A half-day trip combining the Market Square Underground and the traces of Jewish Krakow in Kazimierz offers a great balance between an intense history lesson and comfort for a school class. In a short time students will see both archaeological evidence of the medieval city and places that tell the story of the Jewish district’s culture and everyday life. The route is designed for school groups — led energetically, with clear explanations and anecdotes that help facts stick. Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — licensed, experienced and friendly in working with young people.
This short trip works especially well when your time is limited — for example in the morning before lunch or after arrival to the city. Thanks to a well-thought-out plan students do not feel exhausted and teachers get a clear schedule and logistical support.
In the text you will find a time breakdown, practical tips for chaperones, ideas for a snack break and an FAQ answering the most common organizational questions.
Suggested duration: 3–4 hours - the “half day” option (ideal for school classes).
Sample schedule: - 0:00–0:15 - meeting point and brief introduction at the Main Market Square (exact meeting place agreed at booking), - 0:15–1:00 - entry to the Market Square Underground and guided visit to the archaeological exhibition, - 1:00–1:15 - walk from the Market to Kazimierz (short story about the route), - 1:15–2:30 - Kazimierz route: Old Synagogue (outdoor area and history talk), Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery, Szeroka Street and Nowy Square, - 2:30–3:00 - summary, students’ questions, practical tips, snack break near Nowy Square. Optional: extend to 4 hours with an additional entry to a chosen synagogue museum or a visit to a local café.
Time and program elements are always adjusted to students’ ages, group pace and teachers’ preferences.
The Market Square Underground is one of the most tangible places where Krakow’s history “peeks out” from beneath the modern surface — moving, visible remains of the medieval city: building layouts, traces of craft workshops and artifacts. The guide will explain everyday life in medieval Krakow, trade, crafts and the archaeological surprises uncovered during excavations.
For students it’s a great place to see history ‘‘on site’’ — not only in books, but in digs, fragments of walls and exhibits that show how the city worked centuries ago.
Note for chaperones: the Underground has a specific microclimate — it can be cooler and more humid than street level; bring light jackets.
Kazimierz is the heart of Jewish history in Krakow — the walk passes places that tell of a centuries-long Jewish presence, its contribution to the city’s life and the tragedies of the 20th century. For school programs we focus on key points: the Old Synagogue (a place of memory and stories about religious and social life), Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent Remuh Cemetery (a place for reflection), Szeroka Street and Nowy Square (public life, trade and daily routines), and also parts of the story of Kazimierz in the 20th century and the mechanisms of memory.
Important: Jewish topics can be sensitive and require a careful approach — Małgorzata conducts tours with respect, adapting language and level to the students’ age. This is not only information about tragedy but also about culture, customs and the positive aspects of the city’s multicultural life.
If the group wishes, we can include a film-related thread (for example locations connected with "Schindler’s List") — by agreement with the teacher and taking students’ ages into account.
Meeting point: usually at the Main Market Square (exact spot fixed at booking). Please be punctual — it helps entry to the Underground and keeps the schedule on track.
Group size and chaperones: the route works well for small classes and larger school groups. For very large groups extra chaperone support is recommended (e.g. 1 chaperone per 10–15 students depending on age).
Equipment: comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the Underground, a water bottle and a small amount of cash for a snack. For very young classes prepared tasks (quizzes, short field assignments) work well and the guide can include them during the tour.
Safety and respect for the sites: Kazimierz and the Underground are places of memory — please respect cemeteries and synagogues. Phones may be used for photos, but quiet and respectful behavior is important.
Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — offers for schools available through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com; booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season.
Sample indicative rates (school/group offer): - Small groups (1–35 people): 2 hours — about 350 PLN, 3 hours — about 450 PLN, 4 hours — about 550 PLN. - Large groups (36+ people): fee charged per person — approximate rates start from several dozen PLN per person depending on duration. - Headset/audio-guide sets: available to rent (small fee per person).
Exact rates and availability are best confirmed at booking with the date, group size and guiding language. At booking you can set the program (more time in the Underground or a longer walk in Kazimierz).
Kazimierz is a convenient place for a short break. Quick options: - Nowy Square — traditional zapiekanki (Polish open-faced baguette pizzas) for a quick student snack; open space for a short break. - Cafés along Szeroka Street and near the square — good for tea or cocoa for younger pupils; for larger groups it’s worth asking the venue in advance about group capacity.
For teachers and chaperones I recommend well-known cafés and restaurants in Kazimierz that handle groups; many places offer group menus for larger bookings — check with the guide or the venue before arrival.
If you prefer a calmer local spot after the tour — the area around the Market Square and Kanonicza Street has cozy cafés and places with regional cuisine perfect for a short debrief.
To make the outdoor lesson active, bring a camera or phone for photo tasks: look for specific architectural details, note curiosities, or make short group reports.
The guide can prepare short field quizzes, checklists of items to find or post-visit questions — these help consolidate learning and engage students.
After the trip we recommend a short classroom recap: reflections, working with a map, building a timeline or mini-projects about discovered places.
Is the route suitable for grades 1–3 in primary school? - Yes, but pace and length can be shortened; plan an extra break and playful elements.
Can we enter all synagogues with a group? - Not all synagogues are open inside for large groups and not all operate as exhibition spaces; details and possible entries should be arranged at booking.
Are the Market Square Underground facilities wheelchair accessible? - Accessibility may be limited; please check the site’s accessibility and report any needs when booking.
How many chaperones should we bring? - For young classes a higher chaperone-to-student ratio is recommended; a common guideline is 1 chaperone per 10–15 students, but it depends on age and group character.
Book your date in advance — guide dates and Underground tickets fill up, especially in high season.
Inform students in advance what to expect — a short reminder about the site’s culture and rules of conduct makes the visit smoother.
Bring notebooks and pens — a brief written note by students often leads to better retention and more interesting post-trip reports.
Finally: get ready for a good story — the guide combines facts with lively language and humor so Krakow’s history becomes close and understandable for students.
The half-day route Market Square Underground + traces of Jewish Krakow is a great option for classes that want to see key places in a short time and enjoy a well-led live lesson. If you are planning a school trip to Krakow — contact ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com to set the date, trip length and logistics.
We wish you a great trip — may students return not only tired but inspired by the city’s history! For any questions about the program, booking and adapting the route to your class, please write or call — Małgorzata will gladly help plan the ideal half-day program.
Enjoy exploring and travel safely!
