The Planty are a green ring surrounding Kraków’s historic center — gentle, mostly flat, full of benches and trees that provide shade on hot days. A walk along the Planty is one of the most pleasant and safest ways to explore the Old Town: the alleys are short, the route allows easy entry and exit at many points (gates and side streets leading to the Market Square, near Wawel or along the Groble), and you can set the pace to match your energy level.
For seniors the Planty offer several practical advantages: the route is flat in most sections, there are regular places to rest, and nearby you’ll find public restrooms adapted for people with reduced mobility. The Planty are also a great place for calm city-watching — passing historic sights (the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, fragments of the city walls) you can admire them without long or demanding detours.
If you’re traveling with grandchildren or younger family members, the Planty include small play areas and green corners that will brighten the day. Practical tip: plan walks in the early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the temperature is nicer.
The walk brings you close to the main points of the Old Town: from St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican to Plac Szczepański and Wawel. Along the way it’s worth stopping at a section of the city walls, admiring the architecture of houses bordering the Planty and visiting small exhibitions or museums located right by the green ring.
A few practical stops recommended for seniors: Plac Szczepański (easy access, close to the Market), the area near the Archaeological Museum (where there is a small playground called “Plantuś” — a nice detail if you’re with family), and the stretch of the Planty by Wawel — a convenient place to rest with a pleasant view of the castle. After any longer section of walking, sit on a bench, drink some water and, if needed, use one of the public toilets along the route.
Keep in mind: parts of the Old Town surface are cobbled — if you have balance issues, choose the main Planty alleys, which are smoother and have fewer uneven sections.
If you plan to arrive by car, note that parking rules in Kraków were updated in 2025 — a progressive tariff was introduced in the Paid Parking Zone and discounts are available for holders of the Krakow Card. The paid parking zone applies at set hours (usually on weekdays and Saturdays — check the current hours for the year you visit), and parking meters and apps require you to enter your vehicle registration number. If you have a Krakow Card, remember to link your vehicle registration to it to receive the discount.
If you want to park as close as possible to the Old Town, consider these convenient options:
- Parking Wawel (under Plac Na Groblach) - a large underground car park in the center that lets you quickly walk to Wawel and onward to the Market Square. The facility includes spaces for people with disabilities and charging points for electric vehicles. This is a great option when you want the shortest possible walking distance.
- Galeria Krakowska / area around the Main Station - shopping center and railway station parking lots are practical choices: many spaces, often covered parking and easy access to public transport that can take you to the Old Town by tram in a few minutes or a short walk.
- Park & Ride (P+R) - locations such as Czerwone Maki, Bieżanów, Kurdwanów and others offer cheaper parking outside the very center and a convenient tram connection to the heart of the city. This solution is especially useful if you are arriving from the ring road and prefer to avoid central traffic and higher fees.
In practice for seniors: if you want to minimize walking distance and ensure a calm return to the car, choose one of the central underground car parks (for example Parking Wawel) or Galeria Krakowska. If cost and an easy tram ride are a priority, leave the car at a P+R and take the tram — these sites often include a quick connection to public transport.
In 2025 the city updated paid parking rules: a progressive tariff depending on parking time and subzone was introduced and discounts were allowed for Krakow Card holders after entering the vehicle registration number. This means the longer you park in the strict center, the higher the effective hourly rate may become — the system aims to encourage shorter stays and greater turnover of spaces.
When planning, remember two practical points:
- at parking meters and in apps you must enter the vehicle registration number when you buy a ticket; many devices also offer a 'Krakow Card' discount option and asking for a PIN to authorize it,
- if you hold a Krakow Card, add your car’s registration number(s) to the card in the city app (for example the official parking app) or at service points so you can use the discounts. The discount is applied after verification and may apply to only one of the assigned vehicles at a time.
Practical shortcut: before entering the center check where the nearest covered car park is and decide whether a more expensive but closer underground parking or a cheaper P+R plus tram is better — the choice depends on fitness, budget and the day’s plan.
To make your visit comfortable plan the day to minimize long walking stretches and standing in queues. Here are practical, tried-and-true tips:
- Bring a light folding blanket or a portable seat if you plan to stop in parks or at markets — an extra seat can be useful when benches are scarce.
- Check availability of toilets at the places you visit — in the Planty area there are public toilets, some adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- If you have mobility difficulties, consider renting a wheelchair or using a taxi for short transfers between the parking spot and sights.
- The Market Square and main attractions can get crowded, especially in summer and on weekends; plan visits for less busy hours (morning or late afternoon).
- Choose shoes with good soles — the center includes cobbles and uneven surfaces. Stable footwear will increase confidence and walking comfort.
After a walk around the Planty it’s nice to sit in a restaurant or café where you can rest comfortably over a good meal. Around the Planty and Old Town there are many establishments of different styles — from traditional inns to elegant cafés. Two places frequently recommended by visitors to the center:
- Pod Wawelem - a friendly, traditional restaurant at the foot of Wawel, generous portions and atmospheric interior; a good option after a trip near the castle and the Planty.
- Noworolski (café in the Cloth Hall) - a classic café with a long tradition and a terrace overlooking the Market Square; a great place for coffee and desserts with a view of the city’s largest square.
Also look for places with outdoor seating by the Planty and the Market — sitting outside makes it easier to observe the city and rest without going into crowded interiors. If you enjoy Polish cuisine in a restaurant setting, you will find places near the Market offering traditional and seasonal menus.
Is it worth driving into the center? - If you value convenience and want flexibility, a car makes sense, but remember paid parking fees in the paid zone and possible traffic jams. For those who prefer to avoid parking stress, P+R plus tram is a good choice.
How do I register a car to get the Krakow Card discount? - The easiest way is via the city parking app (for example the official municipal parking solution) or at a Krakow Card service point in the city — after assigning the registration number the system will recognize your entitlement during payment.
Are the Planty accessible for people in wheelchairs? - Yes, many main alleys are adapted for wheelchair access; however, when planning your route avoid narrower, less paved sections and pay attention to cobbled fragments. Public restrooms adapted for people with disabilities are also available.
How can I avoid crowds on the Planty and Market Square? - The best option is an early morning walk (before noon) or late afternoon — midday and early afternoon are usually the most crowded.
Are there places at the Planty to sit and rest with a dog or to smoke? - The Planty have benches and green squares, but observe local regulations about dogs and smoking — the center includes areas with restrictions, and cleaning up after your pet is mandatory.
