Ever wondered what life was like in the era of kings and queens? When the city’s beating heart was its bustling market square, and grand celebrations took place behind towering castle walls? Good news — you don’t need a time machine, just a ticket to Krakow.
This historic Polish city is full of beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries of stories waiting to be discovered. If you’re visiting Krakow for the first time and wondering what to see in Krakow, I’m here to help — and I highly recommend starting with the Krakow Royal Route.
So here it is: a Krakow itinerary for first-time visitors based on my first trip to Krakow, Poland.
Location: Krakow, Poland
Cost: Mix of free and paid atractions
Length: 2 days
How to get around: Public transport and walking
On this Krakow itinerary:
- What to See on Krakow Royal Route?
- End Your Krakow Itinerary With a Surprising Twist: Krakow Arcade Game Museum
- Foods to Try When Visiting Krakow For the First Time
What to See on Krakow Royal Route?
Wondering where to start your first-time Krakow itinerary? The city was once surrounded by tall defensive walls, with visitors entering only through its fortified gates. While most of those walls are gone, you can still follow in the footsteps of kings, diplomats, and honored guests by walking the Krakow Royal Route, which begins at St. Florian’s Gate and leads through the heart of the Old Town to Wawel Castle — the perfect way to experience Krakow’s historic charm.
Begin Your Krakow Itinerary at St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican
If you’re starting your first time Krakow itinerary from the main train station, the first landmark you’ll spot — even before entering St. Florian’s Gate — is the striking Krakow Barbican. In a world full of ordinary buildings, this one stands out. At first glance, it might resemble a barrel crowned with turret-like towers, but it was actually a heavily fortified outpost that once defended the entrance to the city.
Just beyond it stands St. Florian’s Gate, a beautiful and historically significant entry point to Krakow’s Old Town. While the gate is modest in structure, its charm lies in the contrast between the rugged stonework and the elegant figure of St. Florian that adorns the tower. If you, like me, are wondering who St. Florian is – turns out he is the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and steelworkers (source).
As I mentioned earlier – this is part of the Krakow Royal Route, so take a moment to imagine all the kings, foreign envoys, and travelers who once passed through this very gate — just as you’re doing now on your own quest to figure out what to see in Krakow.
Take your time soaking in the charm of Krakow’s Old Town — its cobblestone streets, historic facades, and timeless atmosphere are truly worth lingering over. But eventually, you’ll want to pick up a few treasures to bring back from your adventure in this faraway land. So check your coin pouch (aka wallet!) and let the Krakow Royal route take you to the bustling Main Market Square — the vibrant heart of the city and a true must-see in Krakow.
The Beating Heart of Krakow Old Town – Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
Step into Krakow’s Main Market Square and you’ll find it brimming with life — just as it has been for centuries.
St. Mary’s Basilica: A Legendary Stop on Every Krakow Itinerary
One of the first landmarks to catch the eye of most first-time visitors is the towering St. Mary’s Basilica — so tall, it’s a challenge to fit into a single photo.
Did you notice that each tower has a different roof? That’s no architectural quirk — there’s a chilling legend behind it. As the story goes, the towers were built by two rival brothers, each determined to build the taller one. Fueled by jealousy over his brother’s progress, the younger brother murdered the elder, completed his own (shorter) tower, and then, stricken with remorse, jumped to his death from the taller one — leaving the towers forever uneven as a silent monument to his guilt.
The Lonely Krakow Town Hall Tower
As you take in the Krakow Market square, you’ll also notice a solitary tower standing proudly on its own — the last remaining part of Krakow’s old Town Hall, which was demolished in 1820 as part of efforts to modernise and open up the Main Square. The Krakow Town Hall Tower is an interesting landmark in its own right, but here’s something I completely missed on my first visit: there’s a viewing terrace at the top (for a small fee). So if you’re looking for some panoramic views and are not visiting the basilica tower consider adding it to your Krakow itinerary!
Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere and capture the beauty of the Krakow Market square — whether in your memory or on your phone — before we move on. Up next on our first time in Krakow itinerary is an architectural masterpiece that sits right in the heart of the Main Market Square.
Cloth Hall – Krakow’s Historic Trading Hub
When else would you have the chance to shop in a place that has served as a trading center for centuries—if not in Krakow?
