Kraków in 2026 continues in the right direction
The year 2026 in Kraków will be marked by the completion of several important investments long awaited by residents, as well as the launch of new ones aimed at improving the quality of life for Krakowians. Ahead of us are, among others, activities related to preparations for the construction of a metro line, as well as investments from the “Pact for Kraków’s Districts” and the “Da Się!” (It Can Be Done!) initiative. All of this is possible thanks to the investment programme for which the city has allocated more than PLN 1.5 billion in this year's budget — a record amount.
A number of tasks will be carried out under the mayoral initiative “Da Się!”. The scope of the investment to transform the Tourist Service Centre (CORT) building into the Vistula River Museum is currently being analysed. In 2026, a public procurement procedure for the design documentation is planned, along with the start of work on it, with PLN 584.1 thousand allocated for this purpose. The total budget of the project is approximately PLN 9.2 million.
Greenery Instead of Concrete
Next to the CORT building, Plac Wielkiej Armii Napoleona will be greened to become a new, welcoming space at the foot of Wawel Castle. The projected cost of this investment is PLN 10 million. Public consultations have been completed and will result in a report. Based on this document, the City Gardener’s team will prepare a conceptual design for the space. The goal for 2026 is to obtain the design documentation, with PLN 100 thousand planned for this year.
Two other important places in Kraków will also be greened — the square in front of the City Hall (total cost PLN 300 thousand) and Rondo Mogilskie (total cost PLN 7.2 million).
Regarding changes at Plac Wszystkich Świętych, a tender for construction work will soon be announced. Meanwhile, the project to eliminate the so‑called urban heat island at Rondo Mogilskie is being prepared by the City Gardener’s team, taking into account the planned metro route. In 2026, activities are planned to bring the project to the stage of obtaining the final building permit (expenditures for this year: PLN 600 thousand).
Another location set to become more visually appealing for residents and visitors in the coming years is Plac św. Marii Magdaleny (total cost PLN 4.6 million). This year will include public consultations and the preparation and announcement of an international architectural competition. Expenditures planned for 2026 amount to PLN 400 thousand.
Connecting, Not Dividing
The “Da Się!” initiative list also includes the construction of footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists in Żabiniec (estimated cost PLN 27.5 million) and over the Białucha River (PLN 10.5 million).
As for the footbridge crossing over the railway tracks and connecting Żabiniec Street with 29 Listopada Avenue, work is currently underway to announce a tender for a multi‑disciplinary concept design. The city will allocate PLN 500 thousand for this in 2026.
For the second footbridge, a tender is ongoing for the design documentation for a cycling route along the Vistula embankments with a bridge over the Białucha River. One offer has been submitted and is under analysis. In 2026, a contract for design documentation and the start of design works are planned.
Kraków has already proven that “It Can Be Done!” with the pedestrian crossing built at Plac Bohaterów Getta at the end of last year.
In addition, as part of building the Vistula River Museum and the green Plac Wielkiej Armii Napoleona, the Kraków Waterworks will construct a retention reservoir, while the municipal heating company MPEC SA will install a heating connection for the museum.
Sidewalks, Crossings, Lighting
Under the “Pact for Kraków’s Districts,” residents submitted 499 locations for improvement. Currently, 29 of these are being implemented, and an additional 35 have been approved for execution.
Ongoing submissions include 1.4 km of sidewalks and over 5 km of roads being renovated.
Plans for this year also include building 7.7 km of sidewalks, illuminating around 50 pedestrian crossings, renewing road markings in a similar number of locations, installing 26 bus shelters, and adding 200 new benches for passengers. By the end of the term, benches are to be placed at all bus stops in Kraków.
Investments Close to Residents
The first half of the year will see the completion of one of the most important ongoing projects in Kraków — the construction of the Kraków Fast Tram line IV.
The new 4.5 km line will connect Mistrzejowice with the intersection of Meissner and Lema streets, shortening the travel time to the city centre by about 12 minutes. It is the first major public transport project in Poland implemented through a public‑private partnership (PPP).
The reconstruction of the Straszewskiego–Piłsudskiego junction will also be completed in the first half of the year.
Numerous road investments are underway, including construction of 8 Pułku Ułanów Street to relieve Kobierzyńska Street, reconstruction of Piastowska Street and its intersections, modernisation of Tyniecka Street, and expansion of Kocmyrzowska Street, where a tram‑bus terminal has been built. This investment costs approximately PLN 71.3 million.
Mid‑year will also bring the opening of the new Kazimierz–Ludwinów footbridge over the Vistula River (cost approx. PLN 127.9 million).
A tender procedure is ongoing for the new SKA railway stop “Kraków Prądnik Czerwony” with a Park&Ride facility. A new Park&Ride in Bronowice will soon begin construction.
Sports and Facilities for the Youngest
Kraków is investing in sports infrastructure, including the modernisation of KS Grębałowianka’s facilities and the construction of a sports complex in Os. Wolica. A swimming pool will be built at Primary School No. 129. A tender for the KS Wanda sports hall is planned for Q2 2026.
The city is also completing the construction of 11 nurseries in various districts.
Metro Enters the Investment Process
Kraków has formally entered the project phase for building a metro. Early 2026 brought government‑level support for the project. The key task for 2026 is to announce a tender for the metro’s technical documentation, based on previous studies and market consultations. Field studies — geological, hydrological, and building monitoring — will begin as well.
City of Events
Kraków will host numerous international events, including Intel Extreme Masters 2026, the Climbing World Cup, the IRONMAN 70.3, and many cultural festivals. 2026 is also the Year of Andrzej Wajda.
Responsible Budget Policy
The city aims to return to budgetary balance. Kraków has been reducing its operating deficit every year and aims to achieve an operating surplus in 2026. The city has also reduced its overall budget deficit and continues to optimize spending and tender procedures.
In the Right Direction
A new website — “In the Right Direction” — has been launched to improve communication between the city and residents. It provides transparent updates on the implementation of mayoral commitments.
Website: wdobrymkierunku.krakow.pl