A week is a great amount of time to get to know Kraków at a relaxed pace and to fit in one or two shorter escapes nearby — for example to Wieliczka. Thanks to the city’s network of bike paths and well-marked routes in the Małopolska region, you can combine a ride around the Old Town with a trip along the Vistula boulevards, a crossing through Kazimierz and the footbridge to Podgórze, and on another day cycle to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The Kraków–Wieliczka route is short enough to make a comfortable full-day outing for most visitors — some count it as about 12–17 km one way from the center, while others choose longer loops of 60+ km that include extra sights around the city.
If you don’t want to pedal hard every day, plan 3–4 days to explore Kraków itself and 2–3 days for outings outside the city. This rhythm leaves time for strolls without crowds, longer coffee breaks and evening dinners at recommended restaurants. The most important thing: plan your route so you finish each day near a convenient place to sleep — Kraków offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses both in the center and in more intimate neighborhoods.
If you prefer shorter stretches, set up a base in Kraków and do day trips — a practical logistic solution, especially when visiting underground attractions in Wieliczka (entry times are fixed).
Day 1: Old Town and the Planty. A short loop around the Main Market Square, Wawel and the most important monuments — with stops for photos and coffee. A good day to get used to the city’s biking rhythm.
Day 2: Vistula boulevards and Kazimierz. Ride along the river, cross the Father Bernatek footbridge, and take a stroll or short stop in Kazimierz. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the neighborhood’s atmospheric restaurants.
Day 3: Podgórze and Krakus Mound. Cross the footbridge, pass the Płaszów area, visit the Ghetto Heroes Square and take in the viewpoint at Krakus Mound.
Day 4: Wolski Forest and Kościuszko Mound. A pleasant, more “wooded” day — ideal for a trekking bike, with shorter but varied climbs and forest paths.
Day 5: Day trip to Wieliczka. Cycle (about 12–17 km from the center) with stops along the way, then tour the Salt Mine — note that underground routes and stairways require booking tickets in advance.
Day 6: Kraków’s little valleys or Tyniec. A calm option: explore the green dolinki (valleys) or ride to the Tyniec Abbey along the river; you can return by ferry or local roads.
Day 7: Easy day — shopping, museums or a loop to Zakrzówek. Reserve time for your favorite cafés and a final, longer dinner.
City loop (short): Main Market Square – Planty – Wawel – Vistula Boulevards – Kazimierz – Father Bernatek Footbridge – Podgórze. This loop is perfect for the first day: it joins the main monuments with river views.
Vistula boulevards: riding the river embankments gives plenty of space and beautiful panoramas. There are many spots for stops, picnics and photos — ideal in good weather.
Route to Wieliczka: head southeast from the center, most commonly along Wielicka Street or quieter side roads and bike paths. Plan a relaxed variant with stops and time to explore Wieliczka above ground before entering the Mine.
Longer loops (active riders): many routes connect the Błonia, Wolski Forest, Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound and the Rudawy hills. Map authors suggest routes from 30 to 70 km — good options when you want to combine sightseeing with training.
Dolinki and surroundings: the dolinki around Kraków, the Niepołomice Forest and Ojców are perfect for escaping the city. Some paths are gravel — check the surface type before you go.
Wieliczka is not only the Salt Mine — although that is of course the must-see. On the surface, visit the Wieliczka Market Square and the Museum of the Kraków Saltworks, and leave time to rest and eat before descending underground.
Mine entrances have fixed times and visitor limits — book tickets in advance. It’s cool underground (stable temperature), so bring a light fleece layer even in summer.
The bike route to Wieliczka is pleasant; choose safety first — if you prefer to avoid busy Wielicka Street, take quiet side roads or paths along fields and embankments. There are cafés and picnic spots along the way for short breaks.
Bikes: if you don’t bring your own bike, Kraków has many rental shops offering trekking, city and electric bikes. A trekking bike or e-bike is a good choice for a week — they make hilly parts of the city and surrounding areas easier to ride.
