The Planty encircle the entire Old Town and were created on the site of the former medieval defensive walls — it’s a walk through both history and nature at the same time. The loop is about 4 km and lets you see many monuments that have shaped Kraków’s skyline for centuries.
This is not an ordinary city park: you’ll find avenues designed in the spirit of an English landscape garden, collections of trees and shrubs, and a dozen or so monuments and interesting architectural details scattered in the shade of the tree crowns.
If you’re planning a short rest after visiting the Main Market Square or a route from the Main Railway Station to Wawel, the Planty are a natural choice — perfect for mixing sightseeing with a moment of calm.
The Planty are a perfect place to catch your breath between Kraków’s busiest tourist spots. The paths give shade in summer and beautiful colours in autumn, while in spring the park bursts with flowers and buds.
A walk also gives a backstage view of the Old Town — you’ll spot fragments of walls, towers and places that can be missed from the main streets. It’s also a great route for families with children and for visitors who prefer a slower pace.
The Planty loop conveniently connects key sites: the Barbican and Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, the Church of St. Cross, and, finishing, a route toward Wawel.
The Barbican and Florian Gate - monumental relics of the old fortifications, visible almost within arm’s reach from the Planty paths. They make a good starting point for a walk around the park ring.
Monuments and sculptures - the Planty host many memorials to historical and artistic figures that tell mini-stories about Kraków, from composers to writers. Take a moment to read inscriptions and discover lesser-known characters.
The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre and the Palace of Art - elegant buildings right at the edge of the Planty, offering rich façades and styling from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Collegium Maius and the Jagiellonian University buildings - from the Planty you can glimpse parts of the university campus and the entrance to the historic courtyard.
The Lantern of the Dead and an Art Nouveau pond - small features that give the park atmosphere: a wayside shrine, little fountains and ponds that make the walk more pleasant.
A full circle of the Planty typically takes 1–1.5 hours at a moderate pace with short stops. You can divide the route into shorter sections and combine it with a visit to the Market Square or nearby museums.
Suggested route from the Main Railway Station: enter the Planty near Pawia Street, then follow Basztowa toward the Barbican—Florian Gate—Floriańska Street—Main Market Square. Alternatively, start at Wawel and walk in the opposite direction to finish near the Market Square or the station.
Consider walking in the morning or late afternoon. On weekends the central part of the Planty is busiest, especially in the high season. For more peace, choose weekdays.
Entry to the Planty is free and the park is accessible almost all the time — it is public urban space. Remember basic courtesies: don’t trample the lawns, clean up after your dog and respect benches and historic elements.
Accessibility: main paths are largely paved and suitable for strollers and visitors with limited mobility, though some sections can be narrower.
Clothing and gear: bring water and a hat in summer; wear comfortable shoes in autumn — wet leaves can be slippery. It’s also handy to have a small map or an offline maps app, because the Planty encircle the Old Town and it’s easy to forget which part of the park you’re in.
The Planty border directly on the Main Market Square and Floriańska Street, where you’ll find many well-regarded cafés and restaurants. If you want reliable choices, look for establishments with strong local reputations and a longer tradition of serving visitors.
A few examples visitors often recommend: Café Camelot — a cosy café near the Market, Restauracja Szara — classic Polish cuisine on the Main Market Square, and Wierzynek — a historic restaurant with a formal atmosphere. These places are convenient complements to a Planty walk and often offer consistent quality.
If you prefer a quick stop for local sweets, check the cafés on the square and side streets — many offer freshly brewed coffee and pastries.
On the Planty you’ll find markers and fragments of the foundations of the old walls; the walk is therefore a short lesson in the city’s history. Not all traces are immediately obvious — look carefully at the ground and near the walls.
The park hides tiny ceremonial corners: chapels, fountains and lanes of different character, from formal avenues to intimate passages. Look for a bench with a view — there are spots perfect for sitting and watching daily life in Kraków.
In a few places the Planty play with city traffic: on one side you have quiet, while a step away are busy streets. That contrast can surprise visitors from smaller towns.
Mistake: treating the Planty merely as a “passage” and not stopping — give yourself time to notice details and read information boards.
Mistake: avoiding the Planty because of crowds on the Market Square — usually just a short sidestep leads to a much quieter alley.
Mistake: not checking the weather — rain and wet leaves in autumn can make walking harder. Simple tip: check the forecast and plan with extra time.
Is entry to the Planty paid? Entry to the Planty is free — it’s a city park.
How much time is needed? A full walk around typically takes 1–1.5 hours, depending on the number of stops.
Are the Planty friendly for strollers and people with limited mobility? Most main paths are paved and accessible, though be cautious in narrower sections.
Can you picnic there? Yes — you can rest on a bench or have a snack, but please keep the area clean and respect park rules.
If you want to feel Kraków beyond the well-trodden routes, let the Planty guide you and allow a few stops — for photos, coffee or a quiet walk under the trees.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to get to know the Planty and the Old Town more closely with someone who will show the most interesting corners and tell local stories, consider a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available through her official channels.
Good luck discovering the Planty — may this walk be the start of a larger Kraków adventure!
