Are you looking for a half-day outing that combines the charm of Kraków’s Planty and the Florianska Gate with the atmosphere of Kazimierz and discreet traces of World War II? This guided walk is for you. The pace is gentle, breaks are regular, and the stories are interesting and easy to follow — ideal for seniors and anyone who prefers a slower way of sightseeing.
On the route we will see sections of the Planty and the Florianska Gate — part of the Royal Road — and then head to Kazimierz, where the history of the Jewish community intersects with 20th-century events. I show places of remembrance, talk about sites connected to the German occupation and the fate of residents, while always paying attention to participants’ comfort and safety.
I designed the walk to last about 3 hours with the option to extend to 4 hours depending on the group and the participants’ rhythm. It’s a perfect half-day option: in the morning before lunch or in the late afternoon when the city has a more intimate atmosphere. A pleasant pace, little-known facts, anecdotes and care for comfort are the hallmarks of my guiding.
Further on you’ll find a detailed route plan, practical tips for seniors, information about places to rest and a FAQ with the most common questions.
If you wish, at the end I can suggest a short detour to wartime sites on the Podgórze side — such an extension requires extra time and can be arranged separately.
Start: Florianska Gate / Barbican - a convenient meeting point, easy to reach by public transport and well-known locally.
Planty - a short stroll through the green belt around the Old Town. I’ll tell stories about the medieval city walls and how the Planty were created, and why locals love them.
Walk along the Royal Road to the corner that leads toward Kazimierz - we'll discuss the buildings, townhouses and legends tied to the route.
Kazimierz - a walk through the streets of the former Jewish quarter: synagogues, Wolnica Square, narrow lanes and stories about everyday life before the war.
Places of World War II remembrance in Kazimierz - spots that recall the ghetto, deportations and residents’ fate. We’ll notice discreet memorial plaques and monuments and place them in an accessible historical context.
Finish: a calm moment to answer questions at a café table or on a bench — depending on the group’s fitness and preferences.
Duration: typically 3 hours with breaks and time to rest. I adapt the pace to the group, especially when participants are older.
Florianska Gate is a natural starting point — a surviving fragment of the old city defenses and the formal ‘entrance’ to the Royal Road. From there it’s an easy step into the Planty, the green belt that circles the Old Town. The Planty are not only pleasant avenues but also a relaxed place to begin a walk, sit on a bench and talk about the former city walls without having to push through the busy Market Square.
For seniors the Planty are practical: benches, shade on hot days, and close proximity to main attractions mean we avoid long stretches in full sun or on uneven pavements. Starting there also helps us escape the crowds and ease into a gentler rhythm of sightseeing.
Besides its architectural value, Florianska Gate is full of historical stories that help place Kraków and its residents in a broader historical context. It’s also an easy landmark for participants to find when meeting.
There are public restrooms nearby and good public transport stops, which helps seniors plan arrival and return.
During the walk I avoid strenuous inclines and long cobbled sections — where possible we choose smoother routes that are kinder to joints and knees.
A visit to Kazimierz naturally leads to conversations about the fate of its Jewish residents and the changes that occurred during the German occupation. I will gently and respectfully point out places that recall the ghetto, deportation sites and the proximity of wartime camps.
Along the way we’ll pay attention to memorial plaques, places connected to the pre-war Jewish community and personal stories — not only dates and statistics but individual lives that help make sense of those times. I choose material that is understandable and not overwhelming — respect for memory and sensitivity to participants is essential.
If you want to go deeper, I’ll outline options for further visits on the Podgórze side, including Oskar Schindler’s Factory and sites related to the Płaszów camp. Those places usually require extra time and sometimes museum entries, so I offer them as optional extensions.
Important — when I talk about World War II I keep a balance between facts and a humane approach so that older visitors feel emotionally safe and have time for reflection on a bench or in silence.
If someone in the group has specific wishes about the focus (more facts, fewer details, stronger emphasis on biographies), I adapt the narrative.
I adapt walking speed and the length of walking sections to participants’ abilities. I usually plan shorter walks between stops and regular 10–15 minute breaks for sitting, listening and staying hydrated.
I avoid long cobbled sections where possible and choose smoother sidewalks. If someone uses crutches, a walker or a wheelchair, I will inform you in advance about any kerbs, thresholds or potentially difficult spots and together we’ll pick alternatives.
