Because it makes one of the most interesting field‑lesson days: you start with 20th-century history, urban planning and the PRL (People’s Republic of Poland) vision of the "ideal city", and finish in a medieval district full of stories about Jewish culture, religion and everyday life of Krakow’s former residents. This contrasting pair shows students how different layers of history can coexist in one city and gives material for discussions about architecture, politics, identity and memory.
A day without museums does not mean a day without learning - it is primarily a walking lesson with spatial analysis, observation and field tasks. The route is adapted to the needs of school classes: plenty of room to move, clear landmarks, and breaks planned to keep a good group rhythm. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz leads with passion and humor and makes sure participants not only listen but also do (quizzes, mini-interviews, photo assignments).
This article will help you plan the whole day: times, meeting places, the outdoor lesson scenario, breaks and practical tips (clothing, toilets, transport, catering).
08:45 - meeting in central Krakow (for example Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument) and a short welcome. Transfer by public transport or coach to Nowa Huta.
09:30–12:00 - Nowa Huta: walk around the Central Square (Plac Centralny / Aleja Róż), discussion of socialist‑realist urban planning concepts, history of the steelworks complex, and pointing out important neighbourhood features (urban block structure, residential estates, green areas). Student activities: identifying architectural forms, mini-task "what would you change in the city plan?".
12:00–13:00 - lunch break (options: catering at the coach, lunch in a chosen canteen/restaurant or packed lunches; option: simple pre-ordered meal sets).
13:00–13:30 - transfer to the city centre/Kazimierz (travel time depends on transport).
13:30–16:00 - Kazimierz: the Jewish route (ul. Szeroka, the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery, Izaak and Tempel synagogues, Meiselsa Street and places associated with "Schindler's List"). Topics: daily life, rituals, Yiddish, customs, symbols (mezuzot), memory and the drama of the 20th century. Student activities: the "memory map" task - indicate places that provoke emotions and explain why.
16:00–16:15 - summary, questions, feedback from the class and teachers. Finish near Plac Nowy (where students can try local snacks, e.g. the famous zapiekanki).
Note: duration of each block can be adjusted. For younger groups I recommend slightly shorter segments (for example 2–2.5 hours in Nowa Huta and 2–2.5 hours in Kazimierz).
Central Square and Aleja Róż - the heart of Nowa Huta’s urban design, an example of socialist‑realist city planning: monumental open space, avenues radiating from the centre and buildings with decorative facades. A good starting point to talk about the ideology of space and compare it to urban plans from earlier periods.
Residential estates designed as "neighbourhood units" - housing architecture, small squares, playgrounds and the idea of the "garden city". Examples of how daily life for residents was planned.
Monuments and contrasts - discussion of the area's sacral history (for example the Cistercian abbey in Mogiła) and the later emergence of churches, even though Nowa Huta was originally designed as a secular space. We will talk about the famous "fight for the cross" and the role of the local community.
Green areas and recreation spots - Łąki Nowohuckie, Nowohucki Reservoir (Zalew Nowohucki), Przylasek Rusiecki - examples of using natural spaces within the city.
Szeroka Street - the former centre of the Jewish town, once home to several synagogues and lively communal and commercial life. This is a clear place to explain the structure of the historic Jewish quarter.
The Old Synagogue - stories about religion, holidays and the role of synagogues in community life.
Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery - a place of great historical and emotional value; an opportunity to explain the meaning of tombstones, symbolism and the custom of leaving stones on graves.
Izaak (Jakubowicz) Synagogue and the Tempel Synagogue - examples of different synagogue styles and the histories tied to them. The Tempel Synagogue is often a chance to discuss architectural influences and mutual borrowings.
Meiselsa Street and places linked to the film "Schindler's List" - using film as a bridge to discuss art, memory and 20th-century history.
Engaging narration - stories, anecdotes and questions for students. Małgorzata Kasprowicz mixes facts with short tasks so students actively participate in the lesson.
Field tasks - short exercises: mini-quizzes, finding symbols (for example mezuzot), quick sketches, photo assignments like "find three features of socialist realism".
Splitting into smaller groups - for larger classes I recommend dividing into task groups: each subgroup prepares a short presentation or poster based on observations from the trip.
Talking about emotions and memory - in Kazimierz it is worth asking pupils to reflect: what surprised them, what is important when remembering the history of other communities.
Booking: to arrange a date and trip details, call +48 501 962 037 or write to kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking the guide confirms the route and logistical details.
Duration: the suggested full day is about 6–7 hours (including transfers and a lunch break). Routes can be adapted to needs - shorter options are also possible.
Indicative pricing: the guide offers hourly packages tailored to school groups; exact rates and promotions are arranged when booking (it is worth asking about headphone sets for large groups).
Accessibility: the route is mainly a city walk - accessible for most groups (please notify the guide in advance about students with limited mobility so the route can be adjusted).
Weather: tours take place regardless of most weather. In case of very bad conditions the route will be modified (more sheltered points).
Group lunch: catering options, meals in canteens or reservations in restaurants. For school trips it is worth arranging meals in advance - the guide can advise on logistics.
Kazimierz - quick snacks: Plac Nowy is a good spot for a short break and to try local street food like zapiekanki. It is also an easy place to manage a group.
Kazimierz - restaurants: around Szeroka Street and ul. Józefa there are places offering Polish cuisine and spots with Jewish culinary influences; for school groups choose venues that accept prior reservations and have school-friendly menus. (Agree on the specific place with the guide before the visit.)
Nowa Huta - simple solutions: if the day starts in Nowa Huta, catering at the coach or simple bar meal sets ordered in advance work well.
Supervision: teachers must provide an appropriate number of chaperones according to school rules. The guide leads the route and organises the narrative, but teachers are responsible for the group's safety. The guide points out places where it is easy to lose a student (busy intersections, squares).
Group identification: we recommend marking the group (for example with coloured scarves or badges) to keep everyone together in public space.
Breaks and toilets: the route plans regular breaks - the guide indicates where public toilets or cafés with facilities are available.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes. Małgorzata leads tours in Polish and English and has experience with different age groups.
Are entrance fees included? - In this "without museums" version most of the route is outdoors. Optional entries (for example into synagogues if the group wishes to see interiors) may have separate fees - the guide will inform and help with ticket purchase if necessary.
Is the route suitable for younger pupils? - Yes, the route is adjusted to age. For younger classes the guide uses shorter, more interactive segments and more educational games.
What if the weather is bad? - Tours usually run regardless of weather; in extreme conditions the guide has alternative routes with more covered points.
How long does the Kazimierz walk last? - A standard thematic walk around Kazimierz usually lasts about 2 hours, but for a school program it is worth planning 2–3 hours with breaks and extra tasks.
Contrast maps: students draw two short maps - one of Nowa Huta (focusing on urban structure) and one of Kazimierz (focusing on landmarks and memory). Compare in groups and give short presentations.
Symbolic walk: find and photograph three symbols characteristic of each place (for example elements of socialist-realist facades, mezuzot, tombstones, cobbles, architectural details).
Interview with a resident / quick conversation: prepare 3 questions pupils could ask a resident (for example "What do you value most about your neighbourhood?").
To book the trip call: +48 501 962 037 or write: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. In the email include the desired date, number of pupils and chaperones, preferred language for the tour and whether you need catering or headphone sets for a large group.
After receiving the booking the guide confirms availability, sends a proposed detailed schedule and informs about approximate costs. It is recommended to reserve in advance, especially in the tourist season.
Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz holds a licensed guide qualification for Krakow and extensive experience with school groups - she can lead both younger and older classes, combining knowledge with activating teaching methods.
