If you’re visiting Krakow for a short time, the order in which you see sights matters — not just for logistics but for your overall experience. Wawel can be a quick stop: visiting only the courtyard and cathedral takes about 30–60 minutes, but to see the Royal Rooms, the Treasury or the dungeons you should allow 1.5–3 hours, and a full program can take a whole day. The Wieliczka Salt Mine requires at least 2–3 hours for the route plus travel time, and a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial is a serious experience that deserves a dedicated half or full day. Before deciding the order, think whether logistics (fixed entry times), comfort (avoiding queues) or the narrative (which places you want to experience “fresh”) are more important to you.
If convenience and avoiding crowds matter to you, plan visits for early morning or late afternoon and book tickets in advance. For attractions that require entry at a specific time (for example Wieliczka or some Wawel routes), start with the timed attraction — it’s an easy way to avoid backtracking and schedule changes. For visitors with limited time we recommend either Wawel plus a walk through the Old Town/Kazimierz, or a morning at Wieliczka and an afternoon at Wawel — the choice depends on ticket availability and your personal priorities.
Half a day in Krakow is short but can be done well. The most sensible option is to focus on one area: Wawel plus a short walk in the Old Town (or Kazimierz). If you want to go inside Wawel, plan 1.5–2 hours for the rooms and the cathedral; if you don’t have tickets, allow time for buying them and possible lines. Alternatively, if the salt mine is your dream, make Wieliczka your single activity — the trip there, the tour and the return can fit into 4–5 hours only if you start early and have a reserved slot.
For short stays avoid trying to combine Wieliczka and Wawel in the same afternoon — that often leads to rushing. You’ll have a better time choosing one attraction and enjoying it without hurry. If you plan to visit the memorial museum in Auschwitz, remember it is not a “quick” visit and should be given a separate block of time.
Option A — Wawel in the morning, Wieliczka in the afternoon: if you book an early start at Wieliczka (first departures) you can return to Krakow for an afternoon walk on Wawel Hill and through the Old Town. This works well when you want to do the underground experience first and keep a gentler pace on the hill later.
Option B — Wieliczka in the morning, Wawel after lunch: useful when your Wawel entry is scheduled for the afternoon. The mine offers a substantial, physical experience and it’s pleasant to sit for lunch in the city center before visiting Wawel.
Option C — Wawel and Kazimierz (coffee, museums, dinner): if you prefer to stay in the city, start at Wawel and spend the afternoon in Kazimierz — this is less tiring than a trip outside the city and great for an evening meal and live music.
In every option remember to make reservations and allow buffer time for travel. At Wieliczka the underground temperature is usually 16–18°C and the route includes many stairs, so bring a light layer and comfortable shoes. For Wawel check in advance which exhibitions are open — some displays have different opening hours or days off.
The Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial is an experience that requires time and concentration. The museum recommends booking in advance and planning at least 3.5 hours to visit both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau). Travel from Krakow usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on transport and traffic, so such a trip typically fills a full day.
Because of the solemn nature of the site, it’s better not to combine a visit to Auschwitz with intense sightseeing at Wawel on the same day. If you plan to see both during your stay, schedule separate days — this helps you process what you see and avoids exhaustion. Also pay attention to rules and appropriate dress for the memorial and leave large luggage in your car or at parking facilities. The museum provides detailed information on reservations and visiting rules.
Buy tickets online when possible: many attractions (Wawel, Wieliczka, Auschwitz) operate on timed reservations or have a limited number of entries. Booking online saves time and guarantees your spot, especially during high season. Wawel and the salt mine often have early morning slots — a good way to avoid the busiest crowds.
Check opening hours and closures on official pages: some exhibitions have different hours than the main site (for example the Cathedral or castle chambers), and national holidays or special events may change schedules. For example, some Wawel displays may be closed on certain days in November and December, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Transport: Wieliczka is easy to reach from Krakow center by train or a short car ride (around 20–40 minutes depending on transport). Oświęcim (Auschwitz) is roughly 60–70 km away and usually 1–1.5 hours by road. In Krakow center it’s easiest to walk or use trams — Wawel is about a 10–15 minute walk from the Main Market Square.
Wieliczka’s route includes many stairs and long sections, so not all parts are comfortable for wheelchair users or very small children. Wawel’s outdoor areas and some exhibitions have accessibility features, but the dungeons and certain underground spaces may be inaccessible. Always contact the ticket office or information desk of the attraction directly if you need special arrangements or want to ask about accessibility. Auschwitz Museum provides information on visiting options and accessibility and requires advance booking.
For families with children the best choice is a mix of shorter activities: a morning at Wawel (short stories and views), an afternoon in Kazimierz with a coffee and ice cream break. Bring light snacks and water and plan regular breaks. Take Wieliczka with children only if they can handle many stairs and a longer underground walk.
After intensive sightseeing it’s worth a good meal. Near the Old Town and Wawel you’ll find well-known places: Cafe Camelot — a cozy café perfect for dessert and coffee; Wierzynek — a historic restaurant close to the Market Square for those who want a traditional atmosphere; Pod Wawelem — hearty Polish home cooking not far from the Castle. In Kazimierz there are many well-rated spots and friendly cafés like Massolit Books & Café and other restaurants serving regional or international cuisine.
Near Wieliczka and Oświęcim there are simple eateries, but if you plan a longer visit it’s a good idea to check reviews and reserve a table back in Krakow — evenings in Kazimierz are especially attractive. Always choose places with current good reviews and book ahead during the high season.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — this leads to rushing and exhaustion. It’s better to skip one attraction than to miss the experience at another.
Not booking timed attractions — the salt mine, some Wawel exhibits and trips to the Memorial often have limited places. Buy tickets online.
Not checking opening hours and closures — especially around holidays, special exhibitions or maintenance. Always verify official information for the day you plan to visit.
Inappropriate shoes and gear — Wieliczka means stairs and underground walking, Wawel includes courtyards and sometimes cobbled surfaces; comfortable, non-slip shoes and a light layer of clothing will save many problems.
Wawel is actually two separate entities: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral, and they sometimes have different hours and visiting rules. So check both sides when you plan your visit.
In Wieliczka the underground temperature is a steady, pleasantly cool 16–18°C — a nice relief in summer, but it can feel chilly so bring a light sweater. The route includes hundreds of stairs, so be prepared for physical effort.
The Dragon’s Den and the Vistula panorama from Wawel are quick but very "Krakow" moments — perfect if you have little time and want a memorable photo.
Should I start at Wawel or Wieliczka? — It depends on entry times: if you have a reserved slot at Wieliczka, start there; if not, an early visit to Wawel and a walk through the Old Town is a safe option.
How much time do I need for Wawel? — From 30 minutes (courtyard and panorama) to 3 hours (rooms, Treasury, dungeons). A full, detailed visit can take a whole day.
Can I visit Auschwitz and Wawel in one day? — Technically yes, but not recommended: Oświęcim requires calm and time, and travel plus the visits easily turn the day into a race. Better to plan separate days.
What to bring to Wieliczka? — Comfortable, non-slip shoes, a light sweater (temperature ~16–18°C), water and an ID if you need a reduced-price ticket.
Short checklist before you go: booked tickets (if required), comfortable shoes, checked opening hours, water, a plan for breaks and alternatives in case of queues. If you plan to visit Wieliczka or the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial, buy tickets in advance and start early.
If you’d like a personalized route, local tips or a guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, please get in touch — on the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s website you will find details of the offer and contact information. I can help plan a day that matches your interests and pace. Enjoy discovering Krakow — feel free to share this article with friends or on social media if you think it might help someone!
