Poland is full of beautiful cities to explore, and one of the oldest and most historically important is Kraków, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Many Polish kings were crowned and buried at Wawel Castle, and the city served as the country’s royal capital for centuries. During WWII, Kraków largely escaped physical destruction, unlike Warsaw, so much of its medieval town survived. Today, the UNESCO-listed Old Town is filled with beautiful churches, historic cobbled streets, and royal residences. And let’s not forget about one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, either. Spending a weekend in Kraków is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture – though you’ll probably want to stay longer.
Over the years, Kraków has quickly become one of the top city-break destinations in Europe. Although it’s gained a reputation for its nightlife and party weekends, there’s a lot more to Kraków than its clubs and bars. Many people enjoy spending a weekend in Kraków because of its traditional Polish food, architecture, and unique museums. The city is also conveniently located for visiting places like the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s very easy to plan a budget-friendly city break to Kraków, especially if you want to focus on the historic side of the city rather than the partying scene.
Getting around Kraków
If you’re arriving in Kraków by air, getting to and from Kraków John Paul II International Airport couldn’t be easier. In about 20 minutes, the SKA1 train connects the airport to Kraków’s main train station, Kraków Główny, which is located a short walk from the Old Town. There are also public buses that serve the airport and run late into the night. I would recommend using the train for convenience and speed, as it’s very inexpensive.
In the city itself, Kraków has a very big network of trams and buses to take advantage of. A good way of knowing which ones to take is by using Google Maps, which provides the most up-to-date information. Tickets can be purchased at the bus and tram stops for a set period of time, and they’re very cheap. However, walking between the attractions is a better option if you want to see more of the city and enjoy the historic streets and smaller landmarks along the way.
Day one: Kraków Old Town
Rynek Główny
The heart of Kraków since the 13th century has been Rynek Główny, when the city was rebuilt after the Mongol invasion of 1241. It’s one of the largest surviving medieval market squares in Europe, and there are a lot of interesting buildings to admire. The careful planning of Rynek Główny helped it to develop into a key trade centre between the Baltic region, Western Europe, and further east. Over the centuries, the square has played host to religious processions, royal celebrations, public markets, and major historical events.
Rynek Główny is the perfect place to start your weekend in Kraków. Make sure you allow plenty of time to see all of its key attractions, such as Town Hall Tower, Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica, and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. You can also find a couple of important museums in Kraków located in Rynek Główny, such as the Rynek Underground Museum. The square is free to visit 24/7, but if you want to experience it without the crowds, I’d recommend walking here near sunrise before the tour groups arrive.
Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower
Standing at the centre of Rynek Główny is the Cloth Hall, reflecting the long history of trade within the city. In the 13th century, merchants were selling textiles in the square, but it wasn’t until the 14th century that a permanent trading hall was built. After a fire in 1555, a new Renaissance-style building was constructed, but what we see today is actually from 19th-century renovations.
If you want to explore the Cloth Hall, the ground-floor market is free to enter, and there are numerous stalls selling everything from wood carvings to leather goods and souvenirs. The upper floor is where the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art is located, and there’s a small admission fee for that.
Beside the Cloth Hall is the impressive Town Hall Tower. This is the only surviving section of Kraków’s medieval town hall, so it’s a must-visit during a weekend in Kraków. Records of the complex date back to the 14th century, but it was mostly torn down in the early 19th century when the square was modernized. If you have time, I’d recommend going inside the tower where you can climb 110 stone steps to the upper level and admire the view of Kraków Old Town from above. If you’re visiting Kraków on a budget, entry is free on Mondays, but tickets are limited, so it’s recommended to arrive at the ticket office as early as possible.
St Mary’s Basilica and the Bugle Tower
Before leaving the Main Market Square, take some time to admire St Mary’s Basilica. This is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kraków, and it was largely built during the 14th century. It served as the parish church of the city’s wealthy citizens, but Poland’s kings were more closely connected to Wawel Cathedral.
