Krakow boasts a variety of parks and green areas that provide a breath of fresh air and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. From manicured gardens to vast open spaces, we will take you on a tour of some of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Krakow.
Planty Park
Extending approximately 4 kilometres and encircling Krakow’s historic Old Town, Planty Park is a lush green belt that replaces the former city walls. This picturesque park is divided into various sections, each with its own unique charm, including flower beds, ponds and charming benches for relaxation. Planty Park is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a romantic meeting or a peaceful escape from the city’s vibrant centre.
Krakow Botanic Garden (Ogród Botaniczny UJ)
Just a few minutes walk from the Old Town centre lies the Krakow Botanic Garden, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. With its extensive collection of plants, including rare and exotic species, the garden is an oasis for botany enthusiasts and anyone looking for a quick escape from the city life.
Błonia Park
Błonia Park is a vast triangular meadow located just west of the Old Town, where Krakow’s Stare Miasto and Zwierzyniec districts meet. This open space is a popular gathering place for various cultural and sporting events. It’s also an excellent spot for a picnic, a game of frisbee, a leisurely bike ride or a daily jog around its 5.5km perimeter. The park’s wide-open spaces are popular with visitors and locals seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.
Jordan Park (Park Jordana)
Situated in the district of Zwierzyniec, Jordan Park is a picturesque green oasis. This park features peaceful walking paths, a small lake and a playground for children. The peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic stroll. Don’t miss the Jordan Park waterfall, a relaxing natural feature that adds to the park’s attraction.
Las Wolski (Wolski Forest)
For those who seeking a deeper immersion in nature, the vast Wolski Forest, located on the outskirts of Krakow in the district of Zwierzyniec, offers a perfect escape. You can explore the forest’s numerous trails, visit the hilltop Camaldolese Monastery or climb to the Przegorzaly Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Łąki Nowohuckie
Łąki Nowohuckie, translated as “Nowa Huta Meadows,” is a massive green space located within the Nowa Huta district of Krakow. These expansive meadows provide a natural contrast to the district’s industrial history and urban development. Łąki Nowohuckie offers wide-open fields, numerous walking paths and peaceful ponds. It features some of the best jogging and hiking trails in Krakow, and it is largely unknown to most of Krakow’s foreign visitors.
Park Strzelecki
This gated city park is named after the Strzelecki Riflemen’s Association, a Polish paramilitary cultural and educational organisation that was formed in 1910. It is located in the Old Town district, very close to the main train station, Krakow Główny. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined pathways, relax on benches, explore numerous monuments and admire the green flora.
Park Lotników Polskich (Polish Airmen’s Park)
This landscaped green area situated in the northeastern part of Krakow is named in honour of the Polish pilots who fought during World War II. It is the city’s largest park and features a striking monument, the Monument to the Polish Aviators. The southern side of the park features a skate park and pump track for riders and skaters, as well as a large modern playground with basketball courts.
Park im. Wojciecha Bednarskiego (Bednarski Park)
The Bednarski Park is arguably the most beautiful park in Krakow, offering great views of the city. It is located in the old part of the Podgórze district, on the right bank of the Vistula and in the vicinity of a former quarry that dates back to the Middle Ages. At 240m above sea level, the park offers picturesque cliffs, over a hundred species of trees and lush, wild spaces to explore.
Park Decjusza
Park Decjusza is situated in Krakow’s affluent Wola Justowska neighbourhood. Named after the Polish Renaissance figure, Samuel Decjusz, this park dates back to 1535 and features a historic manor house, once owned by Decjusz, which now houses a restaurant. The park features trees, benches, a small playground and numerous monuments by Bronisław Chromy, who designed the Wawel Dragon statue.
