If you’ve come to Krakow and want to taste a bit of history, feel nature and try local flavors — you’re in the right place. In this article I combine three classic ideas for a great stay: a walk through the Old Town with a visit to the Market Square Undergrounds, a quick trip to Ojcow National Park, and stops for the best ice cream in the city. Everything in a practical, friendly tone so you can easily plan your day without stress.
Think of this as a map: morning in the Old Town and the Undergrounds, afternoon — a trip to Ojcow (if you have a car) or the other way around, and ice-cream breaks between stops. In the text you’ll find tips about tickets, best hours to visit and weather alternatives.
Remember Krakow has a lot to offer — adapt the route to your pace: museums, walks, cafés and of course ice cream. Let’s get started!
I’m Małgorzata — I guide in Krakow and write simple tips to help you make the most of your time in the city.
Ojcow National Park is the smallest national park in Poland, but it’s full of picturesque valleys, limestone rock formations and interesting monuments. It’s a great idea for a half-day trip outside the city — perfect for a walk, a short hike and photos of spectacular rock forms like the famous “Maczuga Herkulesa” (Hercules’ Club).
The park itself is open to everyone — hiking the trails usually doesn’t require a fee, although some sites inside the park (for example caves, exhibitions, castles, museums) are paid. In practice that means you can choose a relaxed free walk or pay to visit interiors and displays.
A visit to Ojcow pairs nicely with Pieskowa Skala Castle and a short walk to the Krakow Gate or the Chapel “On the Water”. This option suits families with kids, couples and anyone looking for peaceful time outside the city.
Getting there: driving is the most convenient — from central Krakow it usually takes about 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. There are also buses and tour-type public connections — check timetables before you go. If you take public transport, allow extra time for travel and walking.
Parking: there are parking lots near main attractions, often paid — in summer they can fill up quickly, so arriving outside peak hours (for example before 10:00 or after 15:00) is a good idea.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (some paths are gravel or rocky), water, a snack, a rain jacket, and a camera. If you plan to visit caves — check their availability in advance because they are sometimes closed seasonally to protect bats.
Tickets for attractions: cave entrances, exhibitions and castles usually sell tickets at on-site ticket offices or via reservation systems — if you care about entering at a specific time, consider booking ahead.
Suggested short route (approx. 3–5 hours): parking in Ojcow – short walk to the castle ruins in Ojcow and the Chapel “On the Water” – continue along the Pradnik valley to the famous Hercules’ Club – drive or walk to Pieskowa Skala (visit the castle) – return. This loop gives a good mix of nature and historic sites.
Lokietek Cave and Ciemna Cave are well-known points — if they’re open, they’re worth seeing, but keep in mind access limits and seasonal closures for nature protection.
If you have a full day: consider longer Jura trails or combining the park with nearby Jura attractions. Avoid a rigid, rushed plan — pick fewer things and enjoy them.
The Market Square Undergrounds are a fantastic way to learn Krakow’s story “from below” — archaeological finds, medieval remains and interactive displays. This unique experience fits well in a morning or late-afternoon schedule.
Tickets: the museum offers regular, reduced and family tickets; many visits are timed-entry. To avoid queues, it’s best to book online in advance through the museum ticketing service — it saves time and stress.
Free entry: there are sometimes days with free admission (for example special events) — check museum news before you go.
Practical tip: if you plan to visit the center during high tourist season, the best strategy is to visit the Undergrounds right after opening or buy a timed ticket. After the underground visit, take a coffee and ice-cream break — there are many great ice-cream shops near the Market Square.
Krakow has a great ice-cream scene — from classic flavors to modern creations. Here are some places I often recommend that have a reputation for very good ice cream:
- Good Lody (Kazimierz, Plac Wolnica) - a popular spot in Kazimierz with creamy flavors and a varied offer. Great if you’re in that neighborhood.
- Lody na Starowiślnej (ul. Starowiślna) - a classic place with tradition; there’s often a queue, but fans say it’s worth the wait.
- Lodziarnia Donizetti (ul. św. Marka) - known for signature flavors and a pleasant atmosphere.
- Lodziarnia Galicyjska (Kazimierz/Galeria) - an unassuming spot with solid, traditional flavors.
- Rinella (ul. św. Tomasza) - good ice cream often recommended by locals.
- Bracia Hodurek (ul. Zwierzyniecka) - traditional recipes and flavors that many people enjoy.
Experiment: Krakow also has shops serving modern-style ice cream — rolled ice cream, bubble waffles or flavors with local ingredients. For something special, choose a place that makes fresh flavors and where staff will happily tell you about the ingredients.
Option A (relaxed pace): morning coffee and the Main Market Square + visit to the Market Square Undergrounds (timed reservation) — lunch in the center — afternoon drive to Ojcow (relaxing walk, Pieskowa Skala Castle, return in the evening).
Option B (for people with a car and less time): morning drive to Ojcow (3–4 hours of visiting), return to Krakow in the late afternoon — visit the Undergrounds or walk around Kazimierz and have ice cream for dessert.
Option C (bad weather): morning museums and the Market Square Undergrounds, lunch in a cozy restaurant, afternoon in one of the large cafés or an art center — ice cream as an indoor dessert option.
- Check opening hours and ticket availability just before you go — especially in high season, long weekends and public holidays.
- Book where you can choose an entry time (Market Square Undergrounds, some Ojcow exhibitions) — it saves time.
- To avoid queues at central ice-cream shops — go outside main lunch hours or pick smaller places on side streets; often they serve equally good ice cream without waiting.
- Dress comfortably — in Ojcow you’ll appreciate better-grip shoes, and the undergrounds can feel cool, so a light extra layer is useful.
- For families: many attractions offer family tickets and facilities (changing tables, elevators in museums) — check availability ahead to avoid surprises.
Krakow is a city that rewards slow exploration. You don’t need to see everything at once — it’s better to pick a few things and enjoy them without rushing. If you like, you can use my routes and tips on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I help plan days at different paces and with different interests.
If you have specific needs (children, mobility limitations, short stay), write to me — I’ll suggest a route tailored to you. Enjoy planning and see you in Krakow!
Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
