How to use Krakow’s cooler routes during a heatwave

Krakow’s latest heat guidance asks residents to think about the route as well as the destination. Dense streets, stone squares and asphalt retain heat, while shade, trees, water and planted courtyards can produce noticeably cooler pockets within the same district.

What to know

Planty is the clearest central example: its tree canopy and continuous green belt offer an alternative to exposed streets and the Main Market Square. In old Nowa Huta, large residential blocks were built around greener internal spaces, allowing pedestrians to move through courtyards, squares and paths with more shade and airflow than on the main roads.

The city advises limiting time outdoors during the strongest sun, generally between 11:00 and 17:00, and combining shaded routes with water, head covering and regular breaks. This is planning guidance rather than a medical assessment; anyone experiencing serious heat symptoms should seek appropriate medical help.

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