Yes — a one-day trip that includes a walk around Kraków’s Old Town and a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is realistic even for groups of 30–60 people, but it requires good logistics, advance bookings and a backup plan.
Most important: book Wieliczka tickets and any Wawel entries well in advance, plan time for coach transfers and breaks for toilets and coffee, and set a clear meeting point and group communication method.
08:00 - Departure and group meeting; check the coach arrival and parking spot.
09:30–12:00 - Walk through the Old Town: St. Florian's Gate, Floriańska Street, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (outside and optional quick visit). Short coffee break on the square or in a nearby café (see recommendations).
12:00–13:00 - Coach transfer to Wieliczka (travel time depends on traffic).
13:00–15:30 - Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine - tourist route; remember suitable footwear and a warmer layer of clothing.
15:30–16:00 - Return to Kraków, optional snack or group dinner in a reserved restaurant.
17:00 - Free time in the Old Town or quick souvenir shopping; return transfer.
For a large group the key factors are: the ability to reserve, a separate entrance/service for groups, a spacious dining room or terrace, and fast beverage service. Always arrange group details with the venue manager at least a few days ahead.
Avoid very small, intimate cafés on the Main Square if you want to seat the whole group together — it’s better to reserve several tables in advance or choose a venue with a private room.
If you need a quick standing break (e.g. 20–30 minutes), cafés and bakeries offering grab-&-go options or pre-packed coffee + cake sets are a great choice; you can order these in advance.
Noworolski (Main Market Square) — a historic café on the Market Square; atmospheric interior and the possibility to reserve for larger groups with prior contact.
Lajkonik (cafés and bakeries) — several locations, wide selection of pastries and the option to place group orders; good for a quick breakfast before sightseeing.
Stopklatka Cafe — a spacious spot suitable for larger meetups and relaxing after a walk; ask about reserving larger tables.
Cakester Cafe and other popular spots around the Market and Kazimierz — great for dessert and coffee after lunch; remember to reserve by phone or place group orders in advance.
Cafés in shopping centres or near the station (for example near Galeria Krakowska) — convenient if the group travels by train and needs a quick break.
For groups of 30–60 it’s better to order a buffet or fixed meal sets rather than à la carte table service — this is faster and more reliable time-wise.
Restaurants experienced with groups often offer dedicated school/corporate menus and may provide parking for a coach or a convenient drop-off point.
Call ahead to arrange allergy-friendly and vegetarian options; ask for accelerated serving and designate a contact person at the venue.
Divide the group before sightseeing into smaller subgroups with an assigned leader — this helps movement and time control.
Set a meeting point and time after each part of the programme and give it in writing (e.g. a printed note or SMS).
Make sure you have communication devices (phones, powerbanks) and consider printing a participant list with contact numbers for group leaders.
Booking tickets for the salt mine is mandatory for organised groups; in season tickets should be confirmed for a specific time slot.
The mine has a constant temperature lower than on the surface — inform participants to bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
Remember there are walks and sometimes stairs — not everyone will manage a long, intensive underground walk; plan an alternative for people with limited mobility.
Not booking tickets and places in cafés or restaurants in advance — plan at least a few weeks ahead during high season.
An overly tight schedule with no buffer for traffic or delays — add at least 30–45 minutes of margin between points A and B.
Not preparing participants for Wieliczka conditions (temperature, stairs) — inform attendees in advance and advise comfortable footwear.
Instead of one long coffee break, plan two shorter ones — participants will spread out more evenly and return to the programme quicker.
If you plan group photos on the Market Square — choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Ask cafés to prepare packed sets (coffee + pastry) before arrival — this saves serving time for large groups.
How much time should you reserve for Wieliczka? At least 2–3 hours for the standard route including transfers.
Can the entire group be seated in one café on the Market Square? It depends on the venue; better to reserve in advance or choose a place with a larger dining room.
How to handle payments for the group? Arrange with the venue the option of a single collective invoice or prepayment; always have plan B for individual payments.
Confirmed reservations: Wieliczka tickets, any Wawel entries, restaurant/café — printouts or e-mail confirmations.
Participant list with contact numbers and division into subgroups with assigned leaders.
Small first-aid kit, powerbanks, and a contingency plan for transport delays.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better trip.
If you’d like, I can recommend organising the trip with the guidance of private tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Ask about an offer tailored to groups of 30–60 people.
