Car - in the strict city centre you will most likely want a 24/7 garage. The nearest to Wawel and the river boulevards is a large underground car park with elevators. For the Main Market Square a convenient alternative is the big parking complex by the railway station - its outdoor section operates around the clock.
Sunday - street parking in the central zone is usually free on Sundays, but always read the signs on the spot. From Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 20:00 parking fees normally apply.
Coach - drop your group off in a designated bay, then move the coach to a long-term coach parking area outside the strict centre for longer stays.
The Paid Parking Zone usually runs Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. After 20:00 until 10:00 the next morning, and on Sundays, on-street parking in the zone is generally free - provided you are not stopping where it is prohibited and you follow local signs.
There are occasional holiday exceptions and local temporary prohibitions. When leaving your car overnight, check the information boards at the entrance to the street and the small notes under signs (for example: cleaning works or temporary no-stopping days).
Wawel area - the large underground garage by the river boulevards. Pros: open 24/7, elevators, toilets, card payment; typical height limit around 2.0 m. For families with a stroller this is the most convenient starting point for Wawel and Kazimierz.
Main Market Square - the complex at the Main Railway Station has an outdoor section that runs 24/7. From that garage you can walk through the Planty to the Market in about 10–12 minutes, and it’s often easier to find a spot there in the evening.
Pro tip - if the garage by the boulevards is full, head straight to the station alternative - skipping one extra loop often saves 10–15 minutes.
The Planty ring from the Pawia and Westerplatte sides - higher turnover after 18:30 and often looser in the evening.
Aleje Trzech Wieszczów and parallel streets - a bit further out but a 10–15 minute walk to the Market.
Kazimierz - instead of parking directly at Plac Nowy, look for spaces on Dietla, Stradom and parallel streets. A 5–10 minute walk saves stress and time.
In the historic centre there are time limits for technical stops by coaches. After dropping off, drive to a designated long-term coach parking area located outside the strict centre.
Drop-off bays near the Planty and along main arteries allow safe unloading, but they are not for waiting. Plan a meeting point and a pick-up time; choose the coach parking spot in advance.
Practical note: the popular area near Wawel is not a permanent base for tourist coaches — don’t plan to wait there for a long time.
Choose spaces with CCTV and good lighting. 24/7 garages are safer than street parking if you leave luggage in the car.
Leave only necessary items in the cabin. Take documents and electronics with you; move jackets and bags to the trunk or to your hotel.
If your vehicle is tall or has a roof box, check the height limit before entering a garage. If you don’t fit, use a surface lot.
You are parked legally and not blocking a gate or a pedestrian passage.
You are certain about the parking-zone hours and any exceptions shown on signs.
Doors, windows and sunroof are closed, alarm is armed, and any pay ticket/app is valid until morning.
You know the quickest route to return to your car in the morning - write down five quick cues: street, stop, direction.
Is parking on the street in the centre charged on Sundays? - Usually no, but always check the signs.
Nearest reliable garage by Wawel - the underground car park at the boulevards, open 24/7 with an approximate 2.0 m height limit.
Best turnover of spots near the Market in the evening - the station area and the Planty from the Pawia side.
Coach after dropping the group - goes to the designated coach parking outside the strict centre and returns at the agreed time.
Want to combine smart parking with smooth sightseeing without circling and stress? Book a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) and arrange a time that suits your group. A guide can help plan the drop-off and pick-up logistics so you spend more time exploring and less time searching for a spot.
