If you plan a short walk around Podgórski Square and further sightseeing in the Old Town, consider avoiding driving into the busy centre. Krakow has a limited number of parking spaces in the centre and a Paid Parking Zone (OPP) — fees are usually collected Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 20:00. A convenient alternative is to leave your car at a Park & Ride (P+R) lot or a municipal parking facility outside the most built-up area and continue by tram or bus.
If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or simply want your car nearby, that's fine too: there are paid street parking spaces, parking meters and municipal car parks in the Podgórze and Old Town area. You just need to know where to look and how to avoid common mistakes (parking meter, zone signs, and entering the correct registration number when paying by mobile app).
Podgórski Square (Rynek Podgórski) is the heart of the historic Podgórze district — smaller than the Main Market Square but very atmospheric. You will find St. Joseph's Church, attractive townhouses, cafés and restaurants, and it is a good starting point for walks to Lasota Hill, along the Vistula River or to the nearby Square of the Heroes of the Ghetto.
It’s a great spot for a morning coffee before you continue to the Old Town. Walking from Podgórski Square to the Old Town usually takes between a few minutes and half an hour on foot depending on the route — and if you prefer not to walk, there are good tram and bus connections.
- Municipal “Stare Podgórze” car park (ul. Zamoyskiego) - an above-ground car park located in the historic part of Podgórze, offering a few hundred spaces and conveniences such as disabled bays and two entrances. It’s a good choice if you want to leave your car close to Podgórski Square and have a short walk to the sights. - Park & Ride (P+R) lots - located at major transport interchanges and tram termini; ideal if you want to park cheaper and continue by public transport into the centre. P+R lots are designed to encourage leaving your car outside the strict city centre and taking a tram or bus. - Paid Parking Zone (OPP) - street parking around the Old Town and Podgórze is usually divided into subzones (A, B, C) with different fees; the closer to the centre, the higher the rate. Street parking is possible but remember to use a parking meter or mobile payment and enter the correct vehicle registration number. - Private and underground car parks - you can also find commercial underground car parks near larger buildings; they are sometimes pricier but convenient when you want to be certain of a spot.
- Parking fees in the OPP typically apply Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 20:00; Sundays and some holidays are generally free — always check signs and parking machines at the location. - The zone is divided into subzones (A, B, C) with different rates — the closer to the centre, the higher the fee. The minimum charge is small, and each started hour is charged according to the tariff. - Parking enforcement is active: failure to pay can result in an additional charge. In some cases you can reduce the fine if you pay quickly after being notified, but it’s better not to risk it and pay for the parking immediately. - Payment is possible at parking meters (coins, contactless cards) or via popular mobile apps — remember to enter the correct vehicle registration number when paying.
- Stare Podgórze Car Park (ul. Zamoyskiego) - a convenient choice if you want to be close to Podgórski Square; the car park offers covered spaces and bays for people with disabilities. It’s a good solution for a short stay or as a base for exploring Podgórze. - Park & Ride lots at tram termini - if you plan to take a tram to the Old Town, P+R is often cheaper and quicker than searching for a street space in the centre. - Street parking in the OPP - with some luck you may find a free space near the Square, but expect it to be difficult during peak hours. Always check signage and use a parking meter or an app before you leave the vehicle. - If you want extra security for luggage or plan to leave the car for a full day, consider guarded or underground car parks even though they are more expensive.
- At parking meters: note the zone/sector number and enter your vehicle registration correctly — a missing or incorrect number may lead to a fine.
- Mobile apps: several popular parking apps work in Krakow and are handy if you don’t have coins. When paying via an app, enter your registration exactly as shown on your license plate.
- At municipal car parks and P+R lots check the payment rules (whether you need an entrance ticket, daily rates, subscription options etc.). If in doubt, ask the parking staff or read the information boards on site.
- If you have a disability permit — remember that special rules and dedicated spaces apply; you still need to check signage and local payment rules.
- From Stare Podgórze Car Park (ul. Zamoyskiego) start at Podgórski Square — visit St. Joseph’s Church and then head toward Lasota Hill for a pleasant viewpoint.
- From there you can walk toward the Bernatka Footbridge or stroll along the Vistula River toward Piłsudski Bridge, then cross into the Old Town and the area of the Square of the Heroes of the Ghetto.
- If you prefer public transport, the nearby tram terminus will take you quickly to central stops close to the Old Town.
- Arriving in the morning? Try to find a spot before 10:00 — your chances of a street space or a cheaper stay increase.
- Planning a full day of sightseeing? Consider P+R plus public transport or a municipal car park outside the very centre — this is often more convenient and cheaper than parking in the OPP streets.
- Always check local signs and the parking machine on site — cities sometimes change tariffs and zones, and additional rules may apply at municipal car park entrances.
- Most importantly: leave some time for walking — Podgórze has charming corners, and Podgórski Square is a perfect stop for coffee before more Krakow discoveries.
Podgórski Square is a great place to start or enrich your visit to Krakow. If you come by car, plan ahead: have a parking app ready or small change for the meter, consider P+R or the municipal Stare Podgórze car park. A short walk and a coffee often make up for small parking hassles.
If you’d like, I can prepare a short walking route from your chosen parking spot to the most interesting points in Podgórze and the Old Town — tell me where you’ll start and how much time you have.
