If you’re planning a visit to Kraków in 2025, you probably have a million questions: which monuments to see, how to pace your sightseeing, whether you can combine Kościuszko Mound with a trip to Auschwitz, and how to arrange a guided outing — especially when traveling with seniors. This article answers those questions in a friendly, practical way and describes what sightseeing with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a licensed guide with extensive experience, looks like.
Kościuszko Mound is one of the best places for a peaceful walk and panoramic views of Kraków. On a clear day you can see the Tatra Mountains from the summit, so it’s best visited when the weather is good.
How to get there: the most popular route starts at the Salwator tram/bus loop (Salwator stop). The path takes you through villa neighborhoods and picturesque green stretches; the walk usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on pace.
Guided visits: in the summer season there are weekend guided tours of the mound and the exhibition at the Kościuszko Museum. Morning and midday slots are common (for example meetings around 10:30 and 12:00), and additional entries may be added when demand is high. Reservations are usually required — an email used for exhibition and tour bookings is edukacja@kopieckosciuszki.pl; it’s worth writing ahead with your preferred date and number of people.
What to know before climbing: the ascent is partly steep and paths can be stony, so wear comfortable, stable shoes. For people with limited mobility the climb can be demanding — if in doubt, ask the guide about easier approaches or the possibility of driving closer to the entrance.
Visiting the Auschwitz‑Birkenau State Museum is one of the most significant and emotionally heavy experiences you can have near Kraków. This place of remembrance requires respect, silence and time, so plan the visit carefully.
Organization: a day trip from Kraków to the museum typically takes a full day (travel, visiting time and return), so allow a comfortable, unhurried day. Tickets and group visits usually must be booked in advance — especially if you want to enter with a guide. Check the museum’s reservation rules and availability before you go.
For seniors: the museum route covers considerable distances and sometimes difficult walking surfaces (especially across the former Birkenau grounds). If someone has mobility issues, consult in advance and plan rest breaks. A guide will help with pacing and choosing rest spots; you can also consider transport with additional stops to make the trip less strenuous.
Emotionally: the visit can be draining. Have water and a light snack on hand and plan a quiet way to end the day — for example, avoid further sightseeing in Kraków immediately afterward.
Experience shows that the key to successful sightseeing for seniors is pacing and breaks. Divide walks into shorter stages: 60–90 minutes of walking followed by a 20–30 minute rest and a coffee or light meal.
Headsets and audio sets: for larger groups comfortable headset systems allow everyone to hear the guide without crowding close. This is especially useful in busy places.
Discounts and documents: remember to bring pensioner or disability ID or any document that entitles you to reduced tickets — many museums offer discounted fares.
Transport: for comfort use taxis or prearranged transport for parts of the route (for example a transfer from the hotel to the start of the walk). If you plan excursions outside Kraków (Wieliczka, Auschwitz), arrange pick-up and drop-off at the door.
Comfortable shoes — priority number one.
A water bottle and a small snack — fruit, nuts or an energy bar.
A copy of documents for discounts (student, pensioner, disability card, etc.).
A light jacket or umbrella — Kraków’s weather can change during the day.
A charged phone and a powerbank — for photos and contact with the guide.
A small first-aid kit or regular medications if anyone in the group takes them.
Plan A — Classic Kraków (ideal for seniors): Start 9:30 at the Main Market Square, walk the Royal Route (Barbakan, St. Florian’s Gate), coffee break near Sławkowska Street (around 11:00), continue to Wawel Hill with a visit and a short rest in the courtyard. Duration: 3–4 hours with breaks.
Plan B — Kościuszko Mound and panorama: morning visit to the Mound (pick a sunny day), rest and a light picnic, return to the center for a short walk in Kazimierz or a coffee break. Total time: half a day. Visit the Mound in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
Plan C — Trip to Auschwitz (with transport): depart early, tour the museum with a guide, return to Kraków in the late afternoon. This is a long and demanding day — recommended for those prepared for both emotional and physical strain.
Café Camelot (ul. Świętego Jana, near the Old Town) — a cozy café with a welcoming atmosphere, great for a coffee break.
Wierzynek Restaurant (Main Market Square) — historic interiors and traditional Polish cuisine; a good choice for a special meal.
Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — hearty Polish dishes, group-friendly and suitable for a substantial lunch.
Noworolski Café (Sukiennice, Cloth Hall) — quick dessert or coffee while strolling the Market Square.
If you prefer lighter options, around the Market Square you’ll also find small bistros and milk bars serving homemade soups and sandwiches — good choices for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Q: Can I visit Kościuszko Mound and Auschwitz in one day? - A: I don’t recommend combining both in one day. The Mound is a short, relaxed outing, while Auschwitz is a full, emotionally demanding day with travel and lengthy visits. It’s best to plan them on separate days.
Q: How long is a typical guided tour of the Old Town? - A: Usually 2–3 hours with breaks; the pace can be adjusted for the group, especially if seniors are present.
Q: Does the guide help with museum ticket reservations? - A: Yes — the guide can advise and help organize the trip, including group ticket reservations, but it’s wise to confirm booking details in advance.
Q: How should I dress for Auschwitz? - A: Wear modest, comfortable clothing. Avoid loud outfits; bring flat shoes and dress in layers as weather and temperature can change.
Q: Are there discounts for seniors? - A: Yes, many museums and attractions offer reduced fares. Always carry a document proving eligibility.
Reservations and inquiries are best made through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, where you’ll find the full list of routes, pricing and a contact form. You can also call or email using the contact details on the site — in your booking provide the date, number of people, preferred pacing and any mobility limitations in the group.
Małgorzata holds a city guide license and has many years of experience working with all types of groups — from school classes to seniors — so it’s worth including a short note about your expectations so she can tailor the route to your needs.
Kraków is a city that can enchant with its gentle rhythm and the power of its stories. Good planning, the right pace and a guide who knows the city and can adapt the program to the group are the recipe for a successful stay, especially when traveling with seniors. If you want to explore with passion, humor and respect for places of memory, Małgorzata Kasprowicz will happily prepare a route for you and make sure the sightseeing is pleasant and safe.
