If you're planning a short trip to Krakow and wondering what to see without going broke — you're in the right place. In this text I'll suggest which places are worth visiting for free, how to make the most of free museum days, and where to eat truly good pierogi — from classics to modern variations. Everything written in a practical, friendly tone so you can immediately plan a walk and a tasty break. I won't recommend competing guides — here you'll find my local tips straight from a guide. :]
We start with a walk around the city, then a break for pierogi — ready?
- Wawel Hill and the Castle courtyard - a walk around Wawel costs nothing and the sight of the castle and cathedral is impressive. You can stroll through the arcaded courtyards and feel the atmosphere of the royal hill without buying tickets for exhibitions.
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the trumpet call (hejnał) - the heart of the city: walking the square, viewing the Cloth Hall from the outside and hearing the hejnał from St. Mary's Tower is almost a must and completely free.
- Boulevards on the Vistula River - a perfect spot to relax, enjoy views of the historic riverbanks and have a picnic. In season life here happens on benches, blankets and by the water.
- Krakow Mounds (Krakus Mound, Kościuszko Mound, Piłsudski Mound) - short climbs, nice panoramas and a great alternative to crowded viewpoints.
- The Planty, the Błonia and Jordan Park - green spaces, walking paths and places with history. The Planty encircle the Old Town, the Błonia is an excellent field for relaxing, and Jordan Park has an interesting collection of sculptures and family-friendly spots.
- The Barbican and St. Florian's Gate - surviving fragments of medieval fortifications that are great to view from the outside and perfect for photos.
- Free viewpoints — besides the mounds, keep an eye out for city viewpoints (some riverside spots and certain church towers with free access). Ask locally — access and offers can change.
Many Krakow institutions have days when admission is free or discounted — a great opportunity if you can adjust your visit dates. Free-entry days most often fall on specific days of the week (check current info before you go).
A few practical tips: - if you want to visit a particular museum, check its website before you travel and try to arrive early on the free-entry day because lines can be long; - free days happen more often outside peak season, and in November there are sometimes city-wide initiatives with many free admissions; - even if an exhibition requires a ticket, many museums make parts of their displays or outdoor spaces available without charge (for example courtyards, external installations).
This is a good way to see more without big expenses — a bit of planning is enough.
Pierogi are a classic that taste especially good in Krakow. Here are a few places I often recommend to guests — each has its own character and strengths.
- Pierogarnia Domowa (near the Market) - tradition and homemade flavor; great potato-and-cheese (ruskie) and meat pierogi, generous portions — a good option after a walk in the center.
- Eat Pierogi (locations around the city) - a modern approach to the pierogi: classics and seasonal, creative fillings; if you like unusual flavors, try their signature proposals.
- Love Pierogi (Dietla Street and other locations) - they focus on dough quality and traditional fillings; a local favorite for a simple, delicious pierogi.
- Small family-run pierogi places and home-style restaurants - in the side streets of the Old Town and around Kazimierz you'll find little places with hand-made pierogi; often the most authentic flavors are hidden there.
What to order? - classic ruskie (potato and cheese) or savory meat pierogi; - fruit pierogi (for dessert) — a classic, especially in summer; - also try seasonal, local variations if available.
Morning walk: - Start at Wawel Hill — view the courtyard and the cathedral from the outside, take photos and soak up the atmosphere.
Late morning on the Market: - Walk through the Main Market Square, glance at the Cloth Hall from the outside and listen to the hejnał. Short stops by monuments and street performers add to the atmosphere.
Lunch with pierogi: - Choose one of the recommended pierogi places near the Market or in Kazimierz and enjoy a hearty, local meal.
Afternoon on the boulevards and a mound: - After lunch walk along the Vistula, relax on the boulevards, then make a quick trip to one of the mounds for a city panorama.
Evening: - If you'd like a cultural finish to the day, check local events (open-air concerts, exhibitions) — many are free or inexpensive.
Second day - Kazimierz and surroundings: - Morning: stroll through the Kazimierz district — synagogues, atmospheric streets and small cafés. - Afternoon: if you want to visit a paid museum, pick a day with free admission or use discounted tickets. - Evening: dinner at another pierogi place or taste different versions at a few spots — a fun culinary mini-quest!
Alternative: Wieliczka Salt Mine - if you have more time and budget, the Salt Mine is a classic near Krakow, but remember it's a paid trip. If you want to keep costs low, it's better to focus on the city and its free charms.
- Arrive early on museum free days — it minimizes queues. - Walking is the best way to get to know Krakow; wear comfortable shoes. - Parking in the center is expensive and difficult — better to leave the car on a parking lot outside the strict center or come by public transport. - Card payment is common, but in small places it's good to have some cash. - In summer choose mornings and evenings for walks, and look for shade on the Planty or the boulevards at midday. - Watch for crowds AROUND the most popular attractions — especially on weekends and in high season. - Keep basic precautions with personal belongings during large gatherings.
- The Błonia and Jordan Park are great family spots: lots of space to play, playgrounds and picnic opportunities. - The Dragon's Den under Wawel can be an attraction for younger children (a playful moment with the dragon legend). - Interactive exhibitions and child-friendly museum displays appear in the city — check local family offers before your trip. - For dessert: fruit pierogi are often a hit with the little ones.
Krakow has something that makes even short visits memorable. You can see a lot for free — just plan your day and know where and when to go. And a break for pierogi? It’s almost a ritual that completes a walk through the city.
If you want, I can help refine a plan to your preferences — slow pace, family-friendly visits, tasting local specialties or a quick walk through the highlights. Tell me what you prefer and I'll prepare a simple, tailored plan. Enjoy your meal and have great walks in Krakow!
- Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide)
