Royal Route Krakow Old Town
Krakow's Royal Route: A historic path from St. Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle, showcasing centuries of Polish royalty and stunning architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Royal Route Krakow Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Krakow's Royal Route: A historic path from St. Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle, showcasing centuries of Polish royalty and stunning architecture.
"A walk back in time, past legends of dragons and kings, into an unforgettable Town Square."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets are charming but tough on feet! Prioritize comfort for your Royal Route exploration.
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can be very busy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floriańska Street
Old Town
The iconic start of the Royal Route, leading to St. Florian's Gate. A vibrant street filled with shops and history.
Grodzka Street
Old Town
One of Krakow's oldest streets, part of the Royal Route, connecting the Main Market Square to Wawel Castle.
Main Market Square
Old Town
The heart of Krakow, a stunning medieval square surrounded by historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
Wawel Castle
End of the Royal Route
A majestic castle complex overlooking the Vistula River, a symbol of Polish royalty and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets are charming but tough on feet! Prioritize comfort for your Royal Route exploration.
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can be very busy.
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Route
From St. Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle, it's a journey through history. Allow ample time!
🏨 Location is Key
Staying near the Old Town offers easy access to the Royal Route and other attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets are charming but tough on feet! Prioritize comfort for your Royal Route exploration.
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can be very busy.
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Route
From St. Florian's Gate to Wawel Castle, it's a journey through history. Allow ample time!
🏨 Location is Key
Staying near the Old Town offers easy access to the Royal Route and other attractions.
📸 Capture the Charm
The architecture and atmosphere are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for accommodations along the Royal Route are mixed, with some guests praising the excellent location and cleanliness, while others cite issues with noise from the street and poor value for money, comparing it unfavorably to hostel experiences. Some guests also reported problems with shared bathrooms not being private as advertised.
"Bad value. It is located just 1 floor above the hostel, and it is like a hostel itself. Booked a room with a private bathroom, but the bathroom is not private, it's located at the sharing area, with a note on the door stated "The bathroom is for guest from room number xx", and unfortunately, I noticed the guest from the room beside are using our "private" toilet.
It is not only located in the old town, it is located on a NOISY street. I have stayed in many old town around the world before, and none of it is as noisy as this. I stayed here for two nights, and I can't sleep at all, it was a nightmare!! People on the street are partying and screaming starting from 11pm to 4am (probably because they are drunk?).
Bad services. No response from the owner after we made the complain, and she just disappear at the middle of the conversation."
Wendy Wong
"We enjoyed our stay very much and found it to be a great value. The room is comfy, ensuite bathroom with nice hot water, and fast WiFi. The location is perfect as it’s on a major shopping street right down in the old town. It’s a short walk from the bus station. The owner provides very detailed instructions for check-in if no staff is available."
shouldbechris
"No airconditioning. Windows need to be opened but noisy street didn't allow for sleep. On plus side it is very close to old town ."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Route is centrally located in Krakow's Old Town. Most visitors arrive by walking from their accommodation if staying nearby, or by using public transport to reach the Main Market Square. Trams and buses frequently stop near the Old Town. If arriving by plane, you can take a train or bus to the city center.
Yes, the Royal Route is very straightforward to navigate. It's a well-defined path starting from St. Florian's Gate, passing through Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, Grodzka Street, and ending at Wawel Castle. Signage is generally good.
Driving directly on most parts of the Royal Route, especially within the Old Town, is restricted to residents and service vehicles. It's best to park in designated car parks outside the Old Town and explore on foot.
From Krakow Airport (KRK), you can take a train (fastest, approx. 17 mins to Krakow Glowny station) or a bus (e.g., 208, 252) to the city center. From Krakow Glowny (main train station), it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk to the start of the Royal Route.
Absolutely! Many companies offer guided walking tours of the Royal Route, which can provide historical context and insights. You can often book these online or find tour operators near the Main Market Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking along the Royal Route itself is free. You can stroll through the streets and admire the architecture. However, entry to specific attractions along the route, like Wawel Castle or St. Mary's Basilica, will require separate tickets.
