If you’re planning a romantic stroll and thinking about attaching a love lock to the Bernatek footbridge, note that in 2024–2025 the bridge’s railings were renovated and many locks were removed. The city replaced the infill of the railings with solutions that do not allow nets, which improves structural safety and protects the bridge from damage.
Instead of the classic "love bridge" tradition, part of the removed locks will be melted down and used to create a special "lovers’ bench" to be placed near the bridge on the Podgórze side. It’s a nice compromise that preserves the memory of the custom while improving safety and aesthetics. So if you dream of leaving a permanent symbol, be prepared that a lock may no longer be accepted on the railing — but you can look for the lovers’ bench, take a commemorative photo by the bridge, or bring another small memento to photograph there.
The practice of hanging locks on bridges became popular worldwide, but in many places the added weight and corrosion caused damage to railings. For the Bernatek footbridge, the railing infill was replaced with vertical stainless-steel elements as a maintenance and safety measure, and the city decided to reuse some of the metal keepsakes to make a bench, keeping the symbolism of love in a more durable form.
For visitors this means: don’t plan to attach a lock to the railing; instead, look for the new lovers’ bench, take photos by the Vistula River, or bring a small object you can photograph near the bridge. Also remember that throwing keys into the river is prohibited and harmful to the environment.
The Bernatek footbridge connects Kazimierz with Podgórze, making it a great starting point for a half-day or full-day walk. Start in Kazimierz to explore atmospheric streets, historic synagogues and cozy cafés, then cross the bridge for photos over the Vistula and continue into Podgórze to see the Ghetto Heroes Square, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and urban murals.
If you have more time, add MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the area around Krakus Mound for city views. In the evening the bridge and riverbanks are nicely lit, which creates a romantic atmosphere and many photo opportunities.
The Old Town has strict paid parking zones and many restrictions, so the best approach is to park a bit farther out and finish the journey by tram, bus or on foot. Two convenient options are Park & Ride (P+R) lots and large parking garages near major transport hubs.
P+R Czerwone Maki is a practical, often-recommended option — the lot is next to a tram loop, has several hundred spaces and offers a quick tram ride into the center. Note that P+R lots can have specific entry rules (sometimes free entry is linked to holding a valid public-transport ticket or city card). If you prefer to be very close to the Main Market Square, the underground parking at Galeria Krakowska by the railway station is a stress-free option just minutes from the Market with clear pricing and license-plate registration.
If you plan to leave your car for longer, consider P+R and a tram ride; if you need a short stop downtown, choose an organized parking garage rather than looking for a street space — this helps you avoid fines and the restrictions of resident-only zones.
Parking prices change from time to time, but the basic rules are straightforward: shopping-center garages charge hourly and daily rates, while some P+R sites work in cooperation with public transport — in certain cases entry can be free for holders of an active city card and a valid transit ticket. Galeria Krakowska has a clearly described parking system with hourly and daily prices and automatic license-plate registration to simplify entry and exit.
Always check opening hours and payment methods before you arrive, keep a parking app or payment options ready, and have your transit tickets or city card available if you plan to use P+R. On weekends and during high season, arrive early or late to avoid the busiest times and higher demand for spaces.
If the tradition of fastening locks is no longer possible in the same form, consider other symbolic gestures: stage a photo session by the bridge, write a letter and tuck it into a keepsake box, or buy a personalized local souvenir in one of Kazimierz’s boutiques. When the lovers’ bench is unveiled it will become a lovely spot for photos and a small moment to mark your visit.
Photo tips: the best light is shortly before sunset and soon after sunrise; shoot from the riverbank to include the bridge and city panorama, or from the bridge itself to capture the lines of the structure with the river behind it.
Assuming you can freely attach a lock to any part of the railing will lead to disappointment — the railings have been partly replaced and don’t always allow such practices. Instead of insisting on a spot, plan an alternative: a photo, the lovers’ bench or a local souvenir.
Another common mistake is trying to park illegally right by the Market. Paid-parking zones are strictly enforced and many spaces are reserved for residents and deliveries. P+R or shopping-center garages are better choices. A third mistake is visiting the busiest spots at peak hours; for a calmer experience choose the morning or late evening.
After your walk near the bridge, stop for something delicious. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many excellent places — for a charming café atmosphere try Charlotte or Café Camelot; for a more formal lunch consider restaurants serving traditional Krakow cuisine or well-rated venues by the Market. Reserve a table on weekends as popular places fill up quickly.
If you want something less touristy, look for spots recommended by locals in the side streets of Kazimierz and Podgórze — you’ll often find great meals at reasonable prices.
Can I still attach a lock to the bridge? — Currently the railings have been replaced and mass hanging of locks has been stopped; some of the removed locks were melted down for a lovers’ bench.
How do I get from a P+R to the center? — P+R Czerwone Maki is located by a tram loop and trams go directly to the center; remember to have a valid public-transport ticket or city card if you want to use certain free-entry rules.
Are there alternatives to the bridge for romantic photos? — Yes: the Vistula boulevards, squares and green areas in Kazimierz, and new benches and viewpoints on both sides of the river are great places for memorable pictures.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a great visit to Krakow. For a stress-free tour with local stories and interesting facts, consider booking a private guide from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized tours that bring the city to life. Enjoy your stay in Krakow and many beautiful moments by the Vistula!