Although Krakow’s Town Hall building was reconstructed in the 19th century, it’s still easy to imagine the hustle and bustle that once filled this iconic Krakow attraction, where Renaissance era merchants sold precious imports like silk and spices alongside local salt and fabrics.
That vivid history still comes alive today—step inside the main arcade, and you’ll find shops bustling with vendors. The only difference is that today, Krakow’s Cloth Hall sells souvenirs instead of silks.
Whether you add this stop to your Krakow itinerary to pick up a soft dragon plush or simply to browse, don’t forget to look up. The ceilings of this iconic Krakow attraction are adorned with intricate coats of arms and large chandeliers that add to its timeless charm.
Lesson of our Krakow itinerary
A popular souvenir to bring back from your Krakow trip is unique socks — I picked up a pair with dragons, but others feature the city’s abundant pigeons or the famous Obwarzanek bagels (more on those later).
But now, dress in your best and remember how to curtsy — the next stop on our Krakow itinerary brings us to the grand finale of the Krakow Royal Route: the magnificent Wawel Castle!
What to See in the Magnificent Wawel castle in Krakow
Even before you step inside, standing beneath the towering walls of Wawel Castle gives you a sense that something truly special lies ahead. If you only have time on your Krakow itinerary to visit one attraction in Krakow, make it this one.
Visiting Krakow on a Budget? You Can Explore Some Parts of Wawel Castle For Free
With its eclectic mix of styles, shapes, and colors, this iconic Krakow landmark almost feels like it was assembled from different LEGO sets, each element revealing a unique chapter of history. Look one way and you’ll see a building corner elegantly draped in ivy. Look the other, and you might spot a sun and moon cleverly tucked into the cathedral’s clock face.
As you explore the courtyards of Wawel Castle, there’s always something curious to catch your eye — perhaps a visitor capturing the soaring spires on camera, or someone laughing at a robotic lawnmower comically zigzagging through the the ruins in the middle of flowerbeds, clearly unsure how to escape this maze. It’s these unexpected details that make Wawel Castle one of the most memorable stops on any Krakow itinerary — blending grandeur with a touch of whimsy.
Don’t Miss the Wawel Castle Inner Courtyard
Hashtag: aesthetics.
As you walk through a small archway, it’s like stepping into a world washed in beige and white. Everything around you is soft in tone, yet incredibly detailed — arches, vaults, columns, and a decorative frieze below the roofline.
This is the perfect photo spot… if you can catch a moment without the crowds. Consider it a challenge!
What’s Worth Paying for Inside Krakow Wawel Castle?
Ticket prices and working hours of the Wawel castle
While you can roam the Krakow castle grounds for free, you’ll need a ticket to visit the exhibitions inside. Note: there’s no single ticket for all exhibitions — you’ll have to choose which ones you want to include in your Krakow itinerary.
There’s actually quite a lot hidden behind those castle walls. We ended up visiting Wawel Castle on three separate occasions — and still didn’t manage to see it all! So here’s a quick overview of what we did see, and what I’d personally recommend if you’re wondering what to see inside Wawel Castle:
Wawel Cathedral
Cathedrals ticket prices and working hours
Welcome to the very heart of Polish royal tradition — the place where kings were crowned and history was made. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a dazzling interior filled with gold accents, intricate details, and centuries of royal history — though sadly, photography isn’t allowed.
But beneath the cathedral lies the resting place of former Polish royals — the crypts carry a quietly eerie atmosphere that lingers as you walk among the coffins.
My personal highlight of this part of my first Krakow itinerary was climbing the bell tower. The narrow, dimly lit staircase makes you grateful you’re not wearing full medieval armor. As you ascend, massive bronze bells come into view one after another, each larger than the last. Take a moment to look closely — one bell has a face subtly carved into its surface. It’s a little spooky and totally unforgettable.
On the very top there is also a window you can take a peak of the city from above.
Sandomierska Tower – A Quick but Worthwhile Stop
Though the Sandomierska Tower isn’t always open to visitors, when it is, it offers a fantastic vantage point over Wawel Castle. Inside, the space is nearly empty, allowing you to appreciate the exposed beams and ancient masonry. Historically, the tower served as one of the castle’s three artillery towers during times of conflict, and in peaceful eras, it was repurposed as a prison.
