Krakow is exactly the kind of city you can head to for a weekend and you’ll feel like you’re somewhere completely different – even if you’ve set off from the Czech Republic for just a few hours. History on every corner, a great atmosphere, a pleasant buzz of the streets in the evening, and during the day plenty of places that are worth seeing. If you’re planning a quick trip, here’s the best of what to put into a two-day program.
A place where you’ll understand why Krakow has such a reputation. A huge space, a lively atmosphere, street performers, restaurants, cafes, and views of St. Mary’s Basilica that will draw you into the atmosphere.
What not to miss:
St. Mary’s Basilica – and especially its interior. Impressive blue ceilings.
Sukiennice – a historic market hall in the middle of the square. Inside mostly souvenirs, but the atmosphere is great. It is one of the city’s most famous symbols; the market hall was established around 1558.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the centre. Wawel is a huge complex and if you don’t have time for interior tours, it’s enough to walk through the courtyard and the surroundings. The views of the Vistula are great especially at sunset.
Fun fact: Under the castle there is a cave, the Dragon’s Den – a small holiday detail, but if you’re passing by, you can stop there. It’s a nice experience.
Tickets for the castle can be purchased here.
Kazimierz is a completely different Krakow. Less touristy, more “local.” A combination of cozy cafes, street art, small boutiques, and synagogues. I liked this district the most of all and I definitely recommend visiting it and sitting down in one of the cafes or restaurants.
What I recommend:
In the evening you’ll find the best atmosphere in the city here.
If you like history, this is a place that’s worth it. It is a museum that shows the wartime events in Krakow and the story of Oskar Schindler. Oskar Schindler employed and saved over 1,200 Jewish workers here from the Holocaust.
You’ll find replicas of streets, an exhibition about Schindler’s life and his list, a railway station, and more.
Tip: I recommend booking in advance, otherwise it may be full. Tickets you can buy here and you’ll skip the whole line.
If you want to switch off from the city hustle for a while, walk along the river from Wawel towards Kazimierz. Ideal for an afternoon stretch of the legs or a morning coffee to go. Even better in spring – everything blooms.
The Krakow Barbican is a whole different league. It’s a massive circular fortress that looks as if it was moved into the city straight from the Middle Ages to today. And literally so – well-preserved, monumental, with a moat around it and an impressive entrance.
Ideal plan?
Set off from Rynek along Floriańska Street. It’s a short walk, but you’ll get from the centre straight to the part that used to serve as the main entrance to the city. St. Florian’s Gate is a nice appetizer, and when you then reach the Barbican, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most photogenic places in Krakow.
The visit doesn’t take much time. It’s more of a „stop that’s worth it“ than a full-day activity. But it nicely completes your picture of Krakow – modern centre vs. still quite well-preserved medieval elements. And you don’t see that in every European city.
I expected a classic museum, but Rynek Underground is more like an underground “trip through time.” It’s all built directly under the main square – you walk through places where the original medieval markets, roads, and house foundations stood. Everything is complemented by light effects, interactive screens, and lots of small details that pull you in.
It’s not just about history. It’s mainly about the atmosphere – dim light, sounds of a period market, copies of old tools and little objects that you can touch. If you like places where you really imagine that time, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Only recommendation: don’t go there hungry, because you can spend more time here than you expect.
You can buy tickets here and thus avoid waiting in line.
If you go with your significant other, you can try a romantic evening or night cruise on the river. Get your tickets at a good price here.
Saturday:
Sunday:
If you are going to Vienna, we have prepared a mega guide with 60+ tips, where to go in Vienna here.
If Salzburg is your next destination, see our guide to the Christmas markets here.
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Even though we waited ten minutes for the dragon's flame, which lasted one second – we still returned there a second time because around the statue is the most beautiful view of Wawel and the Vistula in all of Krakow. That's exactly what Krakow is all about, and not just about this.
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