Kazimierz and the Main Market Square are two complementary areas that together reveal Krakow’s layered history: from medieval cloth halls and market stalls, through urban legends and architecture, to the multicultural heritage of Kazimierz. For students, this is a great chance to combine lessons in history, culture and social change with observation of everyday city life.
A guided trip has real educational value because a guide can present facts in an accessible way, answer questions and encourage students to think for themselves. A well-run program engages pupils, and contact with a local guide helps them see the city through the eyes of a resident, not just a tourist.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Krakow guide who has worked with school groups and visitors for many years. Her style combines reliable knowledge with humor, anecdote and activating questions, so even younger classes enjoy participating.
For school offers Małgorzata adapts the narrative level to the age and interests of the group. Programs include educational elements – historical context, social consequences of events and local curiosities – as well as field tasks and short quizzes to help consolidate learning.
For the convenience of large groups, audio headset sets are available to ensure everyone can hear the guide even when the area is busy.
School trips can be tailored to your needs: from short 1-2 hour walks to full-day programs of 4 hours or more. Examples below:
- 2-hour walk: The main points of Kazimierz or a quick introduction to the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall – ideal when time is limited. Includes short stories, student tasks and time for photos.
- 3-hour program: An extended route linking Kazimierz with parts of the Main Market Square – more historical context, visits to selected memorial sites and educational activities.
- 4-hour program: A fuller trip with a break for a meal, visits to the most important synagogues and memorial sites in Kazimierz and a tour of the Cloth Hall and the area around St. Mary's Basilica.
Małgorzata also offers themed programs – for example a Jewish culture trail, a legends route for younger pupils, or a walk combining history with art and architecture elements.
1. Meeting and a short introduction at the agreed spot (e.g. by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument on the Main Market Square or by a synagogue in Kazimierz).
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – a story about the role of medieval markets, the Cloth Hall’s place in trade, and the main monuments: St. Mary's Basilica, the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, and an overview of the Rynek Underground (Podziemia Rynku) from the outside with pointers for museum visits.
3. Walk to Kazimierz – the district’s history, multicultural processes and the significance of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.
4. Walk through key Kazimierz sites: Szeroka Street, the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, Plac Nowy – including a break and an educational activity (quiz or a mini project on recognising architectural styles).
5. Closing with a summary, time for questions and recommendations for places to explore or eat independently.
- Group size and students’ ages – this helps set pace, the form of narration and supporting materials.
- Meeting time and place – agree a clear landmark and time, allowing for travel from a hotel or station.
- Access to toilets and breaks – with younger pupils plan breaks every 60-90 minutes.
- Special needs – if any students have limited mobility, allergies or other needs, inform the guide when booking so the route and breaks can be adjusted.
- Headset sets – for larger groups it’s worth using available audio systems so everyone can hear the guide clearly.
The Main Market Square is the heart of medieval Krakow – here you can easily illustrate urban life: trade, processions and public gatherings. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a clear example of the city’s commercial function across centuries.
Educational points to highlight include:
- the architecture and the role of market squares in the Middle Ages,
- the symbolism of sculptures and decorative details on townhouses,
- the history of St. Mary's Basilica and the hourly hejnał played from its tower as an example of local tradition,
- changes in building layout and the role of the square over the centuries.
Kazimierz is a district with a rich, multicultural past. For centuries Poles, Jews and other residents lived side by side here, leaving visible traces in architecture and traditions.
When discussing 20th-century history it’s important to be sensitive and adapt content to students’ ages. Małgorzata knows how to present difficult events in a factual and empathetic way, encouraging reflection and questions.
Places worth pausing at: the Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery, Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and memorial sites linked to World War II. At each stop you can touch on religious, social and cultural themes.
Meeting point: an agreed landmark on the Main Market Square or a central spot in Kazimierz – the exact location is set when booking.
Duration: flexible, usually 2-4 hours; the program can be shortened or extended to suit your needs.
Language: mainly Polish; guided tours in foreign languages can be arranged on request.
Prices and payment: fees depend on route length and group size; confirm details and cancellation rules when booking.
Safety: the guide manages walking pace, break locations and communication with chaperones; for large groups it’s recommended that chaperones spread out along the route.
Toilets and meals: plan a short break at a square or café; there are many places around the Market Square and Kazimierz that welcome school groups.
There are many group-friendly places around the Main Market Square and Kazimierz. A few practical options:
- Main Market Square: restaurants and cafés around the square offer quick meals and lunch sets; for larger groups it’s best to reserve in advance.
- Kazimierz: streets such as Szeroka and Józefa and the area around Plac Nowy have many bars, bistros and cafés offering a range of cuisines. Plac Nowy is also well known for its zapiekanki stalls (Polish open-faced baguette pizzas), which are popular with students.
Important: when planning meals, inform the venue in advance about the number of people and any dietary restrictions.
Before the trip remind students of basic rules: punctuality, listening to the guide, respect for memorial sites and places of worship, and following chaperones’ instructions.
In synagogues and other places of worship appropriate dress and quiet behaviour are required – discuss this before entering to avoid misunderstandings.
Encourage questions and note-taking – active student participation increases the educational value of the trip.
Q: How do we book a trip and how far in advance should we do it? - For school groups it’s best to contact well in advance, especially in high season. Booking details are agreed during contact and depend on date and group size.
Q: What if the weather is bad? - Routes are flexible and the guide can adapt the program to the conditions. In very bad weather the route can be shortened or some elements moved indoors (museums, historic interiors).
Q: Is the program aligned with the school curriculum? - Yes, school programs are designed to support topics taught at school (history, culture, society). Specific learning goals can be set when booking.
Q: Are there educational materials for students? - The guide can prepare short field tasks, quizzes and tips to help consolidate knowledge after the trip.
To book a trip prepare the following details: number of participants, students’ ages, preferred duration, suggested meeting point and any special needs.
Contact is made directly with the team organising the trips; during the conversation you can finalise the route, costs and payment method. Ask about headset availability and recommended places for a lunch break.
Before the visit remind students to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and dress for the weather. If you plan to visit sacred places or museums, check rules on photography and behaviour.
A school trip through Kazimierz and the Main Market Square with an experienced guide is an excellent investment in students’ education – it combines knowledge, practical observation and emotional engagement. It works well for both younger and older classes.
Małgorzata, as a licensed guide, offers programs tailored to schools: engaging, safe and full of curiosities. If you are planning a school visit to Krakow, this route will help students better understand the city’s history and cultural significance.
We invite you to get in touch to plan the route and date – a well-prepared trip creates memories and knowledge that last for years.
