If you only have one day, focus on these four highlights: Wawel, the Main Market Square with the Market Underground, the Royal Route as a walking link between key monuments, and Kazimierz in the evening. A good rhythm is: morning at Wawel, midday and afternoon around the Market (including the underground visit), and evening in atmospheric Kazimierz with dinner and a stroll through the streets of the former Jewish workshops and synagogues.
Plan logically — book timed tickets online for the Market Underground and for some exhibitions at Wawel so you avoid uncertainty and lose less time in queues. From visitors’ experience, the most comfortable approach is to start early in the day, before large organized groups arrive.
If you prefer a calm, historical experience rather than rushing between points, allow 1.5–3 hours for Wawel (depending on whether you enter the castle interiors and the cathedral), about 1–1.5 hours for the Market Underground, and 1–2 hours for a walk along the Royal Route with a coffee break. Save Kazimierz for late afternoon or evening when its lanes and bars have the most atmosphere.
The Market Underground is an archaeological exhibition beneath the eastern part of the Main Market Square where you can see remains of medieval streets, workshops and urban structures from different periods, presented with modern multimedia displays. The route runs on walkways above the excavations and the exhibition is interactive and family-friendly.
Prices and rules change seasonally, but generally regular tickets cost a few dozen złoty, concessions are cheaper, and family and group tickets are available. Museums sometimes offer free-entry days or hours (for example certain Tuesdays), though free visits usually require prior reservation.
Practical note: the last admission is usually 30–60 minutes before closing, but check current schedules before you go. Wear comfortable shoes and remember the route includes ramps and walkways — visitors with limited mobility should check availability of accessibility features in advance.
Wawel Hill is a complex of attractions: the Cathedral, the interiors of the Royal Castle and selected exhibitions. Important: separate entrances often require separate tickets — for example one ticket for the castle interiors and another for the crypt or the cathedral bell tower. If you want to see the royal tombs, the Sigismund Bell or museum displays, check which parts require additional tickets.
Opening hours for the cathedral and the castle vary by season; outside high season closing may be earlier, and on Sundays visiting can start later because of services. Arriving in the morning is a good idea, especially if you plan to climb the tower or view the crypts — popular entrances can form queues in the afternoon.
If you want to visit both Wawel and the Market Underground, consider the sequence: Wawel in the morning (less crowded), then the Market and a reserved timeslot for the Underground in the afternoon. This makes logistics easier and gives you a chance to rest between attractions with a coffee at the Market Square.
Kazimierz is a district with a strong character: historic synagogues, narrow streets, art galleries, cafés and restaurants serving Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Key places include Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and nearby synagogues (for example the Remuh Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery).
Plan your Kazimierz walk for the late afternoon or evening — that's when most places are open and the atmosphere is at its best. If you’re interested in Jewish history, consider visiting synagogue interiors and local exhibitions devoted to culture and memory.
The food scene in Kazimierz is strong — choose places with the best reviews. Try Jewish and Middle Eastern dishes and classic Kraków flavors. Plac Nowy is famous for zapiekanki (Polish-style toasted sandwiches) and street food, but for dinner pick a restaurant with verified reviews for quality of service and food.
The Royal Route is a historic path running from the Florian Gate along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square and on toward Wawel. It’s a walk that links the most important points of the Old Town and lets you feel the rhythm of the old royal processions.
Along the way stop at a few highlights: the Barbican and Florian Gate, Floriańska Street with its historic houses, the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, and the final stretch toward Wawel. A leisurely walk with a coffee or lunch break takes about 1.5–2 hours; allow more time if you plan to visit museum interiors.
Fun fact: the Royal Route was part of official royal entries and processions, so many facades and churches still show marks of old coats of arms, plaques and decorative elements — keep an eye out for these details during your stroll.
Buy tickets online in advance, especially for the Market Underground and the most popular Wawel routes — during high season popular times fill up quickly. Booking guarantees your spot and saves waiting time in queues.
Check exact ticket prices before purchase — there are regular, concession, family and group tickets, and discounts for municipal cards or large-family cards. Many places also offer free days or hours, but these often require prior reservation.
Remember entry rules: some exhibitions limit the number of visitors and assign timed entries; the last admission can be set 30–60 minutes before closing. For guided group tours you may need to purchase an accompanying guide service if the venue’s regulations require it.
Restaurants and cafés in the center and in Kazimierz range from historic elegant venues to cozy cafés. If you prefer classics and top-rated places, consider long-established venues with strong reviews. A few reliable names worth checking (verify current reviews): Wierzynek — a historic restaurant on the Market Square, Hotel Stary restaurant, Massolit Books & Cafe in Kazimierz — great for coffee and cake, Hamsa and Ariel — Middle Eastern and Jewish cuisine options in Kazimierz.
For accommodation, choose depending on your preferences: if you want to be in the center of activity, hotels near the Market Square (for example Hotel Wentzl, Hotel Stary) are excellent for a first visit; if you prefer more comfort and spa facilities, look for higher-class chain hotels on the edges of the Old Town. When booking, follow recent guest reviews.
Dining tip: at peak times Market Square restaurants can be crowded and pricier. To experience a more local atmosphere and better value, head to Kazimierz or look for well-reviewed places off the Market Square.
Arriving without reservations to popular attractions — especially in season — can mean long queues or no available slots. Solution: book tickets online in advance or arrive very early.
Trying to see everything at once — attempting to visit Wawel interiors, the Market Underground, museums and Kazimierz all in one day often leads to a rushed experience. Better choose priorities and leave some plans for another visit.
Not checking opening hours and free-entry days — some places have special days or seasonal restrictions. Before heading out, check current opening times and any temporary closures.
How much time for the Market Underground? Usually 60–90 minutes is enough to see the displays and multimedia calmly.
Do I have to buy a separate ticket for Wawel? Yes — the castle interiors and the Cathedral can require separate tickets; if you plan to visit multiple points, check for combined options and discounts.
Are there family or concession discounts? Yes — most museums offer reduced tickets for pupils, students and seniors, and family tickets; to use concessions bring a document proving eligibility.
Under the Market Square are layers of history — the oldest city remains go back to pre-locational times and the early Middle Ages, and the Market Underground displays fragments of former streets and workshops.
On the Royal Route pay attention to house details — many façade elements are relics of former guilds, coats of arms and organizations that tell the story of the city’s elites.
Evening Kazimierz is different from daytime — galleries and cafés give way to bars and restaurants, streets come alive with music and lights. It’s a perfect time to try local cuisine and enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to reach people planning a visit to Kraków.
If you prefer to explore with a guide who tells lesser-known stories and tailors the route to your interests, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a wonderful visit and many great discoveries in Kraków!