On request I can arrange audio equipment (headset sets) so people with hearing difficulties do not need to cluster close together to hear the guide. I also offer shorter options — 2-hour walks — for groups that prefer less exertion.
I make sure the pace of storytelling is calm, unhurried, and allows time for questions and short conversations at each stop. The walk is educational but also social — I want everyone to feel comfortable and get the most out of the experience.
If someone prefers almost no walking, I can propose a very short route with most of the experience given as a seated talk at one or two stations — details arranged at booking.
There are many cafés and places along the route where you can sit for a while. I recommend stopping for coffee or tea in Kazimierz — cafés there usually have comfortable chairs and a calm atmosphere in the morning and off-peak afternoons.
If you need a restroom break, I’ll point out the nearest public facilities or venues where guests can use the WC. It’s useful to carry a small amount of cash for small payments, though most places accept cards.
For guests who want a fuller meal after the walk, I can suggest gentle, senior-friendly restaurants offering lighter dishes, quick service and shaded outdoor seating. If your group is larger, it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Bring a bottle of water — the easiest way to stay comfortable. On request I can schedule a longer rest on one of the benches in a green spot along the route.
Remember that on cooler days a light jacket is useful, and in summer bring a hat and sunscreen.
Florianska Gate and the Planty are well served by trams and buses — convenient meeting points for visitors coming from different parts of the city. When you book I provide the exact meeting point and travel directions so everyone can arrive calmly.
If you come by car, remember that central Kraków has paid parking zones — it’s often easiest to use an underground car park or park outside the strict center and take a tram in.
If someone uses a wheelchair I will warn about potential limits on some sections and propose an alternative route that is more mobility-friendly. On request I can check accessibility of particular venues in advance.
If the weather turns bad, I have a short plan B with more indoor stops or we can agree to pause and reschedule the remainder. Participant safety and wellbeing are always my priority.
If you’re arriving as a group from another Polish city or abroad, I can help schedule the walk time so it fits train or coach arrivals.
How many kilometers will we walk? - The standard route covers about 2–3 kilometres spread over 3 hours with breaks. The pace is adapted to the group, so the distance will not be tiring.
Is the route suitable for people with joint problems? - Yes, the route was prepared with older visitors in mind — we avoid long stretches on uneven surfaces and ensure frequent breaks. If someone has very limited mobility, we can shorten the walk.
Will you cover difficult, emotional World War II topics? - Yes, but I present them with respect and sensitivity. I start with a brief context then tell concrete personal stories and facts without dwelling on graphic details.
Do I need to book in advance? - I recommend booking in advance, especially if you want a specific time or have a larger group. When booking we arrange pace and any access needs.
Is there a limit on group size? - Small groups are most comfortable; I can guide both small and larger groups and adjust the approach. I will provide guidance on an optimal group size when you contact me.
Are there discounts for seniors? - I inform about available discounts during booking and check concessions for museums if we plan entries to specific sites.
To book the walk, contact the organiser and give your preferred date, time and information about participants’ needs (pace, restroom access, mobility issues). Booking allows me to tailor the route and prepare audio sets if needed.
Before the walk you’ll receive details about the meeting point, an approximate route length and practical notes (e.g. weather forecast, what to bring). At the meeting I’ll give a short safety briefing and group organisation tips, then we’ll set off in a friendly atmosphere.
If the weather is exceptionally bad we’ll arrange an alternative date or a partly indoor route — all in agreement with the group. My aim is for everyone to return to their hotel or home feeling satisfied and not overly tired.
At the end I’m happy to stay a little longer to answer extra questions and suggest places worth returning to later.
I warmly invite you — I’ll be glad to show you Kazimierz, the Planty and Florianska Gate at a pace that suits your expectations.
Dress in layers — even if it’s warm in the morning, evenings can be cooler.
Choose comfortable, well-worn shoes — Kraków’s pavements can be uneven, especially near historic townhouses.
If you need guaranteed seating, tell me when booking — we’ll choose a route with more benches and places to rest.
Bring any documents needed for possible concessions (e.g. senior ID), water and a light snack if you like.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the walk — this is your tour, and I’m here to tell stories, explain and listen.
See you in Kraków — I look forward to showing you places full of history, memory and everyday charm.
