Did you know that St. Adalbert’s Church at the Main Market is one of Kraków’s oldest buildings, dating back to the turn of the 11th/12th century, and that under the ground in Wieliczka there is the Salt Chapel of St. Kinga carved by miners? Those are just some of the reasons to plan a trip that links Wawel, a short stop at St. Adalbert’s Church and an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Each site tells a different story — from the beginnings of the Polish state and religious life to the miners’ engineering achievements. Visiting all of them gives a great cross-section of Kraków and its surroundings.
In this article you’ll find opening hours presented in a practical context, transport tips, a sample day plan and proven advice to avoid queues and stress. Everything is written plainly so you can quickly plan a successful day.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is open to visitors for most of the year, but exact visiting hours depend on the season and the type of route you choose. The standard tourist route usually runs during daytime (from morning to late afternoon), while some special routes have shorter windows. The mine may be closed on selected holidays (for example January 1, Easter Sunday and December 24–25) — check before you go.
A typical guided tour of the Tourist Route takes about 2–3 hours. Remember that the temperature underground is constant and cool — usually around 10–12°C (50–54°F) — so bring a warmer layer regardless of the season. It’s best to buy tickets online in advance, especially in high season; otherwise you may face long queues at the ticket offices.
St. Adalbert’s Church stands almost in the middle of the Main Market and is worth a short stop. Access to the interior is often arranged around Mass times and volunteer duty hours; beneath the church there is an archaeological reserve with an exhibition about the Market’s history — that exhibition is usually open at set times and more frequently during the summer season.
If you want to look inside or explore the crypts, check the current opening hours for the archaeological exhibition and any entrance fees — in many cases entry to the church itself is free, while access to the underground exhibition usually requires a small fee. The church is often closed during Masses and ceremonies, so plan your visit outside liturgical times.
Wawel is a complex of several attractions: the Cathedral, the Royal Tombs, the representative State Rooms of the Castle and the exhibitions in the castle buildings. Visiting hours for the castle’s state rooms and exhibitions differ from the Cathedral’s availability. The Cathedral is usually open to visitors at set times each day, taking into account Masses and other services, while some castle exhibitions may be closed on Mondays or operate reduced hours on that day.
If you plan to climb the bell tower to see the Sigismund Bell or visit the royal tombs, check in advance whether there is a liturgy or conservation work taking place — this happens sometimes around holidays and during major national ceremonies. Wawel can be very busy in high season, so reserving tickets or booking a timed entrance is a good idea.
A practical approach is to group the city sights (the Market, St. Adalbert’s Church and Wawel) for one part of the day and reserve Wieliczka as a separate half- or full-day trip. From central Kraków you can get to Wieliczka in several ways: by train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station (about 20–25 minutes), by city bus line 304 which goes near the mine entrance, or by car (about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic).
If you use public transport, the train is often the quickest and most predictable option. Remember there’s a short walk from the Wieliczka station to the mine entrance — include it in your schedule. In the city, move on foot or by tram when possible, since central parking is limited and often expensive.
Option A — Wawel and the Market in the morning, Wieliczka in the afternoon: visit the Cathedral and Castle on Wawel Hill in the morning, then take a short walk around the Market and stop at St. Adalbert’s Church. After lunch, take the train to Wieliczka and spend 2–3 hours on the tourist route. Return to Kraków in the evening.
Option B — Wieliczka in the morning, Wawel and the Market in the afternoon: travel to Wieliczka early and do the mine first (shorter queues), return to Kraków for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring Wawel and the Market area. Both options work well — choose depending on whether you prefer to do the underground tour with fresh energy or to finish the day with the views from Wawel.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the mine (temperature ~10–12°C), a water bottle, an ID if you plan to use reduced-price tickets and your online ticket if you have a reservation. Also carry some small change for local fees or souvenirs.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them: not booking tickets in advance — especially during the high season this is a quick way to end up in line; planning too little time — Wawel and Wieliczka are not 30-minute attractions; ignoring mobility limits — the Salt Mine has many stairs, so check available accessible routes before booking; visiting St. Adalbert’s Church during Mass — parts of the church may be closed to visitors at that time.
Around the Market and Wawel you’ll find many well-reviewed restaurants serving traditional Polish and international cuisine. Look for places with good reviews and attention to ingredient quality — that usually means a better dining experience and service. Popular names near the Market and Wawel include Wierzynek and Pod Wawelem; you’ll also find many cafés and bistros on Grodzka and Kanonicza streets. If you want a wider choice, book your dinner in Kraków rather than in Wieliczka.
In Wieliczka there are eateries near the mine entrance and in the town center. If you prefer a really good meal, consider returning to Kraków for lunch or dinner — the restaurant offer is much broader there. For accommodation, book in advance in high season to get better selection and prices.
Can you visit Wawel and Wieliczka in one day? Yes, you can, but it will be an intense day. It’s better to start early and buy timed tickets to avoid queues.
Is St. Adalbert’s Church always open? The church is available to visitors at set hours; the underground archaeological exhibition is usually seasonal and may require a fee. Check current opening times before you visit.
Is the Wieliczka Salt Mine wheelchair accessible? The standard tourist route has many stairs and can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. There is information about accessible options and alternative routes — check the details before booking.
Wieliczka is not only the Salt Chapel — underground there is a network of corridors, chambers and chapels, some with remarkable sculptures and installations carved by miners. St. Adalbert’s Church hides fragments of Romanesque walls below the level of today’s Market paving — an interesting testimony to how the city’s layout has changed over the centuries.
Final tip: always have a plan B — in high season bad weather or sudden temporary closures can force a schedule change. Be mindful of transport options and possible liturgical events at Wawel.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media so they can better plan their visit. If you want a calm visit with extra historical context, consider using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact appears on the guide’s site. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Kraków and Wieliczka!
