Wawel Hill is the heart of Krakow's history - the royal castle, the cathedral and the Dragon's Den create a place that stays with you long after the visit. Wawel Cathedral holds the tombs of rulers and notable Poles, as well as chapels richly decorated in a variety of styles, and in the Sigismund Tower hangs the legendary Sigismund Bell. Even the walk from the Main Market along Grodzka Street up to Wawel can be a ceremonial prelude to a weekend for two.
A visit to Wawel is also a great base for further exploration: a few steps away you'll find Kazimierz, the Vistula Boulevards, and on the other side of the river the atmospheric district of Podgórze. It's a central spot that connects the most important elements of Krakow's urban landscape and fits perfectly for a short romantic getaway.
Day 1 - morning: start with breakfast at one of the well-rated cafés in the centre, then walk the Royal Route toward Wawel. After visiting the courtyard and the cathedral, I recommend sitting on the Vistula Boulevards or going down to the Dragon's Den to see the famous dragon. Afternoon: stroll through Kazimierz, have coffee in one of its atmospheric cafés and spend the evening at one of the city's top restaurants.
Day 2 - morning: an early walk up Kościuszko Mound or a visit to the Zakrzówek reserve for views and a moment of quiet. Then head to the Main Market Square - the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and, if you wish, climb the Town Hall Tower. Afternoon: relax in a café or by the Vistula, optionally visit a museum (for example the Rynek podziemny under the Market) or take a short river cruise.
The plan leaves room for improvisation - the best weekends happen when you combine classics with small, unexpected discoveries.
Vistula Boulevards - in summer this is a meeting place: open-air cafés, deckchairs and sunsets over the river. Even outside the high season a walk along the Vistula can be very pleasant.
Bernatek Footbridge - a nice spot for couples to take photos and a short walk between Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Kościuszko Mound - offers panoramic views of the city and is an excellent place for a morning or evening sunrise or sunset. The walk up the mound is also an opportunity for a private conversation away from the crowds.
Zakrzówek - a natural corner with turquoise water and steep rocks - in season it attracts people looking for pretty views and a bit of adventure.
Podgórze and Szeroka Street - history, small squares and a less touristy atmosphere - ideal for quiet wandering and discovering local cafés.
Wawel Cathedral - the royal tombs and the chapels are among the cathedral's highlights; it’s worth spending time with them to feel the weight of the place.
The Sigismund Bell - a national symbol, this enormous bell hangs in the Sigismund Tower and is rung on state occasions and major ceremonies.
Dragon's Den - the legend of the Wawel Dragon is one of Krakow's most recognisable stories; outside the cave stands the dragon statue which sometimes breathes fire - a fun sight for onlookers.
Castle Chambers and Courtyards - a walk through the courtyard and past the royal chambers is a good complement to the site's history.
If you want a highly rated restaurant with consistent service, consider places such as Copernicus (refined cuisine, elegant atmosphere) or Wierzynek (historic interior and classic menu). For traditional Polish dishes, Pod Aniołami is a reliable choice.
For coffee and breakfast I recommend spots popular with locals: Charlotte (breakfasts and bakery), Café Camelot (intimate interior), and for something more alternative - Forum Przestrzenie on the riverbank.
For the evening: Mleczarnia and Alchemia in Kazimierz offer an exceptional atmosphere, good for a quiet night with wine. When choosing restaurants, opt for places with good reviews - Krakow has venues that maintain quality consistently over the years.
For couples who value intimate luxury, boutique hotels close to the Old Town are an excellent choice - for example Hotel Copernicus or other well-rated properties near the Market and by Wawel.
If you prefer quieter places with character, consider staying in Kazimierz or Podgórze - a short walk separates these districts from the main attractions, and the atmosphere is less touristy.
Buying tickets in advance for the most popular sites (the Castle, selected exhibitions) saves time - queues can be long in season.
Check the opening hours of the cathedral and the castle before you come - some sections have separate hours or days when they are closed.
If you only have a weekend, set your priorities - it's better to see fewer things calmly than to rush from place to place and not fully enjoy anything.
Wawel is not just the castle and the cathedral - under the hill there are stories and small architectural secrets worth spotting during your walk.
The Wawel Dragon statue outside the Dragon's Den can 'breathe fire' - a short, playful attraction that often brings smiles to passersby.
Around the centre you can find fragments of history written in the walls and streets - paying attention to details makes it easier to discover the city's less obvious layers.
Trying to see too many attractions in a single day leads to fatigue and disappointment - plan a realistic itinerary and leave time to rest.
Eating only in the immediate area of the Market often means higher prices and average quality - it's worth walking a few streets further or heading to Kazimierz.
Not checking opening hours and entry rules, especially for the cathedral (some parts can be closed for holidays or available only at certain times), can prevent you from visiting planned sights.
Do you need a ticket to enter the cathedral at Wawel? Some parts of the cathedral and some exhibitions inside are paid, while others are freely accessible - check the current rules before your visit.
Does the Sigismund Bell ring every day? The bell is not rung for every occasion; because of its significance and weight it is used on special events and ceremonies.
Is the Dragon's Den open all year? Access to the Dragon's Den may be seasonal or dependent on conditions - if entering the cave matters to you, check the information before you come.
If you want more practical details or to personalise your route, the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is happy to help - you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Krakow tastes best when you combine the must-see points with places where you can breathe and simply be together. Allow yourself a moment without hurry - a long walk through the Planty, coffee in an intimate café, an evening with a good dinner and conversation can create memories more important than a full 'must-see' list.
If you enjoyed this article - share it with friends or on social media. If you dream of a guided visit, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz to arrange a personalised tour.
