Wieliczka hides one of the most beautiful underground chapels in the world — St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved from salt and located more than 100 meters below the surface. Ghetto Heroes Square in Podgórze, with its "empty chairs" installation, commemorates the fate of the Kraków ghetto inhabitants — combining these two sites in one day shows a striking contrast between extraordinary natural heritage and the region’s difficult history, giving a fuller picture of the area. (If you’re travelling with children or as a group of students — practical tips follow below).
Morning: depart from Kraków to Wieliczka — visit the Salt Mine (the tourist route usually takes 2–3 hours). Bring water and light snacks, and if you’re travelling with small children check in advance whether a carrier is better than a stroller (there are stairs and narrow passages on the route).
Afternoon: return to Kraków, walk around Podgórze — Ghetto Heroes Square, the Eagle Pharmacy (a small, moving exhibition), cross the tracks to Zabłocie and take a short look at Oskar Schindler’s Factory from the outside or visit the museum inside if you have tickets.
Late afternoon and evening: coffee break or lunch in one of the child-friendly or student-budget cafes/restaurants — choose a place with room to relax. In the evening you can go to Kazimierz (if you haven’t seen it yet) or return to your accommodation.
The regional train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is quick and convenient — the trip usually takes about 20–30 minutes. For groups or if you have light luggage consider a taxi or ride‑hailing service (shorter travel time, more comfort, higher cost).
If you’re travelling as a group (families, Erasmus, students), buy Salt Mine tickets in advance — the most popular entry times fill up quickly, especially in high season. Also check opening hours and stroller restrictions (the underground route includes stairs).
On site in Wieliczka: there is often a left-luggage area and toilets near the entrance — plan a short break before descending because facilities on the route are limited. If someone has claustrophobia or difficulty with stairs, consider an alternative or a shorter route.
Ghetto Heroes Square is an important memorial site in Podgórze — you’ll recognize it by the distinctive installation of empty metal chairs symbolizing absence and remembrance of the ghetto residents. Around the square you can also see fragments of the ghetto wall and the reconstructed Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka Pod Orłem) — a museum with a touching narrative. A walk through this part of Podgórze pairs well with Wieliczka because it shows another, essential dimension of the region’s history.
The walk in Podgórze is short and accessible to most groups, but if you go with small children plan breaks and a place to sit — there are cafes and small squares nearby, ideal for resting and a snack.
If you want to take part in local commemorative events (for example the March of Memory marking the liquidation of the ghetto), check dates and cultural programs — these events take place annually and are important to the local community.
In Kraków you’ll find venues that work particularly well for families: places with a play corner, changing facilities and a kid’s menu make breaks much easier. Examples of well-known family-oriented spaces include family cafes and club-cafes with playrooms, smaller restaurants with animation corners and social cafes with a relaxed atmosphere — some venues also combine a small cinema room for kids.
For students and Erasmus visitors, cafes that pair good coffee, reliable Wi‑Fi and reasonable prices are ideal — places where you can work for a while or meet after classes. In Kazimierz and Zabłocie there are also intimate bookshop-cafes and evening spots popular with younger locals.
If you choose a cafe for a group break, call ahead to ask about reserving a section of the venue — this simplifies organization and helps keep the visit comfortable for everyone.
Discounts: many museums and attractions offer student reductions — carry your student ID or ISIC card, as it’s often necessary for cheaper tickets. It’s also worth asking about group rates even if you’re a small group of friends.
Transport: regional trains and public transport are usually the cheapest option. Journey planner apps and e-tickets make getting around Kraków and the surroundings easier. Shared taxis or ride‑hailing can be cost-effective when split between several people.
Accommodation and food: look for hostels and budget apartments near the Main Station or Kazimierz — they have good connections to Wieliczka and Podgórze. For meals, try well-rated local bars and small restaurants — sometimes the best experiences are off the Main Market where prices tend to be lower.
Not booking Wieliczka tickets in advance — in high season entries sell out fast, so you may waste time waiting instead of visiting.
Wearing inappropriate footwear — the mine route and strolls in Podgórze require comfortable shoes; avoid heels and slippery soles.
Trying to enter with a large stroller without checking the route — parts of the mine and some museum points are hard to navigate with a stroller; it’s better to bring a carrier or plan alternatives.
How much time to allow for Wieliczka? Usually 2–3 hours for the tourist route plus time for travel and short breaks.
Is Ghetto Heroes Square always open? Yes, the square is a public space; the memorial installation is outdoors. The Eagle Pharmacy museum and other exhibitions have their own opening hours — check before you go.
Do cafes accept groups of 20–30 people? Many family-friendly venues can accommodate groups after prior arrangement — for 20–30 people it’s best to book directly with the cafe.
The best light for photos on the footbridge and the river boulevards is in the morning and during the golden hour before sunset — if you want souvenir photos, plan a break at these times.
At Ghetto Heroes Square pay attention to small details among the memorial installations — they often tell the city’s history in subtle ways.
Small family-run ice cream shops off the main streets often have better, more natural flavours — ask locals or check recent reviews before you go.
If this guide helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — it really helps other families and student groups.
If you want a stress-free, personalized visit tailored to children, students or Erasmus groups, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck with planning and enjoy visiting Kraków and Wieliczka!