There’s a small admission fee of 20 PLN for adults to go inside the basilica. The highlight of the interior is the huge wooden altarpiece that was carved in the 15th century. You also can’t miss the beautiful blue, star-covered ceiling that’s even more impressive than the photos you see online. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside the basilica because there was a service taking place, but it’s something that’s on our list for next time.
Don’t forget to listen to the trumpeter at the beginning of every hour! From Bugle Tower, the taller tower of the basilica, a trumpeter performs the Hejnał Mariacki. However, it ends abruptly, which is attributed to a legend that the medieval trumpeter was struck by an arrow in the throat while warning the city of a Mongol attack. It’s one of Kraków’s best-known traditions, and between May and October visitors can climb up the tower to see where the melody comes from. However, ticket numbers are limited and are only available on the day of the visit. It’s definitely a unique thing to do during a weekend in Kraków.
Floriańska Street and St. Florian’s Gate
One of the best streets to walk down in Kraków Old Town is Floriańska Street. It was incorporated into the city’s street grid in the 13th century and forms part of the northern section of the Royal Route. This pedestrianized street is lined with beautiful historic townhouses from different architectural periods, and there are a couple of unique museums located along it. Floriańska Street gets very busy during the day, so if you want to enjoy it without the crowds, make sure you wake up early.
At the far end of Floriańska Street sits St Florian’s Gate, which was constructed as part of the medieval fortifications of Kraków. It was one of eight city gates and is the only one to have survived the demolition of the walls in the 19th century. Also known as the “Gate of Glory”, kings would enter the city here before continuing along the Royal Route. Today, the gate is free to walk through, but access to the City Defence Walls costs 22 PLN for adults.
Kraków Barbican
After you pass through St Florian’s Gate, you’ll find the Kraków Barbican. It dates back to the end of the 15th century and was built to strengthen the vulnerable northern entrance to Kraków. Originally, the barbican was connected to St Florian’s Gate by a fortified passage across the moat, which once surrounded the building. If you’re interested in learning more about its history, you can enter its interior courtyard for 22 PLN, where you’ll be able to admire its unusual circular design. During a weekend in Kraków, you may not have time to do this, but you can always take a quick look at the Kraków Barbican from the outside instead.
Bielak Passage
Walking through Bielak Passage isn’t considered one of the best things to do in Kraków, but it’s unique. The passage dates back to the 19th century, when a merchant who owned tenement buildings on two streets decided to create a passage between them. It was originally lined with small shops, and today it’s home to several bars and small eating venues. You’ll find Bielak Passage connecting Rynek Główny with Stolarska Street, offering an interesting cut-through for visitors.
Buy a souvenir from Hello Handmade
One of the best places to get souvenirs in Kraków is Hello Handmade, located along Floriańska Street. It’s a small, independent shop that features products designed or made in Poland. Their selection includes ceramics, postcards, decorations, and accessories featuring symbols such as the Wawel Dragon and St Mary’s Basilica. Buying something here is the perfect way to support Polish artists and bring home something much more unique than the mass-produced souvenirs found in most shops around Kraków Old Town.
Planty Park
While spending a weekend in Kraków, make sure you take a walk through Planty Park. This park forms a ring around the Old Town, on land where the medieval walls and moat once stood. Under Austrian rule in the early 19th century, much of the fortifications were demolished, and the area was transformed into a public garden.
The park is divided into several smaller gardens with tree-lined paths, fountains, and monuments dedicated to important Polish figures. When we passed through Planty Park on the way to Wawel Castle, there was an art exhibition taking place telling the story of the Romani people who survived the horrors of WWII.
