the courtyard, take photos, visit a chosen exhibition or the cathedral at a reserved time.
Midday (12:00–14:00) - Lunch in Kazimierz: choose a local restaurant and rest before more sightseeing.
Afternoon (14:00–16:00) - Market Square Underground: enter at your booked time and allow at least an hour for the exhibition route.
Evening (16:00–19:00) - Walk the Royal Route: a leisurely walk through the Market Square, photos by the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s, and coffee or dessert at one of the cafés around the square.
Ariel (Szeroka Street) — a classic restaurant with Jewish cuisine; atmospheric interior and traditional flavors.
Dawno Temu Na Kazimierzu (Szeroka Street) — cozy place, sometimes with klezmer music; good for an authentic neighborhood experience.
Hamsa — hummus bar and Middle Eastern cuisine — light, tasty portions ideal for a quick lunch.
Starka (Józefa Street) — good Polish cuisine with a modern touch; known for a homey atmosphere and interesting dishes.
Nowy Square 1 — at Nowy Square you’ll also find bars and small eateries, a convenient option for a quick meal after sightseeing.
Zazie Bistro — French touches and a pleasant spot for breakfast or dessert.
Trying to see “everything” in just a few hours — it’s better to plan realistically 2–3 attractions per day so you don’t get exhausted and so you have time for indoor exhibitions.
Buying tickets without checking refund rules and entry times — make sure you understand the ticket terms (entry time, which day, whether tickets are combined).
Arriving at attractions with no time buffer — Krakow is a compact city full of pedestrians and tourist crowds; schedule breaks and extra time for walking between points.
Ignoring baggage restrictions — some exhibitions and cathedrals limit large backpacks or carry-on luggage.
This route suits most visitors: families with children, couples and solo travelers. Some places are fully accessible, while others have stairs and narrow passages — check accessibility individually.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a light jacket (underground areas can be cooler), ID and electronic tickets, a phone powerbank.
If you’re traveling with a stroller or someone who needs step-free access, check in advance about lifts and alternative entrances.
The Market Square Underground reveals fragments of the medieval street level — walking there feels like stepping back several hundred years.
The Royal Route wasn’t only ceremonial; it was also an important historical trade and communication corridor linking Krakow with the rest of Europe.
For centuries Kazimierz functioned almost like a separate town with its own culture and urban fabric — you can still see that today in the street layout and old synagogues.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance? - If you visit in high season or want to enter a specific exhibition at a set time, online reservation is recommended.
How much time is needed for Wawel and the Market Square Underground? - Plan 2–3 hours for Wawel if you enter the interiors; allow at least one hour for the Market Square Underground.
Are there discounts for children and students? - Yes, most museums offer reduced and family tickets; bring a valid ID or student card to confirm eligibility.
Can I visit on Sunday? - Yes, but some branches may have different hours or free-entry days; check the schedule of the specific institution before your visit.
Combining Kazimierz, Wawel, the Royal Route and the Market Square Underground is a classic, highly rewarding Krakow experience. Planning tickets ahead, keeping a realistic pace and taking breaks to enjoy local flavors will make your visit pleasant and stress-free.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a private guided tour led by local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), she offers personalized walks of Krakow — contact details are available on the official zwiedzaniekrakowa site.
