Błonia Krakowskie is one of the city's most recognizable open spaces — a wide green meadow just next to the Old Town, often called the "recreational heart" of Kraków. It’s an excellent location for a picnic, team-building or outdoor games, but remember the meadow has its history and rules of use, and larger groups should exercise a bit more caution.
A few things to plan right away: a clear meeting point, the meeting time, who is the main contact person for the group, and a plan B in case of rain. For groups of 30-60 people it's especially helpful to split participants into smaller teams and appoint team leaders — this saves time and prevents chaotic crowds at entrances and information points.
Błonia frequently host mass events — concerts, pilgrimages and festivals — so check the events calendar before you arrive. During events parts of the area may be temporarily closed, fenced off or harder to navigate with a large group.
In large tourist groups the risk of small thefts increases because crowding and distraction make it easier for pickpockets. Simple preventive rules always work: keep documents and money in closed pockets, preferably inner pockets or a pouch worn against the body, and avoid leaving phones and wallets visible in open bags.
Agree on a group rule of "no phones out" while moving through streets or entering crowded places. If you have a guide, ask people who want to take photos to stay briefly with the guide or set a safe spot for photography.
Minor tourist scams usually involve sudden "requests" for money, insistence on signing petitions, or pushy offers of souvenirs. Remind participants to refuse politely but firmly and to report incidents to the person responsible for the group.
With 30-60 people, logistical details make a big difference. Choose a clear meeting point (for example a specific entrance to Błonia, a distinctive tree or a monument) and repeat it several times. Provide exact addresses and approximate arrival times for coach drivers.
Coaches and minibuses should have designated drop-off and parking spots. Contact the hotel or local services in advance to confirm places to stop — this will avoid confusion on arrival and departure.
Consider renting a simple amplification system (tour guide system) or walkie-talkies for subgroup leaders. This way the guide doesn’t have to shout and participants won’t get lost in the crowd. For longer routes schedule breaks every 45-60 minutes — large groups move slower and need time to reassemble.
If you’re planning a regular walk or picnic for a tourist group, usually reservations for restaurants and confirmation from the guide are enough. It’s different for mass events: stalls, a stage, barbecues, ticketed sales or large gatherings may require notification or permits from the city administration and the municipal green space authority.
Always check the rules for municipal parks and if in doubt contact the city office — it’s better to have confirmation than to be asked to change plans at the last minute. This especially applies to commercial activities or if you plan to set up temporary structures.
For groups of 30-60 people it’s most convenient to choose restaurants that accept group reservations and have experience with larger parties. In the center of Kraków consider well-known places with group menus and good reputations — examples often recommended are Wierzynek, Wentzl, Pod Nosem and Szara Gęś. For more informal gatherings consider bars and bistros that offer set group meals.
Confirm reservations in writing and give an approximate arrival time plus any dietary restrictions. Arrange a fast service option (for example set lunch menus) — waitstaff work best when they know they are serving a large group.
If you plan a picnic on Błonia, bring sturdy bins for waste and separate recycling. Avoid open fires and barbecues unless you have an official permit.
Think in advance about access to toilets — there are limited facilities in open areas. If the event lasts several hours, schedule a short toilet break and appoint people to look after the needs of older participants and children.
Have a basic first aid kit on hand, bottles of water and a list of emergency numbers. In larger groups it’s good that at least one person knows basic first aid and is designated as the emergency contact.
Błonia are not just a pretty lawn — they have a rich history: once used for grazing and now one of the few large open spaces in the city center. Morning dew can make the grass wet — bring mats or blankets if you plan to sit on the grass.
Often a cheaper and faster option than booking individual tickets is for the organizer to arrange a pre-agreed package or to use venues recommended by the local guide. A guide can help move your group quickly through popular but crowded spots.
Agree on a simple audible signal for the group (for example a bell or short whistle) in case people get dispersed — it works faster than constantly calling out names.
No advance reservation of restaurants and tickets — the result is long waits and frustrated participants. Book ahead and keep confirmations by email.
An overly tight schedule — plan realistically: allow time for movement, toilets, photos and possible transport delays.
Lack of clear communication within the group — everyone should know who the leader is, where the meeting point is and what the backup plan is for bad weather.
Can I have a picnic on Błonia with a group of 50 people? Yes, usually a picnic is allowed, but if you plan stalls, a stage, food sales or other commercial elements you will need to notify the city office.
How do I protect the group from pickpockets? Appoint subgroup supervisors, ask participants to keep documents close to the body and use pouches or inner pockets. Remind everyone to be cautious when photographing and in crowds.
Do I need a guide? For groups of 30-60 people a guide greatly improves the visit and safety — they help keep pace, organize subgroups and react to unexpected situations.
Confirmed reservations: guide, restaurant, any tickets to attractions.
List of participants with contact numbers and designated subgroup leaders.
First aid kit, water, contingency plan for bad weather and an alternative shelter location.
Confirmation of coach drop-off point and departure schedule.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll make planning easier for the next person visiting Kraków.
If you’re organizing a larger trip and want to be sure everything runs smoothly, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — details and offers are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Professional support with route planning, reservations and group management brings peace of mind to the organizer and satisfaction to participants.
