The Old Town in Krakow is the historic heart of the city, but it is also inside the Paid Parking Zone (SPP), where spaces are limited and more expensive than on the outskirts. Many visitors are surprised to find that it is often easier and more convenient to park in an underground or multi-storey car park than to hunt for a street space close to the monuments.
In practice, when planning your visit it’s worth choosing one of the ready-made options: underground car parks near Wawel and the National Museum, the multi-storey parking at the Main Station/Galeria Krakowska, or Park and Ride lots outside the strict centre. That way you gain comfort and save time — time better spent exploring the Market Square or visiting a museum.
Before you go, check the Paid Parking Zone hours, height limits in underground garages and availability of charging points for electric cars — these small details often decide whether parking will be trouble-free.
Galeria Krakowska at the Main Railway Station is one of the most popular bases for visiting the Old Town. The car park is large, secure, often uses automatic plate recognition and gives quick access by tram or on foot — the walk to the Market Square takes about 15–20 minutes.
The car park under Wawel (Plac na Groblach) is ideal if you prioritise being close to the Castle. The Wawel garage is open 24/7, has lifts and disabled access, and provides an easy route to Wawel and a short walk to the Market Square.
The parking near the National Museum is a good choice when you plan to explore the Planty, the avenues and the area around al. Mickiewicza (Mickiewicz Avenue). It’s often closer than large lots outside the centre and more convenient than long on-street searches.
Also remember the multi-storey car park in Stare Podgórze — although it’s on the other side of the Vistula, a short tram ride or walk will take you to the Old Town. For many visitors it proves to be a cheaper and less stressful alternative.
If you prefer parking outside the centre, look for Park and Ride (P+R) lots at major tram terminals — locations such as Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów or Bieżanów allow you to leave the car and reach the centre by tram in a few to several minutes.
The strict city centre of Krakow is covered by the Paid Parking Zone (SPP). The city divides the area into subzones with different fees — the closer to the Market Square, the higher the rates; farther away fees drop. This means parking outside subzone A can save you a sizable share of the cost in exchange for a few minutes’ walk.
SPP fees apply during specified hours on weekdays — before you travel check the current hours and rules (days without fees, exceptions). The easiest way to pay is via a mobile app or at a parking meter to avoid forgetting and getting a fine.
Road signs and markings at parking spaces are crucial — the city uses different markings for resident-only spots, disabled bays and short-term zones. Parking in a space not designated for you risks a fine and towing.
If you come in the high tourist season, consider booking a space in an underground car park — many facilities offer online reservations and discount cards, which in big cities help avoid queues and stress.
A good rule is to start the day by leaving the car in a parking lot a few minutes’ walk from the Market Square, then continue on foot or by public transport. This minimises the risk of getting stuck in traffic or looking for a last-minute space.
Check the height of garage entrances — some have limits (e.g. 1.9–2.0 m) and may exclude vans or cars with roof boxes. If you travel in a larger vehicle, choose a surface car park or a specially served place operated by the car park operator.
The simplest way to avoid problems is to pay with official parking apps or at meters. Some apps allow you to extend your stay remotely if you suddenly want to stay longer in the centre.
Compare fees: sometimes the sum of a few hours in a street zone costs more than a daily rate in an underground car park. For longer visits it pays to check garage price lists — some offer a daily rate more favourable than the total of hourly charges.
Check for electric vehicle charging points if you travel in an EV — the most popular city garages and large shopping-centre car parks increasingly provide charging stations.
Trying to park “right by the Market Square” often leads to circling the centre and wasting time. Instead, set a base at a larger, convenient car park and go for a walk.
Not reading parking signs is a frequent cause of fines. Always take a quick look at the signs, road markings and information at the parking meter before you leave the car.
Parking in a disabled bay or in a space reserved for residents can lead to a high fine and towing. Don’t risk it — if you don’t have the right permit, find another space.
Forgetting SPP hours or that the parking meter may operate differently on holidays can ruin a trip. It’s better to use an app that reminds you when the paid time ends.
If you leave the car at the Main Station/Galeria Krakowska, a short walk will take you to many cafés recommended by locals — well-rated spots include Charlotte on the Market Square and Cafe Camelot near ul. św. Anny. These are great places to warm up before sightseeing.
After parking near Wawel it’s nice to stop for lunch or a snack at one of the well-reviewed restaurants along the boulevards — places around the Castle serve traditional flavours and provide a pleasant atmosphere for a short rest.
If you park in Podgórze, the Stare Podgórze area has interesting cafés and small restaurants that are often less crowded than venues in the strict centre. It’s a good option for a calmer meal.
Where is the best place to leave the car for a one-day visit to the Old Town? - The easiest options are at the Main Station (Galeria Krakowska) or the garage under Wawel, depending on which sights you want to visit first.
Are there free parking options near the Market Square? - Free spots close to the Market are limited; free parking is mainly on the outskirts or outside the SPP, and sometimes at P+R lots, but availability changes seasonally.
How to avoid a parking fine? - First, read the signs; use a payment app; don’t park in disabled bays or spaces reserved for residents; and respect SPP hours.
Sometimes it pays to park a little further out and take the tram — you’ll not only save on fees but also avoid the stress of navigating narrow Old Town streets.
Many underground car parks provide toilets and lifts — especially useful for families with small children or people with limited mobility.
Some private car parks offer discount cards or online booking discounts — if you plan to visit more often, check loyalty programmes or season offers.
Make a short checklist: check garage height, daily vs hourly fees, SPP operating hours, EV charging availability, possibility of online reservation and walking distance to main attractions.
Have a parking payment app ready and the contact number of the car park where you plan to leave the car. This helps if the meter fails or you need to extend your stay.
If you use a private guided tour arranged through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, arrange a parking spot with the guide in advance — the guide (Małgorzata Kasprowicz) often has experience and will recommend the best solution for the day.
If this guide helped you plan a stress-free visit to Krakow, share it with friends or on social media — it’s simple and helps other visitors.
If you prefer individual support for planning your sightseeing and logistics (including tailored parking advice depending on your day plan), feel free to contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We can prepare an itinerary and parking solutions ideal for your group.
Good luck and enjoy exploring Krakow — park smart, and spend the rest of the day discovering the city’s beauty!
If you travel by electric vehicle, check in advance which car parks have charging stations — not every underground garage offers them and some chargers require a separate app or RFID card.
When planning evening activities, note that some P+R lots have limited night access hours. Check opening times — many operate from early morning until around 2:30 a.m., but rules and penalties for overnight parking vary.
If you arrive by long-distance bus or train, Galeria Krakowska / the Main Station car parks combine convenience with quick access to trams that run to the Old Town and other districts.
