The Barbakan is one of the most characteristic remains of Kraków’s medieval fortifications and a great starting point for a short walk through the Old Town. Its very appearance — a powerful, oval red-brick structure — impresses and makes a perfect backdrop for group photos.
For students and Erasmus participants the Barbakan has an extra advantage: it’s close to popular meeting spots and at the same time lets you quickly feel the city’s historic atmosphere without planning a full-day excursion.
Start: Barbakan — 20-30 minutes to walk around the interior, take photos and hear a short story about the fortification’s function.
Direction: St. Florian’s Gate — 10-15 minutes to walk through, take pictures and get a brief historical orientation. This is part of the old defensive system leading to the Main Market Square.
Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — 30-40 minutes for a stroll, a quick visit to the Cloth Hall if time allows, and a coffee break. If the group is hungry, plan 20-30 minutes for a quick meal.
City defensive walls (tour route) — 30-60 minutes if you want to climb a section of the walls and walk part of the defensive path; tickets often cover both the Barbakan and the walls, so check if you can enter both with a single ticket.
Summary: the 90-minute option covers the Barbakan, St. Florian’s Gate and a short walk across the Market; the extended 120-minute option adds a walk on the walls and a brief stop inside the Cloth Hall.
The Barbakan and the adjacent defensive walls are open seasonally; practically, visitors are admitted mainly during the spring‑summer‑autumn months. The route normally has set opening hours and may be closed outside the season.
Tickets come in several types — regular, reduced, family and group — and are often sold as a combined ticket granting access to both the Barbakan and parts of the city walls. You can usually buy tickets at a ticket machine near the Barbakan, at the ticket office for the walls, or at visitor service points.
Remember there are limits on group entry — rules define maximum group size and the allotted time for a guided visit.
The last admission is usually shortly before closing; guided groups and individual visitors may have different last-entry times, so check current opening hours and ticketing rules before your planned walk.
After a short walk it’s nice to sit down for coffee or grab something quick to eat. Around the Market and nearby streets you’ll find inexpensive milk bars, cozy cafés and small bistros. Good student options are places with friendly prices and fast service.
Ideas: cafés and small bistros around the Market, stalls with the famous obwarzanki (bagel‑like rings), and places serving quick pierogi or sandwiches. If you want to stay longer, look for literary cafés and relaxed spots where you can chat and rest before continuing the tour.
Comfortable shoes are essential — the surfaces around the walls include stone steps and cobbles, so stable footwear is important.
Bring a water bottle, a small backpack and, depending on the season, a light raincoat. In summer you’ll want sun protection; in winter dress in layers.
If you plan to go up on the walls, have some small change or a card ready for paying tickets at machines, as not every entrance accepts only cashless payment.
The Barbakan served as a buffer between the outer and inner fortifications — its layout favored defense in tight conditions, something you can easily notice when standing inside the structure.
Cultural events sometimes take place by the wall and nearby — from small exhibitions to screenings and educational activities, especially in the summer season.
Pay attention to architectural details — arrow slits, defensive positions and the construction of the walls. What looks decorative often had a very practical purpose long ago.
Not checking opening hours and seasonality — before you go, make sure the route is open that day.
No tickets during peak season — weekends and holidays can be crowded; if your time is limited, plan ahead or visit outside peak hours.
Inappropriate footwear and clothing — walking the walls is not like strolling in a shopping mall; comfortable shoes and layered clothes will improve your comfort.
Is the Barbakan free to visit? No, the defensive route is ticketed — there are different ticket types that usually combine the Barbakan and the walls.
How long is a guided visit? A standard guided route lasts about 60 minutes, though it depends on the level of explanation and the group’s pace.
Do students get discounts? Yes, reduced-price tickets are usually available — bring a document proving your eligibility for the discount.
Look for short, interactive ways to tell the story — splitting the narrative into 2–3 themes (architecture, defense, daily life in the Middle Ages) helps keep the group’s attention.
Give participants a small photo challenge: the best shot of the walls, the most unusual detail, the most interesting selfie angle. It engages the group and creates keepsakes.
If you’re on a tight budget, a combined ticket and self-guided visit will let you see the most important places without large costs.
The Barbakan is a great starting point if you want to quickly dive into Kraków’s history and take beautiful photos without spending the whole day.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends — post it on social media and send it to people you travel with. If you prefer touring with more comfort and extra context, consider booking a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; her contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
