Planty and St. Florian's Gate are the perfect introduction to Krakow — the park that surrounds the Old Town and the majestic gate on the former Royal Road. On this walk we focus on sights and stories visible from the outside — no museum entries — so the route is light, pleasant and easy to fit into your day.
During the walk we'll stop by St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican, walk along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, see a stretch of the Planty — the green belt around the city — and I'll tell you about the history of the walls, Krakow traditions and a few amusing anecdotes that often brighten the tour. The route lets you feel the city's atmosphere and take great photos while avoiding queues and indoor museum crowds if you prefer to stay outside.
The walk is conducted in Polish; an English version is available on request. As a licensed Krakow guide since 2012, I have led many groups and can adapt the pace and content to your needs — whether you arrive with children or want to focus on architecture, legends or culinary tips.
This is not a dry history lesson — I want you to feel the city: its people, scents, customs and the little secrets tucked behind the corners of the Old Town. A walk without museums is an excellent option when you want to see as much as possible in a short time or when the weather invites you outdoors.
If you wonder whether this is a good choice for your first day in Krakow — yes, it is. The route provides excellent spatial orientation and helps you plan the rest of your sightseeing.
- Licensed guide and experience: the tour is led by a licensed Krakow guide who knows the city inside out and tells its story in an accessible, personal way.
- Local perspective: I was born and live in Krakow, so I weave historical facts with everyday local habits and practical tips.
- Flexibility: the route without museum entries easily adapts to time and weather — it can be shortened or extended, include a coffee break or allow longer stays at favourite spots.
- Intimate character: it's ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to discover the heart of the city without crowds and long lines.
The route is designed so that even first-time visitors leave with a clear picture of the most important places and a desire to return for more themed walks.
- Start: meeting is usually arranged in the centre — most conveniently at the Main Market Square (for example by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument) or at a place agreed after booking.
- The Barbican and St. Florian's Gate: a short talk about medieval fortifications and the gate's role in the city's history.
- Floriańska Street: townhouses, the Matejko House, and anecdotes about former city life.
- Main Market Square (outside): the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica — stories about the hejnał (trumpet call) and Veit Stoss's altarpiece, time for photos and watching city life.
- Planty: a walk along the green belt, stories about transforming the city walls into a park and about the most famous alleys.
- Finish: a brief summary if desired, recommendations for coffee or lunch and tips on what to see next (for example the Royal Road, Kazimierz, Wawel).
The route typically lasts 2–2.5 hours in the outdoor version. I adjust pace and length to the group; I am happy to add short stops or shorten the route if you have limited time.
- Booking: it's best to reserve in advance by phone at +48 501 962 037 or by e‑mail at kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking we agree the meeting place and time and any special requests for the tour theme.
- Price: standard rates depend on the length of the walk and group size. For a short, intimate walk (approx. 2 hours) the rates are available in the offer; during booking I will give an exact quote tailored to your group.
- Language: Polish, English available on request.
- Weather: the walk usually takes place regardless of weather; in case of extreme conditions we will discuss an alternative plan.
- Meeting place: usually the Main Market Square (by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument) or another convenient central spot; details are arranged after booking.
- Payments: payment details are agreed when booking (cash or bank transfer options; information provided during contact).
If you have special needs (e.g. wheelchair access, stroller, desire to avoid large staircases), please mention them when booking — I will adapt the route to be as comfortable as possible.
- Clothing and footwear: wear comfortable shoes, preferably flat ones; part of the route runs on cobbled streets.
- Timing: the squares are often less crowded in the morning and late afternoon; choose an earlier time if you prefer calmer photo conditions.
- Photos: the Planty and St. Florian's Gate are great for photos; remember spare batteries and a memory card.
- Children: I adapt the walk to children's attention spans — I have short legends and riddles to interest the youngest.
- Breaks: during the walk I recommend a short coffee break at a trusted café or a quick pastry on the square.
- Hejnał from St. Mary's Basilica: if the timing is right, I'll tell you about the hejnał tradition and its significance for Krakow.
These simple preparations will make the walk more enjoyable and relaxed.
Q: Is the walk suitable for seniors and people with limited mobility? - Yes, the route can be adapted; please inform me of any limitations when booking and I will choose easier sections and a comfortable pace.
Q: Are entrance fees to churches or other sites included? - This walk is designed without museum entries; if you want to enter a church or another site, tickets and any additional fees are usually extra and arranged individually.
Q: How long is the walk? - Typically 2–2.5 hours for the outdoor route; shorter and longer options are available.
Q: Can I request the walk in English? - Yes, I also conduct tours in English; please request this when booking.
Q: What happens if it rains? - The walk usually takes place regardless of weather; in very bad weather I will propose an adjusted route with more covered stops or sheltered places.
- St. Florian's Gate was part of the medieval defensive walls and has greeted visitors arriving along the Royal Road for centuries; many city tales begin at this gate.
- The Planty were created where the old city walls once stood — instead of fortifications, 19th‑century Cracovians planted a park that today forms the green belt around the Old Town and is a favourite walking place for locals.
- In the Market Square I'll tell you about the hejnał and how a single melody became a city emblem; it's also a good spot for a few funny anecdotes about daily life in Krakow.
These informal 'on the way' stories are a mix of history, local legends and small curiosities that make the walk personal and memorable.
If you prefer precise historical facts, I will gladly provide them — and if you prefer light anecdotes, you'll hear plenty of those too. I usually blend both.
- After this walk I recommend heading to Kazimierz for coffee and further exploration, or taking a short Vistula river cruise if you have more time.
- If you want to get to know Krakow more deeply, I can suggest other themed tours: legend trails, the Royal Road with indoor visits, or culinary routes — all can be discussed when booking.
- Booking in advance gives you a better chance of securing a convenient time and meeting place; write or call and we'll arrange the details.
I warmly invite you to join the walk — come with open eyes, and I'll make sure this short time in the centre of Krakow stays with you as a warm and inspiring experience.
Booking contact: phone +48 501 962 037, e‑mail kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
