The Lajkonik is one of Kraków’s most recognisable traditions — a colourful procession, music, dancing and the symbolic “tap with the mace” that is meant to bring good luck. For a small group (2–6 people) it’s a perfect chance to experience it in an intimate atmosphere: it’s easier to find a good viewing spot, decisions are made faster, and you can adapt the route to the pace and interests of the participants. In this article I’ll share practical tips and a ready plan so you can watch the Lajkonik comfortably and make the most of your time in Kraków. I won’t write about other guides — I’ll focus on what will truly help you during your visit.
Small groups have an advantage: you’re more mobile (easier to find space in the crowd), you can move quickly between points in the schedule and change plans on the fly if you spot another local attraction. It’s also a great option for families, couples and friends who prefer a calmer pace than large organised tours.
In the sections below I’ll describe when and where the Lajkonik usually appears, the best places to stand, how to plan your day, and what to do before and after the procession so you can fully enjoy the Kraków tradition.
Remember: the Lajkonik takes place annually in connection with the octave of Corpus Christi — the date usually falls in June, so it’s wise to check the city calendar before you arrive.
If you have a small group and would like, I can also help tailor a route to your interests — tell me if you prefer walks, places with food, or child-friendly attractions.
The Lajkonik procession takes place every year during the octave of Corpus Christi — that’s the most reliable way to predict the date because the exact day changes with the movable feast. It usually happens in June.
The traditional route begins in the Zwierzyniec area and heads toward the Old Town, finishing at the Main Market Square. In practice this means the Lajkonik appears in several spots along the way: the starting points and local squares in Zwierzyniec, the boulevards along the Vistula, the Planty area, and finally the Main Market Square with a stage by the Town Hall Tower.
Keep in mind that due to renovations or event-related restrictions the route and program details can change — the city publishes seasonal bulletins with up-to-date information. If you care about a specific viewing spot, check municipal updates or the event page before you travel.
For small groups the best spots are outside the very centre of the finale — sections of the route near the boulevards, squares or little parks are often less crowded than the Market Square. In later sections I’ll give concrete suggestions for viewing spots and observation strategies.
If you want to join accompanying events (performances, photo zones, stage shows), check the organisers’ programme — city institutions and the Museum of Kraków often arrange extra attractions and photo actions.
Your choice of viewing spot depends on whether you prefer to be close to the action (the finale on the Market Square) or avoid the biggest crowds and watch the procession in a calmer setting. Here are tried-and-true suggestions:
- Bulwar Rodła and the area around Flisacka Street - visually attractive and usually less crowded than the Market; a lovely mix of riverside atmosphere and local tradition.
- Plac Na Stawach and the Zwierzyniec area - ideal if you want to see the start of the procession and feel the local, neighbourhood character; there are often frolics and short performances here.
- Skwer Konika Zwierzynieckiego and Czerwieński Boulevard - good spots for photos and a short rest if you follow the procession for a while.
- Streets around the Planty and the Kraków Philharmonic - if you’re heading toward the centre you can catch a fragment of the procession in the pleasant green setting of the Planty.
- Main Market Square (finale) - guaranteed excitement, with a stage under the Town Hall Tower providing a spectacular finish; remember this is the most crowded spot, so arrive early to secure a good position.
For small groups I recommend combining options: watch the beginning or a fragment on a less crowded section, and, if you feel like it, make your way to the Market Square for the finale. That way you’ll enjoy the atmosphere without being stuck in the largest crowd all day.
The schedule below is flexible — shorten or extend it based on your time and interests. Times are approximate.
Morning - a relaxed start: walk around Zwierzyniec (1–2 hours): an ideal place to see the procession’s departure and soak up the local atmosphere; a café overlooking green squares will help you wake up.
Midday - light meal and the boulevards: stop for lunch near the Vistula boulevards; many places offer simple, tasty dishes and a river view.
