St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican are a natural and atmospheric starting point for a classic walk through Kraków's Old Town before heading out of the city. It's a place where the city's history meets today's tourist offer, and from the centre you can reach the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine relatively quickly and comfortably.
Wieliczka is one of the region's most unusual attractions: underground you'll find chambers, chapels and salt sculptures. Touring the main Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours and includes hundreds of stairs and several kilometres of walking through the tunnels and chambers.
For couples the trip has an extra charm: shared staircases, mysterious halls and the unique microclimate underground create an experience different from a normal stroll around the market square.
The most reliable and fastest public transport option is the Koleje Małopolskie train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station. The journey from Kraków takes about 25 minutes — often quicker than the bus during rush hours, and the station drops you off practically at the mine entrance.
Single tickets for this route are inexpensive and, in many variants, available as an integrated ticket valid also on Kraków's municipal transport (handy if you plan an earlier walk in the city).
An alternative is the bus (for example line 304) — it stops near the mine but you should expect a longer travel time, especially in the evening when road traffic can add many minutes to the trip.
If you drive, remember parking in Wieliczka – in high season it's best to arrive outside peak hours or reserve a parking space in advance.
There are public city toilets in Kraków's strict city centre — reliable locations include the Planty park area, Plac Szczepański and the Market Square (around the Cloth Hall, Sukiennice). During the high season and city events some facilities extend their opening hours.
There is no large, separate toilet complex right at St. Florian's Gate, so if you plan a longer walk in the Old Town before heading to Wieliczka, use facilities at the Cloth Hall, along the Planty or in nearby shopping centres close to the Market Square.
If you're leaving with a guide or have a departure at a set time, schedule a short stop for the toilet before you leave the centre — queues can be unexpected, especially around midday and in the early evening.
Practical tip: carry some small change for pay toilets or attendants — card payments are not always accepted everywhere.
The salt mine maintains a steady temperature of roughly 15–18°C underground — even in summer bring a light sweater or thin jacket. Comfortable closed shoes are essential — the route includes many stairs and uneven surfaces.
Plan at least 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route (in practice it may be closer to 3 hours), so bring water, a small snack for afterwards and a phone charger. Eating your own food is not allowed while on the guided route in the mine.
Documents and tickets: it's best to book tickets online in advance, especially in summer and on weekends — free spots can run out quickly.
For centuries the Wieliczka mine was not only a place of salt extraction but also an important economic, cultural and sacred centre — underground you'll see chapels, sculptures and true "salt" works of human hands.
The average underground temperature is very stable, and the mine's microclimate is often praised as beneficial for the respiratory system — a fact frequently mentioned by guides.
Although you can combine a walk through the Old Town and a visit to Wieliczka in half a day, the experience is more rewarding if you take it slowly: a morning walk along Floriańska Street, a coffee break, a train ride and a relaxed afternoon exploring the mine's chambers.
Around St. Florian's Gate and the Market Square you'll find many highly regarded places. For a historic atmosphere try Jama Michalika or Camelot (nearby lanes off the Market). For a cosy coffee before departure consider Nowa Prowincja, Massolit Books & Cafe or Café Szafé — each has its own character and tends to be popular with both locals and visitors.
After returning from Wieliczka many tourists like to stop for dinner near the Market Square — it's a good moment to try roast meats, pierogi or regional specialities at well-known centre restaurants. If you want a romantic finish to the day, look for a place with a terrace or atmospheric interior and reserve a table in advance during the season.
If you'd like personalised arrangements or a private guided experience, I offer services as a local guide — visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for information about bookings and offerings.
Mistake: not booking Wieliczka tickets in season. Solution: buy tickets online in advance, especially if you arrive on a weekend or during summer holidays.
Mistake: assuming bus travel time is the same as in normal road conditions. Solution: choose the Koleje Małopolskie train — a more reliable travel time (about 25 minutes) and lower risk of traffic delays.
Mistake: wearing inappropriate shoes. Solution: comfortable closed shoes and a light warm layer will let you complete the route comfortably.
Mistake: postponing use of public toilets "until later". Solution: use the toilets at the Cloth Hall or along the Planty before leaving the Old Town — it will really reduce stress on the way.
How long does the Wieliczka visit take? Usually 2–3 hours on the Tourist Route; total trip time with travel and breaks is usually half a day or a full day depending on your pace.
Is it worth going with a partner? Yes — it's a special experience that pairs well with a relaxed walk and a coffee break in the city centre.
Where is the nearest toilet to St. Florian's Gate? The nearest public toilets are in the Planty park area and at the Market Square (Cloth Hall, Sukiennice).
What is the fastest way to get there? The Koleje Małopolskie train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia — approximately 25 minutes from central Kraków.
When planning your departure from the St. Florian's Gate area check opening hours for attractions and city facilities. To avoid crowds, opt for earlier morning or later afternoon times.
If you want a more personal experience, consider visiting outside the busiest hours and having a short coffee break at a trusted café before your trip — it makes waiting for the train more pleasant and helps you soak up the city's atmosphere.
Share this article with friends if it was helpful — and if you need a private guide, I invite you to consider my guided tours. For information about bookings and services look for Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
