Did you know the Royal Route was once the path of coronation processions? Today it is the most beautiful walk through Kraków’s historic centre - from Matejko Square, past St. Florian’s Gate and the Main Market Square, all the way to Wawel Hill.
This stretch is a "Kraków in a nutshell": monuments, legends, cafés and spots that make the biggest impression on visitors. In this guide I’ll suggest how to plan the route (2–4 hours), where it’s easiest to leave a car or coach, which entrances are worth booking and a few practical tips to avoid queues and fatigue.
Short option (about 2 hours) - an outside-only walk: Matejko Square (starting point), St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church - outside or a short stop), Grodzka Street, walk up to Wawel, the dragon statue and the view of the Vistula.
Full option (3–4 hours) - with entrances: add a visit inside St. Mary’s Church (the altar by Veit Stoss), enter Wawel Cathedral (the Zygmunt bell, royal tombs) and tour the castle courtyard. This is great when you want to feel the interiors and learn more history.
Matejko Square - a good starting point, especially if you arrive from the north. From here you can see parts of the old city walls and monuments to important figures.
St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican - remnants of medieval fortifications, an excellent spot for first photos.
Floriańska Street - a representative street full of townhouses and souvenir shops; pause to look for interesting architectural details.
Main Market Square - the heart of Kraków life: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (the exceptional Veit Stoss altar) and the lively café atmosphere.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets - lead directly to Wawel; along the way you pass historic churches and buildings connected with the university and the city’s old elites.
Wawel - the hill, the castle, the cathedral and the Dragon’s Den. This is the climax of the walk; plan time for the viewpoint terrace and a relaxed look at the courtyard.
Parking directly next to the Old Town is limited and often paid. The most convenient options are: park further out and take public transport, or use larger public parking lots near the train station or shopping gallery and walk to the Market Square.
For coaches and organized groups the common drop-off and short-stay area is around Powiśle Street - from there it’s a short walk to Wawel. If you arrive with a large group it’s worth reserving a space in advance.
There are a few parking spots close to Wawel itself (Smocza Street, Bernardyńska Street) - they tend to be short-term and paid. I do not recommend leaving a car there for the whole day because spaces are limited.
If you need all-day parking, consider the lots at Galeria Krakowska or larger shopping centres outside the Old Town zone - from there you can walk or use a quick public transport connection.
Alternative: use one of the Park&Ride (P+R) facilities on the city edge and take a tram or bus in - this is often the fastest way to avoid central congestion and zone fees.
Kraków’s trams and buses will take you very close to the Market Square and Wawel - a convenient alternative to searching for parking in the centre.
For cyclists - the centre has marked bike routes, but in the very heart of the Old Town it’s best to move on foot. You’ll find bike racks near Wawel and the Market Square.
If you travel with luggage or have reduced mobility consider a drop-off point near Wawel for a short stop and then continue sightseeing on foot.
St. Mary’s Church and Wawel Cathedral are the most popular indoor sites - allow extra time and anticipate entrance fees. Typical tickets to St. Mary’s start from around a dozen PLN, and Wawel offers various tickets including group options - check current prices before you go.
If you want to enter the Zygmunt bell, the royal crypts or special exhibitions, plan these in advance - sometimes there are limits on the number of visitors or timed reservations.
Smaller attractions (for example the Dragon’s Den) usually have a low fee and are quick to visit, but queues can appear in peak season.
Remember that fees and opening hours can change - it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your trip.
Best times for a walk: early morning (before 10:00) or late afternoon - then the Market Square and Wawel are less crowded and the light is often better for photos.
If you plan to go inside (Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church), avoid peak tourist hours during the day and the busiest days (weekends in high season).
Early visits have the extra advantages of less noise, more calm for listening to legends and better opportunity to hear a guide’s stories.
Comfortable shoes - cobbled streets and quite a lot of walking are standard. Dress comfortably and in layers - Kraków’s weather can change during the day.
ID and some small cash for tickets - although most places accept cards, small ticket points and some cultural sites may prefer cash.
Temples have a modest dress code - avoid very short skirts and exposed shoulders if you plan to enter interiors.
The Main Market Square and surrounding streets offer many cafés and restaurants for different budgets. For classic tastes you might try the historic Wierzynek restaurant at the Market Square after a long walk.
Near Grodzka and Kanonicza you’ll find several cosy places for a lunch break. Popular cafés include Camelot on Świętego Tomasza and Charlotte at Plac Szczepański - both good for coffee and cake or a relaxed meal.
For more local flavours and a lively atmosphere take a short walk to Kazimierz - there are many neighbourhood bars and restaurants with regional dishes.
If you’d like specific recommendations tailored to your preferences (vegetarian, traditional, quick bites), I can suggest places based on your tastes.
Can I leave my car right by Wawel for the whole day? - Parking directly at Wawel is limited and usually paid; a better option is to use lots by the train station, Galeria Krakowska or Park&Ride.
Where can a coach drop off a group? - A popular point is Powiśle Street, from where it’s a short walk to Wawel. To be safe, reserve a spot in advance, especially during the high season.
Is entry to the Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church paid? - Yes, interior visits often involve a fee; there are also group tickets and reduced fares. Check current prices before your visit.
Are the synagogues in Kazimierz open on Saturdays? - Active synagogues and places of worship may have limited access on Friday evening and Saturday due to services; plan visits considering opening days and hours.
- Check the weather and plan your start time (early morning or late afternoon are best).
- If arriving by coach, confirm a parking or stopping place (for example Powiśle Street).
- Book tickets for interiors if you plan to visit the Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church or castle exhibitions.
- Bring comfortable shoes, ID and a small amount of cash for incidental fees.
- Reserve time for coffee and rest - the Royal Route is best enjoyed with a good pace and no rush.
If you wish, I can prepare a personalised route for you - shorter or extended, including time for entrances, a lunch break or alternatives for visitors with limited mobility. This guide is prepared for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz).
It’s worth planning so you can feel Kraków’s atmosphere instead of just ticking boxes on a map. I’m happy to help tailor the plan to your expectations.
