The Main Square is more than the city’s central plaza — it’s a concentrate of history, architecture and urban energy that works perfectly as a backdrop for short themed walks, city games and light team-building activities on weekdays. On weekdays crowds are usually smaller than at the weekend, which gives larger groups a real chance to move around freely, take photos and complete tasks without having to push through tourists.
For organized groups the Square offers classic must-see stops: the Cloth Hall with its stalls and museum, St. Mary’s Basilica with the hourly hejnał and the famous Veit Stoss altarpiece, the Main Square Underground museum with its archaeological story of medieval Kraków, and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument — a popular meeting point. This variety lets you design a program that mixes educational, entertaining and culinary elements.
It’s worth noting that the Square often hosts events: craft markets, open-air concerts, parades (for example medieval shows with dragons) and seasonal fairs. During weekdays and outside peak tourist season it’s easier to run activities — shorter waits at museums, faster table reservations and more flexibility from catering providers.
The Wawel Dragon - even though the dragon ‘lives’ near Wawel, its story is omnipresent across the Old Town. The tale of the monster and the clever trick used to defeat it is a great starting point for quizzes and narrative tasks during a city game.
The hejnał from St. Mary’s - the short melody played from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica every hour is one of the most powerful local experiences. The tradition of the sudden break in the tune (linked to the legend of the trumpeter being shot) makes an excellent narrative element — you can ask the group to guess why the piece is cut off and how it became a symbol of the city.
Lajkonik and other civic customs - stories about historical characters and rituals such as the Lajkonik show the colorful side of local culture and allow you to add costume elements or tasks related to dance and ceremony during integration activities.
The Main Square Underground is an archaeological museum beneath the plaza where finds reveal everyday life in medieval Kraków. For groups it’s an opportunity for a timed visit and a workshop-style approach — short educational tasks that engage participants.
The Cloth Hall and the Cloth Hall Museum are ideal for short blocks about the history of trade and craftsmanship; St. Mary’s Basilica — the Veit Stoss altarpiece and the hejnał story; and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument is a convenient meeting point and a natural starting place for city games. These sites create natural ‘stations’ in a team-building scenario.
On weekdays it’s a good idea to reserve group entrances to the Main Square Underground and selected institutions in advance — this saves time and keeps your program running smoothly.
09:00 - Meet at the Main Square, short group warm-up and introduction to the theme: Kraków’s legends and puzzles.
09:30 - Themed walk to key points: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (the hejnał story), Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Short photographic tasks for teams.
11:00 - Visit to the Main Square Underground (pre-booked) — an educational element with a quiz and team competition.
13:00 - Lunch at a quality restaurant near the Square (table reservation recommended) - suggested places with strong reputations: Wierzynek, Szara. Time to relax and bond over a meal.
15:00 - City game / team mission: a storyline based on Kraków’s legends with logical puzzles, outdoor tasks and theatrical elements.
17:30 - Wrap-up, hand out small prizes, group photo in front of the Cloth Hall or the Basilica.
19:00 - Optional dinner or evening at a local jazz bar or club. For a different perspective, a relaxed Vistula river cruise is a pleasant way to end the day.
Photo contest: teams receive a list of motifs to photograph (architectural detail, a local vendor, part of a sculpture) — points for creativity.
Sensory tasks: find and describe the Square’s smells (coffee, spices, baked goods), then link them to a legend or a specific place.
Mini outdoor escape: a series of historical riddles leading teams between designated points on the Square; each solved puzzle gives a piece of a map to the next station.
On and around the Square you’ll find both elegant restaurants and budget-friendly options. Established venues such as Wierzynek and Szara often have a limited number of tables for large groups — booking in advance gives comfort and ensures proper service.
If your group prefers more intimate places or authentic local cuisine, consider walking a few minutes away to Kazimierz. Cafés like Cafe Camelot and Massolit are popular for short coffee breaks and welcome smaller groups.
Practical tip: when ordering a group menu, collect allergy information and vegetarian preferences in advance — restaurants will serve large groups faster and more smoothly.
Avoid scheduling too many stops in a short time — the Square hides more attractions than it first appears, and rushing reduces the enjoyment of visiting.
Don’t forget reservations: the Main Square Underground, museums and high-quality restaurants may require prior group bookings, especially during the season.
Be prepared: comfortable shoes, water bottles for participants, spare power banks and a printed copy of the meeting plan. For large groups appoint contact persons and a meeting point so nobody gets lost.
The hejnał is interrupted for a reason — legend says the trumpeter was shot while signaling an attack and the melody stopped abruptly. This commemorative tradition has become a symbol of Kraków.
Layers of settlement built up beneath the Main Square for centuries; items of everyday life found under the surface tell the story of people who lived here long ago — which is why the Main Square Underground has such strong educational value.
The Adam Mickiewicz Monument is more than a meeting spot — during the interwar years and at various celebrations it served as a natural agora for cultural and political events.
Is the Main Square accessible for large groups? - Yes, the Square is public and free to enter. If you plan events with sound systems, a stage or on-site sales you will need to apply for permits from the city authorities.
Do we need to book tickets for the Main Square Underground and the Basilica? - For organized groups it’s recommended to book tickets and visiting times in advance. Cooperation with the institutions ahead of time makes the visit smoother and guarantees entry at the scheduled hour.
Can we run city games on the Square? - Yes, many companies organize city games in the Old Town area, but for larger forms of entertainment (props-heavy scenarios, large picnics, etc.) consult the city conservator and check rules for public events.
Thinking that “a few hours is enough to see everything” — it’s better to set priorities and leave time for rest and group conversations.
Logistical unpreparedness: no confirmed reservations, no designated group leaders, too-long transfers between sites — these are common sources of frustration. Solution: a simple schedule and a contact list.
Ignoring the weather — if it rains, museums and cafés make excellent alternatives; always have a plan B.
The Main Square is the perfect place to combine history, legend and team bonding — especially on weekdays when the space is more welcoming for groups. A clear plan, advance reservations and playful elements based on local stories will create an unforgettable experience for participants.
If you’d like a tailor-made integration program for your group, consider working with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Share this article with friends or on social media — let others discover the magic of the Main Square!
