Wawel and Wadowice are two places connected by history and symbolism — Wawel was the seat of royal power, while in Wadowice a man was born who became pope and an icon of the 20th century. A week is enough to see both locations at a pleasant pace, add a relaxed afternoon on a Segway and feel the atmosphere of Lesser Poland without running from attraction to attraction.
This article will help you plan a week-long stay: you will find a sample day-by-day plan, practical tips about Segways, information about visiting the John Paul II Family Home in Wadowice, suggestions for places to eat and stay, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Day 1: Arrival in Kraków, check in near the Market Square or Kazimierz, evening walk along the Planty, light dinner at one of the restaurants by Wawel.
Day 2: Wawel and surroundings - visit Wawel Hill (Cathedral, castle, courtyards), time for a relaxed lunch, afternoon on the Bernatek Footbridge and a walk along the Vistula boulevards.
Day 3: Old Town and museums - Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, optionally a history museum; evening dinner in a cozy Kazimierz restaurant.
Day 4: Segway - a morning or afternoon Segway ride along the Royal Route: Market Square, Wawel, Planty, Kazimierz; time for photos and coffee stops.
Day 5: Trip to Wadowice - visit the John Paul II Family Home, the basilica, enjoy coffee and the famous kremówka in a local café; return to Kraków in the evening.
Day 6: Relax day - markets, local cafés, gentle attractions (for example the Czartoryski Museum or a Vistula river cruise), evening with regional cuisine.
Day 7: Last-minute shopping, packing and farewell to the city; if time allows - a short walk once more by Wawel.
Segways are now a popular and comfortable way to get around the flat parts of the historic centre. A typical tour lasts 1.5–2 hours and covers the most important points: the Market, the Royal Route and Wawel, and often Kazimierz and the river boulevards.
Before the ride, organisers usually run a short training session on how to operate the vehicle and on safety rules. Common requirements include a minimum participant age (about 12 years) and weight limits — lower and upper weight limits depend on the model, so check this before booking.
Book in advance, especially in high season. In bad weather the organiser may propose a new date or a different activity, and on narrow or very uneven sections (old cobbled streets) the pace will be slower.
The John Paul II Family Home Museum is a must-see when visiting Wadowice. Entries follow a set schedule; in season it is worth buying tickets online — places and times can be limited.
Typical opening hours for exhibitions are often in the range of 10:00 to 18:00, and the last entry is usually planned about an hour before closing — check the museum’s current hours before you go.
After the visit it’s worth stopping by the nearby basilica and sitting down for coffee with a kremówka — the famous local cream cake is today one of Wadowice’s symbols and a pleasant part of the visit.
Kraków and Wadowice are about 50–60 km apart, depending on the route you choose. By car the trip usually takes around an hour; buses between the towns are an option if you don’t have a car — check timetables and travel time before you set off.
If you plan a trip with a guide or private transfer, arrange the meeting point and estimated travel time in advance to maximise your sightseeing time in Wadowice.
Within Kraków, walking makes it easy to explore the monuments; a Segway is a great option for longer stretches, but remember to leave time for walking inside interiors and museums.
Around Wawel and the Market you will find both places with historic character and well-rated trattorias serving hearty food - choose places with good reviews and reserve a table for the evening. One comfortable option is a restaurant located right by Wawel, offering convenient access after sightseeing.
In Wadowice try the kremówka at one of the local patisseries or cafés - places near the market often specialise in traditional pastries; favour cafés that locals visit regularly.
If you want regional cuisine in a quieter setting, pick restaurants away from the main square - they often offer better value and more comfort.
It’s most convenient to stay within the Old Town or Kazimierz - from there most attractions, including Wawel, are within a short walk, and the drive to Wadowice will take about an hour. Choose a hotel or apartment with good reviews, paying attention to location and comments about nighttime quiet.
If you plan several trips outside the city, consider accommodation with easy access to public transport - proximity to the bus station or transfer points will simplify logistics.
Book accommodation in advance during the summer season and holidays - Kraków is very busy then.
Not booking museum tickets in advance - in season popular time slots can sell out. Buy tickets online or reserve ahead.
Underestimating travel time - if you plan to visit Wadowice on the same day as many activities in Kraków, leave a margin for traffic and breaks.
Allowing too little time for Wawel - Wawel Hill and the cathedral deserve at least a few hours if you want to enter the interiors and see exhibitions.
The papal kremówka became so popular that today almost every town in the region has its own take on the cake - it’s worth trying kremówka in several places to find your favourite version.
On the Segway route you often pass places wrapped in local legends - for example stories about the Wawel Dragon or tales from the Kazimierz district, which come alive when told during a ride.
Wawel hides many small architectural details that are easy to miss on a quick walk - take a moment to slowly discover the details.
Is a Segway suitable for complete beginners? Yes. Organisers usually provide a short training session, routes are adapted for beginners, but tell the organiser about any concerns before you start.
How much time do I need to visit Wawel? If you want to see the courtyards, the cathedral and one of the castle exhibitions, allow 2–3 hours. A longer, more thorough visit can take a full day.
Is it worth booking a ticket to the John Paul II Family Home in advance? Definitely yes, especially in season and on weekends - the exhibition spaces have limited capacity.
Dress appropriately - when visiting the cathedral and places of worship remember modest clothing, and for the Segway bring comfortable, flat shoes.
Check the weather and have a plan B - some indoor attractions will help you avoid the rain, and Segway organisers may change the date in case of bad weather.
If you want photos without crowds, early morning hours at Wawel and in Wadowice are usually quieter.
If you found the article useful, send it to friends or share it on social media - it helps others plan their trip well.
If you prefer a personalised guided tour and a tailor-made itinerary, feel free to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We will be happy to help make the ideal program for you and your loved ones.
