Bednarski Park (Wojciech Bednarski Park) is a picturesque, historic park set in an old limestone quarry at the junction of Krzemionki, Parkowa and Zamoyskiego streets. Created at the end of the 19th century, it covers roughly 8–8.5 hectares; its terrain shaping, limestone outcrops and varied vegetation give it the feel of another world, right next to the city noise. In the park you can see, among other things, the neo-baroque Gardener’s Cottage, a covered viewing gazebo, playgrounds and walking paths with names such as Shady Avenue and Small Promenade. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, birdwatching and a short rest after exploring Podgórze.
The park also has a strong local character: it serves residents as a recreational area while preserving scenic and historic values — a fine example of adapting an old quarry into a city park. Local legends and views toward Krakus Mound and Lasota Hill make it worth coming with a map and a short plan for your visit.
Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides (fiakers) in Kraków are concentrated mainly around the Main Market Square, the Planty and the Barbican area. A 10–15 minute carriage ride is usually a short circuit in the Old Town or around the Barbican; in practice prices for such short trips often start at about 250–300 PLN and can be higher during holidays or big events. Longer rides — tours of Kazimierz or extended city routes — cost noticeably more.
Driving directly to Bednarski Park by carriage is not a standard option: fiaker drivers usually operate in the strict city centre (Market, Planty) and do not run regular trips to Podgórze. If you dream of photos with a horse against the park’s rock outcrops and alleys, it’s more realistic to reach the park by public transport or on foot from Rynek Podgórski and treat the carriage ride as a separate Old Town attraction.
The park is located in Old Podgórze and is well connected — trams or buses to the Rynek Podgórski area, Krakus Mound or stops near al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich get you there in a few to several minutes. From Bernatek Footbridge or from Kazimierz you can enjoy a pleasant walk across the bridge over the Vistula to Rynek Podgórski. For active visitors, cycling is a good option — the Krzemionki area and paths around the park are ideal for short bike trips.
If you are staying or sightseeing in the city centre, plan your trip so you can combine Bednarski Park with other Podgórze attractions: Krakus Mound, Lasota Hill, historic forts and the contemporary art museum on Zabłocie. That way a single outing gives you a variety of experiences.
Krakus Mound — a short climb gives a wide panorama of the city and pairs perfectly with a visit to the park. Lasota Hill and Fort St. Benedict are places with interesting military history and natural character. Old Podgórze and Rynek Podgórski offer an intimate atmosphere, cafés and charming Art Nouveau villas. On Zabłocie you can stop by museums and cafés near MOCAK and former factories — a modern contrast to Bednarski’s romantic alleys.
If you want to extend the route, walk along the Vistula boulevards or visit nearby galleries and eateries — a great way to end the walk with a coffee or a local dish.
Somnium — specialty coffee in the Zabłocie area, recommended for excellent coffee and a calm pause between sightseeing and the park. Forum Przestrzenie — a popular spot by the Vistula, often suggested for relaxing, lunch or an evening drink; it’s welcoming and sociable. Haldi — a recommended Indian restaurant near Zabłocie when you want something different from classic Polish cuisine.
Remember to reserve a table on weekends or during the tourist season and check current opening hours — places nearby sometimes have irregular hours, especially off-season.
If you plan a short, 15‑minute carriage ride, expect a higher price than you might think and agree the route before you start — clearly set the time, start and finish points. Many tourists assume a carriage is a cheap attraction — that’s a common mistake; treat the ride as an experience, not as an economical way to get around the city.
Don’t ask a fiaker to drive directly to Bednarski Park before you check availability — carriages rarely run to Podgórze and it may be logistically impossible or very expensive. Instead, combine a short carriage ride in the centre with a walk to the park.
In hot weather consider skipping longer carriage trips; the city sometimes restricts fiaker stands or operations for the horses’ welfare and safety. Always ask about the conditions of animal care and breaks during longer rides.
Will a carriage take me to Bednarski Park? Not as a standard option — carriages usually operate in the Old Town; it’s more convenient to reach Bednarski Park by tram, bus, bike or on foot from Rynek Podgórski.
How much does a 15-minute carriage cost? Short city courses typically start in practice at about 250–300 PLN, but prices vary depending on route, time and negotiation.
Is it worth spending that money? If you want the ‘classic’ Kraków moment and photos on the Market Square with a fiaker in the background — yes — but don’t treat a carriage as an economical transport method. For a relaxing park visit, it’s better to walk.
Are there toilets and food outlets in the park? Nearby you’ll find benches, a gazebo and a playground; food points are not always right at the entrance, so plan a short break in nearby Podgórze or Zabłocie if you prefer to eat in comfortable conditions.
The park was created in a former quarry and you can still spot limestone outcrops that give it a distinctive, ‘rocky’ character — a great photo backdrop, especially in soft morning light.
If you want peace and birdwatching, choose early morning or weekday afternoons; the park can be busy in good weather, especially during local events.
It’s worth combining a visit here with a short walk up Krakus Mound — the climb is brief and the panorama rewards the effort, adding variety to your program.
If you have 90–120 minutes: start with a carriage ride on the Market (if you want that experience), then travel by tram or walk to Rynek Podgórski and enter Bednarski Park; finish with coffee at one of the recommended cafés on Zabłocie. It’s a pleasant mix of history, greenery and city life.
If you liked this text, share it with friends or post it on social media — it will help others better plan their stay in Kraków. If you’d like to explore Podgórze and Bednarski Park with professional, personalized commentary, you are invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and watch the weather — Kraków is best discovered slowly, step by step.
