Did you know that beyond the Market Square and Wawel, parks, mounds and reservoirs are what give the city its most pleasant breathing space? The green route is for those who want to relax, recharge and see Krakow from a different side — more local, greener and less crowded. It’s a great way to combine short walks, viewpoints and cafés without giving up culture and museums. It’s especially nice to pair it with a visit to the National Museum branch — the Szołayski Tenement, where after touring you can rest in a charming courtyard and enjoy a coffee.
The route is flexible — you can walk parts of it, use trams or bikes, and split longer sections across two days. In the text you’ll find concrete day-variant suggestions, practical tips and a list of places really worth visiting. Stay a few extra minutes in each spot — sometimes a short pause by a fountain or on a bench makes the best memory.
The Szołayski Tenement is one of the branches of the National Museum in Krakow, housing interesting permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a small museum shop and a café. It’s an excellent starting point or a stop on the green route — after the visit you can have coffee and relax in the tree-filled courtyard.
Practical info: the museum is sometimes closed on Mondays; regular opening hours usually include weekdays and weekends with morning openings (it’s worth checking current hours before you go). Tickets for MNK branches and permanent exhibitions are reasonably priced; family and youth discounts are often available. The museum also offers guided tours and audio guides — useful if you want quick context for the works you see. After touring I recommend a short break at the Sweet & Sour café on the ground floor of the tenement.
If you plan to visit MNK with a group or want to rent a multimedia room, check reservation rules in advance. In the tourist season it’s worth buying online tickets for the most popular branches to avoid queues.
Planty — the historic green ring surrounding the Old Town; ideal for a short morning or evening walk between sights. Paths are paved, with benches and sculptures.
UJ Botanical Garden (Kopernika St.) — the oldest botanical garden in Poland, with greenhouse collections, an arboretum and a palm house; a perfect place for a moment of calm in the centre.
Błonia — a huge meadow near the centre, popular for picnics, runs and outdoor events; it offers nice views toward the mounds and Wolski Forest.
Kościuszko Mound (Salwator) — a great viewpoint, with the option to visit a nearby museum and café; best to come at sunrise or sunset.
Jordan Park — a spacious park with playgrounds, sports fields and paths; ideal for families with children.
Wolski Forest and the Zoo — the city’s largest green enclave, with numerous walking trails and Krakow Zoo. It’s a whole micro-world inside the city limits.
Piłsudski Mound and the forts — quieter spots with interesting history and peaceful viewpoints.
Nowa Huta Reservoir and Bagry — recreational lakes in other parts of the city, popular for walks and cycling.
Kryspinów — if you have a car and want to swim or sit by the water, this is a popular option outside the centre.
Planty — while walking the Planty, notice sections where the path follows the line of the old city walls. You’ll often meet street musicians and people relaxing with a book.
UJ Botanical Garden — besides the collections it’s worth visiting the palm house and the old trees like the Jagiellonian Oak. Opening hours can be seasonal; in winter some greenhouses are closed, so check the garden’s page before visiting.
Błonia — a wide meadow used for large events; in summer it’s better to come early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. It’s also a great spot for a picnic with local snacks.
Kościuszko Mound — the site includes a small museum and information point; the climb is moderately demanding, but the panorama of Krakow and its surroundings is the reward.
Wolski Forest and the Zoo — the forest has an extensive network of paths; some routes are stony, others sandy. The Zoo requires a ticket and can be busy on weekends, so consider booking ahead.
Reservoirs and Bagry — recreational areas with bike paths, beaches and seasonal food stalls; bring water and sunscreen on sunny days.
Short option (3–4 hours): Planty → Botanical Garden → Błonia. A light route with lots of greenery close to the centre, ideal if you have only a few hours between museum visits.
Family option (half day): Jordan Park → Wolski Forest + Zoo. Plenty of attractions for children, space for a meal and outdoor play.
Active option (full day): Planty → Kościuszko Mound → Wolski Forest → Bagry/Kryspinów (by transport). Prepare comfortable shoes, snacks and plan your return by public transport or car.
Public transport: trams and buses conveniently connect most route points. When planning travel to Wolski Forest or Nowa Huta Reservoir check tram and bus timetables in the MPK app or on municipal websites.
Bikes and scooters: many sections are bike-friendly (Błonia, Vistula embankments), but in forests and on mounds stick to marked bike routes. If you plan a longer ride, check bike rental options and city bike stations nearby.
Shoes and clothing: comfortable footwear is key — some paths are stony or muddy after rain. Bring layered clothing because Krakow weather can change quickly.
Tickets and accessibility: buy online tickets for the Zoo and some museums during high season. Most parks are open and free, but viewpoints or museum branches may charge fees or have restrictions.
Szara (Main Market Square) — a well-rated restaurant in the centre, good for a more refined meal after walking the Planty.
Wierzynek — a historic classic on the Market Square, for those who want to taste Krakow’s culinary atmosphere. It’s best to reserve a table for weekends.
Massolit Books & Cafe — a pleasant spot for coffee and cake, recommended after a walk toward Kazimierz or the Planty.
Starka (Kazimierz) — regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, a good choice for an evening meal after a long day on the green route.
Sweet & Sour (caf é in the Szołayski Tenement) — convenient for a short break after visiting MNK; you can relax in the courtyard and enjoy a coffee.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — it’s better to choose a few spots and explore them slowly to feel each place’s atmosphere.
Not checking opening hours — don’t assume every place is open all day; this especially applies to museums, gardens and the Zoo.
Wearing inappropriate shoes — parts of the route (mounds, forest paths) can be stony or muddy after rain; comfortable shoes make the trip more enjoyable.
Ignoring public transport — Wolski Forest or some reservoirs are harder to reach on foot; a tram or bus can save a lot of time.
Is the route stroller-friendly? Most sections (Planty, Błonia, Jordan Park) are stroller-friendly, but forest trails and mound entrances can be difficult — consider a carrier or an all-terrain stroller.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? For the Zoo and popular museums, yes — book online in season. Planty, Błonia and Jordan Park are free to enter.
How much time does the route take? It depends on the variant: a short fragment is 2–4 hours, a full route with extra attractions and transfers can take a whole day, or be split across two days.
Planty were created on the site of former city walls and defensive moats — walking the alleys follows the medieval outline of the city.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Poland, with plant collections dating back to the 18th century and an impressive palm house.
Błonia used to serve as a training ground and pasture — today it’s a recreational space and a venue for major outdoor events.
Wolski Forest hides the Camaldolese hermitage and dozens of trails that can completely change your perspective of the city — it’s a forest with its own history.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a green day in Krakow. If you prefer to explore with someone who will show stories, anecdotes and shortcuts between places, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I wish you a successful green day in Krakow — may it be calm, interesting and full of moments on a bench with a good coffee!
If you want, I can prepare a personalized day plan tailored to your time, pace and food preferences — tell me how much time you have and whether you prefer walks, family attractions or viewpoints.
