Podgórze is a part of Krakow with a distinctive character — it used to be a separate town (granted city rights in 1784) and still keeps the vibe of a place where history mixes with nature and everyday life. It’s a perfect spot for a quieter day of sightseeing outside the crowded Old Town, while still full of important memorial sites, interesting monuments and cozy places to take a break with friends.
For Erasmus students and university students, Podgórze offers a great combo: short public-transport connections, plenty of stories worth telling friends and options for tasty, affordable food. Here you can learn history, relax by the Vistula or have a picnic at Krakus Mound. It’s a great alternative for a “whole day in Krakow” when you want to avoid the biggest crowds and feel a local atmosphere.
This guide gives you: a simple plan for a whole day, short legends and fun facts to share, practical transport tips and food spots that fit a student budget. Everything is written in a friendly style so you can easily follow the route on your own.
Here’s a loose timetable you can comfortably do in one day — adjust the pace to your group. Start in the morning to have energy and avoid afternoon queues at some spots.
9:00 - Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa): a short climb, panoramic views of Krakow and quick tales of founding legends. Great place for morning coffee from a thermos and the first photos.
10:30 - Podgórze Market Square (Rynek Podgórski): walk around the square, look at the old townhouses, pop into St. Joseph’s Church and chat about how Podgórze used to be an independent town.
12:00 - Break for a second breakfast or a light lunch in one of the local eateries — you’ll find budget options as well as cozy cafés.
13:30 - Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta) and the area around Schindler’s Factory: a moment of reflection and a chance to understand Podgórze’s 20th-century history.
15:00 - Walk the Vistula Boulevards and cross the Bernatka Footbridge: relax and take photos; if the weather is good, have a picnic on the grass.
17:00 - Bednarskiego Park / Krzemionki / charming Podgórze streets: leisurely exploring less touristy corners.
19:00 - Dinner and evening chill — café, bar or a place with live music near Kazimierz (a short tram ride away).
This is only a suggestion — you can also start at the Market Square and leave Krakus Mound for the afternoon. The most important thing is to leave time to relax by the river.
Krakus Mound and the tales of Krakus - The mound immediately brings to mind the legend of the city’s founder, King Krakus. A short, vivid story about the dragon and the city’s coat of arms always makes an impression — perfect for starting the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
Podgórze Market Square and old markets - Podgórze once had its own market, town hall and civic rights; trading life used to buzz here, and you can still feel the market atmosphere when walking the square.
Traces of the 20th century - Podgórze recalls difficult historical moments, including events connected with the occupation and the ghetto. Ghetto Heroes Square and the surroundings of Schindler’s Factory are places that remind us of these events and are worth visiting with respect and without rushing.
Small local curiosities - in Podgórze you’ll find townhouses with interesting architectural details, small squares and parks, and the story of urban transformation: from an industrial town to a green district full of cafés and cultural life.
Telling these legends and curiosities while you walk makes the stroll tastier — it’s an easy way to combine relaxation with learning local history.
Krakus Mound - time: 30–60 minutes. A short walk to the viewpoint, quick stories and photos. The climb is not difficult but wear comfortable shoes.
Podgórze Market Square and St. Joseph’s Church - time: 45–60 minutes. Admire the townhouses, listen to the market’s history and, if the church is open, take a look inside.
Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler’s Factory area - time: 60–90 minutes (more if you plan to enter the museum). These are important memorial places; it’s worth giving them a moment of reflection.
Vistula Boulevards and the Bernatka Footbridge - time: 45–60 minutes. Relax by the river, stroll the boulevards and take photos on the bridge. Perfect for a break or a picnic.
Bednarskiego Park, Krzemionki, charming side streets - time: 60–90 minutes. Discover less obvious spots, take a coffee break and explore local flavors.
Podgórze has many wallet-friendly places — from bars with home-style food to small cafés and food trucks. Look around the Market Square and the Vistula Boulevards: many venues offer lunch sets or student discounts.
Picnic by the Vistula - if the weather is nice, grab supplies from a nearby deli or bakery and spread out on the grass by the boulevards. It’s the cheapest and most pleasant way to rest and enjoy the river view.
Coffee and snacks - you’ll find several nice cafés in Podgórze serving good coffee and cakes; these are perfect for a break between sightseeing and more walking. Choose smaller, local places rather than big chains — they often have a better atmosphere and friendlier prices.
If you want something a bit fancier for dinner, head to Kazimierz in the evening — a short tram ride will bring you to many dining options.
Getting there and getting around - Podgórze is well connected by trams and buses. From Krakow city centre it usually takes only a few tram stops. Check schedules in advance and buy a paper ticket or use a mobile app — that’s the quickest way to travel around the city.
Comfort and safety - wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and a light daypack. In summer use sunscreen; on cooler or rainy days carry a layer for protection.
Visiting memorial sites - when visiting Ghetto Heroes Square and other sites related to the occupation, remember to act respectfully: keep quiet, avoid joking poses for photos — these are memorial places and it’s good to underline that with the group.
Tickets and reservations - if you plan to visit museums (for example Schindler’s Factory), check availability and consider booking tickets online — in season places can fill up. To avoid queues, it’s best to book ahead.
Cash or card - many places accept cards, but small cafés and stalls sometimes prefer cash; it’s good to have some change on hand.
Krakus Mound in the morning and at sunset offers beautiful panoramas — keep your camera or phone charged and ready.
The Bernatka Footbridge and the Vistula Boulevards are great for group shots and relaxed river scenes. Look for unusual perspectives: low angles, shots from the bridge or longer-range views including the city backdrop.
At Podgórze Market Square focus on architectural details, benches and local life — these photos show the character of the place better than just a single wide shot of the square.
Remember to be respectful at memorial sites — documentary photos are fine, but avoid playful poses in historic places.
If you want to impress with a few facts over a beer after the walk, mention a few simple points: Podgórze was a separate town from the late 18th century, it has its own market and a distinctive history connected with industrial development and tragic events of the 20th century.
Add the legend of King Krakus and the dragon at Krakus Mound as a light storytelling moment — it always works and gives a starting point for further conversation. Then mention how these areas have transformed into recreational and cultural spaces, which explains the presence of boulevards and cafés next to memorial sites.
Short and with humor: tell the story, but balance the tone — where memory matters, keep a respectful note.
Podgórze is a perfect place for a full day for Erasmus students and university students: close, interesting and varied. The route combines panoramas, legends, memorial sites and relaxation by the Vistula — all within a short ride from the city centre.
FAQ - Is the route difficult? - No, most of the route is walking on easy terrain; only the climb to Krakus Mound requires a short ascent.
FAQ - How much money should I bring? - You can do the day on a student budget if you choose a picnic and inexpensive places; if you plan to visit museums with paid entry, add ticket costs to your budget.
FAQ - Is it safe in the evening? - Yes, Podgórze is generally safe, but as in any city area keep basic precautions and watch your belongings.
If you like, I can prepare a shortened 3-hour version of the route or a detailed plan with café addresses and dish suggestions — tell me which you prefer!
