This is a suggested 2–4 hour city walk where you will see Kraków’s most important sights and learn about the history of the Kraków Ghetto — all without entering museums. The route is prepared and led by licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who combines solid historical knowledge with engaging storytelling, anecdotes and practical tips. The walk is family-friendly and suited to couples and anyone who prefers to experience a city from the outside, with an emphasis on places of memory and Kraków’s most characteristic spots.
If you prefer tours that include indoor museum visits, mention that when booking; this route intentionally avoids exhibitions and focuses on public space, historic architecture and sites connected to Jewish and wartime history in Kraków.
The walk can be adjusted in length and pace — Małgorzata offers tours ranging from short 1.5-hour introductions to longer, more detailed multi-hour walks.
- If your time is limited and you want to experience the essence of Kraków in a short period.
- Outdoor exploration gives freedom to enjoy city panoramas and architecture immediately — useful when you prefer not to spend long periods inside crowded exhibition halls.
- The route highlights how monuments and urban spaces relate to everyday life and where key historical events took place, including the story of the Kraków Ghetto.
- For many visitors it is important to see places of memory in the spaces where history actually happened — not only through exhibits.
1) Meeting point and start: Main Market Square — agreed location (for example by the Cloth Hall or the Adam Mickiewicz Monument). Brief historical warm-up and plan for the walk.
2) The Royal Route — walk from the Florian Gate, past the Barbican and along the Planty towards Wawel; discussion of the city’s role in Polish history and the medieval defensive system.
3) Wawel Hill (exterior): cathedral, courtyards and the Vistula panorama — stories about royal ceremonies, architecture and legends.
4) Move to Kazimierz: the medieval Jewish quarter — its layout and places of memory (synagogues viewed from the outside, cemeteries and streets).
5) Nowy Square and surroundings: the Kazimierz atmosphere, everyday life, cafés and local flavors — short break for coffee or a snack if you wish.
6) The Kraków Ghetto — Podgórze district: discussion of the ghetto borders, Bohaterów Getta Square, fragments of the old buildings and other memorial sites; the history of residents, deportations and resistance.
7) End of the route: reflection on the experience, culinary recommendations and practical tips for further exploration — optional finish at a café in Kazimierz or by the river.
The Kraków Ghetto was located in the Podgórze district (not in Kazimierz) — during the walk we visit memorial sites and places connected to the tragic history of the occupation: Bohaterów Getta Square (an outdoor space of remembrance), surviving fragments of pre-war buildings, places where barricades stood and houses destroyed during the ghetto’s liquidation.
- We will talk about everyday life inside the ghetto: living conditions, forced labor, and how the Jewish community worked to preserve culture and dignity.
- We will also discuss the fates of local residents and institutions, their responses to events, and the actions of people and groups who helped or resisted during the occupation.
- The walk allows time for questions and reflection — Małgorzata presents the topic with respect and clarity, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on memory and education.
- Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (exterior description and listening to the bugle call from outside), towers and the city’s urban layout.
- Florian Gate and the Barbican: sections of the medieval fortifications — stories about defending the city and changes to its urban fabric.
- Wawel (outside): castle and cathedral — site of coronations and royal burials, legends of the Wawel Dragon and views over the Vistula.
- Kazimierz: historic synagogues visible from the outside, narrow streets and Nowy Square — history of Jewish life and the district’s modern café culture.
- Podgórze and Bohaterów Getta Square: memorial sites, commemorative stones and stories of the ghetto’s inhabitants.
- The Vistula boulevards and city panoramas: great spots for short breaks and photos.
- Duration: typically 2–3 hours; the route can be shortened or extended (up to 4 hours) depending on group expectations and pace.
- Meeting point: agreed when booking; most often Main Market Square or another convenient central spot.
- Booking: recommended, especially in high season, on weekends and holidays. When you reserve, you can discuss route preferences — Małgorzata tailors pace to the group.
- Price: fees depend on route length and group size — you will receive details and the current price list when booking.
- Accessibility: the route mostly follows sidewalks and squares. For guests with limited mobility a version with fewer stops and a shorter distance can be arranged — please indicate needs when reserving.
- Weather: the walk is outdoors — in case of very bad weather an alternative date can be arranged or the route can be shortened.
- Respect for places of memory: when visiting sites connected to WWII and other tragedies please observe silence and respect; these are moments for reflection.
- Noworolski Café (Cloth Hall) — a classic café on the Market Square, good for cake and coffee after the walk.
- Cafe Camelot (Kazimierz) — cozy interior and a wonderful atmosphere; great for dessert or coffee.
- Nowy Square — local bars and stalls selling the traditional zapiekanka; perfect for a quick informal bite.
- Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — if you want a hearty, traditional Polish meal near Wawel.
- For a more refined experience: Bottiglieria 1881 (reservation recommended) — a highly regarded restaurant appreciated for its style and cuisine.
All these places are easy to reach from the route, and Małgorzata will gladly recommend local spots tailored to your tastes, budget and available time.
- Is the route suitable for children? Yes — the walk can be adapted for younger participants; the guide knows how to present topics in an accessible and engaging way.
- Will we enter synagogues or museums during the walk? No — this version focuses on outdoor spaces and external memorials. If you want interior visits, indicate that when booking.
- How many people can join? The walk is available for small and medium groups; for very large groups Małgorzata can arrange audio equipment or an additional guide.
- How far in advance should I book? It’s best to book ahead, especially in the tourist season; Małgorzata is flexible and often offers shorter-notice options.
- How should I prepare? Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and an open mind for stories about the city’s history and daily life.
Małgorzata is a licensed guide in Kraków with many years of experience and a passion for telling the city’s stories. Her tours combine factual accuracy with memorable narratives and she adapts her storytelling to different ages and interests. If you want a local who knows Kraków inside out — from courtyards to legends — a walk with Małgorzata is an excellent choice.
During the walk she emphasizes clarity, empathy when covering difficult topics (especially the history of the Ghetto) and practical tips for further sightseeing.
Contact and booking are handled directly — when you reserve you can specify preferred duration, pace and any stops you’d like to add or skip.
- Book early if you arrive on a weekend or during the summer season.
- To avoid crowds, ask for an early-morning or late-afternoon walk.
- Bring a camera or phone for the many beautiful panoramas, but be mindful and respectful when photographing at memorial sites — keep noise and intrusive behavior to a minimum.
- Stay in Kazimierz after the walk for a longer coffee or dinner — the neighborhood’s atmosphere complements the history you will have learned.
- If you want to add interior visits (for example to the cathedral, a synagogue or the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum), mention this when booking — Małgorzata will adjust the plan and timing.
- Practical traveler notes: Polish currency is the złoty (PLN). Trams and buses are the easiest way to get around the city if you need to travel beyond the route. Tipping of around 10–15% for cafés and restaurants is customary but always up to you. Speak slowly in English if needed — most people in the tourist industry understand basic English, and the guide can help with local phrases.
- Tell us your preferred meeting time and any mobility needs so the route can be tailored.
- If you have specific interests (architecture, WWII history, Jewish heritage, local food), Małgorzata can emphasize those subjects.
- For groups with limited time, ask for a focused 90-minute route covering highlights only.
Please follow local regulations and guidance from the guide at all times. When visiting memorials and sites connected to tragic events, act with silence and dignity. If you wish to lay a candle or flowers at a memorial, the guide will advise on the proper place and way to do so.
We hope this walk helps you connect with Kraków — its history, architecture and the memory of those who lived here. If you’d like to book or ask a question, contact Małgorzata directly when reserving and mention any preferences — she will make the walk personal and meaningful.