Early afternoon - catch a fragment of the procession: choose a point on the route where the procession moves more slowly (for example Plac Na Stawach or near Bulwar Rodła). This is a good time for photos and a gentle encounter with the tradition without the crowds.
Late afternoon - walk the Planty toward the Old Town: rest and head toward the centre; you might pop into the Museum of Kraków or grab a quick coffee.
Evening - the finale at the Main Market Square (optional): if you enjoy spectacles, arrive at the Market Square for the staged ending. With a small group it’s easier to find a spot close to the stage, though it’s best to come a little earlier.
If you prefer to avoid the final crowd, after watching a fragment of the procession you can return to a favourite restaurant or sit in a quieter spot in the Planty. Small groups have that freedom of choice.
- Arrive early: even a small group will easily find a spot if you show up on the route with some lead time.
- Transport: trams and buses run to different parts of the city, including Zwierzyniec; park your car in advance because parking spaces may be limited on the event day.
- Clothes and footwear: comfortable shoes and light clothes are essential — the procession lasts many hours and you may want to follow it for some distance.
- Children and strollers: if you have children, pick places with easy access and space; some parts of the route are more family-friendly.
- Photos: for the best shots in a small group, use side streets or small squares where you can get closer. Avoid standing directly behind large groups so you don’t block the view for yourselves or others.
- Safety: watch your belongings in crowds; agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
- Information and programme: city websites and cultural institutions publish accompanying programmes — check them beforehand if you want to join specific attractions (photo sessions, stage performances).
The Lajkonik is more than the procession — it’s part of Kraków’s wider tradition. If you have time, consider:
- Visiting the Museum of Kraków or municipal exhibitions about traditions and costumes - a good way to understand the history of the procession and its costumes.
- Souvenir shops and local stalls - in season you can find figurines, posters and small items with the Lajkonik motif; nice keepsakes for people travelling in a small group.
- A walk around Zwierzyniec - a green neighbourhood with interesting corners and cafés; perfect for catching a breather from the busy centre.
- Photo spots and sessions - in recent years organisers set up photo zones and short sessions with props; check whether such options are available in the year you visit.
For a small group, visiting these places balances the excitement of the procession with calmer ways to learn the cultural context.
Children love the Lajkonik — colourful costumes, music and small treats handed out by the procession attract the youngest spectators. A few tips:
- Pick a stretch of the route with space so the child can stand closer to the action without being in a cramped spot.
- Bring snacks and water — especially if you plan a long day following the procession.
- Agree on a clear meeting point and keep phones charged — it’s easy to lose sight of a guardian in the crowd.
- Strollers can be difficult in the most crowded places, so consider a baby carrier for smaller children if you plan to go to the Market Square finale.
- Agree on signals and a meeting point with your group — small groups move more smoothly that way.
- Use side streets and small squares for photos — they often give more interesting frames than the packed centre of the route.
- Plan alternatives — if weather or crowds prevent you from reaching the finale, have a plan B ready (a café, a Planty walk, a museum visit).
- Use local information — municipal announcements and event programmes often include maps and timetables; check them just before you go out.
- Small groups can reserve a table in a good restaurant for the end of the day — a lovely way to finish a day full of tradition and experiences.
The Lajkonik is an event worth seeing at least once — and for small groups it can be a memorable, intimate experience if you plan your day well. My core recommendations:
- If you want fewer crowds: choose sections of the route outside the Market Square (boulevards, Zwierzyniec, the Planty).
- If you want a spectacle: arrive early at the Market Square to secure a good spot for the finale.
- Combine the procession with local places (Zwierzyniec, the Museum of Kraków, the Vistula boulevards) — this gives a fuller sense of the tradition and the city’s charm.
- For families: choose spacious sections of the route and have a backup plan in case children get tired.
Finally — enjoy yourselves and allow the local atmosphere to draw you in. The Lajkonik is more than a show; it’s an encounter with Kraków’s history, and for a small group it can feel especially warm and intimate. If you’d like, I can help prepare a specific, tailored sightseeing plan based on your arrival date and preferences.
