Kraków has the rare advantage of suiting many types of trips — romantic, family, and those we take with our best friend. In winter the city feels more intimate; monuments gain a different perspective in soft light and under snow, and the holiday markets add a special atmosphere to walks. In spring you can round off the trip with a kulig (sleigh ride) in the mountains — if there’s no snow at first, many organizers offer rides on wagons along Podhale trails or a traditional feast in a mountain hut. It’s a great plan for a long weekend with a friend: sightseeing, good food and moments that stay in photos and memory.
Invite your friend to a Kraków mosaic of experiences — one day Wawel and the cathedral, an evening at the market with mulled wine; another time a trip outside the city for a kulig and a bonfire. This mix combines culture and fun, and with good planning you don’t have to worry about crowds or missing out on highlights.
Start the day early — Wawel is best visited before noon when there are fewer people on the hill. A walk around the courtyard, quick photos with the city panorama and a visit to one of the shorter exhibition routes will let you feel the scale of the place without spending time in long lines. If you plan to enter several interiors, buy tickets in advance or check availability locally; off-season you can find promotions or shorter lines in the morning.
After sightseeing, relax with a good coffee — Kazimierz and the Old Town are full of charming cafés. Pick a place with atmosphere where you can sit comfortably and plan the rest of the day. Before the evening market, leave room for local treats — obwarzanek, soups or small snacks taste great on the go.
For the evening, visit the market on the Main Market Square (or an alternative fair on the Small Market) — light installations and craft stalls create a unique mood. Watch the prices at food stalls — it’s worth comparing a few options before buying a large portion. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, look for smaller markets and stalls recommended by locals.
Bring comfortable shoes — visiting Wawel involves different levels and a fair amount of walking. In winter remember layers: a warm coat and boots for outside and something lighter indoors, as exhibition rooms can be quite warm. Don’t forget gloves and a hat for courtyard photos.
If you plan to visit multiple routes, buy tickets online where possible — this saves time and stress. On some days there are short free entries (e.g., limited routes at specific hours) — check the rules a few days before your visit.
If you have large backpacks, leave them at the hotel or in baggage storage: some exhibitions restrict luggage. Also remember that photography in some interiors may be limited — respect the venue’s rules.
The traditional market on the Main Market Square is a full set: wooden huts, Christmas trees, craft stalls and food sections. This is where you’ll feel the most postcard-like charm of Kraków. In recent years alternative fairs have appeared in other parts of the city — less crowded and often with more reasonable food prices.
Be aware of one thing: food at the market can be pricier than in local restaurants. If you want authentic flavors without overspending, look for recommended stalls or eat earlier in a well-reviewed place. The market is mainly about atmosphere and finding unique gifts rather than cheap meals.
If you want to buy crafts, look for stalls with certification or marking of a local maker — that increases the chance the product is authentic and durable. It’s also worth bargaining politely at small markets outside the Main Square.
Kulig is a winter classic, but the traditional highland-style kulig takes place in the Podhale region, e.g., around Zakopane, Chochołowska Valley or Gubałówka foothills. From Kraków you can easily organize a day trip or weekend — many companies offer transport from the city, a ride by sleigh or wagon, and then a feast by the bonfire with highland music.
Book a kulig in advance, especially on weekends and during holiday and school break periods. Prices of several hundred złoty per person usually cover transport, the ride, refreshments and musical entertainment; there are also cheaper offers around 120–160 zł per person, but check carefully what’s included.
Dress appropriately: thermal layers, waterproof boots, warm socks and a hat. If you want torch-lit photos, make sure the organizer includes that element. Don’t bring expensive handbags — a backpack is better and leave valuables at the hotel.
Kraków has a huge selection of restaurants and cafés — choose places with good reviews, especially if your time is limited. Recommended picks include restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine near the Market Square for an elegant atmosphere, cafés in Kazimierz perfect for a long, relaxed afternoon break, and trendy spots with modern cuisine and local wines. Check recent reviews and availability before booking, as places often reserve tables for weekends.
For accommodation, boutique hotels in the center and properties near the Old Town are the best choice if you want maximum convenience and time savings. Hotels near Wawel and around the Market shorten walks to attractions, and if you plan a kulig, pick lodging with easy access to the station or meeting points for transfers.
Wawel is more than the royal chambers — the hill also hosts lesser-known exhibitions and corners with unexpected displays; leave time for a quiet walk off the main path. Some small exhibitions may be available for a symbolic fee or free at selected hours.
At markets you’ll often find crafts from different regions — some vendors bring traditional items from eastern Poland or neighboring countries, offering unique souvenirs. Be mindful of imitations and mass-produced trinkets.
A kulig can differ from expectations: when there’s no snow, organizers often offer an alternative — a wagon ride or a mountain-hut feast with similar music and refreshments.
Assuming everything at the market will be cheap. Markets are about atmosphere and craft — food can be expensive. Compare prices before buying larger portions.
Not planning for Wawel: skipping advance ticket purchase can mean long queues. If you have a tight schedule, reserve time and tickets ahead.
Going on a kulig unprepared for the weather — too-thin shoes or lack of warm clothing can turn the fun into discomfort. Bring thermal layers and waterproof footwear.
Is it worth going in winter? Yes — if you enjoy a festive atmosphere, shorter museum queues in the morning and picturesque photos with a white backdrop.
Can you organize a kulig from Kraków? Yes — most organizers offer transport from Kraków to areas near Zakopane; book in advance.
Where to buy souvenirs? At the market and smaller fairs; look for stalls by local makers and avoid mass-produced items.
Quick weekend plan with a friend: Day 1 — arrival, a short walk around the Old Town, dinner at a recommended restaurant; Day 2 — Wawel in the morning, café at noon, market in the evening; Day 3 — a kulig or a countryside walk, return. This schedule combines culture, relaxation and a touch of highland adventure.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media to help them plan a similar trip. For a personalized Kraków tour, contact tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at Zwiedzanie Krakowa — she will be happy to prepare a tailor-made program for you and your friend.
Public transport: Kraków’s trams and buses are an easy way to get around; buy single tickets at machines or via mobile apps and remember to validate them. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, but agree on a price or check the app estimate with the driver.
Money: Many places accept cards, but some market stalls are cash-only. Carry some złoty for small purchases and tips.
Safety: Kraków is generally safe for tourists. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded places and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Emergency numbers and first-aid points are available in central areas.
Book Wawel tickets if you plan to visit interiors.
Reserve a table for popular restaurants on weekends.
Pack thermal layers and waterproof footwear for a kulig.
Have some cash for market stalls and small purchases.
Confirm kulig meeting point and included services with the organizer.
