First — a question: do you want to hear the Hejnał played live from St. Mary’s Basilica tower? If yes, plan your visit so you are in the Main Market Square around 12:00 noon. The Hejnał is one of those simple but moving moments that stay in your memory long after you leave the city.
Kraków is a city of historical layers: from the royal Wawel, through the medieval Market Square, to the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz and the lively neighborhoods of Podgórze. A good guide will weave those layers into a coherent story that’s interesting and pleasant to listen to.
A state licence is an important sign: it means the guide passed exams in history and guiding skills. Beyond the paperwork, pay attention to style: are the stories engaging, does the guide adjust the pace to the group, and do they know practical tips (where to sit for coffee, where to buy a ticket, how to skip a line).
A good guide also knows the current visiting rules for places like Wawel Cathedral, the Market Underground, or the Oskar Schindler Factory and can advise which tickets are worth booking in advance.
If you value comfort and a personalised route, consider a private guide — a tailor-made tour saves time and gives access to behind-the-scenes stories.
Tickets for the most popular museums and attractions (for example special permanent exhibitions, the Market Underground, the Oskar Schindler Factory) often have limited time slots. On weekends and in summer it’s best to buy tickets several days or even weeks ahead.
If you plan to climb St. Mary’s Church tower or want a themed route (legends trail, food tour, school trip), book in advance — guides and audio-guide sets can be fully booked.
4 hours: focus on the Royal Route — St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Church, Cloth Hall), Grodzka Street and Wawel (outside or a short visit to the cathedral). This is the best compromise to feel the city’s atmosphere without rushing.
1 day: add Kazimierz corners (synagogues, Szeroka and Józefa streets), stop for lunch in a local eatery and take a walk along the Vistula. If you have energy, visit the Oskar Schindler Factory or explore Podgórze.
2–3 days: spread your sightseeing — day one: Wawel and the Old Town; day two: Kazimierz and Podgórze with Dębnicki Bridge; day three: optional museum (e.g. National Museum), Wieliczka Salt Mine trip, or a relaxed walk around the Planty and lesser-known streets.
Kraków offers everything from cosy cafés to international restaurants and bars with traditional dishes. To try a local taste, buy an obwarzanek krakowski from a street vendor and try pierogi in a well-rated spot outside the immediate Market Square (prices and quality are often better there).
Locals and visitors often recommend atmospheric cafés and bookshops, small bistros in Kazimierz, regional cuisine restaurants and trendy places along the Vistula. In peak season, reserve evening tables in popular places.
If you need a quick and tasty meal, look for local milk bars (bar mleczny) and small bistros — great for an inexpensive and authentic bite.
The Hejnał from St. Mary’s has medieval roots and is played every hour from the church tower. The tradition and the abrupt break in the tune come from the legend of a sentry warning the city of an attack.
Wawel holds not only royal tombs but also many architectural details and legends — a guide can pick out stories you won’t find in a paper guidebook.
Crowds in Kraków can be surprising: during peak season some streets get very busy. It’s often better to start early or choose a later afternoon for a quieter walk.
Assuming you can see everything in one day. Kraków is dense with attractions — choose priorities and leave time for breaks and coffee.
Eating at the first restaurant you see right on the Market Square — prices and authenticity are often worse there. Ask your guide for recommended places a bit off the main square.
Not checking museum opening hours (many are closed on Mondays) — always check the attraction’s opening hours before you go.
Currency: Polish złoty (PLN). Most places accept cards, but carry small change for street purchases and obwarzanki.
Transport: Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network. For short distances in the centre it’s most convenient to walk. Taxis and ride-sharing apps also operate in the city.
Language: Many people in tourist areas speak English, but learning a few basic Polish phrases will pleasantly surprise locals.
When is the best time to visit? Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than mid-summer.
How many days are enough? Two full days let you see the essentials; three days allow a more relaxed pace and one trip outside the city (for example Wieliczka).
Is Kraków safe? Generally yes, but like any popular tourist spot watch out for pickpockets and keep an eye on personal belongings.
Wawel – the royal castle and cathedral complex.
Main Market Square – the heart of the Old Town, St. Mary’s Church, Cloth Hall.
Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district full of cafés and atmosphere.
Podgórze – an area with an interesting industrial past and modern riverside spaces.
If you are looking for a friendly, competent and well-known guide to Kraków, consider contacting Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She has wide experience showing guests with varied interests and skillfully combines knowledge with anecdote.
Małgorzata can tailor the route to your needs, advise the best times to visit, suggest places for breaks and help with reservations. Contact: tel +48 501 962 037, email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, website zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
It’s worth using a local guide’s advice if you want to see Kraków not only 'in photos' but hear stories you won’t find in a paper guidebook.
Plan time for stops and unhurried exploration of side streets — often the best memories come from off the main route.
Share this article with friends going to Kraków — it may save someone’s day plan and help avoid common mistakes.
If you’d like, Małgorzata Kasprowicz will gladly help plan your route, recommend the best visiting hours and tell Kraków’s stories so you’ll return home with curiosities and a smile.
