If you’ve arrived in Krakow and want to soak up the city’s atmosphere without going into museums, this route is for you. It’s an easy but rewarding walk that combines the green ring of the Planty, medieval fortifications around St. Florian’s Gate, and the main highlights of the Royal Route - all at a pace that allows questions, photos and a short coffee break.
I recommend this walk to families with children, couples, people who have just stepped off a train and want to see the city ‘right away’, and anyone who prefers the city outdoors to indoor museum spaces. The route is easy to adapt - you can shorten or extend it depending on your mood and time.
As a licensed Krakow guide I’m happy to show this route in person - I tell the history in an accessible way and point out local treats and practical tips. This text is a guide to help you choose the best moment for the walk and prepare comfortably.
Note: this article focuses exclusively on the outdoor route - no visits to museums or paid exhibitions.
Approximate duration: 1.5–2.5 hours - depending on pace, photos and breaks. This is the “no museums” version, so it excludes interior visits to the Basilica or castle chambers.
Distance: about 2–3 km, practically no steep climbs. The route works well in the morning, afternoon or a gentle evening (after dark stick to the well-lit main streets).
Starting point: it’s most convenient to begin at the Planty - for example from Matejko Square (Kleparz) or near the intersection with Basztowa Street. End point: Main Market Square or Wawel Hill, depending on your plans for the rest of the day.
Short version: if you have only one hour - start at St. Florian’s Gate, walk Floriańska Street to the Market Square and finish with a short rest on one of the Planty benches.
1) Start: Planty - the green ‘ring’ around the Old Town. Planty is a perfect spot to get a quick feel for Krakow - benches, fountains and tree-lined paths. Move away from the bustling Market Square into the green space and take a breath.
2) Walk to the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate - fragments of medieval walls. At St. Florian’s Gate I explain the role of city gates, how the town was defended and what the Royal Route looked like in the Middle Ages.
3) Floriańska Street - stroll along the city’s characteristic shopping street: the Matejko house, historic townhouses and places where Krakow often appears in legends. It’s a good place for a short coffee stop.
4) Main Market Square - the city’s heart: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and lively street life. Even without going inside, take a moment to observe and hear about the trumpeter’s hejnał, the Cloth Hall’s history and the market’s architecture.
5) Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets - lead to Wawel. If you feel like it, climb Wawel Hill just to enjoy the panorama and see the Castle and Cathedral from the outside (interior visits are for another time).
The route includes short stops every 10–20 minutes for curiosities, photos and questions. This is a walk, not a race - pace is adjusted to the group.
- St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican are among the best-preserved fragments of medieval fortifications in Central Europe. They’re an excellent example of how the city was once defended from invaders.
- On the side of the Barbican you can spot a decoration with the Piast eagle; details and bas-reliefs have their own stories and legends connected to the city’s guilds.
- The Planty were created in the 19th century on the site of the old city walls - an urban design move that transformed the city from defensive to open and green. Walking the Planty means walking through a piece of Krakow’s urban transformation.
- The St. Mary’s trumpet call (hejnał), played from the basilica tower, is a short melody with a dramatic legend behind it. Even if we don’t enter the basilica, standing in the Market Square is a great place to hear about the story.
Shoes: wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes - Old Town paving can be uneven. Avoid high heels if you plan to walk a lot.
Weather: Krakow’s weather can change quickly. In summer bring a hat and water; in spring and autumn layer up for sun and rain. In winter pack warmer clothing and anti-slip footwear.
Toilets: there are public restrooms in the centre, but it’s a good idea to plan a stop at a café on the Market Square or Floriańska Street. Planty have benches and places to relax.
Accessibility: most of the route is accessible for strollers and people with reduced mobility, but watch for uneven cobbles at the Market entrances and near the Barbican - the route can be slightly modified if needed.
Photos: best light for street photography is early morning or late afternoon. To avoid crowds, choose off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon).
Safety: Krakow is relatively safe, but as in any popular city keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Do I have to buy tickets? - No, this route does not include paid exhibitions, so there are no compulsory tickets. If you decide to enter the cathedral or the Wawel rooms, that’s a separate matter and requires tickets.
Is the walk suitable for small children? - Yes. The route is short and has many child-friendly sights - the Wawel dragons, street musicians on the Market and ice cream spots. For school classes I prepare short scenarios and tasks.
Is my dog welcome? - Generally yes, but keep in mind the Market and some streets can be crowded. Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
Is the route suitable for seniors? - Yes, it’s a gentle walk with many places to sit and rest. I can offer a version with fewer steps and longer breaks.
How long should a coffee or lunch break be? - I recommend planning 30–60 minutes on the square or in a nearby café if you want to rest and soak up the atmosphere.
Want to extend the walk? A few simple ideas: a short tram ride or walk to Kazimierz (20–30 minutes at a leisurely pace from the Market), a stroll along the Vistula boulevards, or a brief visit to Wawel Hill for a longer look at the city.
At the end of the day consider dinner at a local restaurant near the Market or in atmospheric Kazimierz - it’s a nice way to shift from tourist rhythm to a more local evening.
If you value storytelling and want to hear more legends, anecdotes and practical Krakow tips - I invite you to a live walk. I guide at a friendly pace, with humor and a pinch of local flavor.
Thank you for reading - if you have questions about the route or want to book a walk, write to me directly. I don’t include links in the text; contact details can be found on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com website.
