The Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden is an ideal place for a calm start to the day in Kraków — founded in the 18th century, it covers nearly 10 hectares and gathers several thousand plant species. It is a "living museum" of nature in the city center where you can easily breathe and relax after travel, and children have space to observe and play outdoors.
In recent years the garden gained a new orangery that houses a very old Canary Island date palm — a small curiosity that often surprises visitors. During the season there is also a small garden café (visitors often describe it as a cozy spot with cakes and deckchairs), so a coffee break with a slice of cake can be part of your visit without leaving the grounds.
The garden is located at ul. Kopernika 27 — the spot is convenient for further walking: a stroll through the Planty takes only a few minutes, and from there you can easily reach the Main Market Square, Wawel, or atmospheric cafés in the Old Town and Kazimierz. Before your visit check current opening hours and ticket information.
Suggested plan for one day: morning at the Botanic Garden (1.5–2 hours), then a walk through the Planty toward the Old Town and a dessert break in one of the recommended cafés or ice cream shops. This arrangement gives the family time to rest, take photos, and move between points without stress.
If you are coming with small children, it’s worth starting earlier — mornings are quieter and cooler than midday, and tourist traffic is lower. After leaving the garden it’s easy to find a café by the Planty or take a short walk to Massolit Bakery, known for generous slices of cake and cheesecakes.
Depending on your preference, you can enjoy dessert at a sit-down café with comfortable tables (for example a place serving homemade cakes), at an artisanal ice cream shop, or take something to-go and sit on the grass in the Planty or on a bench by a fountain.
Massolit Bakery & Café (ul. Smoleńsk) — a great choice for families who want to sit in a friendly atmosphere and try large, homemade cake slices. Especially recommended for cheesecake lovers and freshly baked cakes.
Cafe Botanica (ul. Bracka) — an intimate café close to the Main Market Square, with green decor and homemade desserts. A good option for a central stop after sightseeing the Old Town.
Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) — a classic, atmospheric spot with a garden, often recommended by families. It offers a simple, trusted dessert selection and comfortable space to rest after a walk through Kazimierz.
Good Lood (several locations in the center and in Kazimierz) — artisanal ice cream that kids usually love. A handy alternative when you want something quick and to enjoy outdoors.
The café inside the Botanic Garden (known among visitors as a small place with deckchairs and cakes) — the most direct option: after your visit you can sit in the shade and not go anywhere else. The menu is usually simple but enough for a dessert and coffee.
Tickets and hours: regular admission to the Botanic Garden is affordable; there are standard, reduced and family tickets. Prices and opening hours may change seasonally, so check the latest information before your visit.
Contacting the Botanic Garden: the garden office provides telephone and email contacts for questions about events, group visits, or educational programs. Use these contacts if you plan a visit with a larger group or a school outing.
Getting there and accessibility: the garden is close to the city center — a tram ride or a walk from the Market Square takes only a short time. For families with strollers the entrances from Kopernika Street and areas near the Planty are most convenient, but some spots may have steps — plan your route for comfortable passage.
What to bring: a bottle of water, a light snack for children, sunscreen and a hat in summer. If you plan a picnic on the grass, bring a blanket. And don’t forget comfortable shoes.
Arriving at peak weekend times without checking or reserving a table at a popular café can mean a longer wait for a seat — if comfort matters, come earlier or pick a less touristy time.
Don’t assume the garden café has a full restaurant menu — often the offer is limited to cakes, drinks and simple snacks. If you expect a larger meal, plan to have dessert in one of the recommended cafés outside the garden.
Do not leave valuables unattended on a bench or on the grass — basic caution applies in any tourist spot. When you have children, be mindful of ponds and water features.
The Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Poland and Europe — part of its collection is over two hundred years old. In the garden you can see tree and plant specimens that date back to the 19th century.
On the garden grounds there is a very old specimen of the Canary Island date palm, frequently mentioned as a local curiosity. The new orangery was built in part to care for such exceptional plants.
Many cafés recommended for families now focus on natural, seasonal ingredients and child-friendly menus — good news for visitors looking for healthy yet tasty desserts.
Is the garden suitable for children? Yes, the garden is great for families — lots of space, paths, ponds and interesting plants. In season there are also educational workshops for the youngest visitors.
How long should I stay in the garden? To calmly see the most interesting sections and visit the greenhouses plan 1.5–2 hours. If you add coffee and playtime for children, allow a half day.
Are there toilets and changing facilities? Basic amenities are available in the garden, but check current information before your visit if you need specific family services.
Do I need to reserve a table at the café? At popular cafés in the center it’s better to arrive earlier or call ahead to ask about reservations. The garden café usually operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has a limited number of seats.
If you liked this one-day plan for Kraków, share it with friends or family — it’s a simple inspiration for a calm, sweet day in the city. Recommend the text if it helped you plan your trip.
If you’d like someone to guide you through Kraków and tailor the route to your family’s tastes, consider hiring private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details about services and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can help plan the route, recommend family-friendly spots and fine-tune details so your day is stress-free and full of pleasant moments. Thank you for reading and enjoy planning your trip!
