The Royal Route is the heart of historic Kraków: the path once used by kings and now walked by visitors passing the city’s most important sights from Matejko Square to Wawel.
A walk with a guide lets you do more than tick off the "must-see" list — you hear the stories, anecdotes and context that are hard to get alone — from the legend of the Dragon to the history of Veit Stoss’s altar.
If your time is limited I recommend a shortened guided version (about 2–2.5 hours) without entering interiors; if you want to visit the Cathedral, Royal Chambers or the Market Underground, plan 4–6 hours or a full day.
Most tours start at Matejko Square or the Barbican. From there we go through St. Florian’s Gate, down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, then along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets to Wawel.
Plan short stops on the way: at St. Florian’s Gate (a quick lesson on the fortifications), on the Market (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica) and on Kanonicza before climbing Wawel Hill.
If you plan to go inside attractions: book tickets in advance and add extra time for queues — especially in summer and on weekends.
Wawel Hill includes the castle, courtyards, the Cathedral and crypts — viewing the courtyard and a short visit takes about 45–90 minutes; visiting the Cathedral and crypts can add another 30–60 minutes.
The Sigismund Bell, royal tombs and the State Rooms require paid tickets and have limited admissions; check opening hours and ticket availability ahead of time.
Don’t forget to look towards the Vistula and visit the Dragon’s Den and the dragon statue — a fun stop, especially for families with children.
The Main Market Square features the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica with the trumpet call and Veit Stoss’s altar, the Town Hall Tower and many historic townhouses with atmospheric cellars.
Floriańska Street shows decorative townhouses, the Matejko House and cozy cafés; Grodzka and Kanonicza are parts of the Royal Route leading straight to Wawel, full of historic facades and churches.
The University area with Collegium Maius is a good moment to tell a bit about Kraków’s academic past — it’s worth stopping even for a short while.
In the very center choose tried-and-true, well-reviewed places; classics are historic restaurants around the Market serving Polish and European dishes.
Notable options near the Market and Wawel include historic houses like Wierzynek and longstanding spots such as Pod Wawelem or Miod Malina; for elegant Polish cuisine pick a place with a history and good reviews.
For a quick snack try an obwarzanek sold on the streets — a Kraków symbol, cheap and ideal while walking.
After crossing the bridge over the Vistula plan an evening in Kazimierz — the district with the highest concentration of interesting restaurants, cafés and bars.
In Kazimierz you'll find both fine dining and casual spots serving world cuisine; choose highly rated places — many offer creative seasonal menus and signature dishes. Starka is a popular traditional choice in Kazimierz.
If you visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Podgórze, consider lunch or dinner nearby — it’s a good way to end a day away from the busiest parts of the Old Town.
Kraków has a developed plant-based scene — from vegan burgers to refined vegetarian menus. Dedicated vegan and vegetarian places often appear in local rankings and are a great choice for those preferences.
For budget travelers I recommend milk bars and food stalls around Plac Nowy — here you can try home-style dishes and street food at decent prices.
Keep in mind that popular vegan places can be busy at lunch — booking or visiting outside peak times is a smart idea.
Trying to "see everything" in two hours — the Royal Route gives you a good feel for the city, but interiors and nearby attractions need more time; plan a full day or split the visit into blocks.
Eating at the first restaurant you see on the Market — window-front places are often more expensive and of average quality; follow local recommendations and pick venues favored by residents.
Not booking tickets in advance for popular sites (Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Market Underground) — in high season queues can seriously disrupt your day.
Best times for a walk: early mornings (before 10:00) or late afternoons — fewer crowds and better light for photos.
Buy tickets online for places like the State Rooms at Wawel or the Market Underground if you plan to go inside — you’ll save a lot of time.
In Kraków it’s customary to leave a 10–15% tip in restaurants; most places accept cards, but carry some cash for stalls and obwarzanki sellers.
The Main Market Square is often called one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and is surrounded by historic townhouses, many of which have cellars converted into restaurants and cafés.
Some parts of the Royal Route keep a medieval atmosphere more than you might expect — the quiet of Kanonicza Street contrasts with the bustle of the Market and gives a unique walking experience.
If you’re lucky to hear the trumpet call from St. Mary’s Basilica while you’re there, it’s an authentic piece of local tradition worth stopping to listen to.
How much time do I need for the Royal Route? — Minimum 2–2.5 hours without interiors; 4–6 hours if you include the main interiors.
Is it worth going with a guide? — Yes, if you want historical context, anecdotes and to avoid missing important details. A guide helps you make the most of your time and answers questions.
Where to eat after the walk? — Kazimierz offers many options from casual to refined; near the Market you’ll find historic restaurants but choose those with good reviews.
If you want to discover Kraków through local stories, stop at the best spots and avoid tourist traps, I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offer information can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends, tag it on social media or send it to someone planning a visit to Kraków. Good routes and tasty places are worth recommending!
