If your plan is to combine a walk through the atmospheric Kazimierz with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the best compromise is to stay in the area between the Planty and Kazimierz — or in Kazimierz itself if you want to be right next to restaurants and the evening life. Alternatively, consider Grzegórzki or the area around Rondo Mogilskie if you prioritise excellent public transport connections and a faster train ride to Wieliczka.
(Below I describe details: how to get to Wieliczka, what to see in Kazimierz, recommended places to eat and what types of accommodation to choose, plus practical tips.)
Kraków is a compact city — many attractions are close to each other, but different parts of the city offer different atmosphere and convenience. Kazimierz has energy, restaurants and bars, but also more nighttime noise. The Old Town around the Planty is a classic base: everything within walking distance and quieter returns in the evening. Grzegórzki and Rondo Mogilskie are an excellent choice when quick tram connections and proximity to the train station are priorities. Podgórze offers a calmer setting and easy access to Kazimierz via the Bernatek footbridge.
Wieliczka is very close to Kraków and you can get there conveniently by train from Kraków Główny — the journey usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and the Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is right by the mine entrance. An alternative is bus line 304 or driving by car.
The Tourist Route in Wieliczka is visited with a guide and includes descending about 380 steps to the first level (tens of metres deep), walking through corridors and chambers, and visiting St. Kinga’s Chapel. The underground temperature is constant and cool, so bring a warmer sweater regardless of the season.
You can buy tickets at the ticket office on site, but the safest option is to reserve them online through the official sales channel — this is especially important in the high season and on weekends. Groups have reservation rules and the number of visitors per guide is sometimes limited, so plan ahead.
Kazimierz is a blend of history, Jewish culture and fashionable gastronomy. Key points include the synagogues (for example on Szeroka Street), the old Jewish cemetery, Plac Nowy with its famous Okrąglak, and the Szeroka area full of cafes and galleries. Wandering the cobbled streets gives a unique experience — it’s an ideal place for a morning stroll and coffee.
Recommended places to eat are those with a strong reputation and good reviews — among the frequently praised venues you’ll find restaurants serving Polish cuisine with a modern twist and intimate bars with creative menus. If you like local snacks, try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy; for a more elegant meal choose a well-reviewed restaurant on the edge of Szeroka or on Krakowska Street.
Plan to explore Kazimierz at a relaxed pace — don’t rush. Allow at least half a day for museums, synagogues and meal breaks to really feel the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
Kazimierz — if you want to be at the heart of nightlife and food. This is a great choice for couples and groups of friends who want to find a restaurant or bar quickly in the evening. Just check whether your room faces a quiet courtyard if you care about sleeping well.
Old Town and the Planty area — best for those who want maximum convenience for walking to the sights and prefer quieter nights away from bars. Ideal for families and people who enjoy the classic city view.
Grzegórzki / Rondo Mogilskie — a practical base for business travellers or anyone who values easy transport. Tram connections are excellent here, and it’s easier to reach the main station and the airport. Hotels in this area often have larger rooms and facilities for groups.
Podgórze — for travellers seeking a quieter stay with an interesting view of the Vistula and easy access to Kazimierz via the footbridge. Good if you prefer less touristy surroundings and don’t mind a ten- to twenty-minute walk to the centre.
A hotel is convenient if you want breakfast and a reception desk — it’s also a safe choice when travelling with older people. An apartment is a great option for families and travellers who value privacy and the ability to prepare breakfast. Hostels and budget guesthouses work well when price is the main concern and you’d like to meet other travellers.
When booking, check check-in hours and luggage policy — if you plan an early trip to Wieliczka, luggage storage at the hotel or at the station can be very helpful.
When you go to Kazimierz, follow recommendations and reviews — choose restaurants highly rated by guests. Places serving authentic Polish food in a contemporary style and trusted cafés are often the most praised. In the Old Town you’ll find both classic cafés and high-rated culinary spots featured in food magazines.
Good cafés and restaurants are worth reserving for the evening, especially on weekends. If you love local sweets and good coffee, pick cafés recommended by local foodies — they usually have the best quality and fresh products.
Buying Wieliczka tickets at the last minute in high season — buy online in advance or plan a morning or off-peak afternoon slot. Not bringing a warmer sweater or light jacket — it’s cooler underground than on the surface, so bring an extra layer. Booking last-minute accommodation in a noisy part of Kazimierz — if you value sleep, choose rooms facing a courtyard or the Old Town/Planty.
Trying to fit Wawel, Kazimierz and Wieliczka into one extremely tight day can be exhausting. Spreading attractions over a reasonable schedule will let you enjoy the city without stress.
Is it worth staying overnight in Wieliczka? If your only goal is the Salt Mine and you want peace, you can consider staying in Wieliczka — but most tourists use Kraków as a base because of the wider selection of restaurants and evening attractions.
How much time should you reserve for visiting Wieliczka? The tourist route usually takes about 1.5–2 hours plus time for getting there, possible queues and transport. If you plan to visit the Museum of Kraków Saltworks on site, allow more time.
How do I get from my hotel to Kazimierz? From most central points in Kraków you can walk to Kazimierz in 10–20 minutes. Trams and buses run frequently, so a short ride is often just a few stops.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is not just a mining attraction — it also has chapels and sculptures made of salt that have been preserved by the stable underground conditions for centuries. Because of this, some salt sculptures and decorative elements have survived in remarkably good condition.
Kazimierz has both historical and contemporary layers — at night it can turn into a lively meeting place, but a turn into the side streets will often reveal quiet, hidden cafés and galleries.
Make reservations in advance: tickets to Wieliczka in season and tables at popular restaurants. Pack: comfortable walking shoes, a light insulating layer for the mine, a powerbank and a small daypack.
If you travel by train to the airport or arrive in Kraków by train, check departure times — this helps plan a morning trip to Wieliczka and avoid unnecessary rush.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a great stay in Kraków. If you’d like to explore the city with a local who will show you Kraków and share more stories and curiosities, consider booking a tour with the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her services are available via her site and it’s worth reserving in advance.
