Yes — and without rush. Wawel and the Ethnographic Museum are two different worlds: one is a royal residence, national history and monumental interiors; the other is the intimate Kazimierz town hall with a collection of everyday life, costumes and crafts. Both are close to the city centre and well connected by tram, so it’s worth planning to see Wawel in a single day (or split across two visits) and to set aside separate time for Kazimierz and the Ethnographic Museum. That way a week in Krakow can be comfortable, content-rich and still leave room for good food and relaxing by the Vistula.
Below you’ll find a simple seven-day plan, practical tips for using the tram, which tickets to buy, the best times of day and a few well-reviewed places to eat to visit after sightseeing. At the end there’s an FAQ and a list of common tourist mistakes and how to avoid them. If you want the plan shortened to a weekend, tell me and I’ll prepare a compact version.
Wawel sits on Wawel Hill in the heart of Krakow’s historic centre — easy to find, about a 10-minute walk from the Main Market Square. There is a convenient tram stop on Św. Gertrudy street called “Wawel” and trams that travel through the centre usually stop nearby.
The Ethnographic Museum’s main permanent exhibition is in the historic Kazimierz Town Hall at Plac Wolnica 1, and some temporary shows and educational space are in the so-called Esterka House at ul. Krakowska 46. The museum generally operates Tuesday to Sunday; Tuesday often has favourable ticket conditions for the permanent exhibition, and some Wednesdays may feature quieter hours. Wawel runs different touring routes with changing hours and parts open to visitors, so check current opening times before you go and buy tickets online if you plan a specific route.
The tram is a convenient way to move between sights — the “Wawel” stop is very close to the hill, and you can reach or walk to Plac Wolnica (Kazimierz) in a few minutes from nearby stops. This makes it easy to plan days with minimal transfers and more time for exploring.
Buy MPK tickets at machines, in the mobile app or from the driver (in order of convenience: app/machine → driver). For a week’s stay consider a city card or multi-day tickets in the app — it saves time and avoids buying a ticket every time. Remember to validate your ticket when boarding if you’re not using the app.
If you want to reduce walking, plan routes that connect sights along the way: Wawel → Vistula Boulevards → Father Bernatek Footbridge → Kazimierz → Plac Wolnica. It’s a pleasant walk, but if it’s raining or you want to save energy, short tram rides are a better choice.
Day 1: Arrival and settling in. Walk around the Main Market Square and the Planty, have a light dinner nearby — soak up the city atmosphere and pick a place you might return to for breakfast.
Day 2: Wawel Hill. Book morning tickets for the Castle and Cathedral — some routes require advance reservations. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the Vistula boulevards, and have dinner at a restaurant serving regional dishes.
Day 3: Ethnographic Museum and Kazimierz. Devote the morning to the permanent exhibition in the former town hall at Plac Wolnica and visit the Esterka House if a compelling temporary exhibition is on. Use the afternoon for wandering Kazimierz’s narrow streets and enjoying coffee in a recommended café.
Day 4: Themed museums or galleries (according to your interests). A good day for smaller museums, contemporary art galleries or reserved time for additional Wawel exhibitions.
Day 5: Food route and relaxation. Visit markets, taste local specialties and try recommended tasting spots. In the evening enjoy a concert or an intimate cultural event.
Day 6: Trip beyond the centre or return to favourite spots. Consider a short trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine or explore lesser-known parts of Krakow. In the evening take night photos and stroll around the illuminated Wawel.
Day 7: Easy day — shopping, revisits to favourite places, packing and saying goodbye. If your departure is later, leave time for a last coffee or ice cream.
Wawel includes several routes and exhibitions: the royal chambers, the armory, the tapestries, and the cathedral with crypts and chapels. Each route has different hours and may have limited places, so plan ahead and pick concrete entries. If you want the full picture, reserve at least half a day — and if you plan to take photos and relax in the gardens, a whole day is ideal.
At the ticket offices and entrances check which parts require separate tickets (for example temporary exhibitions). Pay attention to rules about bringing bags and items — some routes have restrictions. After visiting, walk the viewing terraces and descend to the Vistula boulevards where Wawel looks especially picturesque.
The permanent exhibition in the Kazimierz Town Hall tells the story of rural everyday life, rituals and crafts — a great complement to what you’ll see at Wawel. The Esterka House often hosts temporary exhibitions and educational projects; check the current programme before you go.
Tuesday can be a financially favourable day for the permanent exhibition, while some Wednesday evenings may feature quiet hours. If you travel with family, check available educational workshops — the museum regularly runs activities for children and families.
After visiting Wawel or Kazimierz pick a place with good reviews and the right atmosphere. Around Kazimierz and the Old Town consider cafés with specialty coffee, bars serving regional dishes and restaurants offering modern takes on Polish cuisine. Examples that often receive praise and are worth considering: Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine in Kazimierz), Massolit Books & Cafe (a bookstore café), and a range of restaurants serving Polish dishes with a friendly evening atmosphere.
If you prefer traditional flavours after a day of sightseeing, look for restaurants highly rated for regional or modern Polish cuisine — there are several in the centre that regularly receive positive reviews from visitors. Watch opening hours and book a table in the evening during the high season.
Wawel and the Ethnographic Museum show very different perspectives on history — many visitors don’t realize that the ethnographic collection in Kazimierz is one of the oldest in Poland and contains items that explain daily life in villages and smaller towns. It’s a wonderful complement after seeing the monumental collections at Wawel.
The walk between Wawel and Kazimierz is often underestimated — the Vistula boulevards and historic passages offer views of Krakow you won’t get from standing only on the Market Square. For photographers I recommend the Father Bernatek Footbridge and the boulevards at dusk when the lit Wawel creates a unique atmosphere.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially in season — results in long queues or inability to enter a chosen route. Solution: book early and have a plan B if places are sold out.
Confusing tickets and routes — Wawel and the Cathedral are separate institutions with different tickets; check which exhibitions require separate fees. Solution: verify the list of routes before buying and choose only what you really want to see.
Overestimating what you can fit into one day — Wawel can take half a day or a full day, especially if you want to visit several routes. Solution: split Wawel and the Ethnographic Museum across different days or allow time to rest.
Do I need to buy tickets online for Wawel and the Ethnographic Museum? — It’s advisable for Wawel if you plan specific routes. The Ethnographic Museum sometimes has discounted or free-entry days for the permanent exhibition, but check current information before you go.
How much time to allocate for both places? — For Wawel allow at least half a day; preferably 3–4 hours if you want to see several exhibitions. For the Ethnographic Museum 1.5–2 hours is usually enough unless you join workshops or visit a major temporary exhibition.
Does a tram connect Wawel directly with Plac Wolnica? — There are stops very close to both locations, so travel is short; in good weather the walk between them is pleasant and takes a dozen or so minutes.
Plan mornings for the most crowded attractions — there are fewer people and better light for photos early in the day. Check opening hours the day before your visit because some exhibitions have varying hours or closed days.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and short climbs around Wawel are the norm. Carry a water bottle and an offline map on your phone, and if you plan to ride trams often, set up the MPK app for ticket purchases.
Lastly: if you want a personalized tour — I can help. If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer guided visits, contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) via the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website for details.
