This is one of the most frequently asked questions — and also one of the most common mistakes: the defensive route (Barbican + City Walls) in Krakow operates seasonally. In practice this means many sections of the walls and towers are open to visitors from spring until autumn, while in winter the sites are often closed for safety and conservation reasons. If you are coming to Krakow for the holidays, plan an alternative in case access to the walls is limited or fully closed.
Keep in mind that even in the summer season opening hours and start/close dates may change — the operator reserves the right to shorten the season in case of bad weather or conservation work.
So the first step before you head out: check current information about availability and visiting conditions. This saves time and disappointment.
Many problems can be easily anticipated. The first mistake is assuming that everything “historic” is always accessible. In winter most outdoor fortifications are closed, and walking on icy stretches of wall can be dangerous.
Another frequent mistake is wearing inappropriate footwear — bare heels, slippery soles or trainers without grip can ruin a walk on stone steps and steep stairs. Wear shoes with good soles and warm, stable outer layers, especially if temperatures fall below freezing.
Not checking ticket rules is another issue: some sites require buying tickets in advance, others sell tickets only at the ticket office during certain hours. There are also cases where tourists plan to visit only the Barbican or only the walls without realizing a combined ticket applies and may have date restrictions.
Many visitors ignore safety instructions and signs prohibiting touching or climbing on parts of the structure. This is not only about respect for the monument but also about the safety of you and others.
Prepare plan B: if the city walls are closed, choose one of the nearby year-round attractions. Recommended alternatives are visits to the royal chambers, Wawel Cathedral, city museums and museums such as Schindler’s Factory or the National Museum. These places often offer exhibitions and routes open in winter and can nicely complement your holiday program.
If you care about views from above, check which church towers are open (confirm in advance whether they are accessible in winter) or plan a walk around Wawel and the Vistula riverbank, where you can take beautiful photos of the illuminated Market and the city panorama.
Make time for warm breaks — winter cafés and well-rated restaurants around the Main Market are perfect to rest after sightseeing. Classic restaurants by the Market and popular cafés on the Old Town make great stops; check reservations in advance as places fill quickly during the holidays.
Do a quick check before you set off: verify which days and at what hours the site you want to visit is open, what the ticket rules are and whether the route is accessible in low temperatures. This is the simplest way to save time.
Dress appropriately — in layers, with non-slip shoes and a waterproof outer layer. At low temperatures steps and stone surfaces can be icy, and guides or site staff may ask for caution or close selected sections.
Remember the last admission time: in the museum season sites have a defined last-entry time (for example, 30 minutes before closing), and combined tickets often have date limitations. Leave extra time in your schedule — better to arrive early than get stuck in a ticket queue.
Respect the monuments: do not sit on the walls, do not climb railings and do not move exhibit elements. Beyond possible fines, this preserves heritage for future visitors.
The Barbican and the wall fragments you see today are remnants of an extensive medieval defensive system — many preserved elements are open seasonally because preserving such structures is costly and they are vulnerable to winter conditions.
Not all towers and bastions are privately or commercially managed — some are run by municipal or museum institutions, which affects their opening schedules. That’s why ticket mechanics and availability can differ from what you expect from usual tourist attractions.
Sometimes parts of the route are closed at temperatures near freezing or in strong winds — this is not a whim of the organizer but a decision made for safety.
Can I visit the walls on Christmas Day? - Usually not; the defensive route is seasonal and often closed in winter. Always check the current schedule before going out.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - In the high season buying tickets online or at the ticket office is common; some sites offer combined tickets with date restrictions, so check sales rules.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Unfortunately many fragments of walls and towers have stairs and narrow passages. Visitors with reduced mobility should contact the site in advance to ask about access options or alternative routes.
Can I take photos? - Photography for private use is generally allowed, but follow prohibitions and restrictions (for example, no tripods or drones where banned). Respect exhibits and other visitors.
Can I bring a dog? - Rules about animals vary by site — dogs are often allowed but should be on a short leash and under the owner’s control. Check the regulations before your visit.
If the defensive route is unavailable in winter, the Old Town has many well-rated spots where you can eat and warm up with coffee or hot barszcz. Choose places with good reviews — near the Market and Floriańska Street you’ll find restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine and cosy cafés perfect for a break between attractions.
Reserve tables in advance on weekends and during the holiday season, because the best places fill up quickly. For overnight stays, the Old Town and the Kazimierz district offer comfortable hotels and guesthouses with good connections to the main sights.
If you’d like, I can suggest top-rated cafés and restaurants matching your preferences (vegetarian, family-friendly, budget or gourmet) and prepare a short list tailored to your plan.
First: watch your children and belongings, especially in crowded places and on stairs. Second: respect signs and staff requests — this is not just formality but real protection around old structures. Third: don’t leave trash or damage the walls — we keep heritage for future generations.
If you travel in a group, remember there may be limits on group size at entrances — large groups sometimes require prior booking.
If weather changes suddenly or conditions become dangerous, staff may interrupt the visit. Accept this calmly — it’s for your safety.
Check current opening hours and any seasonal closures.
Reserve or buy tickets if required; make sure whether a ticket is combined and what date restrictions it has.
Dress according to conditions: layers, non-slip shoes, gloves, hat.
Have a plan B — museums and exhibitions open in winter to complement your sightseeing.
Prepare for photos, but follow photography rules and don’t use a tripod where it’s forbidden.
If you found this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that way other tourists can avoid disappointment during a holiday visit to Krakow.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized Krakow itinerary for Christmas — including current opening hours and the best places for a warm break. I also recommend the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers knowledgeable, friendly tours tailored to the season. Wishing you safe and joyful holiday walks in Krakow!
