Collegium Novum UJ (University District quarter, Gołębia Street) is an excellent place to gather a large group: it’s recognizable, central and offers easy access to the main points of Old Town–Wawel–Kazimierz. From an organizational point of view, agree on a specific meeting time, give a clear landmark (for example the main steps or the nearby Copernicus monument) and ask participants to arrive 15 minutes early — this helps the start and minimizes delays.
For groups of 30–60 people it’s best to appoint 2–3 responsible people (coordinators) who will communicate with the guide, check attendance and help make quick decisions. In the open space by Collegium Novum you can hold a short briefing, distribute materials (maps, tickets, wristbands) and take the first group photo.
A walk through the University District lets you see UJ’s historic buildings, the professors’ garden and atmospheric streets without entering every museum. From outside you can cover the history, tell anecdotes about famous professors and students, and point out where to go later for anyone who wants to return individually.
For a large group I recommend splitting into smaller subgroups with designated “guides” (this could be someone from your team or the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz) so the talk is more interactive and everyone has a chance to ask questions.
The hejnal is played every hour from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica and you can enjoy it for free while standing on the Main Market Square. For groups it’s a great synchronization point: set the time to listen to the hejnal as part of your program and use the moment for a short introduction to the Market’s history.
Remember the Market can be crowded — if you want a good spot arrive a few minutes earlier and agree a fixed meeting point (for example by the Cloth Hall or the Adam Mickiewicz monument). The hejnal is sometimes broadcast on the radio — that’s a neat detail to mention before listening.
Walking around the outer parts of Wawel (the hill and courtyards) is free and very impressive. You can discuss the castle’s history, coronation traditions and point out where tickets are required (cathedral, royal rooms, treasury).
For a large group plan your route in advance: entrances and narrow passages can get busy, especially in summer. If part of the group wants to go inside, consider offering a split program: an outdoor tour plus optional paid visits.
The Wawel Dragon sculpture by the Dragon’s Den is a must-see. The fire-breathing show is a free attraction, but it can be temporarily out of service for technical or weather reasons, so don’t base your whole ‘wow factor’ on it.
With a large group position yourselves along the river embankment so you don’t block pedestrian routes and have a clear meeting point. If the dragon installation isn’t operating, turn the moment into a telling of the legend and a short photo session by the Vistula.
The Vistula Boulevards offer a lot of space and nice views of Wawel — an ideal place for a picnic or short group bonding. For 30–60 people bring blankets, drinks and simple snacks; if you plan larger catering, contact suppliers in advance and check whether municipal permits are needed.
When planning a picnic consider nearby sanitary points and public toilets, and have a plan B in case of rain — nearby cafés or hotel rooms can serve as an alternative.
The Planty are an easy walk around the Old Town, perfect for larger groups: the route is wide, flat and full of benches. Use this part as a ‘rest’ between program points while talking about the old city gates and former defensive walls.
For groups I suggest a map with marked meeting points and short stops (3–4 stories or legends) so the walk won’t be boring and participants will know when to regroup.
Kazimierz is a district where walking past synagogues, squares and narrow streets delivers history and atmosphere. Many sites can be seen from the outside for free; introduce the group to the Jewish heritage, point out memorials and the best photo spots.
For a large group split the route into shorter sections with 5–10 minute stories. Kazimierz is also convenient logistically — many venues and spaces where you can finish the walk with a meal or integration event.
Climbing Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound is free (though it may require a short walk from drop-off points). From the top you get wide views of the city and surroundings — a great place for a short speech, a photo session or team outdoor games.
For large groups consider splitting into zones (who stays below, who goes up) and check coach access and drop-off locations.
Jordan Park and the Błonia are open spaces where you can easily organize simple team challenges: group games, short tournaments or warm-ups before more sightseeing. The large area allows parallel activities and safe separation of zones for children, adults and rest.
Remember rules for using city land: if you plan stalls, loudspeakers or a bonfire, check required municipal permits in advance.
Krakow has a rich calendar of festivals and events with free zones: student Juwenalia, parades, Night of Museums, and city events on the Market and by the river. These events can be a great addition to a group weekend — they often offer outdoor stages, workshops and free activities.
When planning include the need to coordinate meeting points and emergency plans for large crowds — congestion can be significant, so have a plan B and a contact at the local organizer if possible.
Many cultural institutions have open days or free admission on certain days of the week or month. If part of the group wants to use that option, schedule it as an add-on: split the group between those who go in and those who stay outside.
For large groups, organizing entry to paid interiors requires advance booking and coordination with ticket offices — this minimizes queues and disappointment on site.
A simple city game or outdoor quiz is a way to bond without big costs: prepare maps in advance, a list of tasks and checkpoints, split the group into teams and set a time limit. Tasks can include finding a specific architectural detail, taking a photo with a given theme or solving a short historical riddle.
For 30–60 people make 6–8 teams, give each team a different set of questions or route to avoid crowding and repetition at the same spots. Prizes can be symbolic — certificates, sweets or the right to choose the next program point.
For groups of 30–60 the safest option is venues experienced with tour groups or restaurants with private rooms. In Krakow well-regarded places include Starka (Kazimierz) and Pod Aniołami (near the Old Town) — both offer traditional menus and the possibility to reserve dining space for larger groups.
If you prefer something less formal, check venues geared toward groups (brewpubs, restaurants with event rooms) or consider catering on the boulevards or in a park. Before booking confirm whether the venue accepts groups in your chosen format (set menu, buffet) and whether a deposit is required.
Not booking early enough: in season and on weekends places for 30–60 people fill up fast — reserve in advance and confirm numbers 48–72 hours before the event.
No plan B for weather: have an alternative in case of rain (indoor room, café, museums). For picnics always check the forecast and options to move to covered space.
Pacing mismatch: don’t schedule too many stops in one day. Large groups move more slowly — leave buffer time for walks, breaks and photos.
Saturday: 09:30 meet at Collegium Novum, 10:00 walk through the University District and Market (hejnal around 11:00–12:00), 13:00 light lunch/dinner in a reserved restaurant, 15:00 Wawel and Vistula Boulevards (picnic/rest), 18:00 evening walk through Kazimierz and group dinner.
Sunday: 09:00 trip to Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound, 11:30 Planty and a short educational walk, 13:00 final lunch or coffees in a recommended café, 15:00 optional city game or visit to a free city event. Remember to allow extra time for transfers and hotel check-out.
Can I gather a group without prior city permission? Yes, ordinary walks and picnics in public areas are allowed, but if you plan to use sound systems, set up stalls or organize an official event with infrastructure, check permits and requirements at City Hall.
How to arrange toilets for a large group? Plan stops at cafés, museums or parks with facilities. For longer outdoor events consider renting portable toilets — it’s an extra cost but increases comfort.
Is it worth hiring a guide? Yes — especially if the group has limited time and wants historical context. The private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz knows logistics for large groups and can help tailor pace and dining arrangements to your needs.
If you want to shorten meal service times, arrange a set menu with two options (meat/veg) — service is faster and smoother.
Many museums and cultural institutions have small outdoor displays and exhibitions that are free to view — a good option when part of the group prefers not to enter paid interiors.
If you plan a group photo with a view, suggest participants bring a light banner or your company/university colors — it helps identify the group in a crowded background and looks great in souvenir photos.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social profiles — it’s the best way to help others organize a great trip to Krakow.
If you’d like, Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide in Krakow — will gladly help plan the route and reserve places for your group. You can find contact details at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she offers practical support with itineraries, bookings and logistics for large groups. Good luck and enjoy exploring Krakow!
