If you have seven days in Krakow, you can visit the most important sights and still find time for relaxed walks, eating in great places and a short trip outside the city. A good plan includes the Old Town with the Main Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz, Podgórze, a few museums, and green spots like the Planty park, Wolski Forest or the city mounds with viewpoints.
It’s also worth leaving a day for something less obvious - Nowa Huta with its PRL-era architecture, Zakrzówek or Przylasek Rusiecki by the water, or a short trip to Wieliczka or the abbey in Tyniec. And of course — along the way try pierogi, Krakow-style cheesecake and other tasty local dishes.
This article sets out a simple day-by-day plan and adds practical tips — how long visits usually take, what to book in advance and how to adapt the route to the weather or to travelling with children.
This guide focuses on places and practical tips that will be useful for visitors to Krakow.
Start in the heart of Krakow - the Main Market Square. It’s a great place to get your bearings: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) in the middle of the square, St. Mary’s Basilica with the famous altarpiece, and lively cafés all around.
I recommend going up St. Mary’s tower or at least listening to the trumpet call (the hejnał). Visit the Cloth Hall, look around the Market Square and take your first longer break for coffee and something sweet — Krakow cheesecake is an excellent choice.
In the afternoon head up to Wawel — walking around the hill and the castle courtyard is free, but the castle interiors and the cathedral usually require tickets. If you plan to enter the royal chambers, it’s wise to book tickets in advance.
Practical tip - leave large backpacks at your hotel, because space can be limited in popular places, and many museums prefer you not to carry big bags inside.
Kazimierz is a district where history mixes with a modern cultural life. Wander the streets, visit synagogues, pop into a small gallery or check out a market with local crafts.
Take time to see memorial sites connected with Jewish history and pay attention to museums and exhibitions that tell this part of the city’s story. In the evening stay for dinner — Kazimierz is known for its atmospheric restaurants and bars.
After dark, cross the river on the footbridge linking Kazimierz and Podgórze — it’s a pleasant walk, especially at dusk, and a quick way to see the city’s panorama from the other side of the Vistula.
Podgórze is the district on the other side of the river, with an interesting history and new cultural spots. Here you’ll find places connected to World War II as well as modern museums and galleries.
A walk through Podgórze can include visits to local cafés, parts of historic architecture and riverside viewpoints. It’s also a good spot for a relaxed lunch with a view of the Vistula.
If you enjoy photography, the areas around the bridges and the river boulevards offer many possibilities for nice city shots from a different perspective than the Old Town.
Spend a day on museums, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for walking. In the centre plan a visit to the Market Underground to discover archaeological traces of the old city.
Art and city history museums offer rich collections — if you want to see specific works (for example well-known paintings or special exhibits), check ticket availability and opening hours in advance.
In the evening look for a concert or performance — Krakow has a vibrant cultural scene and it’s often worth checking event listings ahead of time.
Take a day outdoors: head to Wolski Forest and to one of the mounds (for example Piłsudski Mound or Krakus Mound) — both places offer nice views over the city and are perfect for a morning walk or a picnic.
Zakrzówek and Przylasek Rusiecki are waterside options ideal for relaxing after several busy days of sightseeing. In season you’ll find walking routes and places to unwind there.
If you’re travelling with children, the Garden of Experiments (Ogród Doświadczeń) is a fun option for outdoor, science-based activities.
Plan an alternative day: Nowa Huta is an interesting excursion for fans of 20th-century architecture and history — the monumental avenues, the Central Square and the story of the PRL era show another side of the city.
If you prefer a trip outside the city, choose Wieliczka with its salt mine or the Tyniec abbey on the Vistula — both are within easy reach and can be done as a half- or full-day outing.
When planning trips outside Krakow, factor in travel time so you won’t have to rush back.
Reserve your last day for light activities — a stroll through the Planty, relaxed shopping in the Cloth Hall or a final visit to a favourite spot from earlier in the week.
Try local flavours you haven’t yet tasted — traditional pierogi, żurek served in bread, or smoked oscypek cheese with cranberry jam. It’s also a good moment for souvenirs and last photos.
Plan your time to get to the station or the airport — it’s better to have a margin than to rush in a busy city.
Buy tickets for the most popular attractions online, especially if you want to enter Wawel’s interiors, major museums or the Market Underground — this will save you time and stress.
Krakow is very walkable — many attractions are close together — but use trams and buses for longer routes or if your schedule is tight. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps are useful outside rush hours.
Set a realistic pace — 2–3 main stops during an intensive day is comfortable; some museums need 2–3 hours, so match your plan to your interests.
On a rainy day focus on museums, galleries and cafés. The Market Underground, the National Museum, contemporary art shows and various narrative exhibitions let you spend time well without getting wet.
Krakow’s cafés and tea houses are great places to relax and watch the city through the window — perfect for an afternoon with a good book or for planning the next days.
If you’re travelling with children, look for interactive exhibitions and science centres — these venues usually provide entertainment for several hours.
In the evening the city changes its mood — lights on the Market Square, cafés in Kazimierz and peaceful river boulevards are great for night walks. Jazz clubs, chamber concerts and local cultural events often take place across the city.
If you enjoy food, save a few restaurants to try in the evenings — Krakow’s scene ranges from traditional cuisine to modern local interpretations.
Remember pace — let the evening be a reward for an active day, not another item to tick off your list.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and lots of walking are the norm. A small daypack, a water bottle and a light jacket come in handy almost every day.
Check the events calendar before your trip — festivals, concerts and exhibitions can change the city’s atmosphere and give you memorable experiences, but they can also make getting around the centre more crowded on big days.
If you’re on a tight budget, pick a few paid attractions and make the rest self-guided — walking the Planty, admiring architecture and visiting the mounds are mostly free.
Krakow is a layered city — the slower you go, the more you’ll discover. A week is a great amount of time to see the highlights and also to feel the local rhythm of life.
Plan, but leave room for surprises — small galleries, cafés, hidden corners and encounters with locals often stay in your memory the most.
I wish you a wonderful trip and many pleasant discoveries — if you have questions about the route, tickets or want me to tailor the plan to your interests, write and I’ll be happy to help.
