Krakow in winter can be charming — markets, illuminated streets and steaming cups of hot chocolate — but the weather can be unpredictable. The good news: yes, you can run a comfortable, safe and enjoyable 2-day visit even with a very large group if you plan clothing, logistics and a few simple rules. This guide will help you plan what to pack, how to outfit participants and how to organize breaks so no one freezes or gets soaked.
The checklists and practical tips that follow are aimed at school trip organizers, company outings and large tourist groups. You’ll also find printable checklists, quick logistics tips and suggestions for places to warm a group up and escape the cold. We start with the basics: dressing in layers.
City microclimates change quickly in winter: cold, wind and damp outside; strong heating inside museums, churches and restaurants. The best strategy is to dress in layers — several thin, well-fitted layers instead of one single heavy coat. That way each person can quickly adapt their body temperature — put on or take off a layer in seconds without interrupting the tour or making long stops. Layering also makes it easy to react to sudden rain, snow or strong winds.
1) Base layer (thermal or moisture-wicking underwear) - a thin long-sleeve shirt and leggings that move moisture away from the skin. For long walks or heavy activity this is key to comfort.
2) Middle insulating layer - fleece or a thin insulated sweatshirt. This is the main insulation and is easy to remove in heated interiors.
3) Outer jacket - waterproof or at least water-repellent; a windproof jacket with insulation or a down jacket depending on the temperature.
4) Trousers - warm, comfortable pants (softshell, insulated trousers or long sports pants); for heavy precipitation have lightweight rain trousers to wear over them.
5) Footwear - the most critical item: boots with good grip and insulation, ideally trekking or urban winter boots with anti-slip soles.
6) Accessories - hat, gloves (ideally two layers: thin liners and thicker outer gloves), a neck gaiter or scarf. Small accessories make a big difference.
- Shoes: priority is stability and keeping feet dry. Choose models with a good tread, removable insoles and a waterproof upper. Avoid brand-new boots on travel day — footwear problems in a large group can disrupt the whole plan.
- Socks: wool or technical socks; thin socks under thicker ones work better than a single very thick pair because they allow easier comfort regulation and dry faster.
- For people with circulation problems or for children: consider recommending disposable foot warmers or adhesive warming patches as an optional extra.
- Rain ponchos or lightweight packable rain jackets — you can distribute these quickly when rain starts.
- Spare hats and gloves in a leader’s kit (a few pairs per every 10–15 people).
- A small power bank and extra plastic bags for wet items.
- ID tags or colored scarves/caps to make group members easy to spot in crowds and at attraction entrances.
- Shoe bags or spare-shoe sacks on the coach — with wet roads the coach won’t have to absorb the smell of soaked shoes.
Leaders coordinate the group’s comfort: they should carry a spare jacket, removable gloves, comfortable shoes and a first-aid kit. Wearing high-visibility items (for example a bright scarf or vest) helps participants find the responsible person quickly. Leaders should also carry a bag with a basic supply of hot drinks in thermoses, several pairs of gloves and rain ponchos. For large groups aim for at least one leader per 15–20 people.
- Split into smaller subgroups: 4–6 subgroups (about 10–20 people each) with an assigned leader. This makes quick actions (like handing out ponchos) and head counts much easier.
- Drop-off / storage point for larger items: if the group stays in a hotel, arrange with reception to store some luggage; many museums offer cloakrooms — reserve in advance for large groups.
- Schedule short breaks every 60–90 minutes: regular short stops to warm hands, refill water and adjust layers reduce the risk of chilling and energy drops.
- Communication: before travel send participants a short, concrete clothing list and simple rules (e.g., “grippy soles, layers, labelled water bottles”). A clear message saves you calls and problems on site.
With large groups the key is booking and fast service. These places are known to be group-friendly — call ahead and reserve:
- Restauracja Pod Aniołami (Old Town) — traditional cuisine and large rooms; a good option for a bigger seated lunch.
- Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — classic, elegant interior; reservation required for larger groups.
- Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) — a good choice for breakfast and coffee for bigger groups in a warm atmosphere.
- Café Camelot (ul. Św. Jana) — a cozy café to warm up after a morning walk.
- Miód Malina (Kazimierz) — a popular chain with group-friendly menus; quick service and warm dishes.
Always negotiate a group menu (three set options) and inform the venue about allergies in advance. In very cold weather plan quick, energy-rich soups (for example borscht) as fast, warming options.
Day 1 - Morning: arrival, quick breakfast in a reserved venue. Clothing: base layer + light insulating layer + waterproof jacket. Walk the Royal Route: Planty, Florian Gate, Main Market Square. Take a break every 60–75 minutes for a hot drink. Indoor sites (St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall) are heated — participants can remove the middle layer.
Day 1 - Afternoon: Wawel and surroundings or the Underground Museum beneath the Market. Clothing: remember hats and gloves; if rain is forecast, have ponchos on hand.
Day 2 - Morning: Kazimierz and the Schindler’s Factory (if included). Clothing: comfortable trousers and shoes with good tread (pavement may be slippery).
Day 2 - Afternoon: Wieliczka Salt Mine or a short local excursion (if planned) or last-minute shopping at the Market. Always plan an extra 30–45 minutes of buffer time for clothing fixes (changing socks, warming up in a café).
Participant checklist (per person): - 1x thermal base layer (top and bottom) - 1x fleece or insulated sweatshirt - 1x waterproof/insulated jacket - 1x pair of shoes with good grip - 2x pairs of socks (including 1 pair thermal/wool) - Hat, gloves, neck gaiter/scarf - Small backpack with a packable rain poncho, water bottle, snack - Charged phone, small change for toilets and drinks
Organizer / leader checklist: - Attendance list divided into subgroups and leaders - First-aid kit, spare ponchos, extra gloves and hats - Reservations and confirmations for venues and attractions - Powerbanks, bags for wet items, thermos with hot drinks - Plan B for rain or major delays (indoor options, museums, halls)
Are umbrellas a good idea for a large group? - Umbrellas in crowds on narrow streets can be a problem. For groups, lightweight rain ponchos are better: they do not block views and allow quick movement.
Should I rent anti-slip devices (ice grips) for some participants? - Not as a mandatory item; but for elderly people or those with balance issues it’s worth offering the option. Inform participants in advance about potentially slippery sidewalks.
How do I protect items on the coach in wet weather? - Use plastic bags and shoe bags + designate an area for wet items. Ask the driver to prepare mats or protective foil on the coach floor if heavy precipitation is expected.
What about coats and bags inside museums and Wawel? - Most major attractions have cloakrooms or luggage storage; for large groups contact them in advance and stagger entrances to avoid blocking internal circulation.
