Yes — it’s a great idea. Wieliczka offers a magical underground adventure listed as UNESCO World Heritage, while Nowa Huta shows a very different face of Kraków: a planned district, socialist-realist axes and local flavors. In a week you can comfortably visit these two places and still leave time for Kraków’s main sights and short trips in the area.
This article gives a practical 7-day plan, concrete transport tips, information about the underground route in Wieliczka, advice for families and people with reduced mobility, plus restaurant and accommodation recommendations for different budgets. At the end you’ll find some common mistakes and how to avoid them. If you want, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help refine the plan and lead your group personally — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wieliczka Salt Mine is an extensive underground complex with chambers, the St. Kinga Chapel and several salt lakes — the popular Tourist Route is visited with a guide; the entrance begins with stairs (the first descent is about 380 wooden steps). The route’s total length and number of stairs mean you should expect around 2–3 hours of active touring and several hundred steps to climb. Underground temperature is usually around 16–18°C, so bring a light layer.
Wieliczka is close to Kraków — travel from the city center usually takes about 30 minutes by car or transfer bus. Guided routes are offered by the mine and tour operators — booking tickets and places in advance is recommended, especially in high season.
Melexes are convenient electric tourist vehicles commonly seen in central Kraków (Old Town, Kazimierz). Melexes do not operate on the underground route in the mine; if you want a melex ride around the city as a supplement to your program, you can book one in Kraków — transfers to Wieliczka are usually organized by coach or minibus.
Day 1 — arrival in Kraków, stroll around the Main Market Square, light dinner. A day to acclimatize and get a quick feel for the city’s pace.
Day 2 — Wieliczka: morning departure to the mine, visit the Tourist Route (2–3 hrs), lunch nearby (Bistro Posolone at the mine entrance is a practical option), return to Kraków for an afternoon rest or museums.
Day 3 — Nowa Huta: walk around the Central Square, Aleja Róż, visit the District Museum or the bunkers (if you’re interested in the district’s underground history), lunch at Restauracja Stylowa — a Nowa Huta classic appreciated by locals and visitors.
Day 4 — Old Town + melex: book a morning melex ride through the Old Town and Kazimierz (a convenient way to quickly learn the city’s layout), then free time to visit Wawel and the Market Underground.
Day 5 — Kazimierz and Podgórze: visit Jewish memorial sites, cafés and galleries, relax in the evening at one of the top-rated restaurants (for example Starka or Pod Nosem — reservations recommended).
Day 6 — short trip outside the city: Ojców National Park, Tyniec or salt inhalation at a graduation tower (if you want more relaxation).
Day 7 — easy pace: souvenir shopping, cafés, transfer to the airport or onward travel.
Tickets: buy tickets in advance, especially in the summer season and at weekends; for larger groups booking is usually required.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable closed shoes — underground there are long corridors and stairs. The underground temperature is constant (around 16–18°C) — a light sweatshirt or jacket is useful even in summer.
Baggage: keep luggage small for the underground visit (the mine allows small bags; larger ones should stay in storage).
Accessibility: some excavations are accessible for people with reduced mobility — there are specially adapted sections and the possibility to reserve an assisted entry in advance. If someone in your group has mobility issues, contact the mine staff before your visit.
Time needed: the Tourist Route takes about 2–3 hours; including descent, visiting chambers and ascending by lift, count on half a day.
Nowa Huta combines urban planning and socialist-realist design with a lively neighborhood culture. The Central Square, Aleja Róż, the Ludowy Theatre, the former steelworks complex and local museums are must-see points. A walk with a local guide reveals curiosities you won’t read in guidebooks — architecture, neighborhood anecdotes, neon stories and cultural spots.
To feel the local atmosphere, book lunch at Restauracja Stylowa — a long-standing place recommended for its authentic vibe and traditional flavors. For a more casual option look for milk bars and local cafés where you can experience the neighborhood’s everyday life.
Wieliczka: Bistro Posolone at the mine entrance is a convenient choice after visiting. Around Kraków and in the city itself, reserve tables in well-rated restaurants in advance: Pod Nosem (near Wawel) and Starka (Kazimierz) are often highly recommended by guests.
Nowa Huta: Restauracja Stylowa is the classic recommendation — traditional cuisine and neighborhood atmosphere. If you prefer something cozier, pick local cafés and milk bars popular with residents.
Accommodation: base yourself in Kraków (Old Town, Kazimierz or nearby) if you want easy access to attractions and convenient connections to Wieliczka. Apartments with kitchenettes are useful for families and groups; well-reviewed hotels should be booked ahead on weekends and during festival season.
1) Underground in Wieliczka you’ll find not only chambers and chapels but also a natural microclimate that can be beneficial for the respiratory system — one reason short therapeutic stays and inhalation sessions are organized in graduation towers.
2) Nowa Huta hides many lesser-known spots: bunkers, former fortification remains and picturesque housing estates that are a real treat for architecture lovers.
3) A melex in Kraków is a convenient way to move around the center, but don’t confuse it with transport in the mine — it’s a surface vehicle used in the city.
Don’t leave ticket bookings to the last minute — especially in season; lack of available spots can ruin an entire day.
Don’t underestimate the number of stairs in Wieliczka — if you plan a trip with small children or people with limited mobility, check adapted routes and plan a suitable pace.
Don’t pack too much into one day — underground touring and long city walks can be tiring. Spread attractions so there are breaks for rest and meals.
Does a melex take you to Wieliczka? No — melexes operate on the surface (Kraków center, Kazimierz) and are great for comfortable city sightseeing; transfers to Wieliczka are usually by bus, minibus or car.
How long does the mine visit take? The Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours; add travel time and possible lunch.
Can I enter the mine with a large backpack? Larger luggage is best left in storage; typically only smaller bags are accepted underground.
Is Nowa Huta safe? Yes — it’s a typical urban district; as always use common sense and standard precautions.
If you want a tailor-made plan (family with children, school group, seniors or a photo trip), I’ll gladly prepare the details and lead the tours. As a guide (Małgorzata Kasprowicz) I offer both Nowa Huta walks and Kraków routes adapted to your interests — contact information is on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends, tag it on social media, or send the plan to someone heading to Kraków. I’m available to help plan and guide — you’re welcome!
