You arrive in Krakow and wonder: what to see, how long it will take and whether it’s worth bringing children? If you join us, you’ll get an insider’s story — not only dates and facts but also anecdotes, curiosities and context that make the city come alive. My tours combine the most important sights with stories that help you remember them.
The route can include a classic walk through the Old Town (with a visit to St. Mary’s Church and the famous hejnal) as well as a trip to Nowa Huta — a district full of contrasts and striking examples of socialist-realist architecture. Part of the Nowa Huta tour is on foot, and part can be done by public transport or coach — I tailor everything to your expectations and the group’s fitness level.
If you come with family, a school group or a company — I adapt programs individually. I want everyone to leave smiling and feeling that they saw more than just the “must-see” spots.
Booking is simple: by phone or email, and I can also help with buying entrance tickets if needed.
St. Mary’s Church (St. Mary’s Basilica) is one of Krakow’s icons: a Gothic silhouette, the Veit Stoss altar and polychromes designed, among others, by Jan Matejko and executed by his students — all of this impresses even people who don’t usually love monuments.
The hejnal mariacki is a short melody played every hour from the higher tower of the church — a city signature. The hejnal is played facing the four directions and has its own tradition and legend, which I always enjoy telling during the walk.
For those who want to see Krakow from above there is a viewing point in the church tower: it’s about 54 m above the Market Square level and reached by 271 steps. For safety and comfort the number of visitors to the hejnalist’s room is limited (approx. 20 people per hour) — it’s worth planning this in advance, especially in the tourist season.
Tickets for the tower are traditionally bought at the basilica ticket office on the Market Square — if you wish, I will help with reservation or ticket purchase and include it in the tour plan.
Nowa Huta was established in 1949 as a large working-class district connected to a major metallurgical complex. It’s a different place from the Old Town — more spacious, with wide avenues, monumental squares and housing estates that clearly bear the stamp of the PRL era.
During the Nowa Huta walk we will see, among others:
- Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana – the heart of the urban design, conceived as a representative public space.
- Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury, NCK) – the district’s cultural hub, often hosting interesting exhibitions and events.
- Osiedle Wandy and Osiedle Willowe – the two oldest housing estates, showing different approaches to development and daily life in Nowa Huta.
The route can be modified: if you prefer more social history, we’ll focus on everyday life and transformations; if you prefer architecture, I’ll show the most characteristic buildings and tell you about their designers and historical context.
The guiding service (my commentary, leading the tour and organizing the route) is charged separately from entrance tickets to some sites. Tickets to museums and towers (e.g., the St. Mary’s tower, Wawel Cathedral or certain museums) are usually paid extra.
After booking we’ll agree on a convenient meeting point and time (most often the Main Market Square — by the Adam Mickiewicz monument — or another central spot that suits you). If you like, I’ll help buy entrance tickets so you don’t waste time in queues. In most cases I purchase tickets on behalf of the group or advise where to buy them online.
Practical information about buying tickets for the St. Mary’s tower: the basilica ticket office is on the Market Square, and for organizational reasons the number of visitors to the hejnalist’s room is limited — it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance, especially during the hourly hejnal schedule.
If you want to check my availability and prices, contact me by phone: +48 501 962 037 or by email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking we’ll finalize the route details and any entrance tickets.
Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking and stairs in the city (especially if you plan to climb the St. Mary’s tower).
If you plan to climb the tower: be prepared for narrow stairs and no elevator; the ascent is not recommended for people with serious mobility problems.
On rainy days the route can be adjusted to spend more time inside monuments and museums — I have a plan B for every kind of weather.
For school groups or families with children I prepare shorter, more interactive stories and tasks so younger participants stay engaged and don’t get bored.
A water bottle and a light snack for longer routes is always a good idea — especially in summer.
Are Wawel and St. Mary’s Basilica tickets included in the tour price? - The guiding fee covers the tour itself; tickets to museums and towers are usually charged extra. I will help buy tickets or suggest where to reserve them.
How long is the Nowa Huta tour? - It depends on the program: usually 2–4 hours. Part of the route can be covered by public transport or coach, which shortens the walking and lets you see more points in less time.
Where do we meet at the start of the tour? - Most commonly at the Main Market Square (by the Adam Mickiewicz monument), but the meeting place is arranged individually.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, I guide in Polish and English — I’ll adapt the language to your group.
What happens in case of bad weather? - Tours run regardless of weather; in heavy rain we’ll move parts of the program indoors and into museums.
Krakow is a city worth spending more than just a few hours in. If you want to feel its atmosphere: come with an open mind and a bit of curiosity. I’ll make sure you see both the famous spots and those less obvious places that stay in your memory.
If you have questions, want to book a date or tailor a route to your needs — write or call. I’ll gladly prepare a tour you’ll remember. See you on a walk around Krakow!
Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz - Krakow guide.
