The Main Market Square is the heart of historic Krakow — a place where you can quickly feel the city's pulse: trams, cafés, souvenir stalls and buildings with history reaching back to the Middle Ages. While walking across the square, look out for the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall remnant (the tower remains), and St. Mary’s Basilica, from which the trumpeter plays the hejnal every hour. It’s a perfect first stop for coffee, a short orientation and planning the rest of your day. Spend a few minutes on the Planty — the green ring around the Old Town offers a brief respite from cobbles and crowds.
Seasonal markets (for example the Christmas market) and cultural events often take place on the Square — if you are visiting on particular dates, check event calendars in advance.
If you want to enter St. Mary’s Basilica, plan your visit outside Mass times; in high season there can be queues and an entrance fee to the interior. The hejnal from the tower, a short tune played every hour, is free for everyone to hear.
Wawel is made up of two main sites: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral. The walk around the hill is free and offers beautiful views of the city — a great spot for photos and a short break.
Inside the Castle there are several routes and exhibitions: the royal apartments, the armory, the treasury and temporary displays. The Cathedral contains royal tombs, chapels and the famous Sigismund Bell — some parts require paid entry or are open at specific times.
In summer and during peak dates it’s wise to book tickets in advance — some exhibitions are only available at certain times and for a limited number of visitors. If your time is limited, choose 2–3 highlights (for example the royal apartments plus the Cathedral) and allow at least 2–3 hours for Wawel.
Opening hours for exhibitions and the Cathedral change seasonally; generally, exhibition rooms are open longer during the tourist season and have reduced hours off-season. Access to the Wawel hill itself is usually free year-round.
Tickets are sold separately for each exhibition — there isn’t a single combined ticket that covers the whole museum complex. Tickets are available at ticket offices and online; ticket offices sometimes offer free entry to selected exhibitions at particular times (for example on certain Monday mornings), but places are limited.
Entry prices depend on the chosen route and ticket category (full/reduced) — ranges vary widely (from low-cost entry to the Dragon’s Den to more expensive representative tours). Tip: check current opening hours and ticket availability before your visit and arrive early if you want to avoid queues.
Morning: start at the Main Market Square — quick coffee and the hejnal from St. Mary’s tower, visit the Cloth Hall and the immediate surroundings.
Late morning: head to Wawel, visit selected exhibitions and the Cathedral — set aside at least 2–3 hours for these.
Afternoon: stroll through Kazimierz or the University District — depending on your interests you can visit synagogues, cosy cafés or museums.
Evening: dinner near the Market or in Kazimierz — time to relax and taste local cuisine.
Leave some spare time to rest and avoid scheduling too many ticketed attractions in one day — Krakow is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Around the Market and nearby you’ll find a wide range of places — from elegant restaurants to cosy cafés. A few tried-and-true options: Szara Gęś (classic Polish cuisine on the Main Square), Pod Aniołami (regional flavors in a historic interior), Cafe Camelot (an intimate café near the Square), Massolit Books & Café (for book lovers and good coffee).
Near Wawel and along the Vistula boulevards you’ll find small cafés and ice-cream shops — a walk along the river after sightseeing is a great way to recharge. For local tastes look for dishes such as potato pancakes, żurek (sour rye soup) or try an obwarzanek Krakowski to go.
Keep in mind: in popular restaurants by the Square it’s useful to make an evening reservation, especially at weekends.
Surprise: you can access the Wawel hill for free and enjoy the view — many people mistakenly think everything at Wawel is paid.
Mistake 1: planning too many paid attractions in one day — this leads to rushing and fatigue. It’s better to choose fewer highlights and enjoy them properly.
Mistake 2: buying souvenirs and food only on the Main Square — prices there can be higher; a few steps into side streets usually reveals more local and cheaper options.
Extra fact: the hejnal from St. Mary’s tower is traditionally cut off mid-tune in remembrance of the trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot while warning the city of an invasion — the short melody has drawn listeners for centuries.
When carrying a backpack in crowded areas keep it at the front — pickpockets are more active in busy places like the Market.
If you plan to bring a large suitcase, use a luggage storage facility — some services are available near Wawel.
Weather in Krakow can change quickly — even in summer bring a light jacket and a small umbrella just in case. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended for walking on cobbles.
Is entry to Wawel free? - Access to the Wawel Hill itself is usually free, but specific exhibitions and entrances to parts of the Castle and the Cathedral may be paid.
When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? - Early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays are less crowded; weekends and the summer season are the busiest.
Is it worth buying tickets online? - Yes, especially in high season; booking online helps avoid queues and secures your spot for a chosen time.
Can I visit Wawel with a dog? - There are often restrictions regarding animals on Wawel grounds — check specific rules before your visit.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their time in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore the city more calmly and with local stories, consider a tour with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A guided visit helps you make the most of your time, discover interesting anecdotes and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
Enjoy your stay in Krakow — explore at your own pace, taste the local cuisine and soak in the atmosphere of one of Poland’s most charming cities!
