Can you see Wawel and Wieliczka in one day? Yes — it's a popular combination. You need to start early and plan tickets carefully.
How much time is needed in Wieliczka? The tourist route usually takes about 2–3 hours (add transport time). Be prepared for stairs and roughly 3–4 km of walking through salt corridors.
What about Wawel Cathedral? Visiting the cathedral, viewing the tombs and a short walk around the courtyard take about 1–1.5 hours — longer if you want to climb the bell tower or visit extra exhibitions.
Key note: buy tickets to the Salt Mine in advance on the official site, and check the Cathedral opening hours before your visit — they change seasonally and there can be closures for liturgical events.
This guide will help you plan the route, avoid queues, prepare practically and find tasty places for lunch after visiting.
Option A: Wawel in the morning, Wieliczka in the afternoon — a relaxed start on Wawel Hill, visit the Cathedral and the area near the Main Market, then go to Wieliczka for an afternoon tour. Good if you prefer to avoid crowds in the mine.
Option B: Wieliczka in the morning, Wawel later — use the cooler hours underground and leave most of the afternoon for the city. Start at Wieliczka and return to Krakow in time to explore Wawel Hill and the Old Town.
Which is better? It depends on your rhythm and ticket availability. The key is to plan transport ahead and allow buffer time for delays.
Estimated time: for the whole trip (sightseeing + transport + lunch) plan at least 6–8 hours.
Tip: if you have only half a day in Krakow — focus on Wawel and the Main Market; if you have a full day, combining it with Wieliczka makes for a richer experience.
Buy tickets in advance on the Salt Mine's official website. This reduces the risk of long waits at the ticket office — especially in high season and on weekends.
The Tourist Route is the most popular trail — it involves going down and up many steps (be aware you may climb several hundred steps and walk a few kilometers of corridors). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer — underground temperatures are lower than on the surface.
Tour time: plan about 2–3 hours for the tourist route (depending on group pace and stops at chambers). Don’t forget time to walk from the station/stop to the entrance and back.
Thematic or mining routes have different rules and age limits — if you're coming with family, check availability and requirements for children.
Large backpacks and strollers may be restricted on site — there is usually a cloakroom or deposit. Also note that seating on the route is limited.
The Cathedral is the historic heart of Wawel: royal tombs and national heroes, historic altars, chapels and details connected to Polish history. Entering the church is a meaningful experience — respect the place and dress appropriately.
Opening hours and access to some areas (for example the bell tower with Sigismund's Bell or the Cathedral Museum) change seasonally and may be limited on feast days. Check current opening times before your visit.
Access to the royal crypts or the tower may require a separate ticket or have limited places — if you want specific attractions, reserve in advance.
During Masses and liturgical celebrations the cathedral can be partially closed to visitors — have a plan B and check the schedule.
Please keep quiet and wear appropriate clothing inside the cathedral; this preserves the atmosphere and helps you appreciate the architectural and sacred art details.
Trains and buses run from Krakow to Wieliczka — the trip usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on transport and starting point. From Kraków Main Station the journey is quick and straightforward, but remember large tourist groups in season.
If you take the train, check the timetable and the destination station — trains stop close to the tourist entrance. If you go by bus, check the route and the stop. Allow extra time to walk from the station to the Salt Mine entrance.
In Krakow it's easiest to walk to Wawel from the Old Town (a pleasant stroll), but you can also take a tram or bus. Parking in the centre can be expensive and limited — on-foot sightseeing is usually most convenient.
Tickets: prices and availability change — buy Salt Mine tickets on the official site and check Wawel/Cathedral ticket options ahead. Booking ahead is the best way to avoid queues and stress.
Allow time buffers: traffic, transport delays and queues can extend your schedule. It's better to have an extra hour than to rush for the last entry.
After an active day you’ll want a good meal — here are solid ideas for where to look for food near Wawel and the Old Town without naming single sponsored places.
Quick and cheap: if you want something simple and local, look for milk bars (bar mleczny) and small Polish eateries around the Main Market and adjacent streets. Good for inexpensive pierogi, soups and home-style dishes.
Traditional Polish cuisine: restaurants around the Main Market and on Grodzka/Kanonicza serve classic dishes — schabowy (pork schnitzel), żurek (sour rye soup), pierogi or goulash. Great for trying Polish flavors in a pleasant setting.
Kazimierz and Podgórze — alternatives: for a more relaxed or trendy vibe head to Kazimierz (around Józefa Street) or to the right bank of the Vistula toward Podgórze. There you’ll find small bistros, world cuisine and atmospheric cafés.
Near the Salt Mine and en route: at the mine entrance and close to the station you’ll find cafés and casual restaurants where you can have lunch or a snack — convenient if you prefer not to return to the city centre immediately.
Special diets? Krakow offers many vegetarian and vegan options — numerous places in the Old Town and Kazimierz clearly mark plant-based dishes. If you have allergies, ask the staff about ingredients.
Reserve a table: at weekends and in the evening popular places fill up — booking a table will save time and nerves.
Examples of well-known, reliable options near Wawel and Old Town include Pod Wawelem, Chłopskie Jadło, Miod Malina, Restauracja Starka and Szara Gęś — they serve traditional Polish dishes and are convenient choices after sightseeing.
Bring a light sweater or jacket — it’s cooler underground and the cathedral can be drafty.
Comfortable shoes are essential — for both the mine and walking around Wawel and the Market Square.
Keep tickets and ID handy — some places require showing tickets or ID for discounted entries.
If you travel with children: check age limits on the mine’s thematic routes and plan a shorter itinerary if little ones tire quickly.
Set your lunch time in advance — preferably between visits so you don’t waste time in lines. If you want a longer rest, choose a restaurant in the centre or in Kazimierz.
No tickets or long queues? Check for later slots the same day or availability for the next day — cancellations and freed places often appear.
Cathedral closed due to a ceremony? Use an alternative: a short walk along the Planty, a visit to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or a Vistula river cruise are pleasant substitutes.
Bad weather: Wieliczka is ideal for rainy days because most touring is underground. In Krakow consider museums, cafés and indoor attractions as backup plans.
Main advice: stay calm and flexible. Krakow offers so many options that you will always find an alternative for a great day.
If you’d like, I can help build a detailed hourly plan tailored to your pace, accommodation and food preferences.
1. Buy your ticket to the Wieliczka Salt Mine in advance (official sales).
2. Check Wawel Cathedral opening hours and whether any ceremonies are scheduled.
3. Plan transport (train/bus/walking) and add buffer time.
4. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light layer; have documents and any discount proofs ready.
5. Reserve a table if you want to eat at a popular place after visiting.
Good luck and enjoy your sightseeing — if you want, I’ll help refine your personal step-by-step plan. Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
