Kazimierz is not just atmospheric cafés and synagogues — it also preserves fragments of medieval city walls and several defensive towers that tell the story of the old town and its defensive role. A route that can be completed in about three hours mixes walks along narrow streets with short carriage rides, so you can see the most important spots without a strenuous hike.
A carriage offers a pleasant, nostalgic perspective, but remember it can’t go everywhere — narrow lanes and busy squares are often best explored on foot. The ideal plan combines short carriage stretches with walking so you can reach the wall fragments, visit synagogues and stop at Nowy Square for a local snack.
Kazimierz was founded during the reign of King Casimir the Great and was surrounded by city walls already in the Middle Ages. The longest preserved stretch runs from Skałka toward the Augustinian monastery. The walls protected against raids and floods of the Vistula; inside the fortifications there were city gates — including the gate that once connected Kazimierz with Krakow’s Old Town.
Today you can find fragments of the walls and several towers while strolling Paulińska Street and the area around Skałka; these spots look great both from the carriage and during a short photo stop.
If you plan to enter managed historic sites (for example the Barbican and sections of the Defensive Walls), note that these are museum-type attractions with seasonal and hourly opening rules — in practice visits often run seasonally and combined tickets are usually required to see both the Barbican and the Walls. Opening times and admissions may be limited, so check hours in advance if you want to include them in your three-hour route.
Keep in mind that the last admission to museum objects is usually 30–60 minutes before closing, and opening dates can change with the season — it’s wise to build in some extra time if you plan to drop in on the walls after your carriage ride.
Carriage rides in Krakow are regulated: there are limits on operating hours, maximum passenger numbers and rules to protect horse welfare — for example limits on work during heat, mandatory rest breaks and specific standing times. This means that on very hot days carriages may be temporarily kept off the Main Market Square and some rides suspended for the safety of animals and passengers.
Carriages usually carry a maximum of 3–4 people — keep this in mind when planning a group outing. For larger groups it’s best to split into two runs or combine the route with walking sections.
Start: Matejko Square or the Main Market Square — from here a carriage can easily head toward Wawel and Grodzka Street. Pause briefly below Wawel Hill for photos, then continue toward the Grodzka Gate, which historically linked Kazimierz with the Old Town. Next, a short walking section through Kazimierz: Wolnica Square, Szeroka Street and Nowy Square (a perfect moment for a local snack). Then walk toward Skałka and the stretch of wall at Paulińska Street. Finish: return by carriage near the Market or take a short walk to dinner.
Agreeing the route with the driver before you set off is a good habit — many carriages follow tried-and-true paths, but restrictions (for example temporary bans on driving through the Market during events) can require small changes to the plan.
Kazimierz offers a wide gastronomic choice; if you want tried-and-loved places, consider Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, very popular on Szeroka Street), Starka (modern Polish cuisine) and the cafés and stalls around Nowy Square, where you can try the famous zapiekanki. These places are regularly recommended in guides and local roundups.
If you prefer something with atmosphere — the café Mleczarnia at Nowy Square or a small bistro on Józefa Street are solid choices for coffee and dessert after sightseeing. Booking a table for the evening in popular spots is often advisable.
Assuming a carriage will take you to every corner of Kazimierz — many streets are simply too narrow; plan a mix of carriage rides and walks.
Trying to visit the walls without checking opening hours — museum sites have seasonal schedules and last-entry times; check in advance.
Ignoring the weather — carriage operations may be limited during heatwaves or special events (stands may be closed). Bring water and plan your walk outside the hottest hours.
Kazimierz’s walls were not as thick or massive as Krakow’s main fortifications — they were adapted to local defensive needs and to control the Vistula, which makes them an interesting contrast to the capital’s stronger fortresses.
In Kazimierz you will find places that blend two traditions — Jewish and Christian — creating a unique mosaic of monuments and flavors that can be seen along a single street.
Will a carriage come to my hotel? Yes, if the location is accessible and not located on a very narrow single-lane street; agree the exact pickup spot with the driver.
How much does a carriage ride cost? Prices depend on the route and duration, so ask about rates before you go — most fares cover a set time or a defined route.
Can children ride in a carriage? Yes, usually allowed, but remember the passenger limit per carriage; for larger groups consider splitting into multiple runs.
- check opening hours for the Defensive Walls / Barbican (if you want to go onto the walls); - ask about the exact route and expected duration of the carriage ride; - bring water and comfortable shoes for short walks; - if you plan to eat at a popular restaurant, consider reserving a table.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kazimierz with a personal commentary, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and many beautiful photos!
