Lost Souls Alley is an interactive haunted house located in the very heart of Krakow - on Floriańska Street. It’s for visitors who want strong emotions presented in a theatrical, actor-driven production; the attraction has been running for several years and offers several show versions with different levels of intensity. If you like intense thrills, impressive sets and actors who draw participants into the story, it’s worth trying. If you suffer from claustrophobia, heart problems or are pregnant - it’s better to skip it or choose a milder version.
This isn’t a standard on-screen horror - you’ll walk through dark rooms, meet live actors and encounter scenes designed to surprise and engage. There are several show versions that differ in intensity and in how actors may interact with guests. In practice this means tense moments, scenes requiring group cooperation and surprises that can trigger strong reactions. On site there are safety rules: no phones, age and medical restrictions, and please follow staff instructions.
Book tickets in advance - popular time slots fill up, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable closed shoes (staff may refuse entry to people in high heels or flip-flops). Do not bring recording devices - filming is prohibited. If you have health concerns (heart disease, epilepsy, pregnancy, severe anxiety disorders) consult staff before buying a ticket. Some show versions have different age rules - check the rules for the specific edition you plan to attend.
It’s also worth remembering the experience can be physical: tight spaces may bother people with strong claustrophobia. If you’re unsure, choose a less extreme version or ask staff for a recommendation.
Lost Souls Alley sits almost on the Old Town tourist trail - a great base for taking a meal after the show at one of the many restaurants around the Market Square and Floriańska. Two simple strategies: have a light meal before the attraction so you’re not overfull going into the haunted house; or eat afterwards so you can share impressions over a good dish and a glass of wine.
If you plan to eat after the show, it’s wise to reserve a table for a specific time - especially at weekends and in good weather, when Market Square venues are busy. If you prefer budget options, there are bars and canteens nearby with reasonable prices.
Here are a few places around the Market Square and Floriańska that regularly get good reviews and work well after a visit to Lost Souls Alley:
Szara Gęś (Main Market Square) - a more elegant spot with a menu based on Polish cuisine in a modern interpretation; perfect if you want a slightly upscale ending to the evening.
Pod Baranem - a classic of Krakow regional cuisine, appreciated by locals and visitors for high-quality traditional dishes.
W Starej Kuchni - a friendly place close to the Market, known for generous portions and home-style flavors; a good choice for a hearty lunch after sightseeing.
Nolio - Italian kitchen and Neapolitan pizza done very well; a good option when you want something simple and tasty.
Chimera / Jadłodajnia U Stasi - more economical, informal options ideal when you’re looking for a cheap, quick meal in the centre.
Remember to pick places with good reviews and reserve a table if you plan to go during peak hours. If you fancy dessert after the scare - the Market Square area is full of charming cafés and patisseries.
Start: a stroll around the Main Market Square - see St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, stop for a quick photo. Walk to Floriańska - the street itself is worth seeing: it’s one of the Old Town’s most famous streets.
Visit: Lost Souls Alley (Floriańska 6) - book a time slot with a small buffer, since the experience can be intense and unpredictable.
Lunch: choose a restaurant within a short walk of the Market - this way you avoid travel time. After the thrills I recommend a calmer meal in a place with a relaxed atmosphere, for example a restaurant serving Polish or Italian cuisine.
1) Not checking the intensity of the show - without reading show descriptions you can easily pick a version that’s too extreme. Read the version details and ask staff.
2) No restaurant reservation after the show - this can mean long waits; reserve a table ahead of time.
3) Eating a heavy meal just before entering - a big lunch before an extreme experience can be uncomfortable; prefer a light snack beforehand or eat after.
4) Ignoring the no-phone rule - breaking the rules may lead to being removed; leave your phone in a safe place or hand it to staff if they offer that service.
5) Underestimating health risks - if you have chronic conditions or are pregnant, check recommendations and risks before buying a ticket.
Floriańska, where Lost Souls Alley is located, is not only a street full of tourists - it’s part of the historic fabric of the Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. That means your walk combines a modern attraction with the atmosphere of the medieval centre.
To avoid crowds on Floriańska and in nearby restaurants, consider visiting on weekdays outside lunch hours or reserve your table in advance.
If you’re coming in a group - check whether the chosen Lost Souls Alley version accepts small groups or requires a minimum number of participants; sometimes booking an exclusive show for your group is worth it.
Can children go to Lost Souls Alley? - It depends on the version - some shows have age limits; most extreme editions discourage participation by people below a certain age.
How long does the show last? - The full experience usually takes from several dozen minutes up to about an hour, including short instructions and entry/exit time.
Do I need special clothes? - Comfortable, closed shoes and clothing that lets you move freely are the best choice.
Is it safe after the show? - Staff follow safety procedures and may remove guests who break the rules; nevertheless the experience is intense, so everyone is responsible for their own health and comfort.
If you visited Lost Souls Alley and found the perfect place to eat - share your impressions with friends and encourage them to visit. This short plan combines strong sensations with the pleasure of a good meal in the heart of Krakow.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with an experienced guide and learn more about the history of the area, consider booking with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help them plan a great day in Krakow!
