Are you planning a weekend in Krakow and want to see Wawel and Florianska Gate on foot? Great choice — the route is picturesque, full of monuments and atmospheric stops. In this article you’ll get a ready-made plan, practical tips and a few surprises that will make the walk more comfortable and interesting.
The walk from Florianska Gate up to Wawel Hill is one of Poland’s most famous routes — the Royal Route. You can do it in an express version in about 1.5-2 hours (just outside views plus a short visit to the Cathedral), or spread it over half a day by visiting interiors and stopping for coffee and lunch.
If you travel at the weekend, plan realistically: in the tourist season and on nice days expect queues at entrances, especially at Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Start: Florianska Gate - begin early in the morning before the Old Town fills with visitors. The Gate marks the entrance to the Old Town and is the start of the Royal Route.
Florianska Street and the Main Market Square - walking along Florianska will bring you to the Market: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (if you want to go inside, allow extra time for the queue). Take a short stroll around the Square, look at the Town Hall tower and enjoy the architectural details.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets - this is the way to Wawel. Along the route you’ll pass historic townhouses, churches and signs of old craft guilds. It’s a good moment for photos and a short break.
Wawel Hill - visit the castle courtyard, enter the Cathedral (check mass times and availability of specific areas), optionally see Wawel Museums and the Sigismund Bell. If you plan to visit interior exhibitions, buy tickets in advance.
Florianska Gate is one of Krakow’s most important medieval monuments. It’s the starting point of the Royal Route and a lovely introduction to the city’s history.
On the Main Market Square don’t miss the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica with the altarpiece by Veit Stoss and the many townhouses and cafés. From the Square you’ll also see the stretch of the Royal Route that leads straight to Wawel.
At Wawel it’s worth seeing the castle courtyard, the cathedral chapter, royal tombs (when accessible) and parts of the museum displays. For many visitors the Dragon’s Den at the foot of the hill is a highlight — the dragon legend delights both children and adults.
Short version (express): 1.5-2 hours - walk from Florianska Gate through the Market to Wawel, a short stop in the courtyard and a quick visit to the Cathedral (without entering all exhibitions).
Standard version: 3-4 hours - includes entries to interiors (Cathedral, selected Wawel exhibitions) plus a coffee break and a short lunch. This is a good half-day option for a weekend.
Full visit: a whole day - if you want to see multiple exhibitions on Wawel, climb the bell tower, visit the Market Underground or spend time in museums (for example the National Museum), set aside a full day.
Buy Wawel tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and in high season - you’ll avoid long queues and the risk of sold-out time slots.
Start early or late afternoon - mornings are less crowded, while evenings bring a different atmosphere perfect for dinner by the Market.
Check mass times at the Cathedral - some areas may be closed to visitors during services.
Dress comfortably: the surfaces are stone slabs and cobbles and can be uneven. Bring a light jacket — it can be windy on the hill.
Bring ID if you plan to use reduced-price tickets (students, seniors, youth).
Around the Market and nearby you’ll find a wide range of places from cafés to traditional restaurants: Wierzynek (classic, historic interiors), Szara (modern cuisine in the heart of the Market), Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa (hearty Polish portions near Wawel).
For coffee and cakes we recommend Charlotte (breakfast and bakery), Cafe Camelot (cozy café near the Market) and Miód Malina (Polish cuisine, friendly atmosphere).
If you prefer something more intimate, along Grodzka and Kanonicza you’ll find small bistros and pastry shops, often with views of Wawel.
Florianska Gate is not only an architectural monument — for centuries it was the center of civic ceremonies and processions, and its silhouette has been reproduced many times in paintings and prints of the city.
On Wawel — beyond the well-known royal tombs — you can spot less obvious details: traces of Renaissance gardens, hidden chapels and stonework details that tell stories of royal craftsmen.
The Dragon’s Den and the Wawel dragon are more than a children’s legend: many old accounts surround the place, and the modern dragon sculpture attracts attention year-round.
Not booking Wawel tickets - on weekends many routes have limited capacity; buy tickets online or arrive early to have more choices.
Trying to „see everything” in too short a time - it’s better to pick 2-3 places and enjoy them calmly.
Ignoring the weather - bring water and a hat in heat, and a raincoat in wet weather. Stone surfaces become slippery after rain.
Starting too late - some attractions have limited opening hours, and queues tend to grow in the later part of the day.
Do you need a ticket to enter Wawel? Tickets are required for most exhibitions and routes in the Royal Castle and for some parts of the Cathedral; the Wawel courtyard is usually free. Check current rules before your visit.
How much does it cost to visit Wawel? Prices depend on the route and are varied (full/reduced). On weekends consider combined tickets or family options to save money.
Can you climb the Sigismund Bell tower? Access to the bell tower and some special areas is sometimes limited and may require separate tickets or reservations - plan this in advance.
Is the route suitable for children? Yes - many attractions interest children (legends, the Dragon’s Den). For young children consider a shorter route and more breaks.
Public toilets and information points: near the Market and at Wawel there are sanitary facilities and tourist information points — locate them at the start of your walk.
Payments: in the city center most places accept cards, but small stalls along tourist routes sometimes prefer cash.
Transport: the very center is best explored on foot; from the station or farther parts of the city the easiest options are tram or taxi. If you come by car, avoid relying on central parking — spaces are limited.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a great weekend in Krakow.
If you prefer a private guided visit, you are invited to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a licensed guide whose contact is available on this site. A private tour offers comfort, a pace tailored to you and the chance to ask questions that often don’t fit into standard routes.
Good luck on the route and enjoy your walk around Krakow! If you’d like, I can prepare a route version with a map, a bookings checklist or a 2-day itinerary — tell me what you need.
