The Underground Museum of the Main Square is an excellent starting point because it lies practically beneath the surface of the Main Market Square and immediately introduces you to the city's history — you will see traces of the medieval market, archaeological layers and multimedia displays that help explain how Kraków functioned centuries ago. The entrance is next to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). From the Main Railway Station it's about a 1.7 km walk, roughly 20 minutes — a great warm-up before a long day of sightseeing.
Allow 1–2 hours for the exhibition: if you want to explore on your own and watch the multimedia calmly, count on one hour; if you plan a guided tour or want to study the displays in detail, schedule two hours. It's a good idea to check opening hours and ticket availability before you set out.
A small note for families and travelers with light luggage: the underground exhibitions have a museum character, so comfortable shoes and light clothing will make the visit easier.
After leaving the underground museum, take some time to stroll across the Main Market Square — the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica with Wit Stwosz's altarpiece and the Town Hall Tower are all within easy reach. If you're there on the hour, listen for the bugle call (hejnal) from St. Mary's tower — a simple moment that stays with you.
If you'd like a short coffee or breakfast stop, trusted nearby spots include Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) with excellent sourdough baked goods and Camelot Cafe on Świętego Tomasza Street — both cafés suit the Old Town atmosphere and are popular choices. It's a good moment to refuel before continuing your walk.
Plan about 1–1.5 hours to see the main points of the Square and its surroundings, including short visits inside selected monuments.
From the Market Square you can comfortably walk the Royal Route to Wawel — the Royal Castle and Cathedral are must-sees. If you want to enter the castle chambers or the Cathedral, allow extra time: the Cathedral itself usually takes 30–60 minutes, and castle visits start at about 1 hour and up, depending on the exhibitions you choose.
An alternative to lengthy indoor visits is a walk around Wawel Hill and a descent to the Vistula riverbanks — the boulevards are a pleasant place to rest, take photos, or enjoy a snack or ice cream. If you plan a short river cruise or a relaxed bench break with a view, count that as a pause in your schedule.
If you feel tired after several hours on your feet, in the afternoon it's better to choose one or two attractions rather than trying to check everything off the list.
Kazimierz is one of Kraków's most fascinating districts — atmospheric streets, synagogues, galleries and many cafés and restaurants. For lunch I recommend well-known places: Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, great atmosphere on Szeroka Street), and for a special culinary experience consider Bottiglieria 1881 in Kazimierz. Around Plac Nowy you'll also find classic Kraków zapiekanki if you prefer something quick and local.
After lunch, set aside time to walk around Kazimierz: the Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery, the charming courtyards on Józefa Street and Plac Nowy with its market stalls are places that offer a different rhythm of the city. Plan at least 1–2 hours here.
If you're interested in contemporary art, consider a short visit to MOCAK on the other side of the river (if you don't mind the crossing or a short tram ride).
If you still have energy, cross the Vistula to visit Podgórze. A walk across Bernatka Footbridge or further over the river lets you see places connected with 20th-century history, and nearby is Schindler's Factory — a moving exhibition about Kraków during World War II.
Another evening idea is to climb Kościuszko Mound for a city panorama at sunset, or take a short Vistula cruise. The mound requires some effort, but the view rewards the climb. If time is limited, choose one of these options rather than both.
Keep in mind that some museum exhibitions may have limited evening opening hours, so plan visits in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle — a walking route through Kraków's centre that includes the underground museum and Wawel will cover at least several kilometres in a day.
It's best to check and buy tickets for the Underground Museum of the Main Square in advance online, especially in high season — this helps you avoid queues and the disappointment of sold-out time slots. The same applies to some Wawel attractions and popular temporary exhibitions.
Carry a small amount of cash for markets and small stalls (for example, zapiekanki at Plac Nowy), though most places accept cards. On hot days plan breaks in cafés or shade in the Planty park.
Trying to fit too much into one day — the urge to “check off” every attraction leads to fatigue and a less enjoyable experience. It's better to choose fewer highlights and give them proper attention.
Not booking ahead — especially during Easter, summer and long holiday weekends, you should reserve tickets for the most popular museums in advance.
Ignoring breaks — regular pauses for coffee, a meal and stretching will make the walking day pleasant and memorable rather than exhausting.
How many kilometres will I walk in a day like this? - With a reasonable plan visiting main points in the centre and Kazimierz, you can expect to walk 6–10 km. It depends on how many extra detours you add.
Can children handle this route? - Yes, if you schedule regular breaks and shorten museum time. Children usually enjoy the Underground Museum because of its interactive elements.
Is it worth hiring a guide? - If you want historical context and interesting anecdotes, a guided tour adds a lot of value. For personal or group tours in Kraków you can contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (ZwiedzanieKrakowa).
Kraków is best discovered slowly: even if you have only one full day here, leave yourself a reason to return. Allow spontaneous stops, choose one excellent restaurant instead of several average ones, and keep in memory the smallest discoveries — a nook with an interesting façade, a local bakery or a favourite bench by the Vistula.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it's the easiest way to help others plan a great day in Kraków. If you prefer a personalised guided tour, you're welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at ZwiedzanieKrakowa. Thank you and enjoy your walk through Kraków!
