Planty is the green ring surrounding Krakow's Old Town — about 4 km of paths, trees, monuments and places to rest. Right next to the Planty stands Florian Gate (Brama Floriańska), a remnant of the medieval fortifications and a symbol of the Royal Route. This short walk combines greenery, history and a few attractions that usually interest children (and adults).
As a guide I have led thousands of groups — many of them families — and I like to show the route so that it's accessible, engaging and never rushed. A walk along the Planty and by Florian Gate is a perfect choice for your first day in Krakow or as a calm part of a longer sightseeing plan.
Planty are more than pretty trees and alleys — they are a place to rest, picnic and let children run in a safer setting than the busy Market Square. Planty cover over 20 hectares and consist of several small gardens of different characters, so you can plan the day calmly and flexibly.
Highlights for families: fountains and sculptures, monuments to famous figures, benches and wide, clear walking routes — ideal for strollers and families with younger children. Many trees provide shade in summer, and in autumn the paths glow with color — a good choice any time of year.
Florian Gate is one of the best-known remains of Krakow's medieval walls. Built in the Middle Ages, it served for centuries as the city's ceremonial gate; the Royal Route ran through it toward Wawel Castle.
Inside the gate there is a small altar, and the facades show rich sculptural details — a great spot to stop and tell children a short legend or pose a little riddle about the city. A walk by the Gate can be easily combined with a visit to the Barbican and a short stop at the Main Market Square.
1) Start: entrance by the Barbican / Florian Gate. A brief welcome and a few simple questions to get the children involved (e.g. “How many towers can you see?” or “Who guards the Gate?”).
2) Walk along the Planty toward the Market Square: stop at selected monuments on the way — a small game “find the sculpture” turns the route into a detective hunt and helps children remember places.
3) Short break at a fountain or a playground (if needed) — time for a snack and to stretch legs.
4) Finish: Main Market Square, where depending on pace you can add a short story about the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or leave the family with a recommendation for a child-friendly café nearby.
The duration can be shortened or extended — most families happily spend 1.5–3 hours depending on the children’s age and pace.
Legends and stories — short, lively and inviting children to ask questions; kids enjoy when history becomes a little adventure.
Riddles and tasks — for example, a ‘hunt’ for specific sculptural details, counting steps or finding animals on monuments.
Spaces to run and rest — the Planty give room for movement without needing to enter busy streets.
Short stops for ice cream, a snack or a photo in an interesting setting.
- Strollers and accessibility: Planty are generally stroller-friendly — paths are wide and even, though note short cobbled sections near the Old Town. If you have a small all-terrain stroller, that's an advantage.
- Toilets and breaks: public restrooms are located around the Market Square and at some information points; plan a short break, especially with toddlers.
- Parking and transport: the city center can be busy — better to leave the car in one of the parking lots on the edges of the Old Town or use public transport. In the center we mostly move on foot.
- Best time to visit: weekday mornings and early afternoons are less crowded. Evening walks along the Planty are charming, but with children it's better to choose earlier in the afternoon.
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, a small snack, an umbrella for sudden weather changes and a camera — Planty and Florian Gate make great photo backdrops.
Is the route suitable for a stroller? Yes — Planty are mostly stroller-friendly; near Florian Gate and on some older cobbled sections the surface can be uneven, but generally it's manageable.
How long does the walk take? Short version: 1.5–2 hours. A full, relaxed tour with games for children: up to 3 hours. It all depends on the group's pace and needs.
Is the walk suitable for very young children (infants)? Yes — you can come with a stroller or carrier; plan for breaks and bring basic baby supplies.
Can I book a private family tour? Of course — I offer family-tailored routes with special stories and activities for children. Please book in advance so I can adapt the tour to your needs.
Are there extra fees on the route? The walk around Planty and Florian Gate is a public city route; if you'd like to enter museums or historic interiors, tickets may apply. For larger private groups, I can provide hearing sets to improve the guide experience.
If you'd like a family-dedicated walk — send a short message with the date, number of participants and the children's ages. Based on that I will prepare a simple, family-friendly route with games and legends.
I will set a pace suitable for children, include short stops and interactive tasks. If you have special requests (for example a short visit to a specific museum or a stop at a child-friendly café like Jama Michalika or Noworolski) — let me know when booking.
Planty and Florian Gate are an ideal mix of green space and history — not too crowded, with places to rest and elements that will intrigue children. As an experienced guide I will lead you there at a pace that ensures every family member returns happy.
If you have questions about the route, accessibility or special needs — write to me. I will gladly help plan the walk so it is simple, interesting and full of pleasant memories.
