Podgórze is one of those Krakow districts that has its own rhythm and history - a slightly different feel from the Old Town or Kazimierz. Podgórski Square, St. Joseph's Church, memorial sites and the picturesque Vistula boulevards create a compact, interesting area to explore. A carriage can be a pleasant addition: it offers a different viewpoint, atmospheric photos and a short comfortable break between walks.
However, spending an entire day only in a carriage is rarely practical - it's usually better to combine shorter rides with walking so you can really feel Podgórze.
This article gives a short history of Podgórski Square, a top 10 list of nearby places, practical information about carriages, a suggested full-day route and useful tips and FAQ - all to help make your day in Podgórze enjoyable, comfortable and stress-free.
Local tips come from guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - the text is friendly and practical, without promoting other guides or services.
Podgórski Square was established at the foot of Lasota Hill at the end of the 18th century and served as the center of the independent town of Podgórze. The square has a trapezoidal shape, and around it stand townhouses from different eras, including the classical building of the former inn "Under the Black Eagle" and the seat of the former town hall.
Around the square you will find key spots: the parish church of St. Joseph with its characteristic tower, municipal offices, cafes and local shops. It is a great place to start a walk around Podgórze - from here it is close to the Square of the Heroes of the Ghetto, memorial sites related to World War II, the Vistula riverbanks and Lasota Hill.
The square is intimate and has a friendly atmosphere - perfect for an afternoon siesta with coffee or an evening stroll with stops for photos.
1. Podgórski Square - the heart of the district, with interesting townhouses and the old town hall.
2. St. Joseph's Church - a visible tower and notable architecture; it is worth going inside to see the interior.
3. Square of the Heroes of the Ghetto (former Umschlagplatz) - an important memorial site and a key point on Podgórze's historical map.
4. Oskar Schindler's Factory (Museum) - an exhibition devoted to Krakow's history during World War II and the fate of Podgórze's residents.
5. Cricoteka (Museum of Art and Theatre) - a place connected with Tadeusz Kantor, featuring exhibitions and cultural events.
6. Father Bernatek Footbridge - connects Podgórze with Kazimierz; recognizable for the love padlocks hung there.
7. Vistula Boulevards - a pleasant riverside stretch, good for a walk or a short break by the water.
8. Lasota Hill and Bednarski Park - with nice views and green areas (a reminder of the former quarry).
9. Historic townhouses and the "Under the Black Eagle" inn - architectural details worth a closer look.
10. Local cafes and small galleries - Podgórze has a growing cultural and gastronomic scene, where it is worth stopping for coffee, cake or a light snack.
Carriages are most commonly associated with the Old Town and the Main Market Square - that is where they usually stand and offer short rides. A typical short route around the Main Square costs a symbolic amount - often several dozen zloty - but routes can be extended, which raises the price and for a longer private ride you can reach several hundred zloty.
A few practical rules before you get into a carriage:
- Ask the price before the ride starts and agree on the exact route. It's better to have clarity than to negotiate afterward.
- Drivers often offer short rides around the square; if you want a longer private tour of Podgórze, arrange it in advance and be prepared for a higher price.
- Pay attention to weather conditions: in extreme heat it is better to avoid horse-drawn rides, and if you do take one - make sure the horse has access to water and rest.
- Carriages are sometimes equipped with blankets for cooler days and occasionally with headphones or tourist information - ask before the ride.
- Due to regulations and a limited number of parking spaces, access for carriages to the Main Market is controlled - so understand that not every driver may be allowed in.
Formally it is possible to hire a carriage for a longer period, but this solution is less practical and significantly more expensive than short rides. A carriage is ideal as an attraction - a romantic moment, a short panorama of the city, photos - while for a whole day it is better to plan a walk or combine a short ride with walking tours.
If you dream of a full-day "horse" excursion, talk to the driver in advance, agree on the route, breaks for the horse, access to water, and the total cost. Remember comfort and safety - long hours in a carriage will not be as comfortable as walking with stops.
For those who want to see as much as possible without too much effort, a good option is a longer private combined ride - carriage through the historic center plus walking the main points of Podgórze.
Below is a sample, visitor-friendly route that can be done on foot, with one or two short carriage rides:
- 09:30 - Start at Podgórski Square. A short walk around the square, photos by the townhouses and the old town hall.
- 10:15 - Walk to St. Joseph's Church; a quick visit to admire the interior.
- 11:00 - Short carriage ride (prearranged or available on site) - a fifteen-minute run to see the area "from the saddle" and take photos.
- 11:30 - Walk along the Vistula boulevards toward the Father Bernatek Footbridge; cross to Kazimierz if you like - returning on foot is an option for a longer stroll.
- 13:00 - Lunch break - consider a cafe or restaurant near Podgórski Square or around Cricoteka; try local dishes and cakes.
- 14:30 - Visit Oskar Schindler's Factory (if you are interested in history) or Cricoteka - check opening hours and tickets in advance.
- 16:00 - Lasota Hill / Bednarski Park for a short walk and views of Krakow's panorama.
- 17:30 - Rest with coffee, an evening stroll around the square, dinner at one of the local restaurants.
You can shorten or extend this route as you wish. A carriage is not necessary to see the main sites - it is better treated as a pleasant accent to your program.
Podgórze has an increasingly rich gastronomic scene - you will find cozy cafes and restaurants, often in historic interiors. A few helpful tips:
- Cricoteka and its surroundings often have cafes with an interesting offer - coffee, cakes and light dishes.
- Plan breaks between sightseeing in local cafes on Podgórski Square - a good chance to feel the atmosphere and watch everyday life in the neighborhood.
- For the evening: look for restaurants serving regional cuisine and modern interpretations of Polish dishes - booking a table on weekends is often a good idea.
If you want specific recommendations, I can suggest a few tried-and-true places tailored to your preferences (coffee and cake / lunch / dinner) - tell me which option interests you.
- Comfortable shoes - many streets have cobblestones and setts.
- Weather - check the forecast; in rain carriage rides are limited and walking becomes less pleasant.
- Cash and card - some small services (short rides, small cafes) may prefer cash, but more and more places accept cards.
- Respect for animals - if you plan a ride, choose drivers who care for their horses: breaks, access to water and a healthy appearance of the animal.
- Tickets and reservations - if you want to enter Oskar Schindler's Factory or Cricoteka, check opening hours and buy tickets in advance.
- Toilets - there are sanitary points at Podgórski Square and in museums; it is good to have tissues and small hygiene items with you.
Are carriages legal and safe? - Yes, carriages operate legally, but traffic and access to some squares (e.g. the Main Market) are regulated. Make sure the driver has proper documents and that the horse looks well cared for.
How much does a ride cost? - Short rides around the square usually cost several dozen zloty; a private or longer route can cost significantly more - agree the price before starting.
Can you use carriages in the heat? - Try to avoid rides in the hottest hours. Good driver practices include breaks for the horse and access to water.
Will a carriage reach Podgórski Square? - Carriages most often serve the Main Market; access to Podgórski Square depends on local regulations and parking availability - ask the driver beforehand.
How to best plan the day? - Combine a short atmospheric ride with walking tours - walking gives access to museums, eateries and nooks you won't see from a carriage.
Podgórze is a district worth discovering slowly. A carriage is a charming and nostalgic addition, but you will find the true flavor of the place by walking the streets, talking to people and sitting for a while in a local cafe. If you wish, I can help tailor a day route to your interests - history, art or relaxation by the Vistula? Tell me and I will prepare the ideal variant for you.
Enjoy your visit and watch out for the cobbles!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - Krakow guide (text for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com)
