The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is one of those places in Kraków that can surprise both nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful setting for a romantic stroll. Add the city panorama from towers and rooftops — and you have a ready plan for a special day or evening with your partner. In this article you'll find practical routes, tried-and-true viewing spots and tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes when visiting.
The UJ Botanical Garden was founded in the 18th century and over the years has become a green patch in the heart of the city — perfect for a breath of fresh air before further sightseeing. It’s a place where you can see plants from different climate zones, a palm house and old trees that are natural monuments. The paths are usually comfortable to walk on, which makes the Garden a good choice for a date, a walk with a child or a short picnic.
Note that what’s in bloom changes seasonally — spring and early summer are the richest times for flower lovers, while late autumn offers beautiful, atmospheric colors. When planning a visit, it’s a good idea to check current opening hours and information about the availability of the palm house and pavilions.
If you’re planning an outing with a partner, the Garden offers a more private atmosphere than the busy Market Square — after visiting you can easily walk to nearby cafés or take a tram toward Wawel and the Vistula boulevards.
Kraków has many classic and less obvious vantage points that leave lasting impressions. Among those you shouldn’t miss are: the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica (view over the Market), the Town Hall Tower, Wawel Hill, the city mounds (Kościuszko, Krakus, Piłsudski), the MOCAK terrace, the Cloth Hall terrace and several rooftop restaurants and bars.
If you’re looking for a place for a romantic evening, pay attention to venues with terraces: there are elegant hotel options with views of Wawel as well as intimate rooftop bars in Kazimierz. The choice depends on the atmosphere you want — from a calm coffee by the Market to a cocktail at sunset above the Vistula.
St. Mary’s Basilica — climbing the higher tower gives the classic view of the Main Market Square and the surrounding townhouses; remember these places have limited capacity and usually require climbing stairs.
Town Hall Tower — great for a quick overview of the Market and neighborhood; the view is especially picturesque in the morning or early afternoon.
Wawel and Wawel Hill — a walk along the castle ramparts gives a different, more expansive perspective over the city and the Vistula; sunset from here is very popular.
The mounds (Kościuszko, Krakus, Piłsudski) — the mounds are free viewpoints outside the busiest center; choose Kościuszko Mound for long-distance panoramas and a peaceful atmosphere.
MOCAK (terrace) — combines art with a view of the Vistula boulevards and the Zabłocie district; a good spot for couples who enjoy contemporary space.
Cloth Hall / Palace of Art terrace (Café Szał) — a terrace by the Market, ideal for coffee with a view of St. Mary’s Basilica; recommended for relaxed afternoon moments.
Rooftops and hotels — the city has terraces at hotels and clubs (varied price ranges and styles): reserve a table in advance, especially for sunset.
If you plan dinner or drinks with a panoramic backdrop, pick a place known for good service and reviews. In Kraków you’ll find both luxury hotel terraces and atmospheric rooftop bars in trendy neighborhoods. Some venues offer direct views of Wawel, others of the Vistula or the Market — choose according to the mood.
Booking for around sunset is very helpful — view tables disappear quickly, especially on weekends. Also check dress code and the venue’s policy regarding children or pets if that matters to you.
If you want something calmer after a walk in the Botanical Garden, look for a café with a terrace close to the center; if you dream of a spectacular photo with Wawel in the background — reserve a table at one of the rooftops along the boulevards or near the Castle.
Start: UJ Botanical Garden — a peaceful walk, time for photos and rest in the shade of the trees.
Next: a short ride or walk toward Wawel — the evening lights beautifully highlight the castle and the Vistula panorama.
Evening: a reserved table on a rooftop or in a restaurant with a view (ideally an hour before sunset). This gives time for dinner and moments during sunset, plus a walk along the boulevards after the meal.
Alternative: if you prefer less touristy places, end the evening watching the night panorama from Kościuszko Mound — the quiet and wide view provide a great backdrop for conversation.
Book in advance — this is the most common mistake: terrace tables and popular rooftops disappear fast, especially in season and in good weather.
Check opening hours and entry rules — not all towers and terraces operate every day or have the same hours; some places have seasonal closures.
Consider stairs and accessibility — many towers have narrow, steep stairs; if one of you has mobility issues, choose terraces with elevators or spots on hills/mounds.
Dress appropriately — evenings at higher viewpoints can be windy and cool, even in summer; bring a light jacket.
Don’t expect silence at the most famous spots — the Market or Wawel at sunset will be crowded; if you seek privacy, pick the mounds or lesser-known terraces.
Is the Botanical Garden family- and stroller-friendly? Yes — main alleys are generally stroller-friendly, although some pavilions (e.g., the palm house) may have restrictions. It’s always worth checking current information on the Garden’s official site before your visit.
Is there an entrance fee for towers? Many towers (for example St. Mary’s Basilica) charge separate fees for access to viewing platforms; the mounds and some hilltop spots are usually free.
Can you take photos from towers and rooftops? Usually yes, but respect rules in sacred places and in some venues — it can be difficult to set up a tripod or use professional equipment without permission.
How to avoid queues? Choose morning hours or weekdays outside the tourist season; book tickets online when possible.
Can the Botanical Garden be combined with other attractions? Yes — the Garden is located so it’s easy to walk from there to the center, to Wawel or to tram lines heading to Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards.
The Botanical Garden hides old tree specimens that are natural monuments — keep an eye out for these because guides often point out interesting stories about the site’s history.
Many great views in Kraków are free — the mounds, some boulevards and parts of Wawel let you enjoy panoramas without tickets. This is a good alternative if you want a view without the crowds near the Market.
If you want an atmospheric photo, choose the time just after sunset when the city lights switch on — the mix of natural and urban light can be magical.
If you’re after a place with a view and good reputation, consider terraces along the boulevards and near Wawel — these often combine high-quality service with a panoramic setting. For a quieter coffee near the Market, find a terrace at the Cloth Hall or by the Palace of Art.
For couples, I recommend choosing places with solid reviews that accept reservations for a specific time — that’s the greatest convenience for an evening plan. After an active day in the garden, look for venues that serve light meals and desserts — the perfect finish to a walk.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a pleasant time in Kraków. If you’d like a walk or route tailored to your needs, feel free to contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wishing you wonderful walks, beautiful views and many pleasant moments in Kraków — both among the greenery of the Botanical Garden and on rooftops with the best city panoramas.
