The Royal Route is a short but richly historic trail running from Matejko Square through the Florian Gate and the Main Market Square all the way to Wawel Hill. It’s an ideal route for a first introduction to Krakow — many monuments close together, plenty of spots to sit, chat and take great photos.
Wawel is a symbol of Polish history: the Royal Castle, the cathedral with the tombs of kings and the Sigismund bell, and the Dragon’s Den are highlights that impress both history lovers and visitors seeking atmosphere and city views.
If you’re planning to explore with friends, try to combine short cultural stops with breaks for coffee and good local food — that makes the walk more relaxed, social and enjoyable.
Start: Matejko Square and the Grunwald Monument - an easy meeting point for a group and a good place for a short introduction to the city’s history.
Next: the Barbican and Florian Gate - parts of the medieval fortifications and atmospheric photo opportunities. From there Floriańska Street leads straight to the Main Market Square.
Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Church with the hourly bugle call, and the Adam Mickiewicz monument. Sit at one of the outdoor terraces, listen to the bugle call and, if you have time, visit the Market Underground exhibition.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets: historic churches, narrow townhouses and one of the most picturesque streets in the city. The route ends at Wawel Hill - the castle and the cathedral.
The Royal Castle: the state rooms, the Treasury and the Armoury are displays worth visiting, especially if you enjoy art and material history. In the high season it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance.
Wawel Cathedral: the place of coronations and burials of Polish rulers. Don’t miss the chapels and notable tombs; if you plan to climb the tower, check the visiting hours as access can be limited at times.
The Dragon’s Den and the Dragon statue: an attraction that will amuse the whole group, especially if you want to add a bit of fun to the walk. Nearby the Vistula there are pleasant boulevards to rest and take photos.
Cafe Camelot - a cozy café near the Market known for homemade sweets and a snug interior. A nice stop for the group for dessert and coffee.
Piwnica Pod Baranami - a legendary spot close to the Market combining a cultural atmosphere with a solid menu; recommended if you want a place with character and stories.
Restauracja Pod Wawelem - generous portions and local character; a good place for a shared lunch after visiting Wawel. Be aware it can be busy with tourists and sometimes has queues.
Jama Michalika and other historic cafés on Floriańska - if you appreciate venues with a history of cabaret and artistic atmosphere, it’s worth a visit.
A boat trip or a walk along the Vistula boulevards at sunset - romantic and relaxing, a great backdrop for group photos.
Dinner or an evening with live music: Krakow has many jazz clubs and atmospheric venues with live music - a nice way to end the day.
City games and escape rooms - for groups that like challenges, the centre offers several team-building options that add excitement to the visit.
The Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe - an impressive open space in the heart of the city.
The St. Mary’s bugle call is played from the tower of St. Mary’s Church every hour; it’s worth standing on the Market at the top of the hour to hear it.
On Kanonicza Street and around Wawel you can still see historic canon houses with fascinating stories; it’s a great area for a slow, attentive stroll.
Not booking tickets for Wawel interiors or the Market Underground in the high season - buy tickets in advance or plan an alternative so you don’t waste time in queues.
Eating just anywhere around the Market without checking reviews - choose well-rated places or ask for recommendations to avoid disappointment and overpaying.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes - the Royal Route and Wawel involve a lot of walking on cobbles and stairs; comfortable footwear is essential for an enjoyable day.
Tickets: for selected Wawel exhibitions and the Market Underground it’s worth buying tickets online, especially on weekends and in high season. Opening hours may vary, so check them the day before your visit.
Transport: the centre is compact and is best explored on foot. If you need a taxi, use a reliable app or ensure the driver turns on the meter.
Accessibility: some historic sites have limited accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility; check information about wheelchair access and available elevators before your visit.
When planning a walk with friends, agree on a meeting point and an approximate time to meet again after the route - that helps logistics and makes the day run more smoothly.
If you’re short on time, start at Wawel and walk toward the Market - often the views from the Vistula boulevards and the approach to Wawel set the mood before you reach the busy Market.
Bring a small first-aid kit, a bottle of water and a powerbank - these little details often save the day and keep the group in good spirits.
If you liked this plan, share it with your friends - send the link, post it, or set a date and head out for a walk together.
If you want to explore Krakow more deeply and in a personalized way, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact and details are available on the guide’s website. Good luck and have a great trip!
