Krakow is a city best explored on foot — but sometimes the distances between highlights (for example Wawel, Kazimierz, Kościuszko Mound, Nowa Huta) are long enough that taking a tram saves time and lets you see the city from a different angle. By mixing walking with short rides on public transport you can keep a relaxed pace, visit museums and stop for coffee in atmospheric cafés. Adding a local guide brings stories not found in guidebooks and practical tips that make getting around the city easier.
A guide can help plan the route to avoid crowds, schedule museum visits and match the pace to your group. It’s also useful to know that some branches of the Museum of Krakow (for example Thesaurus Cracoviensis) offer guided visits on specific days — this makes it easier to plan and sometimes includes a guide with the ticket.
Start by deciding whether you prefer a relaxed pace (two days with longer stops) or a more intensive plan (more points, shorter stops). Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers for changing weather and bring a water bottle. Buy MPK (municipal transport) tickets for trams and buses — most convenient via a mobile app or at a kiosk, and remember to validate your ticket if required.
Book entry to the most popular museums in advance — queues can be long, especially in high season. If you plan to visit a specific branch of the Museum of Krakow (for example Thesaurus Cracoviensis), check the days and times of guided tours — some branches run guided tours only at set times.
If you’re booking a tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, describe your interests (history, architecture, food, photography) so the route can be tailored to you. It’s also good to agree on start and end points — Krakow has many convenient transport hubs such as Plac Matejki, Galeria Krakowska and the Main Railway Station.
Begin your morning at the Main Market Square — the Royal Route leads from there along Grodzka Street to Wawel. Visit the castle courtyard, the cathedral and, if you wish, the Dragon’s Den. Reserving tickets for some Wawel exhibitions can save time.
In the afternoon cross to Kazimierz by bridge or walk there on foot. Kazimierz is a great place for a break — Plac Nowy, synagogues, cozy cafés and small galleries. If your feet are tired after a long day, take a tram from the center heading south — it will quickly bring you close to Kościuszko Mound or the Salwator area.
Stay in Kazimierz for dinner — highly rated options include restaurants serving Polish and Jewish dishes, as well as trendier cafés and bars with local beers. Reserving a table on weekends is often a good idea.
On the second day combine tram rides with walking: take a morning tram to the Museum of Krakow branch you want to visit, for example Thesaurus Cracoviensis, which has interesting collections and runs guided tours on selected days. Check opening hours and ticket prices — in some cases a guided tour is included in the ticket.
After the museum, by tram or on foot you can reach areas that take longer to access (for example Nowa Huta, Łagiewniki) — the tram network connects the center with southern districts well. This is a good time to visit less touristy places, discover another side of the city and enjoy local dishes.
If you still have energy, take an afternoon walk along the Vistula or visit one of the less crowded museums. The tram gives flexibility: if it rains you can easily pause the walk and move to the next point on your itinerary.
Thesaurus Cracoviensis is a branch of the Museum of Krakow with interesting collections and local stories about the city. Many events and historical walks are linked to this branch, so check its schedule in advance. In practice, visits to this branch are held on specific days and often include a guided tour included with the ticket, which is very convenient for visitors.
A full-price ticket to branches of the Museum of Krakow usually costs a few dozen złoty; discounts, family cards and group rates are often available. When planning your visit check the guided-tour start time — some entries have limited places and require reservations.
Fun fact: Thesaurus Cracoviensis also organizes local events and themed walks that reveal lesser-known neighborhood stories — a great complement to the classic Wawel and Market Square visits.
Trams are often the fastest way to travel between more distant points. The network covers many lines running on different axes; before you go check the line number and direction. In the center most attractions are close enough to walk between, and the tram is best used as a ‘jump’ between districts.
Buy tickets before boarding (app, kiosk, ticket machine) and remember to validate them if needed. In the tourist season popular transfer points can be crowded — early morning and late afternoon are often the busiest times for some lines.
History lovers should look into special rides with historic trams — these runs take place on event days and long weekends, and the driver of a vintage car often shares interesting facts about the technology and history of public transport.
In the center and Kazimierz you’ll find many highly rated places — from elegant restaurants to cozy cafés. For authentic Polish flavors in a pleasant setting look for well-reviewed historic restaurants and spots with regional menus. For coffee or dessert try one of the popular cafés that are perfect for a short break between sights.
If you plan to stay overnight, look for hotels or apartments near the center (Old Town, Kazimierz) — this makes it easy to walk between attractions. Alternatively, choosing accommodation by a tram stop gives convenient access to farther sights without needing a taxi.
On weekends and during high season book tables and accommodation in advance — the best-rated places fill up quickly. Local reviews and rankings can help you pick options that fit your budget and taste.
Trying to fit too many points into one day — it’s better to plan fewer stops and see them properly. The walking pace with a guide should include breaks for resting and meals.
Not booking tickets for popular museums and attractions — buying tickets on the day can mean long queues or sold-out slots. Check availability ahead and reserve when possible.
Not understanding the MPK ticket system — remember to buy and validate your ticket and check whether your ticket covers transfers. It’s useful to have an app with timetables or a tram map handy.
Are 2 days enough to see Krakow? - Yes, to get the feel of the city and visit the main sights, but if you want to explore museums in depth or visit Wieliczka add an extra day.
Is it worth taking the tram instead of walking? - Yes, when distances are longer or you want to visit outer districts; walking is better for getting to know the city center.
How can I avoid crowds? - Plan morning visits to popular attractions, book tickets in advance and ask the guide for routes that bypass the largest crowds.
Not all museum branches are open every day — some, like Thesaurus Cracoviensis, have specific days and guided-tour times, and on some dates a guide is included in the ticket price.
Krakow’s trams have a long history and from time to time there are vintage-tram rides — such stretches can be a fun addition to a walk and a great photo opportunity.
Many less obvious spots (small courtyards, Kazimierz nooks, fragments of old fortifications) hide stories a guide can reveal — these are often the moments people remember most from a tour.
If you want to see Krakow without rushing, learn local stories and move comfortably between districts, combining walks with tram rides is a great idea. A two-day plan offers a comfortable pace and time for culinary stops.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media. When you’re ready for a personalized tour of Krakow, consider booking with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on her official website. Good luck and enjoy your walks in Krakow!
