Patriotic singing at Mały Rynek
For many people, Constitution Day on May 3rd is associated with stiff ceremonies and solemn speeches. For years, Kraków has shown that national anniversaries can be celebrated with a smile and genuine joy. An alternative to the official events is the “Singing Lesson,” traditionally organized by artists from the Loch Camelot Theatre together with the Polish Song Library.
The event usually takes place on May 3rd at Mały Rynek at 5:00 p.m. This concert is not limited to passive listening; instead, it is a large open-air gathering where the audience also becomes the choir. The organizers hand out free songbooks to participants, while the hosts keep the atmosphere relaxed by sharing anecdotes and encouraging everyone to join in. It’s a perfect opportunity to sing patriotic and independence songs at the top of your lungs, feeling a sense of community with other residents and tourists — without unnecessary pomp.
The underground history of Nowa Huta
If the Schindler Factory puts you off with its long queues, it’s worth hopping on a tram to Nowa Huta to explore the history of the Cold War era. The Nowa Huta Museum has been opening up more and more post–Cold War underground sites to visitors. A good option is the tourist route that includes the shelter beneath Mechanical School Complex No. 3 or the shelters located under the Żeromski Hospital.
Stepping into these concrete spaces, you can almost physically feel the atmosphere of the 1950s and the nuclear threat of the time. It’s a fascinating, alternative history lesson. After the tour, a perfect way to round off the trip is to visit one of the popular local restaurants or take a walk around Zalew Nowohucki. The local brine graduation tower and the extensive green areas offer far more space and tranquility than the crowded city center.
The wild side of Podgórze
When the Vistula Boulevards are packed to the brim, a good idea is to head for the wilder part of Podgórze. A particularly interesting destination is the abandoned Liban Quarry. It’s a place with a remarkable, almost post-apocalyptic atmosphere, where nature is slowly reclaiming the old, rusting industrial structures. While walking along the quarry floor — remembering to wear sturdy shoes — you may come across remnants of the set built for the film Schindler’s List, including replicas of the camp fence and a road paved with matzevot (Jewish tombstones).
The perfect way to finish this trip is to climb the nearby Krakus Mound, ideally at sunset. The ascent is free, and the panorama of the city from the top is considered by many to be even better than the view from the more popular Kościuszko Mound.
Admire the city from the river
If the weather is good, a great idea for the May long weekend is to swap walking for paddling. Instead of choosing a sightseeing boat, it’s worth using a kayak rental, for example at the Kolejowy Klub Wodny 1929 marina. There are several routes to choose from, including the 9-km stretch from Tyniec toward the Skały Twardowskiego Park area. It allows you to admire the panorama of the surrounding buildings as well as the Wolski Forest. Another option is to drift through the city with the current, giving you the chance to see Wawel Castle or the Norbertine Sisters’ Convent from a different, unusual perspective.
Such kayaking trips are an ideal option for people looking for active relaxation and wanting to avoid the crowds. The variety of routes and offers makes it possible to plan even several paddling trips during the May long weekend.
Cycling through Kraków and its surroundings
Kraków is a cyclist-friendly city, not only because of its relatively flat terrain but above all thanks to infrastructure that makes it easy to avoid May-holiday traffic jams and crowded public transport. Exploring the city and nearby areas on two wheels offers independence and allows you to move around quickly. The most popular and safest option is to follow the bike paths running along the river.
A perfect idea for an active afternoon is to ride a section of the Vistula Cycling Route. It’s best to choose a starting point near your accommodation. As must-see points along the way, we suggest:
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riding through the city centre, where the boulevards offer an impressive view of the Wawel Dragon and the Castle Hill,
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heading toward the Kazimierz district and further on to the Nowa Huta Meadows,
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taking a trip to the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, reached via a convenient asphalt road running along the flood embankments.
Such a ride, covering several to a dozen kilometres, lets you enjoy the scenery and is accessible even for less experienced cyclists. At the same time, it’s easy to plan stops along the route for a second breakfast or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.
A base in a Kraków hotel
When planning intensive sightseeing, it’s worth ensuring a comfortable accommodation base that allows you to rest after a day full of experiences. Choosing a hotel in Kraków for this busy period should be guided not only by location but also by a peaceful setting. After an exhausting trip to the quarry or a kayaking excursion, access to a wellness area or swimming pool can be an invaluable advantage, helping you recover before the next day. It’s also worth paying attention to the dining offer — a hearty breakfast served on site will save valuable time, as you won’t need to search for a free table in crowded morning cafés.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, including one that’s perfect for the whole family, we invite you to Hotel Swing****. Located away from the crowded Main Market Square, we ensure a peaceful night’s sleep while offering attractions that will delight both adults and children. The hotel is situated right next to the Water Park — a guarantee of fun for kids, a moment of relaxation for adults in the professional sauna area, and a chance to unwind at the gym in the FitPark club.
We also offer dedicated packages, and each day starts with a delicious, varied breakfast buffet at Quickstep Restaurant, where even the pickiest little eaters will find something they love.
The May long weekend in Kraków doesn’t have to be boring or limited to visiting Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. The city offers plenty of attractions for everyone — all it takes is stepping off the beaten path, whether by peacefully drifting along the Vistula River or cycling along its banks.
