If you plan to visit Wawel, the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec and the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) in one or two days — you’ve come to the right place. This is a classic combination of history, art and small pleasures (like excellent ice cream). In this text you’ll find rough opening hours, practical tips on what to see and how to avoid common tourist traps. We write in a friendly, down-to-earth way — not overly formal, but with practical advice you’ll actually find useful.
Keep in mind that opening hours for museums and monuments may change seasonally or because of special events. It’s always a good idea to check official pages or book tickets online in advance when possible.
In short — we plan efficiently, leave time for a coffee break and one of the city’s best ice creams. Sound good? Let’s start!
Wawel is a must-see in Krakow: the castle, the royal chambers, Wawel Cathedral with the famous Sigismund Bell and the crypts — you can’t see everything in half an hour, so plan your visit sensibly.
Approximate hours: in the high season many castle exhibitions and routes are usually open from the morning (around 9:00) until late afternoon (around 17:00). On Mondays some exhibitions may be limited or closed — the cathedral and some spaces have separate hours. For that reason, the best idea is to check the hours of the specific exhibition or route before you go.
Practical tips: - Buy tickets online if you can — it saves time and avoids queues. - Start early: mornings usually mean fewer crowds. - If you want to enter the Cathedral and additional chapels/crypts, allow extra time for queues and bag checks. - Reserve at least 1.5–2 hours for a basic visit to the castle and chambers; if you love history or art, plan to spend the whole morning.
For families with children: check available routes and any educational activities in advance; some routes can be tiring for the youngest, so plan breaks at nearby cafés or in the green areas of Wawel Hill.
Tyniec is a pleasant complement to days spent in the city centre: a monastery above the Vistula, a peaceful courtyard, a monastery museum and an interesting cultural and religious programme. It’s a great place if you want a break from the hustle of the Old Town and a taste of a different side of Krakow.
Approximate hours: the abbey and museum usually welcome visitors during daytime hours; in summer opening hours are often longer (for example until late afternoon), while in winter they are often shorter. The monastery courtyard is usually accessible for walkers for much of the day. Guided tours and visiting hours vary by season — there are sometimes set guided tour times on selected days.
How to get there and what to plan: - You can reach Tyniec by public transport or taxi; some people also choose to cycle or walk along the Vistula, which is a lovely option in good weather. - Expect a calmer atmosphere than in the centre; allow about 1–2 hours to see the museum, church and walk the courtyard. - Check mass times if you want to visit the church interior outside regular visiting hours — some areas may be unavailable during services.
Extra attractions: a small monastery shop with souvenirs and local products and a café — a nice spot for a short rest after visiting.
The Sukiennice is not only the symbol of the Main Market Square but also an important branch of the National Museum with a collection of 19th-century Polish painting. It’s a great place to see classic works while staying in the heart of the city.
Approximate hours: museum exhibitions in the Sukiennice are usually open Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday often a day off for most displays. Last admission is typically a short time before closing. It’s worth checking whether a particular exhibition is available on a given day, as conservation work or exhibition changes sometimes take place.
Practical tips: - The Sukiennice sits in the heart of the Market Square — an ideal stop between a morning at Wawel and an afternoon wandering the neighbourhoods. - If you’re short on time, pick one gallery or exhibition and enjoy it calmly. - Some Tuesdays and selected days may have free admission or reduced prices — check the schedule before you go.
For visual lovers: the building’s architecture and the view from the upper floor over the Market Square are part of the visit — don’t forget to look up and take in the surroundings.
After a day of sightseeing it’s great to relax with excellent ice cream. Krakow has many ice-cream parlours that often get high marks — below are places worth visiting while walking around the Old Town and nearby areas.
Recommended places (short and to the point): - Rinella Gelato (ul. Świętego Tomasza) - known for creamy, fresh flavours and a craft approach to gelato. - Lodowa Huta - popular in local rankings, praised for creaminess and a wide flavour selection. - Tiffany Ice Cream (near Plac Szczepański) - a pleasant spot close to the Market Square, good for a quick break. - Bracia Hodurek (ul. Zwierzyniecka) - classic, dessert-style ice cream; loved by locals and tourists alike. - Lodziarnia Donizetti (ul. św. Marka) - a smaller but well-regarded place for authentic flavours.
How to choose ice cream on the spot: - Look for places that make ice cream on site and use natural ingredients — the taste difference is often noticeable. - If you want to try something local, ask about seasonal flavours and fruit sorbets. - Expect queues in summer — go for ice cream outside peak hours (midday in summer or late afternoon).
A small tip: if you plan a walk along the Vistula Boulevards after Wawel, eating a scoop of ice cream with a view of the river is a wonderful way to end the day.
Planning your day helps you make the most of your time and avoid frustration. Here are a few practical tips that usually make sightseeing in Krakow easier:
- Buy tickets online where possible — especially for popular sites like Wawel.
- Arrive at opening time or in the afternoon — you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and the heat in high season.
- Check the closing times of specific exhibitions — different parts of complexes (e.g., chambers, treasury, crypts) may follow different schedules.
- On Mondays some museums may be closed — plan an alternative activity that day.
- Weather: if you plan a walk to Tyniec or along the Vistula, dress comfortably and check the forecast — the route is particularly pleasant in nice weather.
- Transport: central Krakow is well connected — trams and buses make getting around easy, and short taxis or city bikes are options when you want to save time.
For visitors with reduced mobility: many historic sites and museums in Krakow have accessibility solutions, but not all historic spaces are fully adapted. Contact the venue in advance to arrange details and possible assistance.
Below is an example of a comfortable plan for a full day (you can spread this over two days if you prefer a slower pace): - 09:00 — begin the day at Wawel: visit the royal chambers and exhibitions; don’t forget the Cathedral. - 11:30 — short walk and coffee near the Main Market Square. - 12:30 — Sukiennice: a quick visit to a gallery or exhibition, then lunch at a nearby restaurant. - 15:00 — travel to Tyniec (bus, taxi or bike for the adventurous). - 15:45–17:30 — visit the abbey, stroll the courtyard, have coffee or tea at the monastery café. - 18:30 — return to the centre, enjoy ice cream at one of the recommended parlours and take an evening walk around the Market Square.
If you have only half a day: choose Wawel in the morning and a quick walk through the Market Square including the Sukiennice — leave ice cream for dessert.']},{
