If you plan to visit Kraków and at the same time go to Zakopane or pilgrimage sites in Lesser Poland, a 3-hour walk around the Old Town is the perfect opening. In that time you’ll see the most important points of the Royal Route, learn the historical context of the city, and catch your first unforgettable views — then you can calmly hop on a bus or train toward the Tatra Mountains or the shrines.
This short, intensive program works well for visitors who want to make the most of their time: people arriving in Kraków in the morning before continuing to Podhale, groups combining religious elements in their itinerary, or tourists who want to feel the “essence” of the city before a longer stay. The route is convenient logistically and gives a clear overview of the city, making later independent sightseeing easier and more enjoyable.
I lead these 3-hour walks so they are dynamic but never rushed — with a break for photos and short stories that stick in your memory. The main highlights are Wawel, the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), Kanonicza Street and, of course, St. Florian's Gate with a section of the medieval defensive walls and the nearby Barbican.
If you plan to include a pilgrimage element in the trip (for example visiting the Sanctuary in Łagiewniki or Kalwaria Zebrzydowska), it’s good to mention that when you book — then the program and transport can be arranged so everything makes sense both in time and spirit.
St. Florian's Gate - a well-preserved city gate with fragments of medieval defensive walls, part of the former Royal Route. It’s an excellent place to begin the walk and to tell the story of Kraków’s fortifications and the feel of a medieval town.
The Barbican - a circular defensive structure near St. Florian's Gate; together they make an impressive piece of the city’s defensive system. Here we talk about sieges, trade and the movement of people through the gate.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the heart of the city where trade and culture shaped Kraków’s life. I point out the spots to remember: the Cloth Hall, the Adam Mickiewicz monument and parts of the Market’s underground museum.
St. Mary's Basilica - an exterior view and, if planned, a short interior visit with a story about the Veit Stoss altar and the bugle calls played from the tower.
Kanonicza Street and Wawel Hill - picturesque university streets, former canons’ houses and a brief introduction to Wawel: the cathedral, royal tombs and the dragon legend.
All Saints’ Square and the “Papal window” - for many visitors a meaningful place connected with John Paul II.
During the 3 hours I try to combine stories about architecture, everyday life of past residents and practical tips — where to eat, where to buy souvenirs and how to continue exploring the city on your own.
The most popular program combinations are 2–3 days: Kraków - Zakopane - (optionally) Wieliczka or pilgrimage sites. Practically, it looks like this: one day devoted to Kraków, then travel to Podhale and 1–2 days in Zakopane with mountain walks or visiting local attractions.
In Zakopane and the surrounding area the commonly recommended points are: Krupówki - the main promenade; Morskie Oko - a classic Tatra lake walk for many visitors; Wielka Krokiew - a viewpoint and ski-jump venue; Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery and the Chapel at Jaszczurówka as spots with a unique atmosphere. If you want a religious element in the program, Łagiewniki (Divine Mercy Sanctuary) or Kalwaria Zebrzydowska are often added — both are important pilgrimage sites.
If you want to combine sightseeing with pilgrimage elements, we plan the route so you don’t waste time or lose the mood: a morning 3-hour Kraków walk, an afternoon transfer toward Zakopane or a sanctuary, and the next day for a longer mountain hike or attending a service/visiting the place of worship.
Depending on which sites you choose and how many interiors you want to enter, the time schedule may change — so when booking we’ll set priorities: are mountain views more important or visiting specific shrines?
Plan A - quick option (best if you arrive in the morning): a 3-hour Old Town walk including St. Florian's Gate and Wawel - afternoon transfer to Zakopane or Wieliczka. Overnight in Podhale, next day: Morskie Oko or a stroll along Krupówki.
Plan B - pilgrimage option: 3 hours in Kraków in the morning, then transfer to a sanctuary (for example Łagiewniki) for sightseeing and prayer - the following day travel to Zakopane or return home. This layout suits religious groups or people who want to combine recreation with spirituality.
