Kraków is not only monuments and the Market Square — it also has a rich network of parks, mounds and waterways that together form the city’s “green skin.” This green route links short walks, viewpoints and perfect picnic spots while offering a break from the crowds. Below you’ll find a top 10 list of classy places to visit, practical tips and a suggested order of visiting.
The proposed route is family-friendly, great for photography lovers and for anyone who wants to see Kraków from a different perspective — closer to nature. I also describe how to avoid common tourist mistakes, where to eat and how to plan your day so you don’t waste time waiting or on long transfers.
Start: Planty (Old Town) → Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden (Kopernika) → Błonia → Kościuszko Mound (Salwator) → Jordan Park → Las Wolski + Zoo → Piłsudski Mound / Fort Kościuszki (viewpoint) → Nowohucki Reservoir (Nowa Huta) → Bagry Reservoir → Kryspinów (if you have time and a car).
The route is flexible — you can do parts on foot, combine with tram or city bike, and if needed split it across two days. Logistical details and ticket tips are given below.
1. Planty — the green ring around the Old Town, ideal for a short rest between sightseeing. A historic park laid out on the site of the old city walls, with paths, monuments and places to sit.
2. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — a peaceful plant collection with seasonal displays and gazebos; a great place to relax with a book or enjoy a family stroll.
3. Błonia — a huge meadow close to the center, popular for picnics, running and outdoor events; in summer it can host concerts and sporting events.
4. Kościuszko Mound (Salwator) — an excellent viewpoint over Kraków’s panorama; plan your climb for early morning or late afternoon for soft photographic light.
5. Jordan Park — a city park with many paths, sports fields and playgrounds; perfect for a family day out away from the center.
6. Las Wolski + Zoo — Kraków’s largest green enclave with many walking trails; the city zoo is located here and is a favorite attraction for families with children.
7. Piłsudski Mound / forts and viewpoints — spots that are a bit less crowded than the center, with interesting history and pretty panoramas.
8. Nowohucki Reservoir — a recreational lake in Nowa Huta, nice for walks and cycling, popular with locals.
9. Bagry (Bagry Reservoir) — a recreational area with beaches, bike paths and places to relax by the water.
10. Kryspinów (Kryspinów Reservoir) — if you have more time and a car, a popular swimming and leisure spot outside the city. (An out-of-town option often chosen by Kraków residents).
Planty: perfect for a morning or evening stroll; the park encircles the Old Town and contains several themed gardens. From the Planty you can easily reach St. Florian’s Gate, Grodzka Street and Wawel.
Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden: a historic garden with collections of ornamental and useful plants; check opening hours (seasonal) and possible educational displays.
Błonia: an extensive meadow — the best spot for a picnic with local treats; there are several pleasant cafés and ice-cream shops nearby.
Kościuszko Mound and Fort: besides the panorama you’ll find historical exhibitions; climbing the mound gives you a chance for wide-angle city photos.
Jordan Park: plenty of infrastructure for children and sport; a blend of recreation and urban greenery.
Las Wolski and the Zoo: the forest covers a large area with many trails; the Zoo is a family attraction — check opening hours and prices before visiting.
Nowohucki Reservoir and Bagry: more local spots, great for quieter walks or outdoor activity, especially if you want to avoid the tourist bustle of the center.
Kryspinów: a popular bathing area on warm days, with sunbathing spots and seasonal food services. If you plan to swim, bring your swimsuit and towel.
Short option (3–4 hours): Planty → Botanical Garden → Błonia. Ideal for those with limited time who want a relaxing break without long transfers.
Family option (half day): Jordan Park → Las Wolski + Zoo. Lots of attractions for children and space for an outdoor meal.
Active option (full day): Planty → Kościuszko Mound → Las Wolski → Bagry/Kryspinów (with travel). Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and plan your return by public transport or car.
Photography option (sunset): Kościuszko Mound or Piłsudski Mound for sunset, followed by an evening walk along the Planty. Suggested arrival: 45–60 minutes before sunset.
Public transport: trams and buses connect most points on the route — check the local MPK app or an online map, especially when planning travel to Las Wolski and Nowohucki Reservoir.
Bikes and scooters: Kraków has city bike rental systems; parts of the route (Błonia, Planty, near the Botanical Garden) are very bike-friendly. In Las Wolski use marked bike trails.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (Kraków weather can change), a water bottle and light snacks for longer stretches.
Tickets and reservations: buy tickets in advance in peak season for Wawel, some museums and the Zoo; check current access rules for the mounds and any entrance fees.
Accessibility: most parks are free; some viewpoints may have fees or restrictions (for example mound access). Check opening hours before you go.
Near the Market and Planty: Szara (on the Market Square) — good food and a convenient location after a Planty walk; Wierzynek — a historical restaurant for a classic experience.
Kazimierz area and nearby (after a walk toward Planty/Podgórze): Massolit Books & Café — a pleasant spot for coffee and cake; Starka — regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Near Błonia and Salwator: cafés and bistros along Kościuszki Street and in the Salwator area offer quick snacks and coffee; good spots for a break after the mound climb.
Near Las Wolski and the Zoo: there are food outlets on-site and nearby; for a family day it’s also convenient to bring your own picnic.
Tip: I recommend places with consistently good reviews — if time is limited, reserve a table in the afternoon on weekends to avoid waiting.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — it’s better to choose a few spots and explore them calmly to feel the atmosphere of each place.
Not checking opening hours — don’t assume attractions are open all day; the Zoo, botanical garden and some exhibitions have seasonal hours.
Wearing unsuitable shoes — parts of the route (mounds, forest trails) can be stony or muddy after rain; comfortable footwear will make the trip more enjoyable.
Ignoring public transport — Las Wolski and some reservoirs are less accessible on foot; a tram or bus often saves a lot of time.
Is the route stroller-friendly? Most sections (Planty, Błonia, Jordan Park) are stroller-friendly, but forest paths in Las Wolski and mound approaches 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, booking online in season is recommended. Planty, Błonia and Jordan Park are free to enter.
How long does the whole route take? It depends on the option: parts can take 2–4 hours, a full route with extras and transfers can be a full day or split into two days.
Are there bike rental systems in Kraków? Yes — both city bike systems and private rentals operate in different parts of the city; you’ll find good cycling routes around Błonia and along the Vistula.
Planty are not just an ordinary park — they were laid out on the site of former defensive walls and moats; their line still reflects the medieval outline of the Old Town.
Las Wolski, while known for its nature, contains the historic Camaldolese hermitage and several mounds that serve as viewpoints and carry interesting local history.
Błonia is a vast urban meadow that used to serve as a military training ground — today it’s a space for recreation and large outdoor events.
If you want to discover Kraków’s green side with a touch of class, this route offers a balance between historic sights and natural relaxation. I recommend mornings on the Planty and evenings on the mounds — you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and catch the best light for photos.
If you need a personalized plan, a private tour or would like a local to show you lesser-known corners, I invite you to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her contact details are available on the guide’s website. If this guide proved helpful, please share it with friends or on social media so more people can discover Kraków’s green side!
