Kraków is a city dense with history and many places you’ll want to see without rushing. In two days you can comfortably visit Wawel, stroll through the Old Town, and on the next day immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Kazimierz and nearby districts — without running and without the feeling that something was missed. Two days also give you time to eat well, rest, and in the evening listen to music or have coffee in a cozy café.
In practice, it’s worth arranging the visit so that the first day is dedicated to Wawel and the Royal Route, and the second to Kazimierz, Podgórze and possibly short trips outside the city (for example the Wieliczka Salt Mine or a walk along the Vistula). This way you avoid an overloaded schedule and see both sides of the city: the royal and the more local, multicultural one.
Start the morning at Wawel — it’s the best time because the crowds are smaller and the weather is often kinder for walking up the hill. Plan 2–3 hours for Wawel: seeing the Cathedral (crypts, the bell tower with the Sigismund Bell), the castle courtyard and one selected museum exhibition will let you soak in the atmosphere without rushing.
After Wawel it’s worth walking down the Royal Route toward the Main Market Square. Along the way you’ll see St. Florian’s Gate, St. Florian’s Church and parts of the university buildings. A lunch or coffee break at the Market is a good moment to recharge before afternoon museum visits or a walk around the Cloth Hall.
Evening is ideal for dinner at one of the restaurants by the Market or in the quieter side streets — I recommend places with good reviews and local cuisine. If you feel like it, a short evening walk along the Vistula offers beautiful night views of Wawel illuminated.
Kazimierz is best discovered on foot. Start at Wolnica Square, walk down Szeroka Street and stop by the synagogues and at Nowy Square. This district really comes alive in the afternoons and evenings — cafes and restaurants serve food from around the world and there are great street food options.
In the afternoon you can cross the Vistula to Podgórze — there you’ll find famous sites connected to the city’s post-war history and modern cultural spaces. If you plan to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, reserve half a day and adapt the hours to the mine’s tour schedule.
Finish the day with dinner in Kazimierz — it’s the place most likely to offer lively atmosphere, good music and a very diverse menu.
Trams in Kraków are a convenient way to move quickly between Wawel, the Market, Kazimierz and the rest of the city. The nearest stop to Wawel is usually called "Wawel" and is located near ul. Św. Gertrudy, which lets you reach the hill in a few minutes. Several tram lines that run through the city center serve this stop.
It’s worth buying a time-based MPK ticket (24h or 48h) if you plan an intensive schedule — it’s cheaper and more convenient than single tickets. Remember to validate your ticket the first time you board a tram and keep it in case of inspection. Inspectors are often active during rush hours and near tourist attractions.
If you prefer not to plan every tram route, remember that walking between Wawel and the Market takes about 10–15 minutes, and from the Market to Kazimierz about 15–20 minutes — many attractions are close together, so it’s worthwhile to combine tram travel with short walks.
Book Wawel tickets in advance, especially if you want to enter the Cathedral with the crypts, visit the bell tower, or see specific castle exhibitions. Seats for some exhibitions are limited, and in the tourist season time slots fill up quickly.
There are free areas on Wawel grounds (the courtyard, parts of the hill), but full interior visits require tickets. If you want to see more than one exhibition it’s better to split the visit into two periods (morning and afternoon) rather than trying to cram everything into a single day. Watch out for large backpacks — you will often need to leave them in a cloakroom.
Reserve 2–3 hours for Wawel on a first visit; if you plan to go up the tower and visit several exhibitions, allow more time.
If you’re looking for local flavors in Kazimierz, visit places that are often recommended and highly rated by guests. At Nowy Square you’ll find more casual food, and in the side streets restaurants serving Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and traditional Polish cuisine. A few names that often receive good reviews: Plac Nowy 1, Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine), Alchemia od Kuchni and the iconic zapiekanki from the Okrąglak.
Around the Market and Wawel there are long-established restaurants with good reputations; if you want to feel the historical atmosphere, consider dinner in one of the classic Market restaurants or a spot on Kanonicza Street. Choose places with positive reviews and reserve a table for the evening, especially on weekends.
For accommodation, hotels close to Wawel and the Market are best if you want to make the most of your time. Elegant properties near Kanonicza and historic hotels by the Market are often recommended — check availability and reviews before booking to match the standard to your budget.
Wawel is not only a castle and a cathedral — beneath the hill lie layers of history that tell about earlier settlements and urban changes over the centuries.
Until the mid-20th century Kazimierz had a very changeable fate; today Szeroka Street and Nowy Square show both the historical traces of the former Jewish community and the modern café-and-club life.
Around Wawel and the Market it’s easy to find lesser-known museums and galleries that often escape tourist guides, and they make a great addition for visitors seeking deeper contact with local culture.
Trying to see too many exhibitions at Wawel in one day — it’s better to pick 1–2 priorities and devote time to them. Not booking tickets in advance — this especially applies in season and on weekends; buy tickets online. Not validating an MPK ticket — this can lead to a fine; validate your ticket on first ride and keep proof of purchase. Failing to plan breaks for food and rest — Kraków is best enjoyed slowly, with pauses between walks. Relying too much on a single means of transport — combining walks with the tram lets you see more and better feel the city’s atmosphere.
Does a tram go directly to Wawel? Yes — there is a tram stop called "Wawel" nearby, and the walk from there to the hill takes a few minutes. How much time should I plan for visiting Wawel? For a first visit 2–3 hours is optimal; if you plan to go up the tower and see several exhibitions, allow more time. Is it worth booking a table in a Kazimierz restaurant? On weekends and in the evenings, yes — the most popular places can be full. How does the MPK ticket work? The easiest option is to buy a 24h or 48h ticket and validate it at first use; the ticket allows unlimited rides within the selected time. Do I have to leave my backpack before entering Wawel? Large backpacks often require deposit; avoid big luggage while sightseeing.
When planning your route, leave room for surprises — sometimes a chance café, a small exhibition or street performers create the best memories. Bring comfortable shoes; cobbled streets and sidewalks can be uneven. Check opening hours of exhibitions and possible closed days before your trip. If you want your sightseeing to be more tailored and stress-free, consider using the services of a private guide — I invite you to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz for a guided offer tailored to your needs.
Finally, if this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a pleasant stay in Kraków.
