Krakow is a city where history mixes with everyday life — cobbled streets, townhouses full of stories and hidden details that are easy to miss when you walk alone. A walk with a licensed guide lets you see the city “through a local’s eyes”: you get the historical context of monuments, hear vivid anecdotes, avoid queues and learn where to stop for a good coffee or a local specialty.
A guide will tailor the route to your pace and interests — whether you prefer an intensive historical route, a relaxed stroll through Kazimierz, or a tour focused on food. As a licensed guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers routes for families, small groups (2–6 people) and larger school or corporate groups; routes can be shortened or extended to suit participants' needs.
An extra benefit: the guide will advise on practical matters on site — how to get around by public transport, where to buy tickets, which sites require advance booking and how to plan your day to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Royal Route (Main Market Square – Wawel) — the classic route to start with: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, historic palaces and merchant houses, finishing on Wawel Hill. A great option for your first day in the city.
Kazimierz — the former Jewish district with atmospheric streets, synagogues, cafés and galleries. Ideal for an afternoon walk with a stop for mezze or coffee in one of the cozy cafés.
Podgórze and Oskar Schindler’s Factory — a route for those interested in 20th-century history; here you’ll get a different, less touristy but very real sense of the city.
Błonia and the Planty — a route for those who want to relax in green spaces; Błonia is perfect for a picnic or a short rest after intensive sightseeing.
Themed route: a culinary tour of Krakow — a series of short walks with stops at recommended places for breakfast, lunch and dessert; ideal for food lovers.
Wawel regularly hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent displays — which means that even if you have visited the hill before, you may find something new on the program. In recent seasons these temporary shows have highlighted Polish artists and projects that bring lesser-known chapters of the Castle’s history to light.
Remember that temporary exhibitions are sometimes ticketed separately and run only for a limited time. If you want to see a specific show, check dates and buy tickets in advance — it saves time and stress, especially during the high season.
Visiting Wawel can take a full day if you plan to see the cathedral, museum rooms and temporary exhibitions. If you want a deeper understanding of a topic, consider a guided tour or a curatorial tour when available.
Ticket offices and sales: many attractions at Wawel and other Krakow museums offer online ticketing. Buying tickets in advance guarantees entry at the chosen time — particularly important for temporary exhibitions and weekends.
Opening hours change seasonally — summer hours are often longer and winter ones shorter. When planning a walk, check current opening times for the places you want to visit and note days when some sites may be closed.
Meeting the guide: agree on a clear meeting place and time in advance. A recognizable landmark (for example a distinctive fountain or a church entrance) works well. If someone in the group has reduced mobility, report it beforehand so the route and pace can be adapted.
Weather and clothing: Krakow’s Old Town has many cobbled streets and narrow passages — comfortable shoes are essential. Inside Wawel and museums the temperature is usually stable, but in autumn and winter bring warm clothing and an umbrella.
Old Town and the Market Square: Szara Restaurant — an elegant spot with well-regarded cuisine, recommended for dinners and special occasions; try seasonal dishes and desserts. Wierzynek — a historic restaurant with a long tradition; a choice for a more formal dinner when you want a taste of old Krakow.
Near Wawel: Pod Wawelem (Kompania Kuflowa) — a popular place offering hearty traditional Polish dishes, good for a family lunch after visiting the hill.
Kazimierz: Hamsa — a restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine and mezze; a great option for groups or anyone seeking different flavors than classic Polish food. Camelot Cafe — a cozy café perfect for coffee, apple pie or a relaxed dessert after wandering Kazimierz’s alleys.
Alternatives and local eateries: for cheaper and quicker options, look for small milk bars and pierogi places off the most touristy streets. Places near the Planty and on Grodzka Street serve classic dishes at reasonable prices.
How to pick a place: if you plan to eat after a guided walk, inform the guide of dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). The guide can suggest a restaurant that fits the group and, if needed, reserve a table.
Reservations are key — especially on weekends and in the high season, well-known restaurants can be booked far in advance.
If you want to try traditional dishes: order pierogi, żurek or a breaded pork cutlet (schabowy) at a reputable restaurant; for dessert try apple pie (szarlotka) or local cakes in central cafés.
For guests with dietary restrictions: many places in Krakow offer vegetarian and vegan options as well as gluten-free dishes — ask staff or check menus online before visiting.
Prices: restaurants in the heart of the Old Town are usually more expensive than those on side streets or in Kazimierz. For good quality at a reasonable price consider having lunch outside the busiest tourist areas.
Is it worth booking a guided walk in advance? - Yes, especially in season and for larger groups. Booking secures the time and allows the route to be tailored to your expectations.
How long is a typical guided walk? - Usually 2–4 hours; shorter 1–1.5 hour routes are possible if you only want a quick overview of the main sights.
Does the guide provide equipment for people with hearing difficulties? - Many guides carry headphone systems; if someone needs extra support, report it in advance.
Is entry to Wawel free? - Wawel is a complex of different sites: the cathedral, museum exhibitions and temporary shows. Some parts are free and others are paid. It’s recommended to check exactly what you want to see and buy tickets ahead of time.
How long does it take to visit Wawel? - To see the cathedral and a quick overview of exhibitions count 2–3 hours; a full visit including several temporary exhibitions can take a whole day.
Krakow is best discovered on foot — step by step, with someone who knows the city and can tell its stories with passion. If you’re planning a visit and want a personalized route, I invite you to book a walk with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — routes can be adapted to the group’s needs, theme and schedule.
A practical tip: plan to visit Wawel in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, reserve a table at one of the recommended restaurants for lunch, and leave time for an evening walk through Kazimierz — it’s one of the best ways to feel Krakow’s atmosphere. We look forward to showing you a city full of history, flavors and surprises!
If you like, I can prepare a sample one-day or weekend itinerary that matches your culinary preferences and walking pace.
