Yes — you can do it calmly and enjoyably if you plan the day well. The key is to start early and think through the route: Wieliczka takes several hours (you’ll spend about 2–3 hours underground), and Kazimierz with its monuments and cafes is best visited in the afternoon and evening when the atmosphere is most atmospheric.
If you’re traveling with a friend and like unhurried sightseeing, plan: morning in Wieliczka, return to Kraków for lunch, and an afternoon walk through Kazimierz following the traces of Jewish Kraków. In winter leave time for a longer break with a hot coffee and cake.
Day 1 (morning): travel to Wieliczka. Choose the first morning tour of the Tourist Route to avoid the biggest crowds. Before descending, be sure to check ticket reservations and plan comfortable footwear.
Day 1 (afternoon): return to Kraków, have lunch in the center or in Kazimierz, then take a relaxed walk around Kazimierz — Remuh Synagogue, Remuh Cemetery, Tempel Synagogue and the area around Plac Nowy. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the recommended restaurants and coffee in a cozy cafe.
Day 2 (optional): if you have more time, consider visiting Wawel in the morning or one of Kraków’s museums (many run special winter exhibitions), or stroll around the Main Market Square and visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
The highlight of the Tourist Route is the Chapel of St. Kinga — an underground chapel carved from salt, decorated with salt chandeliers and sculptures. Also pay attention to the brine lakes, chambers with salt carvings and displays that tell the history of mining.
Prepare for walking through many kilometers of corridors (counting all sections) and a lot of stairs when descending and returning to the surface. Underground temperatures are stable — usually pleasantly cool (around 14–18°C) — so in winter bring a lighter layer to wear under or instead of a heavy coat, because it can feel warmer underground than outside.
Tickets are best reserved in advance through the official sales system. To avoid crowded time slots choose early morning hours on weekdays. Remember that tours are conducted in groups with a guide.
Wieliczka is very close to Kraków — by car the trip usually takes about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. There are also regular train and bus connections between Kraków and Wieliczka. Check timetables for the specific day, especially in winter when schedules may change.
If you plan to be at a specific tour time, allow time to get there from your accommodation and for possible lines at ticket offices. After exiting the mine, leave a moment to stretch and freshen up — around the Daniłowicz shaft there are cafes and spots for a short rest.
Kazimierz is the historic district with many synagogues, museums and memorial sites. Start at Szeroka Square — here you’ll find important points: Remuh Synagogue with the adjacent old cemetery, Izaak Synagogue and the Old Synagogue (now part of the museum). Each place tells a fragment of the rich history of Kraków’s Jewish community.
The Tempel Synagogue, built in a neo-Moorish style, stands out for its architecture and is often a venue for concerts and cultural events. Kupa and other smaller synagogues and former prayer houses create a mosaic of sites you can see on a 2–3 hour walk.
While walking, slow down and pay attention to details: memorial plaques, building fragments with preserved crests, small museum pieces and hidden corners where you can feel Kazimierz’s atmosphere. Respect is important when visiting cemeteries and memorial places — photography is usually allowed, but keep quiet and maintain a solemn mood.
In the center and in Kazimierz you’ll find many atmospheric cafés and restaurants. For coffee and cake try cafes known for cozy ambiance — they are a great way to warm up in winter after a walk. In Kazimierz popular places include long-standing spots such as Alchemia and other local cafes on and around Plac Nowy.
If you’re curious about Jewish or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, try restaurants in the area of Plac Nowy and Szeroka Street. For lovers of traditional Polish dishes, there are restaurants serving home-style specialties and local liqueurs.
When visiting Wieliczka, plan to have lunch back in Kraków — choose a restaurant with good reviews and a snug interior so you can rest after the underground corridors. Plac Nowy is also classic for street food if you prefer something quick and local, for example the famous zapiekanka at the Okrąglak.
Winter in Kraków can be cold and humid. Dress in layers — a large warm coat is useful outside, but underground in Wieliczka it can feel warmer, so have a lighter layer to remove indoors. Good, non-slip shoes are essential — pavements and cobblestones are often slippery.
When planning a winter trip, check opening hours and closed days (holidays, seasonal breaks). In winter some attractions may have reduced hours or special pauses between tourist seasons.
Look after safety: bring a powerbank for your phone, check your route for getting back in the evening and carry some small cash for incidental expenses. It’s also wise to reserve a table in a restaurant if you plan dinner at a popular place.
In Wieliczka, besides the Chapel of St. Kinga, you’ll find salt sculptures and bas-reliefs that tell local legends and miners’ stories. Few people know that some furnishings and sculptures include symbolism linked both to religion and mining traditions.
In Kazimierz you may come across spots that featured in literature and film — exploring side streets you can find details often missed by tourist guides. Often these small fragments create the neighborhood’s unique atmosphere.
Not booking a Wieliczka ticket in advance — during popular dates and seasons slots fill up quickly. Even in winter it’s advisable to reserve online, especially for a specific time.
Inappropriate footwear — both underground and outside in winter you should pick comfortable, closed shoes with good grip to avoid wet feet and slips.
Lack of respect at memorial sites — Kazimierz contains places of remembrance. Keep quiet, do not step on graves, and ask before taking photos in sacred places or cemeteries.
Is Wieliczka open in winter? Yes, the mine is accessible most of the year, but check specific opening hours and closed days around holidays.
Do I need special clothing for the mine? Comfortable shoes and a light layer that you can remove are enough — the underground temperature is steady and moderate.
Is Kazimierz safe in the evening? Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most touristic districts and evenings are usually lively, but like in any large city, use basic precautions and watch your belongings.
If you want the visit to be especially rich in historical context, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A guided visit by someone familiar with archives, family stories and behind-the-scenes histories brings depth and emotion to the experience.
Don’t forget to share photos and impressions with your friends after the trip — it’s a great way to preserve memories and recommend places that are truly worth visiting.
If this guide was helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends you plan to travel with. Good routes and practical tips are worth recommending.
If you’d like to tour with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, contact information and details of her offer are available on the site. Private guiding lets you tailor the route, pace and topics to your expectations — ideal for a trip for two or a small group of friends.
