A school trip is more than looking at monuments from a distance — it's an opportunity to understand, ask questions and experience the city with someone who can tell its story in language suited to the students' age. Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Kraków guide (licensed since 2012) with extensive experience working with school groups: she knows how to engage children and teenagers and to tell stories in an interesting way, with humor and anecdotes.
A guide helps make the trip stress-free for teachers — she plans the route, suggests which places work best educationally, coordinates museum entrances and adjusts the pace to the group. That way the outing becomes not only enjoyable but also an effective lesson in history and culture.
Practical issues are important for school groups too: safety, a clear route plan, breaks for meals and optional headset sets (audio guides) that make it easier to work with larger groups and in crowded places.
The standard "Kraków Kazimierz" route lasts about 2 hours — an optimal time to see the most important places without tiring the students. The route is flexible and can be extended (3–4 hours) or tailored to a curriculum theme after consultation.
Typical stops in Kazimierz include: Szeroka Street (the former Jewish center), the Old Synagogue (now a museum), the Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent Remuh cemetery, the Izaak Jakubowicz Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue and the streets and courtyards connected with stories such as those in the film "Schindler's List." The guide will also explain elements of Yiddish language, mezuzot and Jewish customs, giving a broader picture of daily life in historic Kazimierz.
The school route mixes historical information with short tasks or questions for students, turning the trip into an interactive lesson. If it rains, the plan can be adapted so more time is spent inside synagogues and museums — the guide has a ready plan B.
Some sites on the route require entrance tickets — for example the Old Synagogue (museum) and the Remuh Synagogue (paid entry). The guide helps purchase tickets and informs about current rates — a big convenience when working with a larger group.
For those budgeting the trip: on the presented route Remuh Synagogue offers reduced and regular tickets (approximately: reduced tickets around 10 PLN, regular around 15 PLN) — it's always worth checking current prices before the trip. Entrances to other museums or special exhibitions may also carry extra fees.
Małgorzata has the experience and permissions to organize visits to various museum and historic sites (including Wawel Hill, the Rynek Underground, the Schindler Factory and others), so formalities run smoothly.
School trip offers are flexible — 2-, 3- and 4-hour options are available, as well as themed tours. Pricing depends on group size: small groups (for example up to 35 people) are charged fixed hourly rates, while larger groups are usually priced per person. For teachers' convenience, headset sets (audio guides) are available for a small extra fee (around 8 PLN per person), which helps when addressing larger groups in crowded areas.
When booking, it's good to agree on: the starting point (most often the Main Market Square or a specific central meeting point), the expected number of participants, the students' ages, any special needs (for example assistance for students with disabilities) and whether you plan to enter all synagogues/museums (because of ticket costs).
Reservations and contact: it's best to set dates well in advance, especially during the tourist season. After booking, the guide confirms route details and logistics.
How to prepare students: a short classroom introduction (who lived in Kazimierz, what a synagogue is, what gravestones called "matzevot" are) helps make the on-site time more productive and increases student engagement.
Dress and behavior in places of worship: remind students about respect — keep silence in prayer places, take photos only where allowed and wear appropriate clothing (covered shoulders in some sites). Some synagogues restrict interior photography.
Breaks and toilets: plan a short break during the route — Kazimierz has many cafés and bars as well as public toilets. If the group will eat together, it's worth reserving a place in advance or arranging a clear meeting point after the break.
Safety: keep the group together, use a roll call and agree a simple gathering signal (for example a whistle or a keyword). In crowded central areas, using audio headsets helps keep students' attention.
Kazimierz is rich in venues that welcome groups and offer local flavors. Around Szeroka, Miodowa and Plac Nowy you'll find cafés and bars with quick meals, sandwiches and group menus — ideal for a break during the tour.
If you plan a lunch break for a class, choose places that take reservations or offer a group menu. The guide can recommend a few trusted cafés and bars depending on the group's age and budget — examples often appreciated by visitors include Starka, Klezmer Hois and Alchemia, and there are many smaller cafés around Plac Nowy. Note: in high season it's wise to reserve in advance.
For teachers: if you want a quieter meal after the tour, Kazimierz also has atmospheric restaurants offering Jewish-inspired and Mediterranean dishes — a pleasant way to end a live lesson after a day full of experiences.
Is the tour suitable for children? - Yes. Routes are adjusted to the participants' age; the guide has experience working with both teenagers and younger children.
How long is a typical Kazimierz tour for classes? - Usually 2 hours, though 3–4 hour routes or shorter variants are possible. The guide will arrange an individual plan if needed.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes — tours are available in both Polish and English.
Are entrance tickets included in the price? - Usually not; the price covers the guide service. Tickets to synagogues and museums (for example the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue or special exhibitions) are paid separately; the guide assists with organizing ticket purchases.
What if it rains? - Tours run regardless of weather; the route can be changed so more time is spent indoors. The guide has a prepared plan B.
If you're planning a school trip to Kraków and want Kazimierz to be more than a photo opportunity — a real lesson — it's worth booking a tour with an experienced licensed guide. When booking, provide the number of participants, ages, preferred language and date; the guide will tailor the route and advise about tickets and logistics.
On the day you can expect narration adapted to young people, engaging stories and practical tips that help students remember more than they would in a regular classroom lesson. The trip becomes a valuable educational experience and a pleasant memory for the whole class. Good luck planning — and see you in Kazimierz!
If you wish, I can prepare a sample 2-hour or 4-hour itinerary for a specific age group — tell me how many participants you have and their ages.
