The Planty are the green ring around the Old Town — an ideal place for children’s first contact with Kraków. A walk along the Planty is safe and pleasant, with many spots to rest, play and observe the city without having to dive into crowded streets right after arrival.
St. Florian's Gate stands on the north-eastern corner of the Old Town and is the only preserved Gothic city gate. For children it’s a “wow” spot — a tall stone gate, the passage to the Barbican and a feeling that you’re entering the historical part of the city. It’s also a perfect place for a souvenir photo before continuing your sightseeing. (This guide is written with families in mind — you’ll find routes, breaks for food and practical tips.)
As a Kraków guide I show routes so children can take part, touch a bit of history and have time to play — while parents can relax with coffee. The text also includes tips on what to book in advance and how to plan a calm, interesting day.
What are the Planty? - They are a continuous park surrounding the Old Town, created on the site of the former city ramparts and moats. Walking the Planty gives a pleasant, green context for visiting landmarks and allows for short breaks on playgrounds, benches and lawns.
What children will like on the Planty - Playgrounds (located at several sections of the Planty), wide paths good for strollers and scooters, and places to watch passersby and street performers. It’s also a safe shortcut between key points: from St. Florian's Gate along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square and onward toward Wawel Castle.
Practical for families - The Planty are mostly flat and stroller-friendly; you’ll also find benches, waste bins and shady alleys — bring a water bottle and a light snack for little ones.
When and how to walk - The most pleasant times with children are in the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t too strong on exposed sections. In summer plan a break in a café by the Market Square or in Kazimierz; outside the high season the Planty remain attractive thanks to their colors and smaller crowds.
A brief history - St. Florian's Gate is a Gothic structure built around the turn of the 14th century. It was one of the main gates in Kraków’s defensive system and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of entry into the Old Town.
Architecture and curiosities - Above the gate there is a distinctive tower (the so-called Furriers' Tower) and decorative details; on the city side you can see a Baroque bas-relief of St. Florian. From the outside the gate makes a strong impression and is a great starting point for a first historical lesson with children — a story about how towns were defended in the past.
What you can visit nearby - From St. Florian's Gate you can quickly reach the Barbican, Floriańska Street and the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica — places that are worth showing children on a short, engaging walk. Depending on temporary exhibitions and access, there are sometimes small displays inside the gate or nearby buildings; if you plan to go inside, check opening hours and any reservation requirements ahead of time.
Start - Planty (enter for example from Piłsudskiego Street) — a short warm-up on the grass or playground.
St. Florian's Gate - photo stop and a short story about city gates and defenses.
Floriańska Street - walk the cobbled artery to the Market Square; stop for ice cream or waffles on the way.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - listen to the St. Mary’s trumpet call (hejnał), show the Cloth Hall (market stalls) and pick a place for lunch or coffee.
Optional: a short visit inside St. Mary's Basilica (for families with older children) or continue toward Wawel Castle if the kids have energy left.
Time and pace - pace the route for children: every 20–30 minutes include a short activity (a game, a task, a question) and every 60–90 minutes plan a longer break with food. Around 2–3 hours is usually enough for this route, but it depends on the children’s age and mood.
Cafés and light snacks - Near the Market Square and in Kazimierz you’ll find family-friendly places. A few popular spots I often recommend: Cafe Camelot (charming atmosphere and family-friendly menu), Restauracja Szara (on the Market Square — convenient location) and the eateries around Plac Nowy offering quick snacks for children.
Family lunch - If you want to sit down calmly with children, choose places with a children's menu and space for strollers; many restaurants at the Market Square offer these conveniences. In winter it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Quick food and snacks - Plac Nowy is a great option for fast bites (local zapiekanki and street food) — a good idea when children are hungry and you need a quick meal.
What to watch for - Popular attractions (for example Wawel, major museums, or the St. Mary’s Basilica tower) often have limited places and timed sessions — it’s worth buying tickets online in advance, especially during the tourist season and school holidays.
Family tickets and discounts - Many institutions offer reduced tickets for children and family packages; bring documents that confirm children’s ages if required.
How to book - The best practice is to check the official website of each place and buy a ticket in advance for a specific time slot. At the last minute you can try to buy tickets on site, but they may not be available.
Practical tip - If you plan to visit with a stroller, check for lifts and step-free routes in the venue description. Some places require leaving strollers at the entrance and using a baby carrier instead.
Strollers and accessibility - The Planty and main routes around the Market are generally stroller-accessible, but historic gates and some cobbled stretches can make smooth travel difficult. A lightweight stroller or a sling is a good solution.
Toilets and changing facilities - Public restrooms are available near the Market Square and large museums; many cafés have changing tables. It’s always good to carry wipes and a small hygiene kit.
Safety - Keep children close in crowded places (Market Square, Floriańska Street). Agree on a simple plan with the child: a meeting point and what to do if separated. Writing a guardian’s phone number on a card in a child's pocket is an easy precaution.
Weather - In summer bring hats and water; on cooler days dress in layers. The parks along the Planty offer plenty of shade, but the sun can be strong on exposed sections.
Are the Planty suitable for a stroller? - Yes, most paths are flat and stroller-friendly; watch for cobbled sections near entrances to historic sites.
Can you go inside St. Florian's Gate? - The gate is primarily a structure seen from the outside; occasionally small exhibitions or events take place inside — if you plan to go in, check current information about availability and possible reservations.
How much time to allow for sightseeing with children? - A short route around the Planty and landmarks near the Market can take 2–3 hours; if you want to add Wawel and a museum, plan a full day with breaks.
Where is the best place to stop for a meal with children? - You’ll find many family-friendly places near the Market Square and in Kazimierz; for a quick fix, Plac Nowy has many street-food options.
Do I need to book a guide? - If you want a tailored, child-friendly tour with stories and activities, booking a guide (for example Małgorzata Kasprowicz) ensures a calm, well-planned day.
Games and activities - For young children I suggest simple tasks along the route: count fountains, look for coats of arms or go on a “dragon hunt” (small challenges that hold attention and bring a lot of fun).
Plan B for bad weather - Have rain ponchos ready and a list of cafés or museums where you can go quickly and spend time pleasantly. Museums with short exhibitions are ideal for a rainy afternoon.
Breaks and pace - It’s better to see fewer things but do them well. Children remember stories and games, not a long list of monuments, so take time over one attraction rather than rushing through many.
If you’d like to arrange a family walk along the Planty, a tour with St. Florian's Gate as a backdrop or a longer trip along the Royal Route, you can find details and booking options at ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — there you can also check available dates and request an offer tailored to your children’s ages and the group’s pace.
Book in advance during the high season — this will help plan the day and avoid long waits at the entrances to the most popular sites. I invite you to contact me — I’ll be happy to help prepare a route that’s enjoyable for the whole family. Thank you and see you in Kraków!
Wishing you a wonderful visit and lots of joy discovering Kraków with your children — Małgorzata Kasprowicz
