Wojciech Bednarski Park is one of the most picturesque spots in Podgórze — it was created in the bottom of an inactive limestone quarry and its shape and layout are the result of post-industrial reclamation. It’s a great place to start or finish a full-day walking tour of the southern part of Krakow.
The park covers several hectares of greenery, features a historic landscape layout, a neo-Baroque Gardener's House, a viewing pavilion and many paths among a variety of tree species. After revitalization it gained restored architectural elements and comfortable places to rest.
The park offers a variety of spaces: shady alleys, limestone rock formations, a viewpoint and bird-friendly corners — this is not just a short stop, but a place where you can really slow down and plan a longer walk with breaks for nature watching and photography.
The neighbourhood is full of interesting places — from Podgórze’s historic sites and museums to the fashionable Zabłocie district and local markets and cafés. It’s a great base for spreading a full-day walking route that combines nature and culture.
Start: Old Town (Main Market) - begin early to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. From here head toward Podgórze across Piłsudski Bridge or the Bernatek Footbridge.
Crossing the bridge and walking along the Vistula is a pleasant part of the route, giving the feeling of moving between two faces of Krakow: the historic Old Town and the less crowded, increasingly trendy Podgórze.
Zabłocie and a short coffee stop - this area has several excellent specialty cafés where it’s worth recharging before the next stage of your walk.
Walk along Podgórze’s historic streets toward Bednarski Park - along the way you can spot local workshops, murals and small galleries. Enter the park from Parkowa Street or Krzemionki and plan an hour or two to explore the paths and viewpoints.
Noon: picnic or lunch at one of the recommended restaurants near Rynek Podgórski or Kleparz - on-site options include local cuisine and well-rated bistros, and if you prefer a quick snack, check out Plac Nowy for its famous zapiekanki.
Afternoon: walk toward Krakus Mound or further to Zakrzówek (if you feel like it) or visit nearby museums and exhibitions in Zabłocie. The route can be extended freely depending on your pace and interests.
Evening: return across the bridges with views of the illuminated city and have dinner in an atmospheric restaurant - end the day with a meal at a highly rated place serving regional dishes or a modern bistro.
Zabłocie and Podgórze host several cafés and bars with very good reviews - specialty coffee shops are a great choice for a break. If you like craft coffee, look for local specialty cafés around the Zabłocie and Romanowicza areas.
For lunch I recommend highly rated places serving regional cuisine and modern bistros in the Kleparz and Rynek Podgórski area. These venues combine quality ingredients with a friendly atmosphere.
If you want something truly local and quick, don’t skip the zapiekanki stalls at Plac Nowy - this is a classic evening snack after walks around Kazimierz and nearby areas.
Shoes - comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes; some park paths are natural and occasionally rocky, so sturdy soles are useful.
Water and snacks - although there are cafés and restaurants nearby, it’s wise to carry a bottle of water and a few small snacks, especially if you plan a multi-hour walk.
Offline map or a fully charged phone - parts of the route run through less frequented streets; maps or a walking-route app are helpful.
A light extra layer - even in summer bring a thin windbreaker, as it can be cooler in the hollows and near the water.
The park has entrances from several sides, but not all paths are fully accessible for strollers and people with limited mobility - when planning your route check for gentler slopes and paved paths.
If you don’t want to walk from the centre, trams and buses reach the Podgórze area; public transport makes it easy to set a starting point for your route. On the other hand, walking across the bridge is very satisfying and helps you soak up the city atmosphere.
The park is an example of post-industrial land reclamation - it’s an interesting case of 19th-century design daring, when a quarry floor was transformed into a landscape garden.
The park hosts a surprisingly rich variety of bird species - if you enjoy birdwatching, bring binoculars and look for species living in the tree crowns.
The area still shows fragments of former industrial infrastructure and urban traces of Podgórze’s history - the walk gives you a chance to discover small, hidden architectural details.
Mistake: planning an overly ambitious route without breaks. Solution: schedule regular coffee and rest stops so the walk stays a pleasure, not a race.
Mistake: ignoring ground conditions - not all paths are paved. Solution: choose comfortable shoes and check parts of the route on a map if you have mobility limitations.
Mistake: not booking an evening table on weekends. Solution: if you want to finish the day at a popular restaurant, reserve a table in advance.
How much time do you need to visit the park? Plan 1 to 2 hours for the park itself, and if you add a walking route through Podgórze and breaks, a full day is realistic.
Is the park paid? No. The park is free and open for recreational use.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
Are there toilets and food stands in the park? The park itself does not have large food stands; the nearest cafés and restaurants are in the surrounding Podgórze and Zabłocie neighbourhoods.
Extend your route to include Kazimierz and Oskar Schindler’s Factory, followed by an evening meal at Plac Nowy.
For nature lovers add a walk to Zakrzówek or Wola Justowska - both are easily reachable by public transport and complement a day spent in Podgórze nicely.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help others discover less obvious corners of Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Podgórze and Bednarski Park with someone who can show places from a local perspective and tailor the route to your interests, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - you can find contact details on the guide’s page. Enjoy your walk and remember that the best discoveries happen when you go a little slower.