Grab a drink at Lindo Bar
There are lots of bars in Kraków to choose from, especially around the Old Town. If you’re looking for somewhere inclusive, Lindo Bar is the place to go. This LGBTQ+-friendly bar is located near St Florian’s Gate, occupying two levels of a historic building. In this spot, following the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, two women started selling pastries here before establishing a cafe where writers and artists would meet. Lindo Bar tries to continue this welcoming spirit, and there’s always something fun happening inside. Every evening there are different events taking place, so check their Instagram beforehand to see what’s on.
Day two: Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, and Podgórze
Wawel Castle
In the Middle Ages, when Kraków started to develop into the main seat of Poland’s rulers, Wawel Hill grew in importance. Over time, many royal buildings have been built on Wawel Hill, and in the 15th century, King Sigismund I the Old commissioned an elegant Renaissance palace. Today, its courtyard remains one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Poland. Until the end of the 16th century, Wawel Royal Castle served as Poland’s ceremonial and political centre, before the royal court moved to Warsaw. It was later used by Austrian troops and as military barracks, and in the 20th century major restoration works began.
If you’re spending a weekend in Kraków on a budget, you can walk around Wawel Hill and enjoy the castle’s main courtyard for free. However, I’d highly recommend purchasing tickets to see the main castle buildings and other exhibitions, such as the Armoury, Crown Treasury, Castle Underground, the Viewing Platform, and the Dragon’s Den.
You can also purchase tickets for the combined route, which includes access to the first and second floors of the castle where you’ll find royal chambers, tapestries, and a very unique collection of Ottoman tents. All tickets are limited and have timed entries, so ensure you plan enough time to see everything.
Wawel Cathedral
Also on Wawel Hill is the beautiful Wawel Cathedral, which was the spiritual centre of the Polish monarchy. Construction of the current Gothic cathedral began in 1320, and it later became the setting for the coronation of Polish rulers. It also has ties to St Stanislaus, an 11th-century bishop whose tomb became a national shrine. Several chapels were added to the cathedral over the centuries, so you’ll find a very unique mixture of architecture here. Wawel Cathedral requires a separate ticket to enter, and isn’t included in the Wawel Royal Castle complex.
After taking a brief look around the inside of Wawel Cathedral, we climbed to the top of the tower to see Sigismund’s Bell. It was cast in 1520 and is still rung by hand for important occasions. While the view from the top of the tower is very pretty, it’s restricted to just two windows, so it’s not the best view in Kraków. I was more impressed by the exterior of the cathedral than the interior, but I’d still recommend adding it to your weekend in Kraków plans.
Walk along the Vistula River
Once you’ve finished exploring Wawel Hill, take a walk down to the Vistula River for a different view of the castle. This is the longest river in Poland, and it played a key role in the development of the city by connecting it with other trading centres. If you’ve purchased tickets for the Dragon’s Den in Wawel Royal Castle, you’ll appear at the base of Wawel Hill, right next to the river. This is where you can find the metal Wawel Dragon sculpture that breathes fire every few minutes. There’s a lovely path here that goes along the river, and it will lead you towards the Kazimierz District.
My favourite place to walk is on the other side of the Vistula River, where you can enjoy the best view of Wawel Royal Castle. Plus, there are fewer people there than right at the base of the castle.
Kazimierz District
The Kazimierz District has a history dating back to the 14th century when it was established as a separate royal city. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the district was incorporated into Kraków. For hundreds of years, Kazimierz was one of the most important centres for Jewish people in Europe, but sadly much of the community was destroyed during the Holocaust. Today, the district is both a lively area and a place of remembrance, filled with memorials, synagogues, cafes, and restaurants.
One of the standout things to see in this district is the Old Synagogue. It’s the oldest surviving synagogue in Kraków and one of the oldest in Poland, too. The Nazis looted the building and used it as a warehouse during WWII, but it was later fully restored and turned into a museum. Entry is free on Mondays if you’re spending longer than a weekend in Kraków, but tickets are limited. There are a lot of interesting things to do around the Kazimierz District, so it’s worth spending at least half a day exploring if you have the time.