Plan C - spread out option: Day 1 - Kraków (3 hours + a museum or Wieliczka Salt Mine), Day 2 - Zakopane (Morskie Oko or Kościeliska Valley), Day 3 - optional Kalwaria or return and shopping in Kraków. This version gives comfort and time to rest.
Each of these plans can be adjusted to the group’s pace, mobility and the weather.
Shoes and weather - comfortable shoes are essential in Kraków: the cobbled streets of the Old Town can be slippery after rain. For mountain trips bring sturdy, waterproof footwear and layered clothing — Tatra weather can change quickly.
Tickets and entrances - on a 3-hour walk I usually show the main sites from the outside; if you want interior visits (for example Wawel or St. Mary's Basilica), add this when booking so I can plan the sequence and buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Time for food - if you plan to transfer to Zakopane the same day, it’s good to have a light meal before leaving. In Kraków I recommend places with local cuisine for short breaks — Kraków pierogi and local pastries are classics.
Souvenirs and haggling - the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the place for traditional souvenirs; on Krupówki you’ll find regional crafts and mementos. Keep an eye on price and quality — I’ll gladly advise where to buy nice items at fair prices.
For visitors with limited mobility - the 3-hour program can be adapted: shorten walking distances, plan more stops and avoid narrow staircases. Let me know in advance and I’ll prepare a route friendly to all participants.
Morskie Oko - the most popular lake in the Tatras and one of Poland’s most recognizable spots. The trail takes a few hours round-trip and offers spectacular views; depending on season and fitness you can plan a shorter walk to the nearby Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza waterfalls.
Krupówki - the heart of Zakopane, a promenade with restaurants, regional workshops and souvenir shops. It’s a good place to stretch your legs after a mountain walk and try local specialties.
Wielka Krokiew and the ski jumps - a viewpoint and, outside the competitive season, an interesting element of local winter sports history.
Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery and the Chapel at Jaszczurówka - places with a special atmosphere, worth visiting for those seeking calm and local character.
If the program includes a historical or religious thread, consider local chapels and sanctuaries — many of them have interesting stories connected to the region.
Transport Kraków - Zakopane - it’s most convenient to arrange travel by coach or minibus with a set pick-up point, especially for larger groups. The trip usually takes a few hours — when planning allow extra time for stops and possible traffic during the season.
Duration of attractions - the 3-hour Kraków walk is an approximate frame; interior visits or longer stops will extend the program. A day in Zakopane with Morskie Oko usually fills the whole day, so consider spreading intense activities across several days.
Seasonality - summer and winter each have advantages: in summer the mountain trails are accessible to hikers, in winter Zakopane offers skiing and winter attractions. Kraków is attractive year-round, but expect crowds at the most popular spots during the tourist season.
Insurance and health - if you plan mountain hikes, consider insurance that covers mountain rescue. For pilgrimage groups, check medical availability at your accommodations.
Booking - it’s best to tell me your expectations before arrival: how much time you have in Kraków, whether you want interior visits, and whether you plan an immediate transfer to Zakopane or a sanctuary. This lets me prepare the route and, if needed, tickets in advance.
At the meeting - I begin with a short introduction, outline the route and set the pace. I answer questions as we go and adapt stories to the group’s interests — history, culture, religion, architecture or local anecdotes.
Service for groups - if you travel with an organized group, I can help plan the whole program combining Kraków, Zakopane and pilgrimage sites so each element is comfortable and well coordinated.
If you have special requests - tell me when booking: I can prepare a more family-friendly route, a more historical tour or one with a stronger religious emphasis.
Don’t try to see everything at once - it’s better to feel the city in several visits than to rush through a checklist. A 3-hour walk is a great first step — it leaves room for deeper discovery of Kraków and Podhale later.
If you’d like me to guide your group, I’ll tell stories about St. Florian's Gate, the Barbican, the Royal Route and what’s truly worth seeing in Zakopane. I’ll help match the pace and include pilgrimage elements if they matter for your trip.
Enjoy the city’s flavors - coffee in the square, local pastries, the view from Wawel Hill and a Tatra sunrise are memories that stay with you. I invite you to walk with me and plan your trip so it’s joyful, thoughtful and stress-free.
Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
