Loading...

Planty and Florian Gate – a step-free walk with a licensed guide

Planty and Florian Gate – a step-free walk with a licensed guide
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Why choose this route?

If you have limited mobility, are using a stroller, or simply prefer a route without stairs and steep climbs, the walk focused on the Planty and Florian Gate is an excellent choice. The Planty is the green belt surrounding the Old Town — perfect for feeling the city's atmosphere, seeing fragments of medieval walls and taking a rest in the shade of trees. Florian Gate together with the nearby Barbican is one of the most recognizable points on the Royal Route.

The step-free plan lets you see the most important sights comfortably, without giving up interesting stories and historical details. This variant works especially well for medium groups (7–20 people): intimate enough to stay in touch with the guide and ask questions, yet full enough to feel the city’s vibe. Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Krakow guide (licensed since 2012) who leads tours with warmth, anecdotes and attention to participants’ comfort. Audio-guide headsets are available on request, which helps hearing the commentary even in crowded places.

Who is this walk for?

- For people looking for a step-free route: seniors, visitors with limited mobility, and families with strollers.

- For tourists who want to learn the highlights of the Old Town in a shorter time, without crowds or strenuous climbs.

- For groups of 7–20 people: an optimal size for a personal atmosphere and good communication with the guide. Małgorzata adapts the pace and storytelling to the group — from historical facts to vivid anecdotes — so everyone stays engaged.

What will we see on the route?

- Planty: a walk along the alleys with stories about the former city walls, ground-level gates and the green spaces that replaced medieval fortifications. Great for short stops and photos.

- Florian Gate: an emblematic point on the Royal Route — hear about its defensive role, architectural curiosities and local legends connected to the area.

- The Barbican and nearby fortification remnants: an ideal place to discuss Krakow’s medieval role and the city’s defensive strategies.

- Sections of the Royal Route and the Main Market Square (without climbing steep steps): we’ll view the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Church from the outside and tell the best-known Krakow legends, customs and stories about the people who made the city’s history.

Sample itinerary (duration: 1.5–3 hours)

- Start: agreed meeting point at the Planty or near Florian Gate — the exact spot is set during booking.

- 0–20 min: welcome, short historical introduction to Krakow and an outline of the route.

- 20–60 min: relaxed walk through the Planty with stops at the most interesting parts of the green ring and stories about everyday life in the past.

- 60–110 min: Florian Gate, the Barbican and tales of the Royal Routes; walk toward the Market with commentary on the Cloth Hall and main monuments (stops as needed — without stairs).

- 110–180 min (optional): a short break in a café, extra topics (legends, architecture, cultural life) or a gentle extension into nearby side streets. Time and route are adjusted to the group’s pace and interests.

Accessibility and the step-free route — practical information

- The route is designed to avoid stairs and steep ramps: main Planty alleys, pavements around Florian Gate and flat sections near the Market. If someone in the group has specific needs (wheelchair, walking limitations), please mention it when booking — the guide will tailor the exact route.

- In places with curbs or short steps, the guide will point out the easiest detours. Short pauses are used when needed so no one feels exhausted.

- Audio-guide headset sets improve audibility in crowded spots and are available on request; they’re especially helpful for larger groups.

What to bring and how to prepare

- Comfortable, flat shoes — even without stairs the walk follows pavements and cobbled surfaces.

- Clothing suited to the weather; an umbrella or light rain jacket in case of showers.

- A bottle of water, especially in summer; the guide can suggest a short café break.

- Discount cards or IDs (student card, senior card) if you plan to visit museums after the walk.

- Inform the guide about any mobility needs when booking — Małgorzata happily adapts the program to make it comfortable for everyone.

Where to eat and rest after the walk

After the walk it’s nice to stop at a nearby café or restaurant. A few recommended places around the Old Town:

- Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — a historic restaurant with a long tradition, suitable for a more formal meal.

- Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — a cosy café, great for coffee and cake after sightseeing.

- Charlotte – Chleb i Wino (Plac Szczepański) — a bakery-bistro with a French vibe, perfect for a quick bite and rest.

If you’d like recommendations for regional cuisine, vegetarian options, or family-friendly cafés, the guide can suggest trusted addresses tailored to your group’s preferences.

Pricing and reservations (practical information)

Małgorzata runs tours for groups of various sizes — from shorter walks to longer themed routes. For medium groups (7–20 people) the standard offer allows individual adjustment of time and topics. Headset sets are available to increase listening comfort in larger groups.

To book a time (weekend spots are popular) it’s best to contact the organizer in advance or use the booking form on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. When booking you can request the “step-free walk” option and provide information about participants who need special assistance.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Is the route suitable for strollers? - Yes. The step-free route and flat pavements are stroller-friendly; please confirm during booking so the guide can plan the smoothest curb crossings.

How long does the walk last? - Typically from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on group pace, number of stops and optional extra topics.

Are walks available on weekends? - Yes. Weekend slots are offered, but due to high demand it’s wise to reserve in advance.

Does the guide speak English? - Małgorzata conducts tours in Polish; English or other language versions can be arranged on request depending on availability.

Are there extra fees for monument entries? - If the program includes visits inside museums or churches, entrance tickets apply and are paid separately. The outdoor commentary and the Planty walk do not require extra fees.

A few practical tips from the guide

- Book your preferred time in advance, especially for weekend walks — popular slots fill quickly.

- If your group has different needs (for example seniors and families with small children), let the guide know beforehand — the pace and route will be adjusted.

- If you plan to finish with a meal, mention it when booking — the guide can recommend a restaurant and help with a table reservation if needed.

- Bring a camera or a fully charged phone — the Planty and Florian Gate are wonderful for souvenir photos.

Finally — why tour with Małgorzata?

Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Krakow guide who leads tours with passion, humour and care for participants’ comfort. Her walks combine solid knowledge with a light storytelling style — perfect for those who want to discover Krakow without hurry and without stairs. If you’re planning a weekend visit and need a route for a group of 7–20 people, the Planty and Florian Gate walk is a great way to start exploring the city. Contact and book to tailor the walk to your needs.