The holiday season in Krakow mixes tradition, illuminated streets and one of Poland's most recognizable markets. Tourists and locals flock to the Main Market Square and a few spots concentrate the largest crowds: the main market stalls by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), food zones, entrances to St. Mary’s Basilica and parts of the "Royal Route" that run along the Planty. The Planty themselves form a park-ring around the Old Town — paths right by the Market and near Florian Gate can be busy because people are entering and leaving the market, taking photos and lining up for food. Popular viewpoints (for example around the Town Hall tower or Wawel) also draw lines, especially after dark, when the lights and decorations are on. Understanding how crowds spread is the first step to avoiding them.
Keep in mind that markets and holiday events usually draw the biggest crowds in the evenings, on weekends and during the so-called long weekends in December.
The quietest times are mornings and early afternoons on weekdays — plan a walk along the Planty between 8:00 and 11:30 or right after the market opens if you want to be among the first visitors. Avoid 16:00–20:30, when people finish sightseeing, head to dinner and come to see the illuminations.
If you can, visit Krakow during the week — even at peak season this makes a big difference compared with weekends.
Good practices: check the weather forecast and local market announcements — special events (concerts, lighting shows) can cause sudden spikes in attendance.
Instead of entering the Planty directly from the Market through the nearest gates, consider approaching from less-used sides: Stradom, the area near Wawel or from Pędzichów Street and Grodzka Street. These entrances let you step into the "green belt" while avoiding the most crowded stretches by the Cloth Hall and Florian Gate.
Move through the Planty at your own pace — don’t try to push through the main alleys at peak times; choose a shorter side path and approach attractions from a different angle.
If you plan night photos of the lights — consider a daytime session for some shots, and do evening photos away from the biggest crowds, for example near the Palace of Art (Pałac Sztuki) or the garden by the Jagiellonian University.
The Small Market (Mały Rynek) has increasingly become an alternative to the main market: smaller stalls, a cozier atmosphere and fewer people — a good choice for those who want holiday vibes without the crowd.
Kazimierz and Podgórze have their own smaller Christmas fairs and food areas. You can combine a walk on the Planty with a visit to Plac Nowy or a stroll along the Vistula on the Podgórze side — you’ll usually find fewer tourist clusters there.
If you care about crafts and local baked goods, choose local markets (smaller stalls near churches and cafés) instead of the main market alleys — queues are shorter there and prices are often friendlier.
Market stalls are tempting, but they often have the longest lines. If you prefer a relaxed meal in a good restaurant, reserve a table in advance — free spots disappear quickly during holiday weekends. Consider well-known places nearby that usually serve guests more efficiently than market stalls: Pod Nosem (near Wawel) — a charming spot with a view; Wierzynek or Szara Gęś on the Market Square — historic places that often require reservations; Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) or Café Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) for a quick coffee and an atmospheric break away from the crowds.
If you prefer something local and informal, the Kazimierz district has many great, intimate cafés and bistros where queues are shorter and the atmosphere is authentic.
At market stalls keep small change ready — some sellers still prefer cash, and service moves faster when customers have exact bills (10/20/50 PLN).
Staying near the Planty, but not directly on the Market Square, gives you an advantage. Hotels and apartments within a few streets of the Planty (for example near Grodzka or Kanonicza) let you be on the Planty early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
If you want to save travel time and avoid morning traffic from the airport or train station, consider staying closer to the Main Station (with a quick tram ride to the Old Town) and then enjoy a short walk to the Planty in the morning.
Remember that hotels often offer holiday packages or inform guests about local attractions — it’s worth contacting reception before arrival to ask about the best times to sightsee.
For a holiday walk bring waterproof, comfortable shoes — winter conditions and thawing can make paths slippery. Warm layers, gloves and a hat are essential, especially for evening walks.
A small backpack or bag with a pocket for wallet and documents will help you move quickly between stalls. Useful items: a card with a small amount of cash (10/20/50 PLN), a powerbank for your phone (photos and maps can drain batteries), tissues and a small hand sanitizer.
If you want mulled wine in an eco-friendly way — bring a thermos or reusable cup (many stalls now offer discounts or service to your own container).
Trying to see everything in one evening leads to frustration and many queues. It’s better to spread your program over a few shorter walks: Planty and Wawel in the morning, a café and a small market in the afternoon, and intimate illuminations in the evening.
Not booking a restaurant in peak season — if you plan dinner in a popular place, reserve a table several days ahead, and during holiday periods even a week in advance.
Parking at the last minute near the Old Town — it’s usually better to use public transport or park at the edge of the center and walk in; this is often faster and less stressful.
The Planty were created in the early 19th century on the site of the old city walls and moat. Today they are eight smaller "gardens" that form the green belt around the Old Town.
The Planty’s total circumference is about 4 km and the park covers roughly 20–21 hectares. In the alleys you’ll find more than twenty monuments and sculptures: figures linked to Krakow’s history and commemorations of local personalities.
Contrary to appearances, the Planty are not just a transit space — they are an excellent walking route connecting less crowded corners of the city and offering nice viewpoints from which you can watch market life without standing in its epicenter.
Is it worth going to the market by the Planty? Yes — the atmosphere is special, but if you dislike crowds choose smaller markets (for example the Small Market) or visit the main market outside peak hours.
Do I need to book tickets for attractions around the Planty? Many museums and some events require advance booking — check the institutions you plan to visit before your trip.
Do market stalls accept cards? Increasingly more do, but some vendors still prefer cash — it’s good to have small bills ready.
Are the Planty accessible in winter? Yes, the Planty are open year-round, but weather conditions can affect the comfort of the walk.
If you want to feel the magic of Krakow at Christmas while avoiding queues and excessive crowds, plan your visit thoughtfully: come on a weekday, early in the morning or for an off-peak afternoon stroll, choose alternative entrances to the Planty and consider visiting smaller, cozier markets.
If you liked this guide — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a calm and successful holiday visit to Krakow.
If you’d like a full, personalized walking tour of Krakow, you are invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. She will gladly prepare a route tailored to your needs so you can see Krakow without stress and queues.
