If during the May long weekend you want to see Kraków from the point of view of a city defender - choose a walk along a section of the city walls and a climb into the towers. It’s a short, intense dose of history: you’ll feel the thick, stone structure of the old fortifications, see St. Florian’s Gate with its adjacent towers and visit the famous Barbican.
The construction of the stone fortifications goes back to the late Middle Ages - documents from the 13th and 14th centuries confirm building work, and in the following centuries the defenses were gradually expanded until a partial demolition in the early 19th century. Today a surviving fragment gives a good sense of the scale of the former fortifications.
The route runs along fragments of the walls and through several towers in the area of St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican. The walk lets you see places once used by guards and by craft guilds - many towers carry names connected with old trades (for example: Pasamoników, Stolarska, Ciesielska).
The Barbican is the distinctive circular structure in front of St. Florian’s Gate - today it’s easy to imagine how city defense looked in the Middle Ages. On the route you’ll also find parts of the defenders’ walkway with arrow slits and small exhibitions explaining the role of the fortifications.
The May long weekend attracts large crowds, so it’s best to go early in the morning - the first entries are usually much quieter. If possible, check ticket availability in advance and buy or reserve online to avoid long queues.
Combine the walk on the walls with a visit to the Main Market Square, the Rynek Underground museum or St. Mary’s Church - these spots are close to each other. Wear comfortable shoes - part of the route includes winding stone stairs and narrow passages.
Check current opening hours before you set off - the defensive route can be seasonal and some objects are only open in certain months. If you’re visiting with family, make sure children are supervised near high walls and narrow stairways.
In the immediate vicinity of the Market Square and St. Florian’s Gate you’ll find several places highly rated by visitors. For an elegant, historic experience consider the Wierzynek restaurant on the Market Square - it’s a classic choice with deep ties to Kraków’s culinary tradition.
For coffee and atmosphere try well-known Old Town cafés like Cafe Camelot or the Charlotte bakery on Plac Szczepański. For families or anyone preferring a quick rest after intense sightseeing, small bistros and bakeries around Plac Szczepański or the side streets off the Market Square are comfortable options. Choose venues with good reviews - quality of food and service matters when you only have a short break.
In former times the responsibility for defending the city often fell to craft guilds - that’s why many towers are named after professions. These names are not just decoration but a fragment of Kraków’s social history.
The tower of St. Mary’s Church, although now associated with the church, also had a watchman’s and city surveillance function in the Middle Ages - oversight of the city extended beyond the sacred walls.
A large part of the fortifications was demolished in the early 19th century due to administrative decisions, but the section by St. Florian’s Gate survived thanks to the efforts of local activists and conservators.
Not planning your time: many people assume a quick look is enough - however, a short walk along the defensive route with stops at exhibitions takes more time than expected. Plan at least 60–90 minutes.
Assuming entry is free: some elements are ticketed - check prices and rules before you arrive. Popular attractions can be full during the May period and may have visitor limits.
Not preparing for narrow stairs: if you travel with a stroller or have mobility issues, parts of the route may be inaccessible - take this into account when planning your visit.
Do I need to reserve tickets? During holidays and the long May weekend it’s advisable to reserve or buy tickets in advance to make your visit smoother.
What are the accessibility limitations? Sections of the walls and towers have tight, stone staircases - accessibility is limited in places; check accessibility information before you travel.
How much does entry cost? Ticket prices are modest compared with other attractions, but it’s worth checking the current price list at the museums or visitor information points.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends - especially those who are coming to Kraków for the May long weekend. Sharing the article on social media will help others plan a better visit.
If you want to discover Kraków’s history with stories and without rushing, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - you can find contact details and offers on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A well-planned route will help you feel the city’s atmosphere and see places that are easy to miss.
