Yes — absolutely worth it. Podgórze was once an independent town with its own market square, mound, parks and a distinct atmosphere very different from the Old Town or Kazimierz. A walk with a guide lets you discover local stories, anecdotes and places that are easy to miss when hurrying through the center. Podgórze also has great food options — from market stalls and small cafés to restaurants in the trendy Zabłocie district. Here you can experience Krakow from a less obvious, more local perspective.
Podgórze used to be a separate town — you can feel that history in the street layout, the market square and the architecture. It’s a perfect area for a 2–4 hour walk that combines sights with a break for a good coffee and local flavors. With a guide you’ll learn where to find the best view of the city and which spots hide the most interesting stories.
If you’d like to avoid crowds, choose morning or late-afternoon hours. On weekend evenings Plac Nowy and the Kazimierz area can be busy, but Podgórze still offers quieter cafés and bars where you can relax.
Suggested route: start at the footbridge linking Kazimierz with Podgórze - stroll the riverside promenade - Podgórze Market Square - Bednarski Park - the Rainbow Stairs - St. Benedict’s Church and Fort 31 - Krakus Mound - short stop for coffee or lunch in Zabłocie.
Duration: 2–4 hours depending on pace, interests and stops for food. The route is flexible and can be shortened or extended depending on weather and your appetite for tastings.
During the walk the guide will tell the history of Podgórze, share curiosities (legends connected to the mounds, city anecdotes) and point out good spots for a coffee break or a full meal.
Father Bernatek Footbridge - the characteristic pedestrian link between Kazimierz and Podgórze. It’s a great place to start, take photos with the sculptures and talk about changes along the Vistula.
Podgórze Market Square - the smaller, quieter ‘heart’ of historic Podgórze: townhouses, the old town hall and St. Joseph’s Church. Here you’ll feel the neighborhood’s local rhythm and notice how different it is from the tourist Old Town.
Bednarski Park - a charming park created on the site of an old quarry, with paths and a viewpoint. It’s an ideal spot for a short pause and to observe the district from another angle.
Rainbow Stairs - colorful steps featuring literary quotes. A pleasant, photogenic stop; the colors and words add lightness to the walk.
St. Benedict’s Church - one of the smallest but oldest churches in the area, with history reaching back to the early Middle Ages. Note: interior access can be limited — ask the guide about opening times or Local Heritage Open Days.
Fort 31 - a remnant of the 19th-century fortifications; impressive from the outside. The fort area is sometimes fenced off, so interior visits are not always possible. The story of the fort illustrates Krakow’s military past in the 19th century.
Krakus Mound - the oldest of Krakow’s mounds, offering a nice panorama of the city. A short, gentle climb to the top makes a great finish to the route. From the mound you can see the Old Town and parts of Podgórze.
Zabłocie and Schindler’s Factory - if time allows, shorten the route a bit to visit the former factory area; Zabłocie is today a fashionable quarter with museums, galleries and cafés.
In Podgórze and nearby you’ll find food for every budget: market stalls, cozy cafés and restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine. I recommend pairing sightseeing with short gastronomic stops — it’s the best way to feel the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Stary Kleparz - the traditional market is perfect for morning bites: local cheeses, fresh fruit and quick meals made from regional products. It shows the real taste of the city and is great for short food discoveries.
Kazimierz (near the footbridge) - if you want something more tourist-oriented, drop by Plac Nowy to try the famous zapiekanki or visit atmospheric bars like Bar Singer for a distinctive vibe.
Zabłocie / MOCAK area - around Schindler’s Factory and the Museum of Contemporary Art you’ll find a few trendy cafés and a museum café where you can enjoy a light lunch after visiting exhibitions.
Concrete suggestions worth considering: Bar Singer in Kazimierz, the cafés around MOCAK in Zabłocie, food stalls and vendors at Stary Kleparz and the small restaurants around Plac Nowy.
If you prefer homestyle, traditional dishes — look for places described as “home-style cooking” or a “milk bar” for authentic, inexpensive meals. The guide will gladly recommend current, tried-and-tested addresses during the walk.
Podgórze was once a separate town - this shapes the urban layout and atmosphere. Walking around makes the differences between Podgórze Market Square and the Main Market Square very clear.
Krakus Mound carries an older legend than many places in Krakow — ask the guide about local tales connected to the mound and the city’s mythical founder.
Bednarski Park and its surroundings hide fragments of former quarries, and some less obvious spots have ties to the city’s film history (places used in scenes from well-known movies).
Trying to “do everything” in one day - Krakow has a lot to offer, and rushing from point to point will make you miss the joy of the stories and tasting local food. It’s better to plan a shorter route rich in detail.
Not checking opening hours - some places (small churches or exhibitions) are open only occasionally. Before you enter, ask the guide or check the information.
Ignoring the weather - riverside promenades and mounds can be windy. Bring a layer of clothing and comfortable shoes.
How long is the walk with a guide? - I normally suggest 2–4 hours; shorter versions focus only on the main points.
Is the route difficult? - The route is moderate; expect a few uphill stretches (for example to the mound) and some stairs, but most of the walk is on comfortable sidewalks and paths.
Will there be time to eat during the tour? - Yes. I usually plan a 20–40 minute break for coffee or a light lunch. If you want a full meal, let me know in advance so I can reserve a table.
Does the guide recommend vegetarian/vegan places? - Of course. Krakow’s plant-based scene is growing; the guide knows up-to-date, good addresses and will tailor recommendations to your preferences.
How to get to Podgórze? - Podgórze is easily reachable on foot from Kazimierz via the footbridge, or by tram and bus from the city center. Wear comfortable shoes if you prefer walking along the river.
Can groups be accommodated? - Yes. Group size and special requests (language, pace, food preferences) should be arranged ahead of time to ensure the best experience.
If you enjoyed the route, share the article with friends or on social media — you’ll help others discover Krakow’s less obvious corners.
If you’d like to explore Podgórze with a guide, I invite you to book a tour. On the site you’ll find the tour offer, price list and contact details — I’ll gladly prepare a route tailored to your interests.
Thank you for reading and see you on a walk around Krakow!
