Collegium Novum, located at ul. Gołębia 24, is a monumental neo‑Gothic building constructed in the second half of the 19th century to a design by Feliks Księżarski. Its façade and interiors reference Kraków’s oldest academic traditions; the representative assembly hall is hung with portraits of distinguished professors and notable paintings. The building was partly erected on the site of earlier student residences and has long been one of the most recognisable points of the University Quarter.
If you start your tour here you save time — Collegium Novum sits right next to the Planty and is only a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square, so a 2‑hour Segway outing can include the most important spots of the Old Town and nearby areas.
A Segway is a great mix of speed and comfort — it lets you see more places in less time without excessive fatigue. A two‑hour tour usually leaves time for a short training session, safe riding on representative streets and several photo stops with guide commentary.
A typical 2‑hour tour includes a brief (about 10–20 minutes) training session on the device, helmet and protective gear rental and guided commentary. Market prices start roughly from around 150–200 PLN per person, depending on the operator and group size.
Advantages: time savings, the fun of riding, ease of covering longer distances. Limitations: uneven cobbles and narrow passages — the guide may avoid some sections, and narrow alleys are often best enjoyed on foot.
Most prices usually cover: Segway instruction, helmet and possibly reflective vests, a guide speaking Polish or other languages and basic insurance. The route typically lasts 2 hours counting from meeting and training time.
Important limits and requirements: minimum age (often from 7–12 years, depending on the operator), minimum and maximum participant weight (usually from about 30 kg up to 120–135 kg). People with serious health issues, pregnant women or those under the influence of alcohol should not ride.
Groups are sometimes limited in size so the guide can pay attention to everyone. Book in advance, especially in the tourist season or at weekends.
Meeting at Collegium Novum (ul. Gołębia) — a short presentation of the building with stories about its history and role in Kraków’s academic life.
Ride along the Planty and enter the Main Market Square — views of the Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower. Photo stop and tales about the Market’s history.
Short ride toward Wawel — views of the castle and the dragon, stop at the Vistula boulevards with opportunities for photos from different angles.
Ride to Kazimierz — visit the most characteristic spots of the district: Wolnica Square, the narrow streets of Jewish Kazimierz, and fragments related to the film 'Schindler’s List' (if the route includes that part).
Return to the city centre, finish the route at the start point or another agreed place, brief wrap‑up with the guide and tips for the rest of your day.
The route can be adjusted to interests: more time in Kazimierz, a quick stop at Collegium Maius or a gentle detour around the Planty. On narrow streets the guide will often ask participants to dismount and walk a section.
Don’t start riding in a hurry — calm first minutes of training are key. Good mastery of basics (braking, turning, changing speed) improves comfort and safety for the whole group.
Avoid large backpacks and heavy bags — they destabilise your centre of gravity. If you carry luggage, ask the operator for advice or leave items at the meeting point.
Typical mistakes: riding too close to other participants, ignoring the guide’s instructions, attempting to ride on very uneven cobbles. Listen to the guide and keep distance — this prevents falls and collisions.
If you have health doubts, consult your doctor before booking. Operators often require signing a short health declaration before the ride.
Best times: early morning (fewer crowds, cooler) or late afternoon (nice light for photos and lower temperatures). In summer avoid the hottest hours.
Weather: Segways can cope with light rain, but in heavy rain or on very slippery cobbles the guide may cancel or shorten the route for safety. Check the forecast and bring a light rain jacket.
During cultural seasons (concerts, Market events, fairs) pedestrian traffic increases — the route may need small changes and the pace will be slower.
Szara Restaurant (Rynek Główny 6) — elegant cuisine, long‑standing recognition and mentions in guides; an excellent option for a tasty meal near the Market after your tour.
Wierzynek Restaurant (Rynek Główny 16) — historic interiors and culinary tradition; a great place to feel the atmosphere of old Kraków and celebrate a special day.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — a cosy spot for coffee, dessert or a light snack; a relaxed interior perfect for recharging after the route.
Massolit Books & Café (Kazimierz) — if your route passes Kazimierz, this is a highly recommended place for a calm coffee with a book. Starka (Kazimierz) — well rated regional cuisine, friendly service and an intimate atmosphere.
Reserve a table in advance, especially in popular venues near the Market — many restaurants are busy with tourists and wait times on weekends may be longer.
Do I need to know how to ride a Segway? — No, every participant receives a short training. Most people pick up the basics in a few minutes, but it helps to stay calm and focus during the instructions.
How many people are in a group? — Groups are usually small (e.g. 6–20 people). Smaller groups mean greater safety and more opportunity to ask the guide questions.
Can I take photos while riding? — Stop for photos at guide‑designated photo points. Photographing while moving is risky and can lead to collisions.
What if it rains? — The operator will assess conditions. With light rain the tour may go ahead, but in heavy rain or on slippery cobbles it will be cancelled or postponed.
On the site where Collegium Novum stands there once stood the famous Bursa Jerozolimska — a historic student residence with a long tradition that burned down in the mid‑19th century. The new neo‑Gothic building on Gołębia Street therefore has deep links to Kraków’s student life over the centuries.
The assembly hall of Collegium Novum has for years hosted academic ceremonies, doctoral promotions and concerts — it is not only an administrative building but also a living place of academic culture.
Nearby, on Gołębia and św. Anny streets, references to Karol Wojtyła (the future Pope John Paul II) appear in narratives about the University Quarter — this is a part of the city steeped in academic and spiritual history.
Mistake: booking at the last minute in season. Solution: reserve several days in advance or early the same morning to avoid sold‑out slots.
Mistake: expecting the Segway to go everywhere. Solution: be aware that on narrow cobbled alleys you will need to dismount and walk — plan extra time if you want to explore such spots in detail.
Mistake: inappropriate clothing and footwear. Solution: wear comfortable closed shoes, layered clothing and a small bag or belt. Avoid high heels and very loose garments that may interfere with riding.
For people with limited time who want to see the city’s highlights quickly. A two‑hour Segway tour is ideal for couples, small groups of friends, families with older children and anyone who enjoys active leisure with a touch of adventure.
It is not recommended for those expecting very detailed indoor visits to every object — in two hours the focus is on panoramas, stories and the main points. If you want to visit museums inside, combine the Segway route with a longer walking visit to chosen sites.
If you prefer a private tour with a guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz prepares tailor‑made routes: university‑themed walks, family routes and quiet outings 'for introverts' through lesser‑known corners. Contact the guide directly to discuss details and availability.
Private services allow flexible adjustment of time, pace and depth of history — a great option if you want to combine a Segway ride with extended indoor visits, a restaurant reservation or a museum stop.
If you plan a two‑hour Segway route starting at Collegium Novum, book in advance, choose early morning or late afternoon, bring comfortable shoes and an ID and inform the operator of any health limitations.
After the tour, rest in one of the recommended cafés or restaurants near the Market or in Kazimierz — the suggested places are well rated and offer both local specialties and international dishes.
Share this article with friends and on social media — if you want a personalised route or a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, contact the guide directly to discuss details and available dates.
