Florian Gate was once called Porta Gloriae — the Gate of Glory — and opened the historic Royal Route leading to Wawel. Inside the gate there is a small altar to Our Lady of the Sand, and on the façade you can spot the Piast eagle designed by Jan Matejko. Until the mid-20th century a narrow-gauge tram used to pass through the gate — just one of the many stories hidden in this short stretch of the city.
This is the shortest and at the same time the most representative fragment of the Royal Route — a walk from Florian Gate to the Main Market shows the essence of medieval Kraków: the defensive walls and the Barbican, the elegant Floriańska Street, finishing at the largest medieval market square in Europe with St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). The route combines history, architecture and places where city life unfolded for centuries.
The walk is short but full of points worth visiting or noticing — I suggest going slowly, pausing often and letting the street tell its story.
Start at Matejko Square — from here you have a panorama that includes the Grunwald Monument and the House of Jan Matejko. Walk through the Barbican and Florian Gate — notice the neck that connects the gate to the barbican and the baroque helmet of the tower.
Turn onto Floriańska Street and head toward the Market. Along the way you pass historic townhouses, Jan Matejko's House and places connected with Kraków's café tradition that are worth seeing from outside or visiting for a short break.
The street ends at St. Mary's Basilica — the church's position on the Market creates one of Poland's most recognisable panoramas. In the middle of the Market stands the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), next to the Adam Mickiewicz monument and numerous stalls and cafés.
From Florian Gate to the centre of the Main Market is about 300–500 metres depending on the exact starting point — the walk itself without stops usually takes 5–10 minutes. If you plan to visit monuments along the way (the Gate, Jan Matejko's House, entering St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall, Rynek Underground) allocate 1.5 to 3 hours.
Florian Gate — built around 1300, it was one of the main gates that could receive stately processions. Inside there is a small chapel and Baroque elements; the gate once connected with the Barbican by the city defensive wall.
Floriańska Street — the main commercial street of medieval Kraków. Take a closer look at the façades of the townhouses, find Jan Matejko's House and remember that famous artistic cafés operated here more than a hundred years ago.
St. Mary's Basilica — from the outside it impresses with towers of unequal height; inside is the 15th-century altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), and every hour the Mariacki hejnał (trumpet signal) is played. Remember that entry to the interior is paid and queues may form.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a medieval merchant hall, today housing a gallery and craft stalls; it's worth going up to the first floor where the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery is located.
Rynek Underground — an archaeological museum presenting the city's layers since its founding; a great place if you want to understand Kraków's development through the centuries.
In the most important sites — Wawel, the Rynek Underground and the Cloth Hall — official museum guides and educators lead thematic tours and show the most valuable exhibits. If you plan to enter several museums, check ticket availability online and consider booking in advance, especially in the high season.
Keep in mind that some museums have limited places and specific guided-tour times — organising in advance saves time and guarantees entry.
If you want a place with history, visit Jama Michalika — a café with an artistic tradition, known for cabaret performances and its Art Nouveau interior. It's a great stop for coffee and dessert.
Around the Market you'll also find long-established restaurants such as Wierzynek — a place with a rich history and classic cuisine. For a quick snack or an informal meal choose venues with good reviews and short waiting times.
If you prefer a cozier café, look for places on the side streets off the Market — they often offer a quieter atmosphere than the square itself.
The Old Town is largely a pedestrian zone with even surfaces and comfortable pavements, but when tourist traffic is heavy be aware of trams and cyclists near the edges of the Planty park. People using wheelchairs should note that some historic buildings have limited accessibility and may require prior notice to museum staff.
There are public toilets in the centre and InfoKraków points — it's worth noting their locations before a longer walk.
Not booking tickets to the most popular museums in advance — this results in long queues or no availability. Book online if you plan to visit interiors.
Entering basilicas or other places of worship in inappropriate attire — remember to show respect for places of worship and follow rules inside sacred spaces.
Treating the Market only as a place to take a photo and leave immediately — take time for the side streets, where you'll find interesting cafés, galleries and less obvious monuments.
On Floriańska Street and nearby you can discover architectural details and epigraphs that recall old craft guilds — small “signs” of the city's history that often escape the notice of hurried tourists.
The Cloth Hall is still a place of trade — you can buy handcrafted souvenirs there today, but look for stalls with high-quality handicrafts rather than mass-produced items.
When is the best time for this walk? Early morning before the crowds (about 7:30–9:30) or late afternoon are ideal. Evenings with good weather are charming too, though some attractions may already be closed.
Do you have to pay to visit St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall? Yes — entry to the basilica interior and to some parts of the Cloth Hall is paid. Check prices and opening hours on museum pages before you go.
Is the route safe? Yes, this is one of the safest tourist areas in Kraków, but as in any crowded place be mindful of petty theft and keep your documents safe.
If you want this short route to become a full experience, consider touring with a guide who knows the stories and can tell the anecdotes behind the façades. Official museum guides are available at major sites, and a private guide can tailor the pace and scope of the visit to your needs.
If you need help planning a Kraków trip, booking museum tickets, reserving tables in restaurants or organizing transport and accommodation — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). On the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website you can find contact details and information about services. Małgorzata can help plan the route, guide museum visits and take care of the logistics for your stay.
