If you’re coming to Krakow with children or teenagers and want the visit to be more than just “passing by the sights” — a 3‑hour walk in English led by licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a very practical choice. Małgorzata has worked as a guide since 2012, has led thousands of groups and has experience with young audiences, so she knows how to engage even energetic school classes and teens. Her friendly approach, anecdotes and questions that involve listeners make her tours more than just dry descriptions of monuments.
A 3‑hour route is a good compromise — long enough to see the most important places and tell interesting stories, yet short enough to avoid tiring children. There are also themed options for families and school groups, for example the “Trail of Legends” — a route especially popular with the youngest visitors.
This article gives practical tips, a sample 3‑hour program, information about prices and equipment (for example audio‑guide availability) and an FAQ to help you plan the trip. Everything is written in a clear, friendly style so you can quickly decide and plan a great day in Krakow.
Note: the article is based on the guide’s current options and common practices for organizing tours — confirm details such as exact times or promotions when you make a booking.
Three hours is enough time to show and talk about Krakow’s key historical points without rushing. A standard program usually includes: Wawel Hill with the castle and cathedral, the Royal Route, the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, plus places and stories especially suited to children — legends, funny anecdotes and everyday curiosities from life in old Krakow.
During the walk the guide actively involves participants with questions, short tasks and stories that are easy to remember. For school classes there are special educational versions of the route tailored to age and curriculum.
If the group wants to enter a museum during the route (for example Wawel, the Underground of the Market, Schindler’s Factory), it’s good to mention that in advance — the guide holds the necessary museum licenses to lead groups in selected institutions and can help plan those entries.
At busy times or for large groups there are sets of audio‑headsets available (paid option, usually a small fee per person) which improve the comfort of hearing the guide.
- A license guarantees knowledge of the city’s history and the ability to work with groups. The guide has a state license since 2012 and experience leading many different groups.
- Safety and logistics: a licensed guide knows the visiting rules in restricted areas and helps organize tickets to avoid problems.
- Kid‑friendly approach: the skill of changing the storytelling style — simple explanations, lots of anecdotes and engaging questions — makes the tour attractive for younger participants.
- Experience: hundreds of tours and thousands of satisfied participants are practical proof that the format works.
1) Meeting and short introduction — 10–15 minutes: outline of the plan, safety rules and the most fascinating legend to start with.
2) Wawel and the cathedral — 40–50 minutes: stories about kings, the Wawel Dragon and curiosities about life in the castle. For school classes: simple tasks to do before climbing the hill.
3) The Royal Route and the Cloth Hall — 45–60 minutes: market, crafts and merchants’ stories; showing where medieval city life took place.
4) Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Church — 30–40 minutes: the trumpeter’s legend, building stories and short quizzes for children.
5) Conclusion and time for questions — 10–15 minutes: summary, suggestions for further sightseeing and practical tips.
This program is flexible — the guide will adapt pace and emphasis to the group’s age, fitness and interests.
Prices can change depending on season and promotions, but in practice: small groups (1–35 people) have fixed prices for a given number of hours, and English‑language guiding is charged by the hour. There is an option to rent audio‑headsets, which is especially useful for large groups or busy seasons.
The guide leads both small and large groups; for larger numbers (above a certain threshold) extra audio equipment or an additional assistant is arranged to maintain comfortable audibility and order during the tour.
Payment: usually possible in cash or by bank transfer; details are agreed at booking. Vouchers are also available — a great gift idea for a family or school.
Note: before booking, check whether the planned route includes museum entries, as those often require advance ticket purchase and coordination.
- Dress children comfortably and in layers — Krakow’s weather can be changeable and the route is mainly a walk.
- Flat‑soled shoes are essential — the medieval cobbles can be tricky.
- Bring water and small snacks — a break in the square or a park is a pleasant pause.
- If you plan to visit a museum, inform the guide in advance — she can help with reservations and tailor the program.
- For larger school groups remind students about safety rules and staying with the group.
- A voucher is a convenient option if you want to give the tour as a reward or present.
Is the route suitable for preschoolers? - Yes, but for the youngest it’s worth considering a shorter form (for example 1–2 hours) with more breaks and simpler tasks.
How many people can be in a group at most? - Standard small groups are up to about 35 people; for larger groups technical solutions or an additional guide are used.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes — English tours are available and prepared specifically for school and family groups.
Do I need to book in advance? - Definitely — especially in high season and during school term dates; booking helps arrange the program, museum tickets and any audio equipment.
Is there a possibility for a themed tour, e.g. only legends? - Yes — the guide offers themed routes, and the “Trail of Legends” is recommended for families with children.
Bookings are usually made via a form or direct contact — when you request a tour, it’s helpful to provide: date and time, number of participants, children’s ages, theme preferences and whether you plan museum entries. After confirming the date the guide will send organizational details.
On the day the guide arrives at the agreed meeting point on time, presents the plan and rules, then leads the walk at a pace suited to the group. After the tour there is time for questions and a short summary — a good moment for tips on what else to see in the city.
If you have special needs (for example limited mobility in the group), let the guide know in advance — she will plan easier routes and appropriate breaks.
If you’re looking for someone who will tell the story of Krakow with passion, humor and attention to young listeners — I invite you to get in touch. My aim is for children to want to come back and learn more after the walk, and for teachers and parents to be pleased with the atmosphere and substance of the tour.
Guided tours are an investment in good memories and understanding the city — even three hours can change the way you see Krakow. See you on the route!