Helmet and lights: wearing a helmet increases safety — especially on routes outside the center. Evening rides require functioning front and rear lights and reflective elements.
Locking your bike: invest in a good lock (for example a U-lock plus a cable). In popular spots like the Market, Kazimierz or near the Salt Mine thefts can occur — when leaving your bike for longer, attach it to a fixed structure.
Maps and navigation: carry an offline map of your route or use an app with saved GPS tracks. In Kraków and nearby there are both asphalt paths and gravel sections — know what to expect.
Weather and clothing: conditions can change quickly — bring a lightweight rain jacket and a thermal layer for Wieliczka’s underground. Plan with extra time and avoid overloading your schedule in case of bad weather.
Accommodation: base yourself in the center or near Kazimierz — most routes start conveniently from there, and getting to the station or airport is straightforward. Hotels near the Planty or Błonia let you return to your luggage quickly after a long day’s ride.
Gastronomy: Kraków offers many excellent places. If you want to try local flavors at well-known and highly rated venues, consider: Restauracja Wierzynek (a classic by the Market), Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in atmospheric Kazimierz), Pod Aniołami (tradition and atmosphere near the Market), Massolit Books & Cafe (café/bookshop in Kazimierz) and Forum Przestrzenie (relax by the Vistula). On the way to Wieliczka, stop at local cafés or patisseries — great places to recharge.
Breaks and repairs: before you leave check where the nearest bike service or rental is near your accommodation — most larger neighborhoods have at least one. For longer routes carry basic tools and a spare inner tube.
Wieliczka is more than the postcard Salt Mine — underground you’ll find expansive, varied spaces with salt chapels, sculptures and subterranean lakes. Book a separate day for it and don’t treat the mine as a mere add-on to city sightseeing.
Kraków has surprisingly extensive green areas accessible by bike: the Błonia, Wolski Forest, the Rudawa embankments and the dolinki are spots where you can feel like you’re on a short getaway outside the city while still 15–30 minutes from the Market.
Many attractions can be combined without needing a car every day — the bike route system and several bridges across the Vistula create very practical connections between neighborhoods.
Not planning stops — cycling sightseeing moves quickly, so mark the places you want to pause for photos or food in advance. Without planned stops, your day can become too rushed or you’ll waste time looking for a café at the last minute.
Underestimating underground conditions in Wieliczka — it’s cool and humid below ground; a light layer and comfortable shoes are essential. Too many visitors treat the mine as a short stop and then rush, which diminishes the experience of this unique attraction.
Using an inadequate bike lock — a simple cable is not enough. Use a sturdy U-lock plus an additional cable to secure wheels and saddle. Don’t leave your bike in secluded spots without supervision.
Can you bike to Wieliczka from Kraków’s center? Yes — it’s a popular, comfortable day trip. The distance depends on the route but is usually 12–17 km one way; you can also plan longer loops of 40–70 km if you want to include extra sights.
Can I leave a bike at the Salt Mine? You don’t take bikes underground — it’s best to lock your bike on the surface in a designated spot and secure it with a solid lock. Check the current rules before visiting for seasonal variations.
Is an e-bike worthwhile? Yes — an e-bike eases climbs and lets you cover longer distances with less fatigue. It’s a good option for a week with many cycling days, especially if you want to ride more varied terrain.
Documents and bookings: Salt Mine tickets in advance, accommodation confirmation, and any required dinner reservations for popular restaurants.
Equipment: helmet, lights, solid lock, spare inner tube, basic tools, phone powerbank, water and snacks.
Clothing: rain layer, light thermal layer for the underground, comfortable shoes and clothing for changeable conditions.
Kraków and Wieliczka combine history, riverside landscapes and unique underground spaces. Biking gives you freedom and a pace that lets you feel the city differently than on foot or by car — more spontaneous stops, more views, and easy links between the center and surrounding areas.
If you like this plan, share the article with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a great week on two wheels.
If you want a guided experience, consider a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com can tailor a route to your expectations, arrange entries and show places often missed by standard guides.
