It’s the perfect spot for a short “escape from the city” — green, rugged and surprisingly close to the Old Town. For couples who want to get away from the crowds, Zakrzówek offers dramatic scenery, a viewpoint and (in season) designated swimming areas. It’s a beautiful setting for a romantic walk, photos and a quiet moment without the noise of children.
The park isn’t always empty — weekends can be busy, so it’s worth planning to arrive early in the morning, late afternoon or on a weekday.
1. Zakrzówek — walk along the reservoir, visit the viewpoint and (in summer) relax by the water.
2. Kościuszko Mound or Fort Borek — a short outing for city panoramas and private moments together.
3. Walk through the Old Town — the Market Square, Cloth Hall, the streets of Św. Anna and Kanonicza.
4. Bernatek Footbridge and a stroll along the Vistula — romantic lights and riverside cafés in the evening.
5. Kazimierz — atmosphere, galleries, intimate restaurants and cafés perfect for a date.
6. Wawel — a short walk around the courtyard and a viewpoint above the Vistula.
7. Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden — quiet paths and seasonal blooms.
8. A museum or small exhibition (choose something short, 1–2 hours).
9. Dinner at one of the recommended restaurants — an evening of great food and wine.
10. A nighttime walk through the Planty or along the Vistula boulevards — a peaceful way to end the day.
A simple plan: morning walk in the Old Town with a light coffee, around midday head (on foot or by a short ride) to Zakrzówek for relaxation and photos, have an afternoon coffee nearby, and finish with dinner in Kazimierz or the city centre. Public transport links both areas conveniently — if you come by car, consider parking in the centre and continuing by tram or bike to Zakrzówek.
For more active couples: rent bikes — cycling is often the quickest and most pleasant way to link the Old Town with Zakrzówek’s green areas.
The Old Town is inside the Paid Parking Zone — it’s best to park in one of the secure central multi-storey or underground car parks (for example near Galeria Krakowska or the National Museum) and reach sights on foot or by tram in a few to several minutes.
Zakrzówek has a limited number of roadside parking spaces on streets bordering the park (for example Norymberska, Wyłom, Twardowskiego) — on weekends these disappear quickly and parking control is active. For a stress-free day leave the car in the centre and use public transport (buses and some trams serve the area) or come by bike.
Reminder about rules: in the centre you must pay for parking during specified hours — have a parking app or small change ready and check the zone and fees before arrival. In summer, taking public transport or a bike is often a better choice than hunting for a space near Zakrzówek.
Zakrzówek is located on the site of a former quarry: cliffs, rock faces and a deep reservoir dominate the landscape. That gives the area a special character — raw yet picturesque. In summer there is a supervised swimming area on marked sections — seasonal opening times and limits on the number of visitors on piers may apply.
The park includes walking paths, viewpoints and small amenities — picnic spots, benches and sometimes mobile food stands on weekends. The local nature is rich — you’ll find particular grasslands, some protected species and stretches with a natural landscape character.
Remember basic water safety: swim only in designated areas, be careful near the cliffs and respect the natural environment.
In the centre and in Kazimierz you’ll find many places popular with couples: well-rated restaurants, intimate cafés and bistronomy spots. For a special dinner choose a place with a good wine list and atmosphere (it’s wise to reserve a table for the evening).
Good choices include restaurants offering Polish and international cuisine, atmospheric cafés in Kazimierz ideal for dessert after a walk, and pleasant spots on the Vistula boulevards for evening wine.
If you want a quick snack or coffee after Zakrzówek, look for seasonal mobile cafés and food trucks near the park — their availability depends on the day of the week.
1. Trying to park at Zakrzówek during peak weekend hours — instead, park in the centre or at a Park & Ride and reach the area by public transport or bike.
2. Not checking opening hours and limits for the swimming area — seasonal zones and visitor limits may apply; swimming outside allowed areas is prohibited.
3. Leaving valuables visible in the car — central and tourist areas can attract pickpockets; secure belongings or take them with you.
4. Planning an overly full itinerary and forgetting to leave time for relaxation — allow time for coffee, rest and slow-paced walks.
- Zakrzówek was created on the site of a large quarry; its sheer cliffs and deep reservoir create a landscape unusual for an urban park.
- Nearby you can find traces of former fortifications and walking routes that connect Zakrzówek with other green enclaves around the city — there are short and longer trails, including paths that lead to viewpoints over Kraków.
- In summer some facilities at Zakrzówek offer seasonal amenities (changing rooms, showers, equipment rental) — availability varies year to year, so check the current information before you visit.
Can you swim at Zakrzówek? Yes, in designated and seasonal zones; safety rules and visitor limits apply.
Where’s best to park when visiting the Old Town? Parking near Galeria Krakowska or in one of the central underground car parks is most convenient and helps avoid searching for a street space in the paid zone.
How to get to Zakrzówek by public transport? Several bus lines and some trams run close to the park — a convenient alternative to driving.
Is Zakrzówek suitable for a date? Yes — especially outside the peak bathing season and at less crowded times; it’s ideal for a peaceful walk and couple photos.
If you plan a romantic day in Kraków: plan a route that includes time to rest, choose one main highlight (for example Zakrzówek) and a few smaller stops (a café, a viewpoint, a dinner). Parking in the centre and moving around by bike or public transport often saves stress.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a more personalized visit of Kraków, you’re invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your visit and many lovely moments together!
