Did you know that underground in Wieliczka the temperature stays around 16–18°C regardless of the season? That means in spring, when there can still be chilly days and sudden showers above ground, a pleasant, fresh climate awaits below — a perfect reason to plan the trip when the city is waking up. St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved out of salt, is one of the most unusual places and still delivers a real “wow” even to experienced travelers.
In this article you'll find ready-made plans (1-day and 2-day), legends, practical tips, food recommendations and an FAQ — everything so your visit to Kazimierz and Wieliczka goes smoothly and enjoyably. If you want a personal guide for a private tour, consider Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Spring in Krakow means blossoming parks, soft light and (usually) fewer crowds than in the peak summer season. A walk through Kazimierz becomes especially charming when trees and flower beds turn green and cafés put tables outside.
Wieliczka is also often more pleasant outside the summer peak — shorter lines at the entrance, more comfortable tour times and a better chance to hear the legends calmly from the guide. Keep in mind, though, that Easter and long holiday weekends can increase visitor numbers, so booking ahead is usually worth it.
Morning: a quick walk around the Old Town — Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) if you haven’t seen them before.
Before noon: Kazimierz — visit synagogues (including Remuh), stroll along Szeroka Street and stop briefly for coffee or a light lunch.
Afternoon: head to Wieliczka — you can reach it by regional train or bus, visit the Salt Mine and then return to Krakow. This is possible in one day but requires careful timing for mine entry slots and transport.
Evening: a light dinner in one of the recommended restaurants in Kazimierz or book a table at a more refined place such as Bottiglieria 1881 (advance reservation required).
Day 1: spend the morning and afternoon in Kazimierz — synagogues, cemeteries, small museums of local history, a coffee break and the famous zapiekanki at Plac Nowy. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the top local restaurants.
Day 2: in the morning travel to Wieliczka — take the guided Tourist Route, then spend the afternoon strolling nearby or return to Krakow for a relaxing Vistula river cruise or another low-key activity. This option gives time to savor places and recover after wandering underground.
The Tourist Route runs through many chambers and includes St. Kinga’s Chapel — the only underground chapel of this size carved from salt, decorated with sculptures, bas-reliefs and salt chandeliers.
The route reaches depths of around 135 m and the visited section is several kilometers long (the tour usually takes 2–3 hours). At the entrance you descend some stairs (for example about 380 wooden steps at the Daniłowicz Shaft), and during the visit you may go down and up many more. The underground temperature stays around 16–18°C, so bring a warmer layer.
Tours are led by guides; there are other options too (Miners’ Route, themed trails, and a brine graduation tower on the surface). Tickets and time slots are best reserved online in advance, especially outside winter and during long holiday weekends.
Kazimierz is the former Jewish district of Krakow with a unique atmosphere: narrow streets, synagogues (including Remuh), historic cemeteries and numerous galleries and cafés. Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent cemetery have a long history — gravestones date from the 16th–19th centuries and the site is one of the oldest in Poland.
Walk slowly, read the information boards and leave time for local flavors — from street food at Plac Nowy to higher-end restaurants. Kazimierz also has a rich cultural scene: small galleries, artist ateliers and atmospheric pubs worth visiting without haste.
The legend of St. Kinga explains how the salt deposits around Wieliczka appeared: according to tradition, Princess Kinga threw her ring into a well in Hungary, and after arriving in Poland the ring was found inside a lump of salt — hence her patronage and St. Kinga’s Chapel in the mine.
In Krakow legends are everywhere — from the Wawel Dragon (and the clever way townspeople solved the problem) to stories tied to the narrow streets of Kazimierz. Hearing these tales from a guide can completely change how you perceive the city.
If you want to dine well and “with class” in Kazimierz, consider places ranging from trusted local bistros to restaurants recognized by culinary guides. An example of a top-tier restaurant is Bottiglieria 1881 — often recommended and requiring advance booking.
For a quick and very popular Kazimierz-style meal, try spots serving hummus, mezze and Middle Eastern cuisine — one frequently recommended place is Hamsa Hummus & Happiness on Szeroka Street. For a relaxed breakfast or coffee look for local cafés around Plac Nowy and ul. Miodowa. When choosing accommodation, consider a hotel in the center or a boutique guesthouse near Kazimierz so most attractions are within easy reach.
Buy Salt Mine tickets online in advance — in season queues can be long and entry slots limited. Check opening hours and possible closure days during holidays.
For Wieliczka bring comfortable shoes, a thin sweater or light fleece (underground temperature about 16–18°C), ID (for concessions) and a comfortable backpack. For visitors with difficulty using stairs: the route includes many steps and not all sections are fully accessible — check availability of assistance beforehand.
For Kazimierz, keep a city map on your phone but also allow yourself to get lost in the streets — you’ll find small cafés and galleries that aren’t on main attraction lists.
Trying to “do everything” in one day — better choose a relaxed version or plan an intensive day with a clear transport and booking schedule.
Not booking the mine or a popular restaurant — many places attract crowds and won’t always accept walk-ins.
Dressing for the surface only when going underground — remember the constant cooler temperature in the mine. Shorts and flip-flops are a poor choice for several hours of stairs and walking.
Underground in Wieliczka there are not only chambers and the chapel but also subterranean lakes and halls that host concerts and unusual exhibitions — some events are seasonal and make a great alternative to the standard tour.
Remuh Synagogue is still an active place of worship — it’s a living religious centre, not just a tourist site, so show respect (mind opening hours, modest dress and rules about photography inside).
Can children visit Wieliczka? Yes — there are special routes and programs for the youngest visitors; children up to 4 years old often have free entry (confirm this when buying tickets).
How much time should you allow for the Wieliczka tour? Usually 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route, but also plan extra time for travel to and from the mine.
Do you need to book a guide for Kazimierz? A walk with a local guide enriches the experience, but you can also explore on your own — if you want legends and historical context, a professional guide is recommended (consider a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for a tailored experience).
Kazimierz and Wieliczka combine the lively atmosphere above ground in Krakow with the silence and monumentality of the underground. Spring is a great time to pair them: pleasant days, the city in bloom and more reasonable prices than in high summer.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like a personalised tour with storytelling tailored to you — consider contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (details and contact form on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com). Wishing you a spring full of discoveries in Krakow and Wieliczka!
