The Barbican is a natural starting point for a walk along the Royal Route: it stands by St. Florian's Gate, next to the Planty park ring, and leads straight onto Floriańska Street toward the Main Market Square. It’s a great spot for the first photo, a brief welcome to the group, and a quick orientation for the planned route.
Practically speaking, the Barbican and its surroundings are convenient meeting points because they are easy to reach on foot from several nearby garages and parking lots. The guide can arrange to meet under a clear landmark — under the Barbican itself or by the Adam Mickiewicz monument on the Market Square — depending on the group’s preference.
For visitors arriving by car the parking choice matters: it affects how long you’ll walk to the meeting point, whether a convenient toilet is nearby, and whether the car will be inside a paid parking zone.
In the city centre it’s worth choosing underground garages and multi-storey car parks instead of circling for a space right by the gate. Good options are parking lots near museums and large municipal car parks just outside the busiest zone.
The “By the Museum” car park (under the National Museum) is a practical choice for those who want to be very close to the Market Square and have a short, pleasant walk to the Barbican. Visitors heading to Kazimierz or Stare Podgórze will find the modern Stare Podgórze car park convenient — from there you can reach the centre quickly by tram or on foot via the bridge.
If you have a bit more time and want to save, consider parking by the Błonia meadows (Aleja 3 Maja) — there are often more spaces there, and from that area you can reach the Barbican by tram or a pleasant walk through the Planty. Keep in mind the restrictions of the Paid Parking Zone (SPP).
Kraków’s centre is covered by a Paid Parking Zone; its rules significantly affect arrival planning. Fees are charged during set hours and vary by subzone: subzone A, covering the areas closest to the Market, is the most expensive.
Plan your parking in advance: check which subzone the chosen street belongs to and have a payment app or coins for the meter ready. On Sundays many streets are free, but not everywhere — always read the signs.
For groups and families a practical solution is to leave the car in a garage for half a day or a full day and continue sightseeing on foot. This is often cheaper and less stressful than hunting for an on-street space.
From most museum car parks and underground garages in the centre, the walk to the Barbican takes about 8–15 minutes on foot. From the Stare Podgórze car park to Kazimierz or the bridge the walk usually takes 10–20 minutes, or a few tram minutes.
Allow an extra 10–20 minutes for arrival, especially if the group includes people with luggage, families with small children, or guests with limited mobility. The guide will help plan a meeting place that keeps the walk as short and comfortable as possible for the group.
If you are driving to Kraków, take peak hours and any city events (markets, concerts) into account — these can lengthen travel and the time needed to find parking.
Short route (90–120 minutes): a walk along the Main Market Square covering the main sights — the Barbican, St. Florian's Gate, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and a fragment of the Planty. Ideal when time is limited.
Extended route (3–4 hours): additional entrances (for example, Market Square Underground, Collegium Maius), longer storytelling about the city’s history, and a break for coffee or lunch. The route can also include a section of the defensive walls in the Barbican–St. Florian’s Gate area.
Full-day visit: Old Town + Wawel + Kazimierz. This option allows time to enter selected museums and to really soak up the atmosphere of the districts. The guide will adjust the pace to your interests and expectations.
Hunting for a parking space right by the Market or Plac Nowy is a frequent mistake — prices are higher, and traffic and restrictions make manoeuvring difficult. It’s better to park 2–3 blocks away and walk a short distance.
Don’t leave valuables visible in the car. The centre can be crowded and thieves take advantage of distractions. Put belongings in the trunk and avoid leaving documents unattended in the vehicle.
Don’t plan to visit every attraction in one day without reservations — tickets to popular interiors (for example, certain exhibitions or the Market Square Underground) can be limited. Buy tickets in advance or arrange entrances with the guide.
If you want to eat or have a good coffee near the Market, consider Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) — known for its bread and breakfasts, and perfect for a pause before continuing the tour. Camelot Cafe is a cosy option for coffee and cake in a historic atmosphere.
For a special dinner after the walk, I recommend Wierzynek Restaurant — a venue with a long tradition and high regard, located in the heart of the Market Square. Remember to reserve a table in advance, especially at weekends.
The guide can suggest places to match your group’s budget and preferences — from artisan cafés to restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine.
Toilets: around the Market you’ll find toilets in museums and some venues, but it’s good to have a backup plan — information about the nearest restrooms is a standard part of the guided tour.
Accessibility: the cobbles of the Old Town are picturesque but can be challenging for strollers and small wheels. Many places have ramps, but they are not always centrally located.
A fun detail: by the Cloth Hall you can find old merchant measures and traces of historic shop signs — small details the guide points out that often escape an untrained eye.
Can I park for free near the Barbican? - Free spaces immediately adjacent to the Barbican are rare. The nearest free options are often by the Błonia meadows, but that requires a short tram ride or walk.
Can the guide arrange a meeting point? - Yes. When you book, the guide usually proposes a specific place and time for meeting to make it clear and convenient for everyone.
How long does a typical Old Town tour take with entrances? - Depending on the option: 1.5–2 hours without entrances, 3–4 hours with entrances to selected attractions, or a full day if you add Wawel and Kazimierz.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — anyone planning a visit to Kraków will benefit from these practical tips.
If you want a comfortable, stress-free visit, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details of offers and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata will tailor the route to your needs, arrange entrances, and suggest the best places for breaks.
