Looking for ideas for a long weekend in Krakow, want to soak up Podgórze’s atmosphere and see the most interesting spots comfortably by scooter? You’ve come to the right place. In this article I’ll suggest how to plan a three-day trip, which places to visit around Rynek Podgórski, how to ride a shared city scooter safely and where to take the best coffee and zapiekanka breaks.
This article is friendly and practical — you’ll find routes, tips on riding and parking, and ideas for short, easy walks in case you want to leave the scooter and explore on foot. Everything is aimed at making your long weekend pleasant and stress-free.
Day 1 – Podgórze and Rynek Podgórski: start the day with coffee on Rynek Podgórski, visit St. Joseph’s Church, ride toward the Bernatek Footbridge and the Vistula River, and in the afternoon head up to Wzgórze Lasoty or Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) for the sunset.
Day 2 – Old Town and the Dragon Trail: in the morning ride your scooter (or walk where pedestrian traffic is heavy) to the Main Market Square, do a short visit to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the surroundings, then return via Piłsudski Bridge toward Podgórze and spend the evening at local events — long weekends often bring markets and concerts.
Day 3 – Relax and local attractions: visit markets and local festivals on Rynek Podgórski, drop into small museums and exhibitions nearby, or plan a ride on a historic tram or join special city events — long weekends usually mean extra attractions.
This plan is flexible — shorten or lengthen stops to fit food and rest breaks. A scooter speeds up moving between points, but remember: in crowded places it’s better to get off and walk.
Rynek Podgórski is the heart of the former town of Podgórze — a triangular square with distinctive buildings, a historic town hall and St. Joseph’s Church. It’s a great place to feel the local atmosphere and pause for coffee.
A few spots not to miss: - St. Joseph’s Church with its tower visible from a distance; - Houses with historic facades and old inns (for example the 'Pod Czarnym Orłem' building); - Bernatek Footbridge — a pleasant link to the riverside paths; - Wzgórze Lasoty and Krakus Mound — good if you want some greenery and city views.
Local markets, intimate concerts (for example in churches), educational picnics and neighborhood events often take place here, especially over long weekends. Rynek Podgórski also hosts local craft and food markets.
A scooter is a great way to cover more ground in less time, but in Krakow you can’t (and shouldn’t) ride everywhere. Here are reliable routes and common-sense rules:
- Safe routes: bike lanes and streets along the Planty, Vistula boulevards, park paths toward Wzgórze Lasoty and wider streets connecting Podgórze with Płaszów or Bernatek areas. These stretches allow smoother, quicker rides.
- Watch the crowds: the Main Market Square and the immediate center can get very busy on long weekends. In those places it’s better to get off the scooter and walk — it’s polite and safer for everyone.
- When crossing bridges and pedestrian crossings, slow down and warn pedestrians with a bell or a friendly word. Many top sights are only a short walk away after parking the scooter.
- Check local rules and your rental operator’s regulations before you start — companies often provide maps of allowed riding zones and designated parking spots.
A few simple rules to keep your trip pleasant and safe: - Always have a phone with a charged battery; - A helmet is a good idea — not a burden, but sensible protection; - Make sure the scooter’s brakes and lights work before you set off; - Ride more cautiously in rain or on wet surfaces — braking is less predictable; - Park scooters in designated zones or so they don’t block sidewalks and crossings — local residents will appreciate it.
If you use a rental service, check return rules and parking zones. During a long weekend demand can be higher — it’s a good idea to reserve or check availability in advance if the operator allows it.
Rynek Podgórski and its surroundings are full of small cafés, bars and food stalls. A few quick-stop ideas: - A café with a view of the square — perfect for morning coffee; - A small bistro with local specialties — great for a quick lunch; - Zapiekanka stalls at Plac Nowy (if you’re craving classic Krakow street food) — a good option for a street-style meal; - Local booths and markets often offer regional cheeses, honey and sweets — worth trying.
If you plan a picnic, the areas around Wzgórze Lasoty and the Vistula boulevards are spacious enough to spread a blanket and rest after a ride.
- Check the weather forecast and pack rainwear. Krakow can surprise you with sudden showers, and during long weekends the weather often affects event attendance.
- Book accommodation near public transport or close to Rynek Podgórski if you want to maximise time at local attractions without long transfers.
- If you bring your own scooter or rent one, check rental rules and parking zone availability — traffic and demand rise over long weekends.
- It’s useful to carry a small amount of cash for markets and stalls, although many places accept cards.
- Attend a small organ concert or recital — Podgórze has a musical tradition and seasonally there are Sunday concerts in local churches.
- Visit a local craft market — a great place for souvenirs and meeting residents. - Spend an evening stroll along the Vistula boulevards — the sunset there can be truly picturesque.
Small, quiet discoveries: fragments of old tracks, details of house facades around Rynek Podgórski, local cafés with a unique atmosphere — these are the things that stay in your memory the most.
You can spend a long weekend in Krakow either intensively or very calmly — the choice is yours. A scooter is a convenient way to combine both styles: quick movement and the freedom to stop where the charm is greatest. Remember to respect pedestrians, ride sensibly and enjoy the little breaks.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalised long-weekend plan for you — I’ll take into account your pace, food preferences and whether you’d rather walk more or ride the scooter. Enjoy your sightseeing and see you in Podgórze!
Best time to ride: early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds; weekends and public holidays can be busy around the Main Market and popular viewpoints.
Tickets and public transport: Krakow’s trams and buses are a convenient backup if the scooter isn’t ideal for a route — keep a transport app or buy single tickets at kiosks or via official apps.
Charging and power banks: bring a power bank for longer days out — navigation and apps drain phone batteries quickly.
Respect local space: avoid parking scooters in doorways or on narrow sidewalks; use marked parking areas where available.
Toilets and stops: cafés and cultural venues are the most reliable places to use restrooms; bring small change if needed.
Emergency: for urgent help use local emergency numbers shown on official city pages; for minor issues most rental apps provide in-app support.
