Kraków is a city best discovered slowly — building by building, café by café, bridge by bridge. Four days is enough time to see the main sights, soak up the atmosphere of Kazimierz and enjoy candlelit dinners in the evenings. You won’t see everything, but you will get to know the most beautiful and romantic parts of the city.
Below you’ll find a suggested day-by-day plan, dinner ideas, places for sunsets and practical tips — prepared so that traveling with your partner leaves plenty of time for walks and conversations, and little time for running with a map.
Start at Wawel — the morning hours are best, because the cathedral and courtyards are much nicer to visit before the crowds arrive. A walk from Wawel toward the Market takes you along the historic Grodzka Street, which has its own unique charm.
The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall Tower and St. Mary’s Basilica. If you want a cinematic Kraków moment, go up to the Cloth Hall terrace or take a short visit to the Rynek Underground — the modern exhibition helps you understand how the city developed.
Save the evening for Kazimierz — atmospheric cafés, intimate restaurants and narrow streets make a perfect setting for a romantic dinner and a gentle stroll.
Spend the morning exploring Kazimierz in more depth: Nowy Square, Szeroka Street, the synagogues and small galleries. This district combines history with the contemporary, artistic soul of the city.
After lunch, cross the Vistula via the Father Bernatek Footbridge — one of the most romantic spots, especially at dusk. On the Podgórze side, visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory (the Schindler museum) — an important and moving museum that recalls the city’s wartime history.
For dinner, choose one of the highly rated restaurants in these districts — there are many places serving thoughtful local cuisine and an intimate atmosphere ideal for couples.
Start the day with a walk along the Vistula Boulevards — pleasant riverside paths and lovely views of Wawel. It’s also a great place for morning coffee and a pastry or a picnic breakfast.
Today you can pick smaller, more surprising attractions: the Museum of Illusions, the House Upside Down or a small living butterfly exhibit. These are a light-hearted break from heavier history and a good reason to laugh and take photos together.
If you prefer art, visit one of the city’s museum collections or the Botanical Garden. In the evening I recommend a calm dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Market or near Stary Kleparz — the local market square has its own evening charm.
Reserve the fourth day for a trip outside the city: the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a classic — the tour lasts a few hours and in high season it’s worth booking tickets in advance.
Alternatively, relax closer to the city: climb Kościuszko Mound, walk in Ojców National Park or choose less touristy trails in Podgórze. Keep the afternoon for last-minute souvenir shopping and a farewell dinner.
Kraków is a culinary mix of tradition and modernity. In the Old Town you’ll find both elegant restaurants and cozy cafés. Pick places with good reviews and local ingredients — that will give you a better experience than the cheapest options right on the Market square.
In Kazimierz you’ll really feel the atmosphere of a dinner for two. Atmospheric cafés and small bistros are great for an affordable but tasty meal. If you’re after something more refined, Kraków has restaurants serving modern takes on Polish cuisine.
For a quick local treat, visit Stary Kleparz — a market with seasonal products. In the evening choose a restaurant with good reviews; avoid only the most expensive places on the Market Square that can sometimes be overrated.
Is it worth booking tickets in advance? Yes — tickets for popular sites (Wawel, Wieliczka, some museums) are worth buying ahead, especially on weekends and during holiday season.
How to get around the city? Kraków’s center is compact and is nicest on foot. For longer distances use trams, regional trains or taxis. Check tram timetables before planned trips to Nowa Huta or the outskirts.
Do museums have closing days? Many museums are closed on Mondays — check opening days ahead when planning specific visits.
Where are the best sunset views? The Vistula Boulevards, Wawel Hill and Kościuszko Mound offer beautiful panoramas at sunset; they’re also great spots for couple photos.
Trying to see everything in one day — it’s better to focus on 2–3 areas per day and leave room for rest and coffee. That way you’ll get to feel the city.
Eating only near the Market — restaurants directly on the Market can be more expensive and less authentic. Walk one or two streets away to find better food and atmosphere.
Not booking in season — accommodation and some attractions should be reserved in advance if you travel in summer.
Not checking opening hours — many attractions change hours seasonally or have closed days, so always verify before you go.
The Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe — take a moment to imagine how it looked centuries ago.
The legend of the Wawel Dragon is more than a children’s tale — look for sculptures and references to the story around the city, and you may even find modern reinterpretations.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge is where the contemporary tradition of hanging ‘love locks’ developed — a relatively new custom that fits the city’s romantic image.
Comfortable shoes are essential — cobbled streets and walking are the core of Kraków. Bring a light layer for cooler evenings by the Vistula.
If you plan to visit museums and Wieliczka, remember to book in advance and know that it’s cooler inside the mine — bring a warmer sweatshirt.
Cards are widely accepted, but small cash denominations are useful at markets and for small purchases.
If you liked this plan, share it with your friends or tag someone you’d like to return to Kraków with. photos of Vistula sunsets and evening dinners in Kazimierz make great memories.
If you’d like your visit to Kraków to be made easier by someone who knows the city inside out, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the local site. This option is particularly recommended for couples who want to learn stories and places from a local perspective and tailor the pace of sightseeing to their needs.
