Krakow has so many layers of history that without someone to organize them and tell them with passion it's easy to feel overwhelmed by facts and legends. A licensed guide offers more than knowledge about monuments - they know how to link dates, anecdotes and context so that a walk becomes a story. Małgorzata Kasprowicz holds a state license as a Krakow guide, has worked with visitors for years and has led thousands of people. Her routes are therefore polished, approachable and flexible - ideal for small, intimate groups.
In practice this means: - legal, reliable and professional service - access to some areas available only with a guide (for example certain rooms or exhibitions) - convenience, because the route and pace are adjusted to the group. For emotionally intense trips, like a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, this matters a lot: the guide prepares participants appropriately and manages a respectful, suitable pace of visiting.
If you want to truly understand Krakow - its culture, legends and everyday details - touring with a licensed guide is the best choice.
The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow - the largest medieval market square in Europe, where history blends with city life. On a walk with the guide you will visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the Renaissance market hall, learn the story of St. Mary's Basilica and hear the Hejnał played from the tower. The route follows the Royal Route from the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate, through the Old Town streets and up to Wawel - stories combine facts with legends, and the pace is tailored to your group.
The Cloth Hall is more than a photo spot - it is a place with a long trade, craft and art tradition. During the visit the guide will point out the most interesting architectural details and describe the changes the building has gone through over the centuries. For those interested, a short visit to the Sukiennice museum section on the upper floor is possible to discuss the permanent exhibition, or the guide can point out the best places for souvenir photos.
A walk around the Market and the Cloth Hall area is a perfect choice for your first day in Krakow - in a short time you will see the key sights and understand how they relate to each other.
A trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is one of the most important but also most emotionally demanding experiences for visitors to Lesser Poland. It is a site of remembrance that should be visited with proper preparation and respect. Małgorzata offers day trips from Krakow to Oświęcim conducted in a factual, empathetic manner and adapted to the needs of the group.
The organization of such a day includes transport logistics, ticket reservations (when required), and guided tours of both parts of the museum - Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Because of the character of the site, the guide ensures participants are informed about rules of conduct, photography restrictions and the expected duration of the visit. Typically the whole trip including transport, visiting and return takes several hours; a well-planned day allows time to move through the exhibitions calmly and to reflect.
For small groups (for example 2–6 people) the trip is especially comfortable - it's easier to discuss difficult topics, hear the guide clearly and flexibly adjust the pace of the visit.
Intimacy - a small group allows a more personal approach, time for questions and discussion without rush. - Comfort - it's easier to move through narrow streets, museum entrances and keep close contact with the guide. - Flexibility - the guide can change the pace or expand parts of the route depending on participants' interests. - Privacy with difficult topics (e.g. Auschwitz) - smaller groups make it easier to process strong impressions calmly.
If you are travelling as a couple, with family or friends, choosing a small licensed tour will give a more valuable experience than joining large, crowded tours. Małgorzata has experience leading both intimate walks and full-day trips, so she can tailor the route to your expectations.
Keep in mind that even if a price list includes a wider group range, you can request an offer tailored to 2–6 people - the guide will gladly advise the best logistical and pricing solution.
What to bring: - Comfortable closed shoes (the Old Town has cobbled streets) - Light clothing appropriate to the weather; a hat in summer, a warm coat in winter - Water and a small snack if needed - Documents granting concessions (if you have any) - For the trip to Auschwitz: respect for museum rules and modest attire
Meeting place and time: The most convenient meeting points are the Main Market Square or a previously agreed landmark in the centre. The guide suggests confirming the meeting point and time the day before, especially in high season or for combined trips to Oświęcim.
Language and pace: Małgorzata guides in Polish and also offers tours in English. The pace is always adapted to the group - she will gladly slow down for children or speed up for groups preferring a more dynamic walk.
Audio sets: For larger or busier routes the guide provides audio sets that make it easier to hear - a convenient solution also for small groups in crowded sections.
After sightseeing it's worth relaxing and trying local flavors. Here are some tried and tested places in the centre and Kazimierz: - Cafe Camelot - an atmospheric café near the Market, perfect for dessert and coffee. - Café Szara or Wierzynek Restaurant - for those who want a more formal, historic dining atmosphere in the centre. - Starka (Kazimierz) - traditional Polish cuisine with a homely atmosphere. - Pod Wawelem - generous portions and home-style cooking, a good place after visiting Wawel. - Charlotte - bakery and café, great for a quick breakfast before exploring.
If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free) it's worth letting the guide or the restaurant know in advance - most places in the centre will accommodate special needs. The guide can also suggest good spots for a short break during longer walks.
A small practical tip: in central Krakow some cafés have long queues in season - if you're pressed for time it's a good idea to reserve a table or choose a less touristy but equally good place.
- Does Małgorzata guide small groups of 2–6 people? Yes - intimate, small groups are often the preferred way to tour, especially on routes that require discussion or reflection. - How long is a typical tour of the Market and the Cloth Hall? Usually 1.5–3 hours, depending on pace and group interests. - How long is the trip to Auschwitz from Krakow? A full-day trip typically takes 6 to 8 hours, including travel, visiting and breaks. - Do I need to buy museum tickets in advance? For many popular sites booking in advance is recommended and in season often required. For the trip to Auschwitz it is advisable to secure tickets and check current booking rules. - Does the guide help with tickets and transport arrangements? Yes - Małgorzata helps organise day trips, including reservations and logistics, to ensure the day runs smoothly. - Are the routes suitable for children and seniors? Yes - routes are adjusted for age and fitness. When guiding school groups the guide has experience engaging younger audiences. - What if the weather is bad? Most routes are outdoors but the guide knows alternative plans - shorter routes, museum visits or café breaks.
If your question is not listed here - write briefly what you need and the guide will propose a solution tailored to your group.
It's best to contact the guide in advance, especially during the summer season and holiday periods. When booking please provide: - date and approximate time of the tour - number of people (if you plan a group of 2–6, be sure to mention it) - language preference (Polish/English) - any special needs (accessibility, children, food allergies) - whether you want to combine the tour with a trip to Auschwitz or Wieliczka
The guide usually confirms details by email or phone and advises what to see in the available time. For full-day trips it's useful to set the meeting point and a rough plan for the day to make best use of the time.
Booking in advance gives the greatest assurance of available convenient dates and the best logistical plan.
If you want your stay in Krakow to be more than a series of beautiful photos, and to become a real understanding of the place - choose a route with a licensed guide. Małgorzata combines solid knowledge with warmth and humour, and small groups of 2–6 people let you fully enjoy this way of touring.
When planning a visit to the Market and a short trip to the Cloth Hall combined with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, remember respect, logistical preparation and openness to difficult topics. Properly guided, this experience is long remembered and can be deeply educational and moving.
If you have questions or want to tailor the route to your expectations - send a short message via the guide's website or call. Małgorzata will gladly help plan the perfect day in Krakow.
