What to see in Krakow if you have only a day or two? St. Barbara Church on the Small Market and Wawel make a great duo — the first delights with its intimate, baroque setting in the heart of the Old Town, the second is a symbol of Polish history and architecture you shouldn’t miss. This text will help you plan your visit, give opening hours guidance, point out the main attractions and advise how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
If you want quick specifics: when planning visits remember that churches hold services and it’s usually better to visit outside Mass times, and for Wawel Cathedral allow more time and check which exhibitions are available on the day you go.
Located on the Small Market, right next to St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Barbara Church is one of those places that catches your eye at first glance. Its corner by the Garden of Gethsemane creates a charming, photogenic spot in the Old Town — perfect for a short stop between sightseeing and coffee.
The church interior and atmosphere are different from large cathedrals — here you’ll find a more intimate mood, and the baroque elements and sacred art can surprise you with their details. It’s a good place for a moment of calm away from the crowds on the Main Market Square.
The Jesuits run St. Barbara Church and Masses and services are held regularly. On Sundays and holidays there are multiple Masses during the day, and on weekdays there are often evening services. If you want to see the interior in peace, plan your visit outside Mass times — that’s the best way to enjoy historic details without interruptions.
The church’s address is Mały Rynek 8 — practically next to the Main Market Square, so you can reach it on foot from anywhere in the Old Town in a few minutes. If you’d like to participate in liturgy, check the day’s Mass schedule because extra services or changes for special celebrations may appear.
Wawel Hill is a complex site: the Royal Castle with its exhibitions, the Cathedral with royal tombs, chapels and the Sigismund Bell, plus a spacious courtyard. For many visitors the highlights are: the cathedral interiors with chapels and tombs, climbing the tower with the Sigismund Bell, and the Royal Castle exhibitions. Decide which elements you want to see — touring everything can take from 2 to 3 hours or more if you want to climb the tower.
The Cathedral contains many national memorial sites — graves and crypts of important historical figures. Entrance to some parts is paid, while other areas are accessible without a ticket, so check in advance which routes require reservation.
Cathedral visiting hours change seasonally: in spring and summer (usually April to September) the Cathedral is open longer, while in autumn and winter hours are often shorter. On Sundays and holidays visitor entry may be possible only after services finish or starting at midday, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Keep in mind that some days are closed to visitors for liturgical or organizational reasons — big church celebrations are typical closure dates. When planning your visit also respect the rules inside the church: dress appropriately, keep quiet and note possible photography restrictions inside.
Wawel often requires tickets for specific exhibitions or routes (for example: tower access, royal crypts, permanent Castle displays). Some parts, like the main altar area in the cathedral, can be generally accessible without a ticket, but key routes are usually paid. Ticket prices and concession rules vary — typically there are full-price and reduced-price tickets for youth, students and seniors.
If you want to climb the tower with the Sigismund Bell, book ahead or arrive early — places are limited and queues in the summer can be long. Also allow extra time for lines and for lockers or checks for large backpacks and prams.
Start early: a morning visit to Wawel helps avoid the biggest crowds and gives you a calm walk around the courtyard. After Wawel, walk to the Small Market — the stroll between the two takes about 10–15 minutes.
If you want to see both the cathedral and selected castle exhibitions, plan at least 2–3 hours. Combining a short Wawel visit with coffee on the Small Market and a stop at St. Barbara Church makes for a comfortable and pleasant afternoon.
Near the Main Market and Wawel you’ll find well-known places worth visiting after sightseeing. A few recommended spots: Restaurant Wierzynek on the Main Market for a historic, elegant meal; Cafe Camelot on Św. Tomasza for a cozy coffee and cakes; and Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa near Wawel for hearty traditional Polish dishes. Choosing places with good reviews helps avoid the typical tourist disappointments.
If you’re looking for accommodation, properties in the very center get the best reviews — you’ll save time on transport and can return for an evening stroll on the Market when crowds disperse. Book early, especially in summer and during long holiday weekends.
The corner of St. Barbara Church next to St. Mary’s is considered one of the most picturesque spots in the Old Town and often appears on postcards and photos. It’s an ideal place for a calm picture away from main Market crowds.
The Sigismund Bell — although access is controlled and symbolic — rings only on exceptional occasions. Touching the bell or climbing the tower feels almost ritual for many visitors. In the cathedral you’ll also find graves and national relics that tell Polish history in a very tangible way.
Entering the church during Mass — many visitors don’t plan for this and find a service that limits visiting. Solution: check Mass times before your visit or go outside service hours.
Inappropriate clothing — churches expect a modest dress code. It’s good to have a scarf or light sweater to cover shoulders and to avoid wearing hats inside the cathedral.
No reservation for main Wawel routes in season — accessing the tower or the crypt can be difficult without prior booking. Buy tickets online if you plan a timed attraction.
Is entry to Wawel Cathedral paid? Some parts and exhibitions of the cathedral are paid — check which routes require a ticket and what the full and reduced prices are.
Can you take photos inside St. Barbara Church? Of course not during services; outside services there are usually photography restrictions to respect the interior and the liturgy. If you want photos, be discreet and check rules on site.
Is it worth using a guide? A guide can tell stories and contexts that bring the place to life far beyond a simple walk. If you want deeper knowledge of Wawel and the monuments, consider booking a private guide — details for Małgorzata Kasprowicz are available on the site and you can arrange a visit tailored to your needs.
If this article was useful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Krakow. Short tips make touring much easier and let you see more without stress.
If you’d like a more comfortable and deeper visit to Krakow, consider hiring private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on the site. It’s a great option if you appreciate stories, historical context and a personalized pace. Have a good trip and enjoy discovering Krakow!
