Podgórze is one of those parts of Kraków that combines history, work and relaxation along the Vistula. Standing on the boulevards or on the Bernatek Footbridge, we often don't notice how close and picturesque Wawel looks. It's an ideal place for a walk for those who want to feel city life away from the crowded Main Market Square and at the same time take beautiful photos with the castle in the background. Below you'll find a few route suggestions — from a quick half-hour introduction to a several-hour route with museums and coffee breaks.
I also give practical tips: where to sit, which places are good to visit with children, how to reserve spots for larger groups and how to avoid the most common tourist traps. If you prefer a guided visit, you can book a tour with the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the site.
Start at the Bernatek Footbridge: a distinctive pedestrian-and-bike bridge with acrobat sculptures and attractive viewpoints over the Vistula and Wawel.
Walk down to the Vistula boulevards on the Podgórze side: a pleasant stretch for a short walk, perfect for photos and a brief rest.
Podgórski Market (Rynek Podgórski): the district's central square, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Church and cozy cafés and patisseries — a great stop for coffee and cake.
If you have an extra 10–15 minutes, walk to the Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) and see the symbolic metal chairs and traces of Kraków's ghetto history — a place that often moves visitors.
The extended route starts at the Footbridge, goes through Podgórski Market to Ghetto Heroes Square, continues toward Schindler's Factory (part of the exhibition is devoted to the occupation and the ghetto) and finishes with a walk in Bednarski Park or a climb to Krakus Mound. This route connects key historical points with places to rest and talk.
Plan visits to museums (MOCAK, Schindler's Factory, Cricoteka) if you want deeper historical and cultural context. These museums usually require 1–2 hours each, so plan your time and buy tickets in advance, especially in the high season.
You can also enrich the walk by visiting the Old Podgórze Cemetery or taking a short break in one of the recommended cafés on Podgórski Market.
Bernatek Footbridge connects Kazimierz with Podgórze and is one of the easiest starting points — from here it's convenient to head into the heart of Podgórze.
Podgórski Market is the neighborhood's heart — you'll find the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Church, benches and local cafés.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka pod Orłem) are key places that tell the story of Kraków's ghetto; the metal chairs on the square are one of the most striking symbols of this area.
Schindler's Factory and MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) provide historical and artistic context — check opening hours before your visit.
Krakus Mound and Bednarski Park are good spots to rest and enjoy city panoramas — climb the mound if you like short ascents and wide views.
Podgórze has more and more atmospheric cafés and small patisseries — for a short pleasant break, look for places with steady local reviews and friendly service.
On Podgórski Market you'll find patisseries and cafés serving fresh pastries and good espresso — an ideal place for dessert after a walk.
The area also has family-friendly cafés (some with play corners) and bakery-cafés offering artisan bread — great for a quick snack. On weekends it's wise to reserve a table in advance.
There are also ice-cream shops and cafés with interesting flavors, and a few places combine a café with a bookstore or gallery, making the break more intimate and engaging.
Schindler's Factory is an important historical site — if you plan to go inside, buy tickets in advance because popular time slots can sell out quickly.
MOCAK offers contemporary art exhibitions that often address current topics; if you're an art lover, check the exhibition catalogue before you come.
Cricoteka and smaller venues (e.g., the Podgórze Museum, Pharmacy Under the Eagle) have specific opening hours and sometimes organize guided tours — ask about the availability of official museum guides when planning your visit.
Podgórze has family-friendly places: cafés with play corners, parks and green areas perfect for breaks. Shorter routes with frequent stops and visits to museums that run family programs (when available) are recommended.
Krakus Mound can be a mini-adventure for children, and the Vistula boulevards are a place where little ones can run and stretch their legs after sightseeing. If you have a stroller, choose flat routes (e.g., the boulevards and Podgórski Market), because some sections like the mound approaches can be harder.
If you plan a café break with children, check in advance whether the place has a changing table and safe seating.
Arriving without shoes suitable for walking — although central Podgórze mostly has sidewalks, some parts (mounds, uneven paths) require comfortable footwear.
Being late to buy museum tickets — Schindler's Factory and MOCAK can be crowded; buy tickets online if you plan to enter.
Assuming Podgórze is just the bridge and the market — that's a misconception. The district is extensive and full of hidden corners, murals, parks and overlooked monuments. Allow at least 2 hours to really feel its atmosphere.
Podgórze was once an independent town — it had town rights and its own coat of arms before being incorporated into Kraków in the early 20th century.
On Ghetto Heroes Square there is a symbolic installation of chairs—an artwork that recalls the belongings left behind by displaced residents. It's a simple memorial that strongly affects many visitors.
Along the streets and warehouses of Podgórze you'll find many murals and local stories — while walking, look around carefully because history and street art often mix on a single wall.
Getting there: Podgórze is well connected by trams and buses to central Kraków; the most pleasant way is to walk from Kazimierz across the Bernatek Footbridge.
Museum tickets: buy in advance on museum websites or at sales points — in high season many time slots can sell out.
Accessibility: some routes are stroller-friendly, but Krakus Mound and some historic lanes have steps or uneven surfaces. Check accessibility of specific sites in advance if you have limited mobility.
Weather: plan café breaks if rain is forecast. Spring and autumn offer the most beautiful light for photos with a view of Wawel.
The best light for photography is early morning and late afternoon; the Vistula boulevards and parking areas give a wide perspective on Wawel.
Stand on the Bernatek Footbridge or on the Podgórze-side boulevard to get a classic shot of the castle against the river. Choose a wide-angle lens if you want to include part of the bridge and people walking along the bank.
For night photos remember that Wawel looks beautiful lit from the river side, and night walks along the boulevards have a unique atmosphere.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — that helps others discover Podgórze with a better map in hand.
If you'd like a deeper guided experience and to hear local stories, consider booking a walk with the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you for reading and enjoy wide-open walks in Kraków!
