Is it possible to combine a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine with a walk along the Royal Route and a tour of Wawel in a single day? Yes — but good planning helps. This guide shows the most important places, how to divide your time, what to expect underground and on the hill, and practical tips to make the day smoother.
Wieliczka is a unique underground museum of sculptures and chapels carved from salt, listed by UNESCO. The Royal Route is the historic coronation procession that runs from the Florian Gate, along Floriańska Street and the Main Market Square, up to Wawel. Wawel is a symbol of Polish statehood — with the cathedral, royal crypts and state rooms. Linking these sites gives a full contrast: from cool, subterranean salt chambers to representative halls and a panoramic view of the Vistula from Wawel Hill.
7:30–8:30 - depart your accommodation and get to Kraków Główny station (if you plan to take the train to Wieliczka) or head straight by car/taxi to Wieliczka.
9:00–12:00 - visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (tourist route and museum). Book tickets online and allow about 3 hours for the route and a possible break at the Karczma Górnicza (Miners' Inn).
12:30–13:00 - return to Kraków (train or car). The journey usually takes about 20–40 minutes depending on transport and traffic.
13:30–16:30 - walk the Royal Route: Matejko Square, the Barbican, Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, Town Hall Tower), Grodzka Street and Kanonicza Street.
16:30–18:30 - Wawel: cathedral, the Sigismund Bell (view from outside), the State Rooms and optionally the Dragon’s Den. Visiting time depends on which exhibitions you choose — book in advance if you want to enter the castle’s museum rooms.
Evening - dinner at one of the restaurants near the Market Square or Wawel (for example Pod Wawelem, Wierzynek, Szara Gęś) and some time to relax.
Matejko Square and the Grunwald Monument are a good starting point for the coronation trail.
The Barbican and Florian Gate are parts of Kraków’s medieval defensive walls — take a moment to admire the fortifications and pass through the historic gate toward the Market Square.
Floriańska Street leads straight to the Main Market Square — along the way you’ll see façades of historic townhouses, the former home of Jan Matejko and many cosy cafes.
The Main Market Square is the city’s heart: the Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Church with Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and the hourly trumpet hejnał played from the tower. It’s a great place for a coffee break and to watch city life.
Grodzka and Kanonicza streets lead up to Wawel: you’ll pass palaces, old houses and churches. Kanonicza is considered one of the most picturesque streets in historic Kraków and includes residences of canons and places associated with Pope John Paul II.
Wawel Cathedral is the site of coronations and burials of Polish kings — pay attention to the chapels, sarcophagi and richly decorated interiors.
The State Rooms in Wawel Castle display paintings, furniture and textiles from different periods. If there is a specific exhibition you want to see, check ticket availability in advance.
The Sigismund Bell is a national symbol — its ringing is a special event and the belfry impresses with both sight and acoustics.
The Dragon’s Den under Wawel Hill recalls the legend of the Wawel Dragon — a short attraction popular with families and children.
The Tourist Route and the Museum Route cover kilometres of tunnels and underground chambers; in practice the visit usually takes about 3 hours and the route spans a few kilometres.
Underground temperatures are steady around 16–18°C, so bring a light layer and comfortable shoes; there are many stairs on the route — when descending at the Daniłowicz Shaft you may climb or descend several hundred steps.
The best-known spot is St. Kinga’s Chapel — a chapel carved from salt with rich sculptural decoration and salt chandeliers, often mentioned as the highlight of the tour.
Underground you will see salt sculptures, chambers, subterranean lakes and old mining equipment — the route combines history, technology and sculptural art made of salt.
Buy your Wieliczka tickets online — in high season lines are long and entries are limited to language-specific groups.
At Wawel some exhibitions require separate tickets and limited capacity means it’s worth reserving in advance here too.
Getting there: Wieliczka is about 13 km from Kraków city centre. The fastest and simplest options are the train or car; the suburban train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia typically takes about 20–30 minutes.
Factor in travel time and possible queues when planning to combine Wieliczka with other attractions — realistically allow about 6–8 hours including transport and meals if you want to see both places calmly.
In Wieliczka: the Karczma Górnicza next to the tourist route is a convenient option for a traditional meal after the underground visit.
Around the Main Market Square and Wawel you’ll find restaurants for different budgets. Recommended places: Wierzynek (historic restaurant), Szara Gęś (seasonal cuisine, by the Market), Pod Wawelem (hearty portions, regional atmosphere).
If you prefer a café for a quick espresso or dessert, look for small spots tucked into Old Town side streets — a great chance to watch everyday life in the city.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially in season. Reserve Wieliczka and Wawel tickets ahead of time.
Wearing the wrong shoes — comfortable, stable footwear is essential both in the mine and on the cobbled streets.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — it’s better to see fewer places well than rush through many and remember little.
Travelling during rush hours without allowing extra time for transfers — leave a margin for transport and breaks.
Wieliczka is a network of hundreds of kilometres of tunnels, of which visitors see only a few kilometres on the official routes.
St. Kinga’s Chapel is made almost entirely from salt — its details, sculptures and chandeliers were created thanks to generations of miners and artists.
Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II) lived on Kanonicza Street before his papal election — the street has strong 20th-century religious and historical ties.
The Sigismund Bell at Wawel rings only on exceptional occasions and remains one of the most recognisable national symbols.
Can I see Wieliczka and Wawel in one day? Yes, but start early and book tickets in advance. The most comfortable option is to dedicate a full day with a planned lunch break.
How long does the Wieliczka visit take? The tourist route and museum together typically take around 3 hours, depending on group pace and optional routes.
Is Wieliczka accessible for people with limited mobility? Much of the route includes stairs and long passages; visitors with mobility limitations should check accessibility and alternative options before buying tickets.
Do I need a guide? In the Salt Mine visits are led by official guides; at Wawel and in churches you can use guides or explore independently depending on the tickets you purchase.
Check opening hours and possible closure days for museums, and note special events that might affect access.
Charge your phone and bring a powerbank — on a busy day photos and maps will use battery quickly.
If you travel with small children or older people, consider a shortened route in Wieliczka or an earlier return to the city; adjust the pace to your group’s needs.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a great day in Kraków.
If you’d like to explore with personal attention and commentary from someone who knows the city inside out, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — details and contact are available via her zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site. I warmly invite you to discover Kraków — plan calmly, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy every place!
