The Planty are the heart of strolling Kraków — a green belt encircling the Old Town, created on the site of the former defensive walls. It’s a great place to catch the city’s breath, rest in the shade of the trees and at the same time see major sights along a short route. St. Florian’s Gate is one of the most recognisable entry points to the Royal Road — a symbol of the city’s medieval face and an ideal starting point for both short walks and longer tours of Kraków.
A walk around the Planty and a visit to St. Florian’s Gate combine nature, architecture and history in an accessible way — that’s why I often begin my tours here. The route is family-friendly, suitable for older visitors and for those who have just arrived and want a quick orientation in the city. If you enjoy anecdotes, legends and local tidbits, this area is a wonderful introduction to Kraków.
If you’re planning your first day in Kraków, I recommend starting here: St. Florian’s Gate as a landmark, a short walk down Floriańska Street to the Market Square, and then a relaxed circuit around the Planty. That loop shows the city’s heart at a moderate pace with chances to stop for coffee or ice cream.
Keep in mind that in the high season (especially summer weekends) the Market Square and the Royal Road can get crowded — the Planty then offer a pleasant break from the crowds.
If you’d like, I can guide you personally — contact details are listed below.
The Planty resulted from transforming the medieval city walls in the 19th century. Where fortifications once stood, there is now a green belt with paths, benches and places to relax. It’s not just a park — it’s a trace of the city’s defensive layout turned into a public space that locals and visitors enjoy for walks.
St. Florian’s Gate is a surviving part of the city’s defensive walls and an icon of Kraków. Located at the end of Floriańska Street, it used to be part of the defensive complex and was one of the main entrances to the city. Today it draws the eye with its medieval look and makes a perfect starting point for a walk. Around the Gate and in the Planty you’ll find numerous architectural details and information plaques — a good guide will point these out and explain their meaning.
Along the route you’ll also encounter local legends and stories — from tales of merchants at the Market to anecdotes about Kraków’s residents. These stories are what make a guided walk more interesting than simply following a map.
If you’d like to hear more about the history of the walls, how and when the Planty were created, or who used the Gate in different eras, I’ll be happy to tell you when we meet.
A practical reminder: although the Planty look like a park, they are a historic site — please help keep them tidy and avoid stepping on the grass where signs prohibit it.
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours (depending on pace, number of stops and questions). This route is excellent for a first introduction to the city.
Suggested plan:
- Start: St. Florian’s Gate — a quick introduction and explanation of the role of the city walls.
- Floriańska Street — walk down this representative street leading straight to the Market Square; stops at interesting townhouses with small anecdotes.
- Market Square — the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, the Adam Mickiewicz monument; I recommend a short break here for photos and coffee.
- Planty — stroll the paths, discuss the greenery, the former defensive layout and nature- and history-related curiosities.
- Finish: a convenient place for the group — time for questions, suggestions for restaurants or onward routes (e.g. Wawel, Kazimierz).
What you’ll see along the way: fragments of the old walls (including the Gate), historic townhouses, small monuments and informational plaques. For families with children I offer a version with legends — shorter, more interactive and with games for the little ones.
Meeting point and start: the most convenient meeting point is directly at St. Florian’s Gate or right next to it (easy to find and easy to gather the group). I often suggest a specific spot “under the clock” or at the corner by the Planty so everyone can join without trouble.
Time and weather: the Planty are pleasant year-round — spring and summer bring blooms, autumn offers colourful alleys and winter has a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Walks take place in light rain, but in case of heavy rainfall or strong wind we can reschedule.
Crowds and safety: in season (especially holidays and weekends) the Market Square and Royal Road can be crowded. Watch for pickpockets — keep your documents and wallet close. Avoid parking in zone A (Market and Royal Road) to prevent fines.
For school groups and large groups: I have access to audio-guide headsets — they improve audibility in crowds and make the tour more comfortable.
If you’re coming by car: check parking zones around the Planty — some streets are in paid parking zones. It’s usually most convenient to use parking outside the strict city centre and walk in.
The site lists current prices and promotions — for example, during a promotional season (applies from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026) reduced rates apply:
- Tours in Polish — small groups (1–35 people): 2 hours: 300 PLN (promotion) / 350 PLN (regular); 3 hours: 400 PLN / 450 PLN; 4 hours: 500 PLN / 550 PLN. Each additional hour: 80 PLN / 100 PLN.
- Tours in English — small groups (1–35 people): 2 hours: 400 PLN (promotion) / 450 PLN (regular); 3 hours: 500 PLN / 600 PLN; 4 hours: 650 PLN / 750 PLN. Each additional hour: 120 PLN / 160 PLN.
- Larger groups are charged per-person rates (details available on the site).
These prices are indicative — it’s always worth checking the latest information when booking, as promotions can change.
I’ll be happy to guide you around the Planty, St. Florian’s Gate and further along the Royal Road. On the ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com site you’ll find a “Show contact” button with details for quick booking.
The site displays a phone number in the form +48 501 962... — to get the full number and arrange a time, click “Show contact” on the main page or send an email. There is also a contact form for direct messages.
If you prefer quick municipal help or additional tourist information, you can also use InfoKraków offices:
- InfoKraków, Potocki Palace (Market Square) — tel. +48 501 238 632.
- InfoKraków, ul. Św. Jana 2 — tel. +48 533 826 409.
- InfoKraków, ul. Szpitalna 25 — tel. +48 533 818 291.
These numbers are useful for questions about tickets, museum availability and opening hours.
- How Kraków built its trading power around the Cloth Hall and why the Market Square used to be such a hub — I tell this in a few entertaining versions, ideal when standing on Floriańska.
- In the Planty I’ll show you spots where bastions once stood and explain why the green belt has its present width.
- For families: the legend of the Wawel Dragon and a short game for children — drawing tasks, questions and small optional prizes.
These little extras are my way of turning a dry lecture into a story full of humour and feeling.
If you’d like a specific story (e.g. about famous Cracovians or medieval trade), mention it when you book and I’ll prepare additional short materials.
Is the route suitable for strollers and people with limited mobility? - Most of the Planty and the section from St. Florian’s Gate to the Market are accessible for strollers, although some cobbled streets can be uneven. If needed, I’ll choose a flatter route.
How far in advance should I book? - If you are a group (school, company) it’s best to reserve several weeks ahead. For couples or individuals there are often shorter notice options — call or message to check availability.
Do you provide audio equipment for larger groups? - Yes, I have access to audio-guide headset sets that improve audibility in larger groups.
Are tours available in other languages? - Yes — tours in English are available (details on booking).
What if it rains? - In light rain the walk usually goes ahead (I recommend umbrellas and rain jackets). In severe weather I suggest rescheduling.
The Planty and St. Florian’s Gate are more than a pretty guidebook photo — they are a doorway to stories about the city, its people and customs. I invite you to a walk full of anecdotes, playful digressions and practical tips so that your first (or next) encounter with Kraków is truly memorable.
To book a walk: visit ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com and choose “Show contact” or send a message — I’ll reply and help tailor the route to your expectations. See you in the Planty!
Warm regards,
Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Kraków guide (licensed since 2012) — ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com.
PS: If you have extra questions, write to me — I’ll gladly expand the article with tips for a specific date or season.