Have a coffee at Kopi
While you’re making your way through the Kazimierz District, why not stop for a quick coffee and a snack? Kopi is an independent Indonesian specialty coffee shop, with plenty of coffees to try with different flavour profiles. Alongside espresso-based drinks, Kopi also has a fantastic selection of matchas. If you order an iced matcha or iced latte, you’ll have a cute bear-shaped ice cube added to the top of your drink. And if you want something sweet to go with it, Kopi is well known for its croffles – a combination of a waffle and croissant. It’s definitely worth stopping at during your weekend in Kraków.
Cross over Father Bernatek Footbridge
Next to Kazimierz is Podgórze. You can get to this part of the city by crossing the Father Bernatek Footbridge, which was built in 2010 where the former Podgórski Bridge stood. The modern bridge is named after a monk who’s associated with a nearby hospital, and it’s adorned with acrobatic sculptures suspended from the structure. This is a nice place to take in another unique view of the Vistula River, and there’s also a cycling path if you want to cycle around Kraków.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Ghetto Heroes Square is located inside what was once the Kraków Ghetto, created by the Nazis in 1941. Thousands of Jewish residents were forced into this section of Podgórze, and the square became an assembly point where people were chosen for concentration camps or forced labour. Today, the square is presented as a memorial, with dozens of empty metal chairs inspired by the belongings and furniture that families who were deported left behind.
Just a short walk from Ghetto Heroes Square are the remains of the Jewish Ghetto Wall. The most accessible part of the wall is on Lwowska Street, where you can find a plaque commemorating the residents who were murdered and imprisoned. It’s very moving to visit this area during a weekend in Kraków, but it’s important to understand the history and what took place here.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
One of the most interesting places to visit in Kraków is Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. The factory was established in 1937 by Jewish businessmen before being taken over by Oskar Schindler following the occupation of the city, who was a German industrialist. He employed over 1,000 Jewish workers and used his influence and money to protect many from deportation. Most people recognize the name thanks to Steven Spielberg’s film, Schindler’s List.
Today, the factory is a museum that tells a broader story than just the history of the factory. It has a permanent exhibition that explains how the Nazi occupation affected all of the city’s residents, not just the Jewish population. This is one of the most popular attractions in Kraków, and tickets go on sale 90 days ahead of time, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
On Mondays, entry is free, but tickets are extremely limited. I didn’t realize this, and we stood in line for almost 3 hours, just to be told that there were no tickets left as we approached the main entrance. If you do plan to visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory on a Monday, make sure you’re there early in the morning!
St Joseph’s Church
Before leaving Podgórze, make sure you stop by St Joseph’s Church located in the historic market square. Under Austrian rule, this district was developed as a separate town, and it was given city status in 1784. During the 19th century, the church was deemed too small for the fast-growing population, so the present church was built at the start of the 20th century, partly inspired by St Mary’s Basilica. It’s a beautiful church to look at from the outside, and the square in front of it provides the perfect place to take photos from. If the doors are open during your weekend in Kraków, don’t be afraid to take a look inside, as long as no mass is taking place.
Best places to eat in Krakow
Brunch by EmberCut
Just a few minutes’ walk from Main Market Square is Brunch by EmberCut. If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Kraków, this is the place to go. Its location makes it very convenient if you’re spending a weekend in Kraków, since it sits within the Old Town. The menu is centred around traditional brunch dishes, but with more creative ingredients and large portions. If you can’t decide, the staff are more than happy to recommend popular dishes.
A great way to start is by ordering a mimosa or another drink of your choice. On the food side of things, I tried the shakshuka, which was enormous and tasted incredible, with the right amount of seasoning and fresh ingredients. The avocado on toast with smoked salmon is also a nice option if you like fish. For something sweeter, the American Pancakes are a big hit, loaded with seasonal fruit, mascarpone cream, and plenty of maple syrup. The pancakes are made fresh and are quite thick, so they’re definitely enough to fill you for the day. Brunch by EmberCut was one of our favourite places to eat in Kraków, and I guarantee you’ll love it too.
