Krzysztofory Palace (home of the Historical Museum of Kraków) is a convenient, easy-to-spot meeting point on the Main Market Square — close to trams, cafés and tourist information points. Many organizers and guides arrange to meet here before a trip to Wieliczka because it’s right in the heart of the Old Town and simple to find from different directions.
If your trip starts at Krzysztofory, aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. That gives you time to use the restroom, sort tickets and quickly check with participants (mobility needs, allergies, small children, etc.).
A short note: Krzysztofory Palace now houses museum exhibitions and sometimes serves as a ticket or information point for visitors — which is why it’s popular as a gathering spot.
Around the Main Market Square and Krzysztofory you have several options: public toilets (often paid), restrooms inside cafés and restaurants, and facilities available in some cultural institutions. The most reliable choices are a municipal restroom point or a well-rated café — ordering a coffee or a snack usually grants you access without surprises.
Remember that in high season queues for the Market’s public toilets can be long — it’s better to use facilities before setting off than to rely on quick access just before a coach departure or group meeting.
Practical tip: carry wet wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer — public restrooms in historic city centres can be small or sometimes under repair.
The most popular ways to reach the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Kraków centre are: train (Kraków Główny – Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia line), city buses (several lines to Wieliczka), car or a transfer/coach organized by tour operators. Trains and buses are often the fastest and most predictable options in city traffic.
If you’re traveling with a group and a guide, transport is often arranged by coach or there’s a central meeting point in Kraków with a transfer to Wieliczka. For independent visitors the train is recommended — Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is conveniently located within a short walk of the mine entrance.
When planning your trip, check timetables and any planned works on the routes — although rare, disruptions can affect travel time.
The Salt Mine provides tourist-oriented infrastructure: there are toilets at the entrance and at selected points along the tourist route, and in several places you’ll find additional services (a small food point, a souvenir shop, and an underground inn). Still, it’s wise to use the restroom just before descent — the tour involves several kilometres of walking on stairs and underground paths.
The mine’s temperature is constant, around 17–18°C, so bring a light layer — moving from hot outdoor air into cooler underground conditions is noticeable. For visitors with mobility issues: the tourist route includes stairs and sections not fully accessible for standard wheelchairs; if special access is required, contact the mine staff in advance to arrange conditions and options.
The underground inn is a unique experience — a good place to rest and have a simple meal, but seating is limited. If you plan a bigger meal after the visit, it’s better to organise it on the surface.
Buy tickets in advance, especially in high season. Many time slots are heavily booked and tickets for specific hours are sold online.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. The tourist route includes stairs and uneven steps. Also bring a light layer of clothing — underground is cooler than the surface.
Use the restroom before descending and carry some change for paid toilets or drinks. Mute your phones — mobile reception is usually lost in the mine, and the guide will ask for attention so everyone can hear the stories and information.
Plan some free time on the surface after the visit — both Wieliczka and Kraków offer plenty of cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Arriving at the last minute — this causes stress and leaves no time for restroom stops, buying water or sorting organisational details. Solution: arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Wearing unsuitable footwear — many people prioritise style over comfort. Solution: choose shoes with good soles and support, even if you want to look nice for a day in the city.
Not preparing for the temperature change — hot outdoors followed by a steady 17–18°C underground. Bring a light sweatshirt or scarf.
Failing to reserve timed tickets — availability is limited in season. Buy tickets in advance and have a plan B in case transport delays your group.
Around the Main Market Square and along the route to Krzysztofory you’ll find many highly-rated places. For a historic atmosphere and traditional Polish cuisine, Restauracja Wierzynek is an iconic choice. For a cosy café experience, consider Cafe Camelot — known for its intimate interior and good coffee.
If you want hearty, family-style portions after returning from Wieliczka, restaurants near Wawel such as Pod Wawelem serve solid regional dishes. There are also modern, well-reviewed venues around the Market and the streets leading to Krzysztofory — pick places with good reviews and short waiting times.
In Wieliczka check the local restaurants near the mine entrance for practical, fresh options to recharge after the tour. The underground inn offers a one-of-a-kind setting, though seating is limited.
Krzysztofory Palace has a rich history — in the past it housed shops and businesses that contributed to the Market’s life; today it is one of the city’s cultural centres.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is more than chambers and salt corridors — underground you’ll find chapels carved in salt, subterranean lakes and a true underground ‘town’ with its own infrastructure. Many visitors are surprised by the constant temperature and the silence below, a stark contrast to the Market’s bustle.
Can I use the restroom at Krzysztofory before the tour? Yes — there are public toilets in the Market area and restrooms in service points; it’s still best to arrive early to avoid queues.
Are there toilets along the mine’s tourist route? Yes, there are restrooms at the entrance and at selected points along the route; nevertheless we recommend using facilities before descent.
Is the route accessible for wheelchairs? The tourist route includes many stairs and is not fully accessible for standard wheelchairs. Visitors with mobility limitations should contact the mine staff in advance to discuss possibilities and arrangements.
How much time should I allow for the visit? Standard sightseeing usually takes about 2–3 hours plus travel time and any breaks for meals. Plan the whole trip from Kraków as a half- or full-day outing.
Taking care of small details — like using the restroom before departure, packing a light jacket or buying tickets online — significantly improves comfort and makes it easier to enjoy the magic of Wieliczka.
If you’d like to explore Kraków and the surrounding area with a private guide, consider touring with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — good travel experiences are worth passing on!
