Planty is the green belt encircling the Old Town — created on the site of the medieval city walls. Walking the Planty lets you begin sightseeing in a calm, leafy setting and quickly reach key spots: the Barbican, Florian Gate and Floriańska Street leading straight to the Main Market Square.
Florian Gate together with the Barbican are the best-preserved fragments of Kraków's old fortifications. They symbolize entry onto the Royal Road — the route once taken by coronation processions. Today it’s a great meeting point for a group and an ideal starting place for a walk without entering museums.
If you want to discover Kraków with a guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed guide who leads tours along the Royal Road, Wawel and other city routes. Her walk focused on the Planty and Florian Gate is aimed at visitors who prefer lively stories and anecdotes over long museum stops.
In the past the defensive walls surrounded the whole city; their ruins remained visible to residents for centuries. In the 19th century, when the fortifications no longer served defensive purposes, they were dismantled and the Planty were created — a city park surrounding the Old Town. Thanks to that, walking around the Market is pleasant even on hot days.
Florian Gate was built as part of the medieval fortifications and served as one of the main city gates. Next to it stands the Barbican — a round, powerful defensive structure and a rare example of such well-preserved fortification in Central Europe.
Floriańska Street, running from Florian Gate to the Market, was historically an avenue of merchants and craftsmen — today full of townhouses, restaurants and souvenir shops, but still bearing traces of its former, royal importance.
- Start: the Planty by the Barbican. A convenient meeting place — easy to find, with space and benches under the trees.
- Barbican and Florian Gate: a short story about the fortifications, customs and legends connected to the city's defense.
- Floriańska Street: walk toward the Market. Along the way pay attention to the façades, market stalls and small architectural details — every alley has its own story.
- Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (story of the hejnał), the Town Hall Tower. Even without entering museums, exterior viewpoints and tales about historic events set the atmosphere.
- Short detour: if you want a moment of calm, drop into the side streets off the Market — there are often small cafés and atmospheric corners.
- Ending option: continue along the Planty on the other side of the Old Town or take a short walk toward Wawel (outside only) to close the loop and enjoy the panorama from the Vistula boulevards.
About the hejnał from St. Mary’s Tower — why the melody breaks off suddenly and what that has to do with the city’s history.
About hidden emblems on townhouses and small plaques that hint at former trades — if you look carefully at façades you’ll find clues to old crafts.
How Kraków changed over the centuries — from invasions to royal triumphs. Short stories about people who left a lasting mark, local customs and how residents reshaped urban space.
Footwear: comfortable shoes are essential — Old Town surfaces are often cobblestones and sections of stone pavement.
Weather: the Planty provides partial shade, but in summer carry water; in autumn and winter dress warmly and in layers.
Toilets: there are commercial restrooms near the Market and major attractions; if you need a public toilet, ask in a café — staff will often kindly let customers use facilities.
Crowds: the Market and Floriańska can be crowded, especially afternoons and weekends. The most pleasant times are early morning or late afternoon. To avoid the biggest crowds, start early.
Accessibility: most of the route is accessible for people with reduced mobility, but some sidewalks and passages can be narrow — let the guide know in advance if you need assistance.
Cafe Camelot — a cozy café close to the Market, nice for a relaxed coffee before further sightseeing.
Wierzynek — a historic restaurant on the Main Market Square, ideal if you want to feel the atmosphere of old Kraków (reserve ahead for peak lunch hours).
Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) — bakery-café with good breakfasts and a wide selection of bread; a great stop at the start of the day.
If you prefer smaller, local places — explore the side streets off Floriańska and the Market; there are many intimate restaurants and bars that often hide culinary gems.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed guide in Kraków who leads walks along the Royal Roads, Wawel and other city routes. Guiding is her passion — stories, anecdotes and contact with visitors are her way of showing Kraków from the inside.
If you choose a walk with the guide, expect stories suited to adults and children, practical tips and a route adjusted to the group's pace. Małgorzata runs both shorter and longer walks — it's good to agree beforehand on pace and priorities (for example more history, fewer breaks, visits to local venues, etc.).
How long does the walk take? - A typical relaxed Planty–Florian Gate–Market route lasts about 1.5–3 hours, depending on pace and number of stops.
Do I need tickets? - The described route does not require museum tickets. If you want to enter specific interiors (for example the St. Mary’s Tower or Wawel), those have tickets, but they are not necessary for walking the Planty and the Market.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes. For family groups the guide adapts stories, adding legends and short tasks for the youngest.
Where is the best meeting point with the guide? - A popular and easy-to-find meeting place is the area by the Barbican at the Planty or directly at Florian Gate.
Do I need to book? - If you want a walk on a specific date or for a larger group, it’s advisable to book in advance and set expectations for the route.
Give yourself time. Kraków is best discovered slowly — leave room to look up, peek into alleys and stop at a café.
Photos: the best light is morning and late afternoon, but the evening illuminations of the Market also have charm.
Bring a map on your phone, but let the guide lead — stories and historical context will make walking the same streets feel new.