Butter Café
If you’re looking to grab something on the go for breakfast, Butter Café should be on your itinerary. This modern cafe is located in the Old Town, with a calming interior and a few outdoor seats, too. Their menu is predominantly shokupan, a soft, fluffy Japanese milk bread. The bread is generously filled with fluffy scrambled eggs and other toppings such as bacon, cheese, shrimp, and chicken. They also have a good selection of drinks, including speciality coffee, matcha, and cold seasonal options. Butter Café is the perfect choice if you want something freshly made and filling without travelling outside of the Old Town.
Anywhere with pierogi
A weekend in Kraków wouldn’t be complete without eating pierogi. Luckily, you can find them throughout the Old Town, if that’s where you’re spending the majority of your weekend in Kraków. The most famous type is ruskie, filled with white cheese, onion, and potato – a personal favourite of mine. Other traditional choices include sauerkraut and mushrooms, meat, and sweeter versions like cottage cheese or berries. If you visit Kraków in mid-August, you’ll time your trip with the Pierogi Festival. We ate here most nights because there were so many stalls with both traditional and more modern versions of pierogi. They’re also relatively cheap, and you can order them individually to try a variety of flavours.
If you want to dine at a dedicated pierogarnia restaurant, there are a lot of options throughout Kraków. Make sure you check the Google Reviews beforehand though, as you’ll want to avoid tourist traps. Kraków’s milk bars offer a more traditional and affordable experience, which a lot of budget travellers prefer.
DESTINO Brunch Café
Another great brunch spot in Kraków Old Town is Destino Brunch Café, located just around the corner from Rynek Główny. It’s a popular spot for brunch classics like Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, and scrambled eggs, but we went for lunch and really enjoyed the menu selection for that, too.
If you want to try some Polish food, I’d recommend ordering a dish of their pierogi or the Polish chicken sausage served with cabbage and potatoes. Both portions are very big, and they’ll be enough to fuel you until the evening. You can also try one of their desserts, like the warm brownie with ice cream, if you’ve saved some room. Destino Brunch Café is a very underrated place to eat in Kraków, despite its central location, so you can enjoy your meal without the restaurant feeling overcrowded.
Fable Cafe
One of the best places for an early morning breakfast in Kraków is Fable Cafe. They have two cafes in the city, and both are conveniently located if you’re spending a day of sightseeing around the Old Town. We chose the Stolarska Street location as it was closer to our hotel. Whatever time of the day you visit Fable Cafe, you’ll be met with a warm atmosphere and the smell of specialty coffee in the air.
Fable Cafe serves breakfast dishes and homemade cakes throughout the day, so even if you’re a late starter, you’ll still be able to get your breakfast fix. For egg dishes, I’d recommend the shakshuka served with artisan bread or the Eggs Benedict, which are loaded with sauce and very tasty. We also decided to share the sweet cottage cheese pancakes, which are a must-try food in Poland. Fable Cafe is a very popular breakfast spot in Kraków, so it’s a good idea to arrive when they open to secure a table and order before more people arrive.
Where to stay in Kraków
MEININGER Kraków Centrum
An ideal place to base yourself while spending a weekend in Kraków is MEININGER Kraków Centrum. We’ve stayed with several MEININGER hotels in the past, in places like Copenhagen and Geneva, and always find them to be great value. MEININGER Kraków Centrum is located less than a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, and Wawel Castle and Kazimierz are within close proximity, too. To get around the city, there are nearby tram and bus stops, as well as a station along the main train line.
What I love about MEININGER hotels is how they combine the comfort of a hotel with an affordable and relaxed atmosphere. We stayed in a large private twin room with its own bathroom, desk space, and a coffee-making station. There are dormitory and larger family rooms available to accommodate different group sizes as well. All guests have access to a shared kitchen, a game zone, and a spacious lobby and bar where there are plenty of places to work or relax after a day of exploring Kraków.
