Florian Gate is a natural starting point for any walking tour of the Old Town — this Gothic tower, visible from afar for centuries, marks the northern entrance to the medieval Kraków settlement. It appears in documents as early as the 14th century, and today it still impresses with its height and distinctive silhouette.
From Florian Gate it’s easy to walk onto Floriańska Street and then straight to the Main Market Square — the route is logical, compact and lets you see the most important spots in a relatively short time. For visitors who have only a weekend, it saves time and ensures you experience the “essence” of Kraków.
An extra plus — the area has many places to eat and cozy cafés, so you can start the day with a good coffee and breakfast without searching too much. In the morning, before crowds arrive at the Market and Floriańska, the walk is most pleasant and photogenic.
1. Barbican - the impressive northern part of the former defensive walls. From the outside it looks like a small fortress; stop here for a moment to feel the atmosphere of medieval fortifications.
2. Florian Gate - the symbolic entrance to the Royal Route. Walk around the tower and notice the architectural details and its historical role in the city.
3. Floriańska Street - a lively pedestrian street full of townhouses, souvenir shops and atmospheric venues. It’s one of Kraków’s oldest streets, laid out after the city’s 13th-century charter.
4. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the largest medieval market in Europe. The Cloth Hall is not only a place for souvenirs but also hosts art galleries and is a good spot for a short rest. The Market also features the Town Hall Tower and many café terraces.
5. St. Mary’s Basilica - a Gothic gem with the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss and the legendary trumpeter’s hejnał played every hour from the tower. If you like panoramas, consider climbing one of the viewing towers.
6. Planty Park - the green ring surrounding the Old Town. After walking on cobblestones, Planty is a lovely shaded place to rest under trees and breathe for a while.
7. Wawel Royal Castle - the walk from the Market to Wawel takes about 10–15 minutes and lets you see the cathedral, courtyards and the Wawel Dragon near the Vistula boulevards.
8. Grodzka Street - leading back from Wawel toward the Market; full of historic townhouses, small museums and interesting architectural details.
9. Kazimierz (Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy) - the former Jewish district, now alive with cafés, galleries and well-known street-food spots like the famous zapiekanki at Plac Nowy.
10. Vistula Boulevards and the sunset over the Vistula - an ideal ending to a weekend walk; lively in summer, and offering a stark, beautiful view of Wawel and the city in winter.
Saturday — morning: start at Florian Gate, walk down Floriańska to the Market. Explore the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, then pause at a café. In the afternoon head toward Wawel — visit the cathedral and castle hill. Evening in Kazimierz: dinner and the local bar scene.
Sunday — morning: a relaxed walk in Planty or return along Grodzka Street to the surrounding area, visit smaller museums or exhibitions. In the afternoon choose the Vistula Boulevards or a mound (for example Kościuszko Mound) if you want a longer walk and a panoramic view of the city. Finish in one of the recommended cafés near the Market or in Kazimierz.
If you have only one day: focus on the first six items on the list — that’s enough to feel the city’s character without rushing. Remember to plan coffee breaks and rest, especially if you travel with children or older people.
Cafés and breakfasts: Cafe Camelot — an atmospheric spot near the Market ideal for a calm breakfast before sightseeing; Massolit Books & Cafe in Kazimierz — great for coffee and light bites, especially for book lovers.
Dinner restaurants: Szara Gęś (often listed simply as Szara) by the Market — known for refined cuisine and pleasant atmosphere; Starka in Kazimierz — traditional dishes in a modern take, often recommended by visitors. For budget options try the zapiekanki at Plac Nowy.
Accommodation: in the Old Town and Kazimierz areas you’ll find many well-rated hotels and apartments — choose places with positive reviews for location, quiet and comfortable beds. Book early for weekends, especially during high season.
Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbles and stone slabs in the center can be tough on feet. Even a shorter walk can be tiring without proper footwear.
Avoid the biggest crowds on Floriańska and the Market between 11:00 and 16:00; the best photos are taken in the morning (around 7:00–9:30) or in the evening after dusk.
Watch prices at tourist food spots — check reviews and the menu before you sit down. In the Market and on Floriańska prices can be higher for average quality.
Safety: in crowded places keep an eye on bags and small items — pickpockets use busy crowds. Carry some cash for small expenses, though cards usually work everywhere.
The Barbican and Florian Gate were once connected by a so-called “neck” — a narrow section of fortifications that no longer exists in full, but you can still look for traces of the old defenses on site.
In the 19th century there were plans to demolish Florian Gate and the Barbican — fortunately conservation and growing historical awareness saved these structures, so today we can walk through a real piece of the Middle Ages.
The St. Mary’s hejnał, which you’ll hear from the basilica tower, has a legendary story about an interrupted signal — it’s one of the city’s most recognizable traditions and listening to it adds special atmosphere to a visit.
Mistake: trying to “see everything” in a single day. It’s better to focus on fewer attractions and really feel them — sightseeing is also about tasting the city and chatting over coffee.
Mistake: trusting the first convenient food place by the Market. Solution: check quick reviews in apps or ask your hotel reception for recommended spots.
Mistake: not checking opening hours of museums and churches before arriving. On weekends some places have limited hours or special events — verify opening times in advance.
How long does the route from Florian Gate through the Market, Wawel and Kazimierz take? - At a relaxed pace with sightseeing and breaks it’s 4–6 hours; depending on how many museums you visit you can spread this over a full day or two weekend days.
Is the route suitable for families with children? - Yes, though plan more breaks and activities for kids; Planty and the Vistula boulevards are good outdoor spots for play.
Do I need tickets in advance? - For some attractions (for example certain exhibitions in the Cloth Hall, climbing St. Mary’s tower or touring parts of Wawel) buying tickets in advance saves time in season.
Plan breaks in atmospheric spots — small cafés on side streets often give a more authentic taste of Kraków than the largest terraces on the Market.
Bring a water bottle and a small blister kit — small items like these can save a day of sightseeing. An offline map or a saved map fragment on your phone is useful, since the internet is not always reliable.
If you want to avoid queues at popular attractions — come earlier or choose less busy afternoon hours outside peak season.
If you liked this plan and want a more intimate way to explore Kraków, you can book a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A private guided tour is a great option if you want to learn lesser-known stories, skip queues and see the city through a local’s eyes.
If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on social media so others can use this ready-made weekend plan for Kraków. I wish you a wonderful walk and many pleasant discoveries!
