When you come to Krakow you have lots of options — but nothing replaces talking with someone who knows the city inside out. A licensed guide guarantees verified knowledge, a safe route and stories tailored to your interests. If you want to learn histories, curiosities and anecdotes about the Main Market Square, Wawel or Kazimierz in an accessible and engaging way, a guide is the best choice.
- A guide will help you avoid queues, explain what is worth seeing inside, and point out hidden details that are easy to miss on your own.
- A guided visit is ideal for families, school groups and anyone who values historical context and local stories.
As a licensed guide since 2012, I have led thousands of people and I’m happy to share stories about the hejnał, legends and Krakow’s architecture.
If you want the walk to be dynamic, fun and adjusted to the participants’ ages — tell me that when you book. I will prepare a route especially for you.
St. Mary's Church (St. Mary's Basilica) is one of the most important places on the Main Market Square. Inside is the famous Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss, rich decoration and an atmosphere no photo can fully capture. Outside, the church tower has been a landmark for centuries and the stage for the hejnał.
The hejnał mariacki sounds every hour from the tower of St. Mary's Church and is one of Krakow’s most recognizable sounds. Tradition says the tune stops abruptly to commemorate the trumpeter who supposedly cut off his playing while warning the city of an attack. During the walk I will tell this story, point out the best places to listen and explain the meaning of different parts of the melody.
Depending on the route we will also stop at the most characteristic points of the Square — the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall Tower, St. Adalbert's Church and the Adam Mickiewicz monument. If you wish, we can combine the visit with entry to the interior of St. Mary's Church and a discussion of Veit Stoss’s altarpiece.
During the walk I pay attention to small architectural details that are easy to miss on your own — for example sculptures, inscriptions or traces of former city divisions. These details often make the most interesting stories.
If you want access to the altarpiece or other paid areas, I will prepare information about tickets and the best times to visit.
Booking is simple — if you have a preferred date and time, write or call in advance. Provide an approximate group size, preferred language (Polish or English) and the desired tour length — I usually offer 2, 3 or 4 hour options.
Current rates (promotion valid from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026) - examples for small groups (1-35 people):
- 2 hours - 300 PLN (regular price 350 PLN).
- 3 hours - 400 PLN (regular price 450 PLN).
- 4 hours - 500 PLN (regular price 550 PLN).
For larger groups there are per-person rates; headset sets (audio-guide) are available for 8 PLN/person, which makes touring much easier on crowded days.
When booking we will agree on a meeting point — most often I meet clients at St. Mary's Church or another clearly described location on the Main Market Square. If you have special requests (e.g. a route for children, walking pace, themed attractions), tell me in advance and I will prepare the program.
Not all attractions are free — entrance to the interior of St. Mary's (including Veit Stoss’s altarpiece) is sometimes subject to a fee. It’s worth checking current prices and opening hours in advance, especially in peak season and during holidays.
If you plan to visit specific museums or Wawel, it’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance or ask me for tips — I will help choose the best time to avoid queues. For school groups and organized visits I can prepare a program that fits your schedule and budget.
Remember that some sites limit the number of guided group entries — booking ahead is the best way to be sure you’ll see everything we planned.
If you want to go up the tower or access particular parts of churches, notify me beforehand. Usually this can be arranged but it requires extra formalities or tickets.
If you travel with people entitled to discounts (e.g. pupils, students, seniors), bring proof of eligibility — it speeds up entry to attractions.
- Clothing and weather: the Square and nearby areas are explored on foot — comfortable shoes are a must. In winter bring warm clothing, and in summer a hat and water.
- Meeting point: the easiest meeting place is the Main Market Square at a clear landmark. I give the exact spot when confirming the booking.
- Duration: a typical walk lasts 2-4 hours depending on the chosen route and number of stops. For families with children I recommend shorter, more interactive routes.
- School groups and large tours: I have experience leading school trips — programs are engaging and meet educational requirements.
- Accessibility: if someone in the group has mobility limitations, write in advance — I will adapt the route so it is possible and comfortable for everyone.
- Equipment: I offer headset sets for an additional fee, which improves audibility in crowded places.
- Souvenirs and free time: after the walk I’m happy to point out good places for coffee, local snacks and shops with handmade crafts.
Is the hejnał played every day? - Yes, the hejnał from St. Mary's Tower sounds every hour. The story of the tune cutting off abruptly is part of every tour.
Will we go inside St. Mary's Church? - That depends on the plan and ticket availability. Entry to Veit Stoss’s altarpiece usually involves separate fees and set visiting hours. If you want to go inside, tell me when booking and I will help plan the visit.
How far in advance do I need to book? - The earlier the better, especially on weekends and in high season. Booking several days to a week ahead gives the best chance of a convenient time.
Are tours offered in Polish and English? - Yes. I offer tours in both Polish and English. If needed I can also help contact an interpreter or prepare materials in another language.
What if the weather is bad? - The walk is mostly outdoors, but routes can be adjusted to include sheltered stops or indoor visits. If conditions are really bad we will agree on an alternate time or date.
If you want to discover Krakow from a perspective you won't find in a guidebook, I invite you to get in touch. I strive to make the walk pleasant, interesting and tailored to your expectations — whether you come with family, a school group, for a corporate event or individually.
Booking in advance allows us to plan the best route, arrange any required entries to monuments and ensure your group's comfort. You don't need to have all the questions — come curious, and I will take care of the rest.
I warmly invite you to explore Krakow with me — Małgorzata Kasprowicz. I will gladly show you the hejnał, tell the story of Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and lead you through the places that make Krakow special.
- See you at the Market! (Please contact me when booking to arrange details and check availability.)
Note: information about promotional prices and headset availability applies for the announced promotion period and may change — I will confirm current conditions when you book.