Every morning the hotel offers a nice buffet breakfast, providing an easy way to start the day. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and 24-hour reception. We were able to leave our bags at the hotel several hours before check-in, which was very convenient. MEININGER Kraków Centrum’s combination of private rooms, convenient location, and sociable facilities makes it a great option for budget-friendly travellers, groups, and families.
Optional day trips from Kraków
Auschwitz-Birkenau
One of the most popular day trips from Kraków is to Auschwitz-Birkenau, located in Oświęcim. There are direct trains from Kraków Główny that typically take between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the service you choose. From Oświęcim railway station, Auschwitz I is located 2 km away, and you can access it by bus, taxi, or on foot. When we visited, there was a change in the bus route due to roadworks, so we ended up getting off the bus at a random location and then walking the rest of the way to the entrance of Auschwitz I. If you’re short on time, taxis seem to have a standard rate, and the drive will take around 5 minutes.
Keep in mind that this is more of a place of remembrance than a traditional tourist attraction. The memorial preserves the watchtowers, barracks, prisoners’ possessions, and ruins of the gas chambers, helping visitors better understand the horrors that took place here under Nazi rule. Auschwitz-Birkenau is actually two different locations, and a free shuttle will take you between the two sites. We visited at 5:30 pm, which is when tickets are free and a guided tour isn’t required. We were rushing around because of the sunset time, though, so I’d recommend planning a full day here if you can.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
If you’re spending a weekend in Kraków and don’t mind missing out on some of the attractions in the city, I’d highly recommend adding Wieliczka Salt Mine to your itinerary. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Kraków, and can easily be visited in half a day. A train ride takes less than 30 minutes, and the mine entrance is around a 10-minute walk from the station. We chose the standard Tourist Route tour, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours. The temperature underground drops significantly, so make sure you bring an extra layer of clothing, as well as comfortable walking shoes with good support, as you’ll be walking a lot.
The salt deposits at Wieliczka have been mined since the 13th century, and for centuries salt was an important source of income for the Polish Crown. During the tour, you’ll find an incredible underground landscape that includes the Chapel of St Kinga and religious artworks all made of salt, as well as impressive tunnels and exhibitions that tell the history of the mine. Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most visited attractions in Poland, and it’s unlike any other salt mine in the world.
Katowice
If you’re interested in visiting a completely different city for the day, Katowice is the perfect option. You can reach Katowice directly by train in around an hour, and Katowice’s train station is right in the heart of the city centre, which is very convenient. Attractions such as Spodek, the Silesian Museum, and the Culture Zone are all within easy walking distance from the train station, and you can hop on a bus to explore neighbourhoods further away, such as Nikiszowiec.
We spent two days in Katowice before taking the train to Kraków and really enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the city. It offers a completely different experience from Kraków, as its history is centred around industrialism. Katowice is starting to reinvent itself as a centre for music, technology, and culture, and its mixture of modernist buildings, converted mining complexes, and post-war architecture helps tell the full story of its past. You won’t find Katowice overrun with tourists, either, which is what makes it a good alternative city to visit in Poland.
Is Kraków worth visiting for a weekend?
Spending a weekend in Kraków is definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly city break that’s filled with historic architecture and traditional food. Two days will give you enough time to explore the medieval Old Town, visit Wawel Castle, and walk through Kazimierz and part of Podgórze without feeling too rushed. The city centre is very compact, making it easy to get around on foot, and there are always trams and buses to help you get around quicker if needed. We actually spent three full days in Kraków, which allowed us to go on a day trip, but it’s an ideal weekend destination as well.
If you have any questions about what to do during a weekend in Kraków, where to eat in Kraków, or where to stay in the city centre, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll come across more ideas about where to plan your next adventure.
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