If you have roughly half a day to discover Krakow's most important sights, a 3-hour walking tour with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is an excellent choice. The route is planned to show the heart of the city, share the most interesting stories and local details — all in English and at a pace suited to a group of 7–20 people.
Małgorzata combines solid historical knowledge with a light, engaging storytelling style — plenty of anecdotes, practical tips and interactive questions that involve participants. This tour works well for groups formed from independent travelers, families and small business delegations alike.
The walk is focused on giving visitors a coherent and enjoyable overview of Krakow — concise, personal and friendly, with time for questions and recommendations at the end.
The program can be adjusted to the group's interests, but the standard route includes: the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Marys Church - stories about the Square's history, hidden symbols and local legends; the Royal Route through St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican; Wawel Hill with the Castle and Cathedral - the site of coronations and royal burials; and either atmospheric Kazimierz or parts of Podgórze with Jewish history and 20th-century traces. The route mixes major attractions with lesser-known curiosities that make the walk a living story.
Depending on the group's preference, the guide can focus more on architecture, legends, social history or Krakow's culinary threads. On request, the tour can include stories related to Stanisław Wyspiański, papal sites, or the contrasts of Nowa Huta.
The pace is comfortable and adapted to the group size to allow questions and short photo stops.
Start: Main Market Square - welcome, short introduction and the most interesting facts about the Square and the Cloth Hall.
Stage I: St. Marys Church - stories about Veit Stosss altarpiece, the bugle call (hejnal) and city legends.
Stage II: The Royal Route - walk along Floria?ska Street, pass the Barbican and part of the Planty, discuss the medieval defensive system of the city.
Stage III: Wawel - explore the hill, outline the history of the castle and cathedral, point out the key sights to see (exterior and, when possible, interior highlights).
Stage IV: Kazimierz or Podgórze (depending on choice) - a short stroll with an overview of the Jewish quarter's history or places linked to Oskar Schindler and Krakow's 20th-century history.
Finish: summary, time for questions and recommendations for further sightseeing, places to eat or rest.
Medium groups of 7–20 people - this size allows for contact with the guide, active participation and easy movement through the Old Towns narrow streets.
Visitors who want a clear picture of Krakow in a short time - its history, legends and main monuments - while enjoying a friendly, accessible English narration.
Mixed-age groups - Małgorzata has experience working with children, teenagers and adults, so she can interest listeners of different ages.
The guide offers a fixed fee for a 3-hour English walk for small groups. Prices may vary with seasonal promotions, so it is worth checking the current offer when booking. Reservations are best made in advance - via the guide's contact form or email - especially during the tourist season and at weekends.
For groups of 7–20 people there is usually no need to rent audio equipment - speaking clearly and keeping a good pace is normally sufficient. In very crowded places the guide can propose short breaks or, if the group prefers, the use of headsets.
When booking, please mention any accessibility needs or special interests so the route can be adjusted.
Clothing and footwear - comfortable shoes are essential. The Old Town surface often has cobblestones and uneven slabs. Dress in layers - Krakow weather can change during the day.
Weather and contingency plan - rain can start suddenly; if the forecast is uncertain, ask the guide about shortening the route or moving some stops indoors (museums, cafes).
Documents and discounts - if you plan to enter museums with discounted tickets (students, seniors), bring the appropriate ID.
Photos - the guide will point out the best photo spots and sometimes advise where to take pictures without the crowd.
Break time - during the route you can schedule a short coffee or snack break. For groups of this size it is useful to allow 10–15 minutes to stretch and refresh.
Cafe Camelot - a cozy cafe near the Main Square, ideal for dessert and coffee after sightseeing.
Massolit Books & Caf E9 - a atmospheric spot in Kazimierz, great for a light rest and sharing impressions.
Wierzynek - the historic restaurant on the Main Square, if the group wants a more formal atmosphere and traditional Polish cuisine.
Pod Wawelem - an informal restaurant known for large portions and a friendly vibe, popular with tourists.
Halka - a modern place offering Polish dishes in a friendly format (check table availability for larger groups).
Q: Is 3 hours enough to see Wawel and the Old Town? - A: Yes, a well-planned 3-hour program will show and explain the most important points. If you want to visit more museums, plan extra time.
Q: Is the route suitable for people using crutches or with a stroller? - A: Parts of the route include cobblestones and steps (e.g. Wawel), so please mention accessibility needs when booking - the guide will adapt the route or suggest alternatives.
Q: What if the weather is bad? - A: In heavy rain the program can be shortened or some stops moved indoors (museums, cafes) - ask about details when booking.
Q: How far in advance should I book for a group of 7–20? - A: Ideally a few days to a week before; during high season it is best to reserve earlier to secure your preferred time and date.
Q: Does the guide speak English fluently? - A: Yes - tours are available in English, presented in a way that is accessible to visitors with varying levels of language ability.
Currency and payments - Poland uses the Polish z?oty (PLN). Many places accept cards, but it is useful to have some cash for small purchases or market stalls.
Tipping - tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants a tip of around 10% is common for good service. For private guides a small tip is a nice gesture if you enjoyed the tour.
Meeting point and timing - the guide usually arranges a clear meeting point on the Main Market Square. Please arrive a few minutes early so the group can start on time.
Accessibility and mobility - if someone in the group has mobility limitations, mention this when booking so the guide can avoid stairs or suggest accessible alternatives.
Contact and changes - if your group size, time or meeting point changes, notify the guide as soon as possible to allow reorganization.
If you want to feel Krakow in a short time, hear stories that are not in every guidebook and see the city through the eyes of someone born here and working as a local guide - welcome. A walk with Małgorzata is a combination of reliable knowledge, humour and flexibility - the route will be tailored to your interests and pace.
For bookings and questions, please contact the guide directly via her contact form or email. See you at the Market Square!
Warm wishes and safe travels - Ma F2lgorzata Kasprowicz
