Did you know that below the surface in Wieliczka you can find a chapel carved from salt and brine lakes? The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO site and a perfect complement to walks through Krakow’s historic center. With a five-day plan you can comfortably explore the Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze and nearby mounds on foot, and devote one day (even on foot for determined walkers) to visiting the mine and the town of Wieliczka. This guide will help you pace your days, avoid queues and find the best cafés and resting spots.
If you prefer to save energy, I’ll also suggest quick practical options by train or bus — the trip takes just a few dozen minutes, leaving you more time underground and on Wieliczka’s market square.
The plan is flexible: I’ve left several alternatives for travelers with small children, seniors, and for active visitors who want to walk a lot.
Start with a morning walk along the Planty, enter the Main Market Square and admire the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. I recommend planning your Wawel visit for the morning to avoid the largest crowds; some exhibitions and the cathedral require tickets or a short wait. A walk along Kanonicza, Grodzka and the Vistula Boulevards completes the day.
Coffee breaks and first tastes of the city — if you’re looking for tried-and-true places, consider Café Camelot in the Old Town or restaurants serving traditional dishes like Miód Malina. In the evening I suggest a short walk to Krakus Mound for sunset and a city panorama.
If you have energy left, finish the evening with dinner in Kazimierz — the district comes alive after dark.
Kazimierz is a must — synagogues, atmospheric cafés and streets full of history. Reserve at least half a day to visit the Galicia Jewish Museum or to walk to Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Podgórze.
In the afternoon cross the Dębnicki or Bernatka Bridge to the other bank of the Vistula and discover Podgórze: the Ghetto Heroes Square, the Bernatka footbridge and riverside areas with unexpected views of Wawel.
In the evening you can plan dinner at Starka in Kazimierz — well-known and highly rated for authentic Polish flavors.
If you want to see another face of Krakow, spend the day in Nowa Huta or around Zakrzówek. Nowa Huta has an interesting history, socialist‑realist architecture and extensive walking areas.
Alternatively visit the National Museum, MOCAK or smaller galleries — this will give you a break from tourist crowds and help you understand the city’s contemporary side.
In the evening return to the Old Town or choose a highly rated restaurant in the center: Hotel Stary has a restaurant and bar often praised by guests looking for comfort after a day of sightseeing.
Wieliczka is about 16–21 km from Krakow’s strict center depending on your starting point — a walking route can take 4–5 hours and is realistic only for well-prepared walkers. For most visitors a short train ride (about 25 minutes from Krakow Główny to Wieliczka Rynek‑Kopalnia) or a bus (regional lines, about 40 minutes) is more convenient.
A visit to the Tourist Route in the mine usually takes 2–3 hours; the route is roughly 3.5 km long, descending to depths of about 64 to 135 meters, and the underground temperature is steady and mild (around 15–18°C). Book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
After exiting the mine, stroll the Wieliczka market square, visit the Żupny Castle and the brine graduation tower — the graduation tower is a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy a short inhalation. Recommended places in Wieliczka include Kopalnia Smaku, Sztolnia and Rynek Cafe.
Reserve your last day for things you skipped or want to see again. You might visit the Collegium Maius, walk the Vistula Boulevards to smaller galleries, or spend a lazy morning in one of the city’s best cafés.
If you have a late flight, check luggage storage options and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.
To finish, visit a favorite spot for dinner and close the trip with an outdoor view — for example the viewpoint on Piłsudski Mound or the terrace of one of the central hotels.
If you’re considering walking: the route is usually 16–21 km one way (depending on the start), which means 4–6 hours of walking at a moderate pace. Plan plenty of breaks, hydration and simple snacks.
Choose comfortable, well‑shaped shoes, breathable clothing and be prepared for variable weather — areas between districts can have few sheltered spots. Bring a powerbank and an offline map, as signal can be weaker in some stretches.
For most tourists a short train ride (about 25 minutes) or the regional bus 304 is the better option; this saves time and energy for the walk inside the mine itself.
Bring a light jacket or thin sweater — underground it’s cooler than on the surface, usually about 15–18°C. Comfortable shoes are essential; the route includes steps and uneven surfaces.
Buy tickets online in advance — slots fill quickly in season. Tours are guided, so arriving 15–20 minutes before your start time will help avoid stress.
If you’re traveling with small children or people with mobility issues, check available routes and health requirements — some sections can be demanding.
St. Kinga’s Chapel in Wieliczka is carved mainly from salt — altars and sculptures were created by miner‑sculptors, and the atmosphere there often surprises visitors.
The underground corridors form a multi‑level system — part of the tourist route leads to depths over 100 meters.
The brine graduation tower near the mine is not only a landscape attraction — its microclimate is good for a short “inhalation” and is often recommended as a way to relax after the tour.
Not booking tickets in advance — this is the most frequent mistake, especially on weekends and in high season. Reserve ahead if you care about a specific time slot.
Underestimating the distance — walkers often don’t appreciate the total kilometers and time. Plan a realistic pace and energy reserves.
Wearing inappropriate shoes and lacking layers — underground is cooler and more humid, so bring a thin layer and a waterproof jacket for the surface.
In Krakow: Hotel Stary (central) — high standards and a convenient location; PURO Krakow Kazimierz — modern and praised for comfort; for good food: Starka (Kazimierz) and Miód Malina (Old Town).
In Wieliczka: Kopalnia Smaku and Sztolnia are well‑rated, and Rynek Cafe is good for coffee and dessert after the tour.
Remember: the best places can get busy — booking a table or checking reviews before visiting is a good habit.
Do I need to buy a ticket to the mine in advance? Yes — especially in season and on weekends, online booking saves time.
How long does the mine visit take? Usually 2–3 hours on the tourist route, covering several kilometers underground.
Is it worth walking from Krakow to Wieliczka? For seasoned walkers it’s an interesting trip (about 16–21 km), but most tourists prefer a short train or bus ride to have more time inside the mine.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends — post it on social media or send the link to people planning a trip.
If you want to explore with someone who will show you stories, anecdotes and Krakow’s hidden corners — consider hiring the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her guiding can be tailored to your pace and interests; you can find contact details on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
Good luck discovering Krakow and safe walking to Wieliczka — whether you choose to walk or take a quick train ride, you’ll enjoy a unique atmosphere and many beautiful memories!