Pro tip: To skip the lines at the ticket booth, purchase your ticket from the vending machine tucked under the stairs near the tower entrance. This ticket is also valid for the Dragon’s Den, making your Krakow itinerary smoother and more efficient.
Wawel Castle State Rooms – A Matter of Taste
This one’s a bit like “mother, daughter, and dress” —you may like it or you may not. If you decide to add this to your Krakow itinerary you’ll walk through several grand halls filled with thrones, paintings, and ornate stoves. The ceilings, in particular, are spectacular.
Lesson from Krakow’s Wawel Castle
At Wawel Castle, it’s not just ghosts you might want to watch out for. In one of the State Rooms, if you glance up at the ceiling, you’ll notice carved heads staring back at you — and they definitely don’t look very friendly.
To give a fair review, I should also mention a few parts that weren’t exactly to my taste. I was a bit disappointed by the Dragon’s Den. While it was fascinating to explore what lies beneath the castle’s foundations and imagine sneaking through secret passages, I didn’t really feel much connection to the dragon legend itself and the visit was very short.
And here’s an important tip to make sure you fully enjoy your visit: I heard from another travel content creator on Instagram that the staff are very strict about the closing time, so take this into the consideration when planning your visit to Wawel castle.
Krakow’s (Almost) Real Fire-Breathing Dragon
Ready to go on a dragon hunt?
Right by Wawel Castle stands a statue of a dragon that ACTUALLY breathes fire at regular intervals — the perfect spot for a memorable photo! Plus, you’ll get to brag to your friends that on your Krakow trip you saw a real dragon (and luckily didn’t become its dinner).
The Wawel Hill Marks the end of the Krakow Royal route. But jumping straight from ancient history to the present day can be dizzying. So, before returning to everyday life, let’s take a moment to acclimate with one last fascinating stop on our first timers Krakow itinerary — one that feels a little closer to modern times on the grand timeline and is a bit of a hidden gem.
End Your Krakow Itinerary With a Surprising Twist: Krakow Arcade Game Museum
Step into a dimly lit room where the glow of vintage arcade machines bursts with color. Brighter than the screens, though, will likely be your eyes — lighting up with memories or dreams of Friday nights spent with friends, feeding handfuls of coins into arcade machines to take turns playing classics like Pac-Man or Super Mario.
You might have thought those days were long gone, but Krakow’s Arcade Game Museum brings that nostalgia back to life. Here, you can relive those moments — playing beloved games and even practicing your zombie shooting skills to prepare for the apocalypse. Feel the thrill as you take a spin on a virtual motorcycle or drive a tank!
The best part? In Krakow Arcade game museum you never run out of coins. Instead of paying per game, you pay for your time inside, so you can play as much as you want without worrying about running out of credits. It’s a perfect, fun way to wrap up your Krakow itinerary.
Foods to Try When Visiting Krakow For the First Time
Our Krakow itinerary was full of fun and adventure — but all that exploring can definitely work up an appetite. So, here are some of my favorite local foods I highly recommend trying while you’re in Krakow.
Start with Obwarzanek — a delicious, traditional Polish bread ring sprinkled with salt and sesame or poppy seeds. These tasty treats are sold from mobile stands all around the city, especially in the lively Krakow Market Square.
If you’re craving something sweeter, try Pączki — Poland’s traditional filled doughnuts. These soft treats are coated with a sugar glaze, and you can choose from a variety of fillings. I tried the one filled with rose jam, and it was delicious. You’ll find Pączki sold at several shops around the city, usually behind glass counters rather than from street stalls.
But if you’re looking for something more filling, I can’t recommend Pierogi enough. Imagine a steaming hot plate of these special Polish dumplings served right in front of you. For vegetarians, a popular choice is the potato and cheese filling — simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying.
So enjoy your snack and we’ll meet on our next adventure!
At last, we’ve returned to the present day. I hope history buffs won’t mind if I mixed something up — with this Krakow itinerary my goal was to take you on a journey full of wonder and awe. Did I succeed?
And this is just one side of Krakow’s story. This time, our time machine brought us to the royal era, but if you wish, you can set it to explore other chapters of history too. Krakow has many stories waiting to be told.
More ideas for your Poland trip