Kraków is a city that blends history, great food and intimate spots perfect for coffee-and-chat moments. The May holiday usually brings pleasant weather, blooming Planty and a livelier-than-usual atmosphere — but also more tourists, so it’s worth planning your days smartly to see the highlights and still have time to relax. This plan is tailored for two people: intensive but with breaks for coffee, souvenir shopping and evening gatherings in atmospheric cafés and restaurants.
In this article you’ll find: a concrete three-day schedule, practical tips (tickets, transport, what to wear), several well-regarded dining picks and common mistakes to avoid. At the end there’s a short FAQ and an invitation to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. (Contact details are available on the guide’s website.)
Start the morning at Wawel — it’s the logical beginning: the castle and cathedral are symbolic places for Kraków. Plan 2–3 hours to walk around Wawel Hill, visit the Cathedral (consider tickets for the crypts and the tower) and take a short lap of the Castle courtyard. After descending toward the Vistula River, a short stroll along the boulevards offers nice views and a breather before more sightseeing.
In the afternoon continue along the Royal Route: Grodzka and Kanonicza streets lead straight to the Main Market Square. Spend time in the Cloth Hall, see the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica and walk the Planty. If you’re curious about a museum beneath the square — the Rynek Underground is an interesting, modern archaeological exhibition (advance booking helpful).
In the evening choose dinner near the Market Square or in Kazimierz. For classic, reliable options pick long-established restaurants by the Square; if you want a cosier vibe, cafés and bars on Szeroka Street offer a nice selection. Remember that the May holiday is a busy season, so reserving a table for the evening is often a good idea.
Kazimierz is a must-see: synagogues, the old Remuh cemetery, atmospheric cafés and Plac Nowy with its famous zapiekanki. Plan 2–4 hours for a stroll, lunch and small galleries. It’s also a great area for an afternoon coffee and shopping in boutiques with local design.
After crossing the Dębnicki Bridge or Bernatek Footbridge, visit Podgórze — the Ghetto Heroes’ Square, Oskar Schindler’s Factory (museum) and memorial sites related to 20th-century history. If you want a deeper historical context, Schindler’s Factory requires time and it’s best to book tickets in advance.
For the evening choose something lighter: a walk along the Vistula, a panoramic view of Wawel from the opposite bank or dinner in a well-rated venue in this part of the city. Kazimierz at night has a special atmosphere — outdoor tables and pleasant music make a perfect backdrop for conversation.
On the third day you can take a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (about 30–40 minutes by transport). The tourist route usually lasts around 2–3 hours and it’s worth factoring that into your schedule. Buy tickets for Wieliczka in advance, especially during a long May weekend.
An alternative to the trip is a calm day in Kraków: the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden, the Kościuszko Mound or less obvious areas like Zabłocie and contemporary art galleries. Reserve the afternoon for last-minute shopping, café conversations and a farewell dinner. In the evening don’t miss a walk along the Planty or a view of the illuminated Market Square.
Buy tickets for Wawel, the Rynek Underground and Wieliczka online in advance — during the May holiday places fill up quickly. Many attractions limit daily entries, so booking saves time and stress.
Kraków is mostly explored on foot, but for longer distances use trams and buses. You can buy public-transport tickets at ticket machines, via mobile apps or at kiosks. If you plan short trips by taxi or rideshare, have the app ready and check approximate fares before ordering.
Clothing: comfortable shoes and a light outer layer. May weather can be unpredictable — cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon and pleasantly cool again in the evening. Bring a small jacket or a light puffer for evening outings.
If you want photos without crowds, get up early: 7:30–9:30 is usually the best time for pictures on the Market Square and at Wawel. Late evening after 20:00 can also offer beautiful, calmer shots.
For a classic, elegant experience near the Market Square choose long-standing restaurants known on the local food scene — they serve traditional dishes with good service. If you prefer intimate cafés, look for spots in Kazimierz and on Kanonicza Street, which often have a cozy atmosphere and live music.
For a quick, iconic snack in Kazimierz head to Plac Nowy — the zapiekanki stand is a simple and tasty on-the-go lunch. For dessert try cafés that serve homemade cakes or artisanal ice cream in the center.
If you prefer highly rated venues, pick restaurants with a longer track record and many reviews — during the May holiday those places are usually the most reliable for quality and service. If you’d like, I can suggest specific addresses matched to the cuisine you prefer.
The St. Mary’s bugle call (hejnał mariacki) stops midway — a legend linked to the city’s historic defense and a long-standing Kraków symbol. It’s a moment that always draws attention in the Market Square.
The Dragon’s Den and the Wawel Dragon statue are not only for children — the dragon legend is one of the city’s most colorful tales. If you’re lucky you might catch a show when the dragon breathes fire (the statue’s fire display runs at set times).
Less obvious spots worth visiting: small galleries and studios in Zabłocie, short exhibitions in local bookshops and cafés, and viewpoints along the Vistula on the opposite bank of Wawel — they offer a different perspective on the city.
Trying to “see everything” in a short time — it’s better to choose less but do it well: sightseeing with breaks is more enjoyable than rushing.
Not booking tickets in advance — this costs time in queues, especially at Wawel and Wieliczka. Book ahead if you plan to enter interiors.
Ignoring the weather — May can be changeable. Bring an umbrella or a light waterproof layer. Also wear comfortable shoes — cobblestones and stairs are everywhere.
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for the evening, a powerbank, a public-transport card or a ticketing app, a reusable water bottle and your documents are essentials. Leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs and small purchases from local markets.
If you plan to visit museums and Wawel interiors — keep your booking confirmations handy (on your phone or printed), it speeds up entry.
Do you need to reserve tickets for Wawel? — It’s wise to do so, especially if you plan to enter the Cathedral, crypts or specific castle exhibitions. Booking reduces the risk of long waits.
Can you see everything in three days? — In three days you can comfortably see the main sites: Wawel, the Market Square, Kazimierz, Podgórze and optionally Wieliczka. It’s an intensive pace but achievable with a good plan and advance reservations.
How to avoid crowds? — Get up earlier (7:00–9:00) and schedule the busiest spots for morning or late evening. During the May holiday tourist numbers are higher, so if possible visit popular places on weekdays.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — someone might be planning a May holiday trip. A well-planned trip means more time for conversations, photos and tasting local food.
If you’d like to explore with someone who knows Kraków ‘from the inside’ and can tailor the route to your interests, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her guidance can help with engaging stories, stress-free bookings and making the most of your time. Contact details are available on the guide’s website — it’s a good option if you want a personalized and relaxed visit. Have a great May holiday in Kraków!