The streets of the Royal Route are accessible 24/7. However, individual attractions along the route have their own operating hours, which vary. It's best to check the specific hours for Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and other sites you wish to visit.
The Main Market Square is a public space and is free to enter and explore at any time. Enjoy the atmosphere, street performers, and surrounding buildings without any admission charge.
Tickets for Wawel Castle can be purchased at the ticket offices on-site or, for a more convenient experience, often online through the official Wawel Castle website. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
St. Florian's Gate and the other remnants of the old city walls are generally accessible from the outside at all times. However, if you wish to climb the gate towers for views, check their specific opening hours.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The best way is to walk it! Start at St. Florian's Gate and make your way to Wawel Castle. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, explore side streets, and stop at cafes or shops.
A leisurely walk covering the main path of the Royal Route can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos, shopping, or refreshments. If you plan to visit attractions along the way, allocate a full day.
The main streets like Floriańska and Grodzka are generally paved and relatively flat, making them manageable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some older sections or side streets might have uneven cobblestones.
Key sights include St. Florian's Gate, the Main Market Square with St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall, Collegium Maius (Jagiellonian University), and finally Wawel Castle. 
The Royal Route is generally very safe at night, as it's a popular and well-lit area. However, like any city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded side streets. Some reviews mention noise from late-night revelers.
📸 📸 Photography
The Main Market Square, especially with St. Mary's Basilica in the background, is iconic. The view down Floriańska Street towards St. Florian's Gate, and the grand entrance to Wawel Castle are also prime photo locations.
Early morning offers beautiful soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the architecture without crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon/early evening also provides stunning light.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, some indoor attractions within Wawel Castle or churches might have specific rules against flash photography or filming. Always check signage.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the Main Market Square. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots, but be mindful of crowds.
Drone usage is heavily regulated in urban areas, especially around historical sites like Wawel Castle. It's highly unlikely you'll be permitted to fly a drone over the Royal Route without special permits. Check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking up the walk with stops at ice cream parlors or souvenir shops. Visiting Wawel Castle can be a highlight, with its courtyards and the dragon statue. For a more interactive experience, look for family-friendly guided tours that might incorporate storytelling or games. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for navigating the cobblestones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many hostels in Krakow are located near the Old Town, offering affordable accommodation and easy access to the route. To keep costs down, opt for self-guided exploration rather than paid tours. Pack your own snacks and water, or enjoy affordable street food options. While entry to major attractions like Wawel Castle has a fee, you can still appreciate their exteriors and the grandeur of the route without paying for every single site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Royal Route
The route is primarily defined by two key streets: Floriańska Street and Grodzka Street. Floriańska Street, starting from St. Florian's Gate, is a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops and cafes, leading directly into the expansive Main Market Square. This square, one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, is a focal point of the route, featuring iconic landmarks like the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. From the Main Market Square, the route continues along Grodzka Street, one of Krakow's oldest and most significant streets, towards the Wawel Hill, where the Royal Castle and Cathedral stand as enduring symbols of Polish heritage.
+1Exploring the Royal Route offers a comprehensive glimpse into Krakow's rich past. Each building, statue, and cobblestone has a story to tell. From the medieval fortifications to the Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the route showcases the city's evolution. It's a journey that connects the city's defensive past with its royal grandeur, making it an essential experience for any visitor seeking to understand Krakow's historical significance.
Navigating the Royal Route: Practicalities
While the route itself is free to traverse, many of the historical sites along it, such as Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Cloth Hall, require separate admission fees. It's advisable to check the opening hours and ticket prices for these attractions in advance, especially if you plan to visit them. Purchasing tickets online can often save time and guarantee entry, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the route's history, guided tours are widely available. These tours, often led by knowledgeable local guides, can offer fascinating insights into the historical events and figures associated with the Royal Route. Alternatively, you can explore at your own pace, using guidebooks or audio guides to enrich your journey.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit