The Royal Route is a walk that ties together Krakow’s most important stories and monuments along a relatively short stretch. It’s the path once taken by monarchs, royal processions and grand parades — today it’s the perfect way to feel the atmosphere of the medieval and modern city in just a few hours.
Along the route you pass monumental defensive structures like the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, the lively Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and the spiritual heart of the city — St. Mary's Basilica. The walk finishes on Wawel Hill, with views over the Vistula River and Krakow’s skyline. It’s an excellent route for visitors who want to see the “classic” Krakow without getting lost in small side streets. Plus — you’ll find great places for coffee and ice cream along the way. A perfect mix of culture and pleasure.
If your time is limited, the Royal Route lets you see the main sights in a sensible order: start at Matejko Square or Kleparz, go through St. Florian’s Gate to the Market Square, then follow Grodzka Street straight to Wawel. The walk is pleasant year-round, but in summer plan breaks to cool off — for example at one of Krakow’s ice cream shops.
Matejko Square and Kleparz - a good starting point. At Matejko Square take a moment to look at the monument and the intimate churches that set the historic tone for the route.
The Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate - impressive remnants of medieval fortifications. Great spots for photos and a short lesson in the city’s former defenses.
Floriańska Street - one of Krakow’s best-known streets, full of historic tenement houses, souvenir shops and cafés. Watch for crowds in high season — take your time and notice the architectural details.
Main Market Square - the city’s heart: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica with the hourly trumpet signal (hejnal), and a wealth of historic houses and cafés. It’s worth visiting the Cloth Hall and taking a look at the square from the upper gallery, and if you enter St. Mary’s Basilica, pay close attention to the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (allow extra time for queues).
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets - these lead directly to Wawel. A walk along them reveals historic houses, palaces and atmospheric corners that remind you this was once the road to the royal residence.
Wawel - the castle hill with the Royal Castle, the Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den. This is where Polish history is very visible: the cathedral with royal tombs and famous figures, courtyards and state rooms, and legends about the dragon.
Wawel Cathedral - the site of coronations and royal burials. The interior impresses with historic chapels, tombs and the monumental bell. Entry to the cathedral is sometimes controlled; if you want to visit the crypts or see specific relics, check visiting rules and whether tickets are needed.
The Sigismund Bell and the crypts - parts of Wawel often high on visitors’ wish lists. Because space is limited and interest is high, it’s wise to plan these visits in advance.
Castle courtyards and the State Rooms - touring the castle gives a sense of courtly life. Even if you don’t enter every chamber, walking the courtyards and the castle’s exterior exhibits is rewarding both historically and photographically.
Dragon’s Den - the legendary cave beneath Wawel Hill. Linked to the dragon legend, the accessible tourist route is short. Note: parts of the underground route involve stairs and may not be accessible for wheelchair users.
Good Lood - a popular artisan ice cream chain you’ll find in many parts of the city. Often busy on warm days. Great for classic and seasonal flavors and usually offers vegan options.
Lody na Starowiślnej - a traditional, iconic ice cream shop in Krakow that has a long local reputation. A great choice if you love classic flavors made following long-standing recipes.
Bracia Hodurek - an artisan ice cream place recommended for combining traditional recipes with interesting flavor variations.
Tiffany Ice Cream (Szczepański Square) and Donizetti - examples of spots that pair high-quality ingredients with atmospheric locations near the Main Market Square. Ideal for a dessert after sightseeing.
Lodowa Huta and Katane Gelato - places offering different ice cream styles: from traditional scoops to Italian gelato with intense flavors. Choose based on whether you prefer creamier or lighter textures.
Rolls&Rolls Thai Ice Cream - if you want a theatrical experience of ice cream prepared in front of you and served rolled. A more showy option than a classic scoop.
Practical tips for ice cream: try local flavors (for example cream, pistachio, seasonal fruits), ask about vegan and gluten-free options, and order a smaller portion at first — scoops can be large, and the variety may tempt you to try several.
Visiting time: walking the Royal Route with visits to several attractions easily takes half a day, and for detail-oriented visitors it can take a full day. If you only plan to walk the route and take photos, 2–3 hours is enough. For a full visit to Wawel and the cathedral allow an extra 1–2 hours.
Tickets and reservations: many sites (such as certain castle exhibitions, the cathedral and special routes) have limited capacity or set entry times. It’s most convenient to check and buy tickets online before your visit to avoid long queues, especially in peak season.
Best time for the walk: early mornings and late afternoons (after 4:00 PM) are usually less crowded. Expect large numbers of tourists on weekends and during peak season at the Market Square and Wawel entrances.
Getting around: the Old Town is best explored on foot. Trams and buses bring you close to the center — plan to park outside the oldest part of the city and walk in.
Safety and health: carry a water bottle, especially in summer; wear comfortable shoes for uneven cobbles. In crowded places watch your small belongings and documents. If you have mobility limitations, check accessibility in advance — some underground areas and caves require stairs.
Restaurant 'Pod Smoczą Jamą' - near Wawel, serving traditional Polish dishes in an atmospheric setting by the castle hill.
Cafés around the Main Market Square - a wide selection from small patisseries to cafés serving good espresso and desserts. Great places for a quick rest and to watch city life.
Bars and bistros on Grodzka and Kanonicza - if you’re looking for lunch after sightseeing, side streets host places serving both Polish and international cuisine.
How long does it take to visit Wawel? - It depends on what you want to see: a quick walk around the hill and photos takes 30–60 minutes; visiting the cathedral and basic exhibitions adds 1–2 hours; a full tour of the castle and all exhibitions can take a whole day.
Do you need a ticket for the Dragon’s Den? - The Dragon’s Den often uses timed tickets or has visitor limits on certain routes — check availability before coming and plan your schedule. Remember that the descent includes stairs, so access may be limited for people with mobility issues.
Where are the best ice cream spots near the Market Square? - Around the Market Square and Szczepański Square you’ll find both popular chains and artisan parlors serving high-quality gelato and traditional scoops. Look for places that make ice cream on site and offer fresh seasonal flavors.
Is it worth walking the Royal Route in winter? - Yes — the monuments are beautiful year-round. Summer brings more outdoor events and open terraces; winter is quieter and has its own charming atmosphere. Dress for the weather, as winds near the Vistula can be chilly.
1) Start: Matejko Square or Kleparz in the morning, a short visit to the monument and church. 2) Pass the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, walk Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square — break for coffee or a pastry. 3) Market Square: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, photos and souvenirs. 4) Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets for a relaxed walk toward Wawel. 5) Wawel: courtyards, cathedral, (if time permits) one castle exhibition and the Dragon’s Den. 6) On the way or at the end — ice cream in one of the local parlors as a sweet finish to the day.
Enjoy your visit! Walking the Royal Route is a classic that combines history with everyday life in Krakow — and delicious ice cream is a small but memorable bonus to the trip. If you’d like, I can prepare a short hourly plan tailored to a specific day of the week or season.
Additional FAQ note: if you want a list of ice cream shops ordered by location (for example near Wawel or near the Market Square), tell me your starting point and I’ll arrange a route with recommendations.
