Yes — you can! If your priority is greenery, short (about 1 hour) walks and a calmer atmosphere, it’s worth planning a route that mixes well‑known spots with hidden enclaves. Krakow has many parks and green squares (the city officially lists dozens of parks and many small community gardens), so with a well‑planned day you can comfortably visit 3–5 places daily and feel the city’s breath. Here’s a friendly 48‑hour plan. In the text you’ll also find short descriptions of parks ideal for an hour‑long walk and practical tips for avoiding the biggest crowds.
We start from a simple idea: shorter stops, a slow pace, going out early or in the late afternoon, and choosing parks outside the absolute centre — that’s the recipe for a pleasant, green two days in Krakow.
Remember you can adapt the pace to each park: 45–60 minutes is enough to stroll the paths, sit on a bench with a coffee and take a few photos before moving on.
There are alternatives to walking — if you prefer cycling, some stretches can be covered faster and more comfortably by bike.
Ready? Let’s begin the route!
Day 1 — green areas near the Old Town and along the Vistula: Planty (a short walk around the Old Town), Błonia, Jordan Park and the Vistula boulevards. Plan about 45–60 minutes at each place.
Day 2 — Podgórze and Wola Justowska: the Bernatka footbridge and the boulevards on the south side of the Vistula, then Decius Park and Las Wolski (Kościuszko Mound) — again allow roughly 1 hour for each larger stop.
Goal: in two days combine the classics with less crowded, local parks. The route is friendly for walking and public transport; you can easily adapt it to the weather and your fitness level.
If you have only one day — choose an early Planty walk + an hour on Błonia, an afternoon in Jordan Park and an evening stroll along the Vistula boulevards. If you have more time — add Zakrzówek, Przylasek Rusiecki or a trip to Tyniec.
Below are details and concrete proposals for hour‑long walks.
Start: early morning — the best time to catch the Planty before heavier tourist traffic. Planty is the green ring around the Old Town — walking its paths takes from a few minutes (to cross) up to longer if you want to rest on a bench. Plan 30–45 minutes.
After Planty, head to Błonia — a wide, flat meadow right next to the centre. It’s a great place for a picnic, a short relaxation and — depending on the time — watching locals play football or exercise on the grass. Stay 45–60 minutes.
Next is Jordan Park — a large, historic park with paths, sculptures and playgrounds. It’s a perfect one‑hour stop: a quick walk, a bench break and a small café nearby for a snack.
Finish with a gentle walk down to the Vistula — the boulevards and riverside promenades. A riverside walk is a way to unwind; if you feel like it, pick a less visited stretch of the boulevards for a quieter stop.
Tip: to avoid crowds, visit Planty very early (7:00–9:00) or in the late afternoon. Błonia are usually quieter outside weekends and big outdoor events. Jordan Park only gets busy in great weather, but it’s spacious so even when many people are there you can easily find quieter corners.
Start at the Bernatka footbridge — a short walk across the Vistula takes you to Podgórze. The south bank is calmer than the Old Town and it’s worth strolling the boulevards on that side.
Then head toward Wola Justowska: Decius Park is an elegant, peaceful spot, ideal for a one‑hour walk with rest in the shade of old trees. The entrance to Las Wolski is also nearby.
Las Wolski and Kościuszko Mound — if you want more nature, climb Kościuszko Mound (a short but steep walk) and wander the forest paths. The reserve and woodland trails let you feel urban 'wild' just minutes from the centre. Reserve at least 1–1.5 hours here.
Optionally: if you prefer water views to hills, head south in the city — Zalew Nowohucki or Bagry offer quieter walking routes and spots for coffee by the water.
Tip: Las Wolski and the mound are great in the morning or late afternoon — it’s cooler and quieter then. Transport: trams and buses will get you close to most park entrances and forest paths.
Przylasek Rusiecki — a short, picturesque route by the water; usually quieter than popular bathing spots. Ideal for 45–60 minutes.
Decius Park (Wola Justowska) — elegant lanes and the shade of old trees; a great place for an hour of relaxation away from the bustle.
Witkowice Forest Park — a woodland atmosphere in the north of the city; lesser known and often empty during the day. An hour‑long walk is enough to feel the silence.
Młynówka Królewska — an accessible path along a small canal; a pleasant, short trail for about an hour.
Tetmajer Park — a small, newer park, a good option for a short, pleasant stroll.
Zalew Nowohucki and Bagry — larger reservoirs with walking paths; on weekdays they are usually calm and great for an hour‑long rest by the water.
How to use an hour: allow 10–20 minutes to get there, plan 30–40 minutes to walk the paths and 10–15 minutes for coffee/rest — the ideal 'stopover' format between attractions.
Mornings are your friend — especially in Planty and Jordan Park; 7:00–9:00 is a great time for quiet and good light for photos.
Avoid weekend afternoons around Błonia and Zakrzówek — those are the busiest times. If possible, schedule these spots for early in the day or late afternoon.
Choose parks outside the absolute centre — they’re not always less attractive, but often much quieter.
Transport: Krakow trams and buses will take you near most parks; for short distances the city bike system also works well.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a light rain jacket (the weather can change), and a small snack. If you plan a picnic — bring a blanket and bags for trash.
Safety and rules: respect nature, clean up after yourself and stick to marked paths in reserves.
Short on time? Do a quick version: Planty + Błonia + an hour in Jordan Park — a compact green overview of the city in about 4 hours.
Have more time? Add Zakrzówek, Przylasek Rusiecki and a trip to Tyniec — each of these can be a separate half‑day excursion.
Prefer a bike? Most boulevards and routes between parks are bike‑friendly; the route from Bonarka to Tyniec (through southern Podgórze) is an option for those combining nature with active sightseeing.
Like views? Climb Kościuszko Mound — the city panorama is a nice way to end a day among the greenery.
Adjust the route to the weather and your mood: Krakow has so much green that you’ll always find an alternative near a tram or bus stop.
- Comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket. - A water bottle and a small snack. - Plan: 45–60 minutes in the park + 10–20 minutes for travel/approach. - Wallet and public transport ticket (if driving — check paid parking zones). - Phone with a map offline/charged powerbank. - Respect for nature and local rules.
If you want, I can tailor the route to your accommodation — tell me where you’re staying, how much you want to walk each day and whether you prefer more woods or water views, and I’ll prepare a personalized plan.
Enjoy your walks — green Krakow has a lot to offer, and the best moments come when you give yourself time and choose less obvious corners. — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz, guide)
