Yes — it’s a great plan for a day in Krakow. Wawel Hill is a must-see on any visit, and nearby (as well as a few minutes’ walk away) you’ll find traditional milk bars and inexpensive canteens where you can get a solid, home-style lunch for reasonable money.
This article gives practical information about tickets and routes for visiting Wawel, logistical tips and a list of places where you can eat cheaply and quickly — with a short plan for how to organise your day so you don’t waste time or money.
Wawel is not a single “attraction” but several separate routes: the Cathedral (with crypts and Sigismund’s Tower), the private royal apartments, the treasury, the armory and temporary exhibitions. Often each route requires a separate ticket — when planning your visit, decide what matters most to you.
If you want peace of mind about getting in, buy tickets in advance — many exhibitions have a limited number of places each day. For visitors who prefer a more relaxed pace, walking around the courtyard and the Wawel Hill is free.
There are also guided tours or audio guides — a convenient option if you want background without reading labels at every exhibit. Packages that include a guide and tickets for several routes can be pricier than single-entry tickets but save time waiting in lines.
For a basic visit to Wawel reserve at least 2–3 hours: one exhibition + the Cathedral + a walk around the courtyard is a realistic half-day plan. If you want to see several exhibitions in detail, plan 3–4 hours.
Costs depend on which routes you choose. Single-exhibition tickets are usually in the range of a few dozen złoty, while packages and guided tours (covering several sites) can cost more. Factor this into your daily budget.
- Plan your visit in advance: check opening hours of the exhibitions you want to see (they may differ from the castle’s general hours) and buy tickets online if you want to avoid queues.
- Keep in mind that some exhibitions require leaving large backpacks in a cloakroom — it’s better to come with a small bag. In some places there are deposits for strollers and large luggage.
- Toilets in some institutions may be paid; depending on the route you choose you may encounter either free facilities or paid ones — carry some small change just in case.
- If you want to go up the bell tower or visit the crypts, check separate entrances and possible limits on the number of visitors; not all routes are fully accessible for people with limited mobility.
- Best times for a calm visit: early morning or late afternoon outside peak tourist hours. In season the biggest crowds are around midday.
If your priority is the cheapest home-style meal, visit a milk bar (bar mleczny). These classic Polish canteens serve hearty lunches at very affordable prices. In Krakow there are still well-known spots where you can eat for little money.
A few tried names you might consider (various locations in the city, some closer to Wawel): Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą (Grodzka 43) — right by the Market Square and convenient if you’re walking from Wawel; MIŁA (Łąkowa 29) — a popular milk-bar-style chain with large portions; Flisak, Krakus, Targowy — other traditional, budget-friendly places.
Milk bars often offer two-course daily sets: soup + main course at an attractive price. That’s perfect for a tourist who wants to eat quickly and cheaply after a morning or late-morning visit.
Note: venues right next to major tourist sights (the Market Square and the closest streets) tend to be more expensive. If you want to save the most, walk a few blocks away from the very centre.
In a milk bar a standard lunch (soup + main course) can be found for very low prices up to about 30 zł, depending on the place and portion size. In practice many canteens offer meals for about 15–30 zł.
If you prefer something faster with a similar budget, look for places offering weekday lunch sets — some restaurants run lunch menus under 40 zł, which can be a good alternative for slightly higher quality on a limited budget.
Typical inexpensive dishes you’ll easily find: pierogi (various fillings), cutlet with potatoes and salad, pancakes, potato pancakes, simple soups (tomato, żurek, borscht).
1) Morning (ideally early): start at Wawel, choose one or two exhibitions and the Cathedral. By starting early you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and have time for a calm walk around the hill.
2) After visiting (around midday): head to one of the milk bars or a place with a lunch set. If you want to be really economical, look for canteens a few streets away from the Market Square or toward Czarnowiejska/Łąkowa/near the old university.
3) After lunch: continue walking around the Old Town, visit Kazimierz or return to the Vistula river for a short rest. If you have energy left — drop by the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) or stroll the Planty.
This plan lets you combine the main sights with a solid, inexpensive meal without rushing.
Is entry to Wawel paid? - The courtyard and hill can be visited for free; however, entering interiors (the Cathedral, private apartments, treasury, etc.) usually requires a ticket.
Are there free days at Wawel? - Occasionally institutions offer free admission to selected exhibitions on certain days, but ticket numbers are usually limited. It’s wise to check current information and rules in advance or on site.
Do milk bars accept cards? - Many places accept card payments, but some traditional canteens still prefer cash. Carry some change just in case.
Are there vegetarian options at milk bars? - Yes, most milk bars serve pierogi, potato pancakes and other meat-free dishes. Ask the staff about the day’s options.
Do I have to leave my backpack before entering exhibitions? - In some parts of Wawel you are required to leave larger bags in a cloakroom. Come with light luggage to avoid delays.
- Always check opening hours of the exhibitions you plan to visit and look for technical breaks; many venues change hours seasonally.
- If you plan to visit more than one major site in a day, consider buying tickets in advance and organising your time to avoid multiple queues.
- Bring comfortable shoes — Wawel and its surroundings have cobblestones and a fair amount of walking.
- If you’re on a tight budget, look for milk bars and local canteens a little off the main tourist path — prices are often noticeably lower.
- Have a plan B: if your first choice is crowded, have a short list of alternatives ready (other milk bars, a simple bistro, bakeries with good savory options).
Krakow is a city where history and everyday life meet at every corner. Wawel is essential, and a tasty, inexpensive lunch doesn’t have to spoil your plans or budget. A few simple choices — booking tickets in advance, picking a trusted milk bar and planning your time — are enough to make the day enjoyable.
If you’d like, I can help you build a detailed plan for a specific day (taking opening hours and food preferences into account) — tell me when you’re arriving and what you want to see, and I’ll prepare a suggested route and a list of places to eat cheaply and well.
