The Planty is a narrow ring of parkland that encircles the entire Old Town where the medieval city walls once stood. When the walls were demolished in the early 19th century, the city planted trees and laid paths on the cleared ground, creating a green promenade that today extends for four kilometres around the perimeter of the historic centre. Walking the Planty — which takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace — offers a different perspective on the Old Town than the interior streets, with views of church towers, gates, and palace walls rising above the trees.
The park is most pleasant in spring when the chestnuts and lindens are in flower, and in autumn when the leaves are turning. In summer it provides shade and a relatively quiet alternative to the crowded streets within. Local students use it for studying, families bring children to its playgrounds, and the benches facing the Wawel end of the park offer a peaceful view of the castle. Several cafes and ice cream stands operate from the park in warm weather.