For many years Podgórze was a separate town — today it is a green, varied part of Krakow with intriguing architecture and places you can comfortably explore on foot in half a day. It’s a great neighborhood if you want to escape the crowds of the Old Town, feel a local rhythm and see bits of history often skipped on standard routes.
This article offers a practical walking route of roughly 3–4 hours (pace depends on stops and any museum visits), tips on where to eat, and a short FAQ with practical advice. Start at the footbridge over the Vistula.
- Fewer tourists than the Main Market Square and Kazimierz, and many atmospheric corners and murals.
- Short distances: many attractions are close together, so a few hours are enough for a good walk.
- Variety: WWII-related sites, modern museums, mounds and parks — all within one area.
Start: Father Bernatek Footbridge (a pedestrian-and-cycle bridge linking the riverbanks). 15–30 min: enjoy the Vistula panorama, take photos and grab a quick coffee at a riverside café.
1) Rynek Podgórski — 20–30 min: a charming market square with cafés and townhouses. A good place for a short break, a bench stop or people-watching.
2) Plac Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square) — 20–30 min: a memorial space marked by distinctive empty metal chairs; an important place remembering Podgórze’s wartime history. The famous Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” (now a small museum) is on the square — if you want to go inside, add 30–45 minutes and check opening hours.
3) Short walk to Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK — 30–60 min (optional): the modern Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) and the exhibition at Oskar Schindler’s Factory are close to each other and worth seeing; interior visits require extra time and tickets.
4) Old Podgórze Cemetery and the viewpoint near Fort 31 “Benedykt” — 20–30 min: parts of the historic cemetery and a viewpoint with views toward Krakus Mound and the surrounding panorama. The fort itself is usually closed, but the area offers pleasant photo spots.
5) Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) — 30–45 min (ascent and time at the top): a short but sometimes steep climb; excellent viewpoint over the city. If you prefer not to climb, extend your walk in Bednarski Park instead.
6) Bednarski Park and descent toward the Vistula Boulevards — 20–30 min: pleasant green spaces, places to rest and distant views of Wawel.
End of route: Vistula Boulevards / Piłsudski Bridge — from here it’s easy to return toward the centre or cross back to Kazimierz.
Father Bernatek Footbridge — a convenient starting point, especially if you’re staying in Kazimierz or the centre; the bridge offers a lovely view of the Vistula and city landmarks.
Rynek Podgórski — a place with local character: small cafés and restaurants, ideal for a quick breakfast or a second coffee.
Plac Bohaterów Getta and the Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” — a place of remembrance and an important part of the city’s history; the Pharmacy is an emotional, compact museum — go inside if you want to better understand Podgórze during the war.
MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory — if you plan to visit interiors, buy tickets in advance and allow an extra hour or two; the exhibitions can be extensive.
Old Podgórze Cemetery, Fort “Benedykt” — a calm place with a historic atmosphere; the fort is not usually open to the public daily, but the surroundings provide good viewpoints.
Krakus Mound — a short climb with some steep stretches; from the top you’ll get wide views over Krakow.
- Forum Przestrzenie — a popular riverside spot with a pleasant atmosphere, often chosen for coffee or a casual meal.
- Cricoteka — besides exhibitions, it has a café area; a good option for a snack after visiting nearby museums.
- Cafés and restaurants around Rynek Podgórski — for a local feel, choose one of the small places around the square: homemade-style meals and a quieter atmosphere than downtown.
Note: on busy weekend days many places can be full, so if you plan a longer lunch at a specific restaurant consider booking a table in advance.
Time and distance: the described route covers roughly 3–5 km depending on interior visits; walking at a relaxed pace usually takes 3–4 hours without long museum visits.
When to come: morning or late afternoon is a good choice — cooler temperatures, fewer people and nice light for photos. Weekends may host local events (markets, Podgórze Days), which can bring extra attractions.
Tickets and opening hours: check current opening hours and ticket prices for the Pharmacy “Pod Orłem”, MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory — especially if you plan to enter museums. Buying tickets online saves time.
Shoes and clothing: comfortable walking shoes and a light outer layer in case of wind from the river; in spring and autumn bring a light jacket.
Accessibility: some parts (the mound, certain staircases) can be difficult for people with limited mobility; parks and boulevards are more stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
Podgórze is generally safe and welcoming for visitors. As in any city, keep an eye on small valuables in crowded spots and on the boulevards. Respect memorial sites (Ghetto Heroes Square, the Pharmacy “Pod Orłem”) — these are places for reflection and remembrance. Avoid loud noise on cemeteries and in parks.
Remember local photography etiquette at monuments and museum exhibitions — in some interiors photography may be prohibited.
If you’re visiting with children, plan short breaks and choose park sections that offer space to rest and play.
Q: How much time is needed for a half-day walk around Podgórze? - A: Typically 3–4 hours for the route described plus short breaks; add 1–2 hours if you plan to visit museums.
Q: Is the route suitable for strollers and people with limited mobility? - A: Partially. Boulevards and Rynek Podgórski are accessible, but Krakus Mound and some stairs are harder to manage. If you need full accessibility, skip the mound and focus on the riverside and Bednarski Park.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance? - A: It’s a good idea to buy tickets ahead for MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory — it saves time. The Pharmacy “Pod Orłem” can have limited space, so check opening hours before you go.
Q: Can I combine this walk with Kazimierz? - A: Yes — Father Bernatek Footbridge links the two riverbanks, so it’s easy to continue into Kazimierz and extend your visit.
Q: Where can I leave luggage if I only have half a day in the city? - A: Many hotels store luggage for guests; there are also left-luggage services near the station and in the city centre — check availability before arrival.
- Extend the walk with a longer visit to MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory (add 1–2 hours).
- Add a visit to Kościuszko Mound or the fort areas around Krakow if you’re interested in the city’s military history.
- Have an evening meal by the river — the boulevards come alive and look lovely at sunset.
- Starting at the Bernatek footbridge gives you a great panorama and easy access from Kazimierz or the centre.
- Plan short coffee breaks and time for people-watching — Podgórze is best discovered slowly.
- Check museum opening hours before you set out to avoid disappointment.
- Don’t rush: a half-day walk is a perfect chance to catch the local atmosphere, enjoy good food and return to the centre with a fresh perspective on Krakow.
