Do you want to see some of the best-preserved sections of Krakow's medieval fortifications but aren't sure if they'll be open in spring? Good news: the defensive route (the Barbican and the City Walls) is seasonal, and spring is a great time to walk the walls — provided you plan your visit according to the hours and rules in force that year.
The Barbican + City Walls route is usually open to visitors during the tourist season, which begins in spring and runs through the end of October. In practice this means that from early April until the end of October you can usually expect to be able to walk the walls and see the Barbican from the inside.
Opening hours in the spring–summer season are typically set from morning until early evening — most often around 10:00–18:00 (sometimes opening starts at 11:00, and on weekends schedules can be extended). Exact hours are updated seasonally and there can be exceptions on holidays or due to conservation work.
Keep in mind that final opening and closing dates and the detailed schedule are provided by the Museum of Krakow — these details are regularly updated before the season.
The Barbican and the City Walls are often included in combined tickets covering medieval Krakow. The museum offers combo tickets that allow access to several sites that are part of the 'Medieval Krakow' route.
For example, previous price lists for this ticket bundle placed a regular ticket around 50–60 PLN, but prices and concession categories change year to year. So check the current price list and availability online before buying — you can buy a ticket at the ticket office or in advance via the Museum of Krakow's ticketing site.
A common practice is that combined tickets remain valid for several days (for example, allowing you to visit both sites within a short period from the date on the ticket) — handy if you prefer to spread visits over two days.
If you're planning a visit on a specific day, call or write before you go — the Museum of Krakow provides a phone number for the Customer Service Centre and email addresses where you can get information about reservations, opening hours and possible closures.
It's a good idea to check the museum's announcements before holidays and on days with unusual weather — sometimes sites close early or temporarily for safety or conservation reasons.
Spring is an excellent time to walk the walls — days are longer but crowds are not yet as intense as in mid-summer. When planning, consider morning or late-afternoon times: arriving in the morning helps you avoid heavier tourist traffic and gives better light for photos.
Wear comfortable shoes — the wall route can be narrow and in places stony. Avoid high heels and think twice about bringing a stroller on sections with limited access.
Check the weather — on colder or rainy days the walk can be less pleasant, and in some situations sections may be closed due to adverse conditions.
Combine the visit with a short walk through the Planty and a tour of St. Florian's Gate — the Barbican is right next door, so it's easy to build a short, interesting walking route through the medieval part of the city.
The Barbican and sections of the walls are often treated as one attraction, but remember that each fragment has a slightly different history — the Barbican is a Gothic structure with a unique design, while the wall route offers different perspectives on the city.
Some years the museum restricts access to parts of the route for conservation or because of weather conditions — temperatures near freezing or heavy precipitation can shorten the season or change opening hours.
With a combined ticket you sometimes have the option to visit both sites within a few days. That makes it easier if you want to explore at a relaxed pace and spend more time in the museum exhibitions.
Mistake: Assuming the walls are open year-round. They're usually seasonal — plan your visit for April–October, but check the exact dates for the year in question.
Mistake: Showing up without checking hours and special events. On long weekends and holidays hours can change. Check the museum's notices or call ahead.
Are the walls accessible in the rain? Partly yes, but wet surfaces can be slippery and not all sections are recommended during heavy rain. In extreme conditions the museum may close the route.
Can you visit with a stroller? Some sections are narrow and have steps — a stroller can be difficult. It's better to plan alternative childcare or a different route when visiting the walls.
How long does the visit take? The defensive route walk typically takes 30–60 minutes, and if you want to visit museum exhibitions or combine with other branches, plan for 2–3 hours.
After leaving the walls it's worth stopping for coffee or a light meal in the Old Town area. Well-rated cafés and restaurants nearby are popular with visitors — choose places with good reviews so you can relax after sightseeing with good food and views.
If you plan a longer break, the nearby streets offer plenty of atmospheric spots — from bakeries and cafés with fresh pastries to restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine.
Spring is a great time to visit the Barbican and the City Walls — just remember to check current opening hours and any museum notices before you go, wear comfortable shoes and plan to avoid the biggest crowds.
If you liked this article, share it with friends or on social media — you'll help others better plan their visit to Krakow.
If you prefer guided tours, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact details are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk along Krakow's medieval walls!
