Krakow is a city where history meets everyday life in small streets, cafés and on benches by the Vistula. The Planty form a green ring around the Old Town and are perfect both for relaxed walks and for a morning run - they measure about 4 km in circumference. Kazimierz, on the other hand, is a district with a strong, unique atmosphere: old synagogues, atmospheric courtyards, Plac Nowy with its iconic zapiekanki and lots of small cafés. A week lets you see all of this without rushing, leaving time for rest, good food and one or two morning runs that will boost your energy for daily exploring.
The Planty were created on the site of the old city walls and today are more than a park — they are a natural breathing space away from the stone of the Old Town. Kazimierz was once a separate town founded by King Casimir the Great and has kept its identity, visible in the architecture and street layout. Combining sightseeing and running is a great way to see different perspectives of the city: at street level, from benches and from the quick rhythm of a jog.
Day 1 - Old Town and the Planty: start in the morning with a walk along the Planty, enter the Main Market Square through the St. Florian's Gate, listen to the bugle call, walk along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets. Spend the afternoon at Wawel and enjoy a calm evening on the boulevards by the Vistula.
Day 2 - Morning run on the Planty (4 km) + the Market Underground: a good day for one museum and longer coffee breaks. In the afternoon take a gentle walk to Kazimierz along side streets: Izaaka, Jakuba, Wąska.
Day 3 - Kazimierz and Plac Nowy: dedicate time to the synagogues (Old Synagogue, Tempel Synagogue, Izaak Synagogue) and the Remuh Cemetery; in the evening try local cuisine at recommended venues.
Day 4 - Vistula boulevards and Podgórze: golden hour at the Bernatka footbridge, visit Podgórze Market Square and learn about the history of the ghetto — a slower rhythm and great photo opportunities by the river.
Day 5 - Museums and history: if you enjoy history, save time for the Market Underground or the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum; keep the evening free for relaxation and coffee.
Day 6 - Free day and exploring details: return to favorite alleys, buy souvenirs, visit a market or a boutique with local crafts. In the evening have dinner at one of the well-rated restaurants.
Day 7 - Extended morning run: combine the Planty with the Vistula boulevards, run toward the Bernatka footbridge and Podgórze (6–8 km) - after the run take a final walk, make souvenir photos and slowly start packing.
Planty - a popular loop of about 4 km: ideal for a warm-up, a morning run or an easy jog before breakfast. The path is paved and has many rest points.
Vistula boulevards - runs along the river: wide walkways and beautiful views of Wawel and the Bernatka footbridge; you can build loops of 5–10 km by adding parts of the Planty and the bridges that connect the riverbanks.
City route with interval segments: start on the Planty, drop down to the boulevards, pick up the pace for a stretch along the river, return over the Bernatka footbridge and finish with an easy jog on the Planty. This is a good option for people who want to combine sightseeing with a focused workout.
Walk through Kazimierz: for those who don't enjoy running - a 60–90 minute stroll along the side streets (Izaaka, Jakuba, Wąska, Plac Wolnica) will let you see the most interesting details without rushing.
Synagogues and cemeteries: the Old Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue, Izaak Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery are places of great historical and cultural value. Check opening hours before you visit and respect these sites of memory.
Plac Nowy: the heart of Kazimierz street food - famous zapiekanki and surrounding bars. It's a great spot for a quick local bite and to watch neighborhood life.
Courtyards and architectural details: Kazimierz is a collection of brick textures, old signage, cast-iron balconies and hidden courtyards - give yourself time to turn off the main streets.
Museums and memorial sites: besides the local synagogues, it's worth visiting places that tell the story of the city and its Jewish community, and heading to neighboring Podgórze for World War II related routes.
Massolit Books & Cafe - a cozy bookshop-café known among travelers for good coffee and a calm atmosphere, perfect for a mid-morning break.
Mleczarnia - a popular spot in Kazimierz with a cozy interior, good for dinner or a late coffee; book ahead during the high season.
Plac Nowy - zapiekanki: a classic takeaway treat worth trying while strolling through the district.
Recommended restaurants - pick places with high ratings and local character; booking for weekend evenings is a sensible idea.
Shoes and weather: comfortable walking shoes are essential. Even if you plan to run a lot, bring light city shoes for evenings out. The weather in Krakow can be changeable, so a thin rain layer and a powerbank for your phone are useful.
Transport: Krakow city centre is excellent for exploring on foot. Trams and buses connect the Old Town with farther districts, and you can reach the airport by train or taxi. Check current timetables if you plan transfers outside the centre.
Tickets and reservations: if you want to visit specific museums or enter rooms at Wawel, book tickets in advance. In high season some places limit visitor numbers and have set entry times.
Safety: Krakow is a relatively safe city, but as always keep valuables secure in crowds, avoid leaving things unattended and carry an offline map in case of signal issues.
Walking all day without breaks: plan short stops at the Planty and on the boulevards so your legs can rest and your energy returns. This lets you see more without exhaustion.
Visiting synagogues and memorial sites in noisy or inappropriate attire: respect places of worship and memory - quiet and suitable clothing are important.
Trying to 'tick off' too many museums in one day: it's better to pick one in-depth museum visit than several rushed ones - the story will be fuller and more enjoyable.
Not planning meals on weekends: good restaurants in Kazimierz can be busy - booking an evening table is a simple solution.
Are the Planty good for running in the morning? Yes, the Planty are a convenient green loop of about 4 km, great for a warm-up or a morning jog. Mornings are quieter and more pleasant for running.
How much time do I need to see Kazimierz? A relaxed visit to the main points takes 2–3 hours; if you want to enter museums or have lunch, plan for half a day.
Is combining running and sightseeing safe? Yes, as long as you adapt the pace and listen to your body - plan shorter runs in the morning and longer walks during the day, and remember to stay hydrated and take breaks.
Is it worth hiring a private guide? A private guide can tell stories and tailor the route to your pace and interests - it's a particularly pleasant option if you want to get to know the city more deeply.
The Planty are laid out on the site of the former ring of defensive walls and moat - walking their paths means stepping through a part of the city's history that looked very different in the 19th century.
Kazimierz was for many centuries a separate town, which is why its building structure and street layout show clear differences from the rest of Krakow.
In Kazimierz you will find both rich traces of Jewish history and postwar memorial sites, which makes the area culturally complex and unique.
If you plan a week in Krakow, combining the Planty, Kazimierz and morning runs gives a great pace: enough time to see the main sights while leaving space for rest and local flavors. If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on your social profiles so others can plan a successful stay.
If you'd like to tour with someone who will show Krakow from the best angles and match the pace to your needs, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact and offerings are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck with your planning and see you in Krakow!
