Yes — this is a classic and very satisfying combination, especially for people who want to feel the most important monuments of Kraków without rushing. Wawel and the Royal Route naturally lead to the Main Market Square, where St. Mary's Basilica stands with its famous bugle call (hejnal).
In this guide I will explain how to plan a route for about 3–4 hours so the pace is comfortable for seniors, with regular breaks, seating options and the possibility to shorten the program. I also share current opening hours for the main sites (as of the publication date) and practical tips that make sightseeing easier.
The route combines two Kraków must-sees but also allows frequent rests — there are benches on Wawel Hill, cafés and public toilets near the Market. The distance is relatively short (Wawel ↔ Market), there are many viewpoints and places to sit, and you can enjoy short, engaging stories about the city's history.
As a guide I adapt the pace to the group: slower walks, more breaks, and for indoor visits we use advance reservations when possible to avoid long queues.
Start: Wawel Hill (begin the route) — 60–90 minutes
- A gentle walk through the courtyards of the Royal Castle (if the group wishes, we can enter one selected exhibition) and a visit to Wawel Cathedral. A short talk about coronations, royal tombs and the cathedral's most interesting monuments.
Break: café / bench at Wawel — 15–20 minutes
Walk the Royal Route (Grodzka Street) toward the Main Market Square — 20–30 minutes including stops and short stories about the places we pass (monastery, St. Andrew’s Church, the gateway to the Market).
Main Market Square and St. Mary's Basilica — 60–75 minutes
- Brief introduction on the Market: history of the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall.
- Visit the open part of the basilica (the presbytery and the Veit Stoss altarpiece) or, for those willing and able, climb the tower where the bugle call is played (mind the stairs!).
Finish: recommended place for coffee or a light lunch on the Market or in a nearby café; discuss plans for the rest of the day.
Option to shorten: skip exhibition entrances at Wawel and focus only on the courtyards and cathedral (saves time and energy).
Wawel Hill and the Castle/Cathedral exhibitions: the Hill is generally accessible until early evening (hours are shorter in winter, November–March, with earlier last entries). When planning a half-day trip it’s worth checking the exact opening hours of each exhibition and the ticket desks on the day of your visit.
St. Mary's Basilica: the sacred part with the presbytery and main altar is open to visitors in specified hours (weekday and Saturday schedules often differ from Sundays and holidays). Admission to the visitor area is paid (regular/reduced tickets).
St. Mary's tower (the bugle call tower): climbs to the higher tower run at specific seasonal hours and usually in small groups (tower entrance from Floriańska Street; limited number of visitors per tour). The climb involves many stairs — it can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Tickets: prices for the basilica and the tower vary by category (regular/reduced). When planning, have cash or a card ready and check ticket availability on the spot or in advance.
Pace: we start slowly, with short breaks every 30–40 minutes. If someone feels tired, I suggest sitting down and I will tell more stories rather than continuing to walk — sightseeing should be enjoyable.
Stairs and accessibility: the St. Mary's tower and some castle areas include stairs — if mobility is limited, skip the tower and view the basilica’s interior from the presbytery level. Tell the guide about accessibility needs when booking.
Toilets and places to sit: Wawel Hill has several seating spots; around the Market you'll find cafés and public restrooms. Carry a small bottle of water.
Weather: bring a light coat or umbrella in case of rain. Surfaces in the Old Town can be uneven — choose comfortable, stable shoes.
Ticketing and queues: spring–autumn can be busy. Advance reservations for popular exhibitions or visiting during quieter times of the day make the visit smoother.
Transport: if you arrive by tram or taxi, stops near the Market and Wawel are convenient. The walk between Wawel and the Market is short and pleasant.
Will we hear the bugle call without entering the tower? — Yes. The bugle (hejnal) is played from the tower and can be heard from the Market; climbing the tower adds a special view but is not necessary to hear the tune.
How long does the tower visit take? — The climb and a short presentation at the top usually take 20–30 minutes, but you should allow extra time for waiting for your group (especially in high season).
Is the route tiring? — The route is moderate: a short, mostly flat walk between Wawel and the Market, but some entrances require stairs. I adapt the pace for senior groups.
Do we need to book tickets in advance? — For a more relaxed visit in busy months it’s worth reserving certain entrances in advance or arranging them with your guide to avoid queues.
Are there discounts for seniors? — Many places offer reduced tickets; bring a document that proves eligibility for a reduced fare.
Coffee and cake: I recommend sitting at a Market Square café to summarise the visit — it’s a perfect time for questions and Kraków stories.
Light lunch: if you have the energy, the area around the Market has many restaurants offering traditional Polish dishes with mild flavours suitable for older visitors.
If you still have energy: consider a short visit to Kazimierz or a gentle walk along the Vistula Boulevards (flat terrain, benches and pretty views).
I lead groups at different paces and with different preferences — from intimate walks to longer programmes. On ZwiedzanieKrakowa you will find route descriptions and available durations (2–4 hours).
I recommend booking in advance, especially in the tourist season or if you want to enter specific exhibitions. Please let me know about the group's pace (e.g. mobility limitations, desire for frequent breaks) so I can prepare the most comfortable route.
I am happy to tailor the programme to your needs — shorter versions, more stories, extra coffee breaks or a focus on architecture and Kraków legends.
Sightseeing in Kraków should be a pleasure, not a race. If you plan to visit Wawel and St. Mary's in half a day — a well-planned programme, the right pace and breaks will make the trip a calm and memorable experience.
If you have questions about accessibility, special needs or want to consult details of the route — write or call, and I will gladly help plan the perfect day for you and your loved ones.
