The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków - a huge square full of history, legends and attractions within easy reach. This 3-hour route focuses on what brings the most joy to children and adults: stories with humour, short activities, places to rest and showing the most important spots without running all over the city.
As a licensed guide I have led thousands of groups, including many families with little and older children. My aim is for the walk to be engaging and well-paced - alternating story, a task for the kids and a short snack stop. That way even the youngest don’t get bored, and parents can actually relax and learn interesting facts about the city. Because I have experience working with children, I organise the group to avoid long queues and make the most of three hours of sightseeing. (The route focuses on the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and the nearby corners.)
In this article you will find a practical itinerary for the walk, ideas for games and logistical tips - everything so your family day in Kraków is pleasant and stress-free.
Note - I am not describing offers from other guides or public walking formats here - the description concerns only the family route I propose.
Hour 0 - Meeting at the Main Market Square: welcome, quick outline of the route, safety rules and a short warm-up - a simple riddle or quiz for the children to get them into the mood of the city.
0:10-0:40 - The Cloth Hall from outside and inside: a story about the history of cloth, trade and changes on the Square. I point out the most interesting architectural details and run a short, engaging hunt - children look for a specific symbol on a façade or column.
0:40-1:10 - The Adam Mickiewicz Monument and a quick lesson about Kraków through play: movement tasks and a mini-quiz with a small reward like a sticker or stamp (for those who want one).
1:10-1:30 - Break for a small snack / ice cream - I recommend spots with a view of the Square where you can sit and watch the life of the plaza.
1:30-2:00 - St. Mary’s Basilica (story without a long entrance or a short visit depending on the family’s preference): I explain the legend of the hejnał and show sculptures and stained glass with child-friendly explanations.
2:00-2:30 - Walk along the Square’s corners - townhouses, curiosities, mysterious signs and a mini detective game - who can first find a house with a specific detail?
2:30-2:50 - Summary on a bench or by a café: a recap of the most interesting stories, handing out short cards with tasks for independent discovery for the children and a brief Q&A.
2:50-3:00 - Finish: tips on where the family can have lunch, how to plan the rest of the day and how to return to the station/parking. If the family wishes - a discussion of options to visit the Rynek Underground (Market Square Underground) or Wawel on another occasion.
This plan is flexible - the pace is adjusted to the children’s ages, the weather and the group’s tempo. If I see the kids have more energy, we add short tasks; if they need rest, I tell a longer, interesting story in the shade.
- Early start: the simplest way to face fewer people on the Square is to meet in the morning, preferably right after most attractions open. Crowds usually grow in the afternoon.
- Route built around outdoor spaces: many attractions on the Square we view “from the outside” or use short entrances, so we don’t stand in long lines to enter interiors. When a family wants to enter a particular place, we schedule it to avoid peak visiting times.
- Headset sets: in larger groups I suggest using audio sets - they let the group not cluster tightly around the guide, we move more smoothly and change points faster.
- Reservations and tickets: if you plan to enter paid interiors (for example the Rynek Underground or the Cloth Hall Museum), it’s worth booking tickets in advance - then we enter without queuing. I help plan this logistically.
- Alternative entrances and side streets: I know shorter approaches and places that are usually less crowded - I use them to bypass the biggest crowds.
Thanks to these rules, three hours can be used very efficiently - especially with children who quickly lose patience in queues.
During the walk I use short activities that help keep children focused and make sightseeing fun:
- Detective game: children receive a simple card with a task - find three specific architectural details on the townhouses. A small prize is given for finding all of them.
- Mini-legends with audience participation: I tell Kraków legends in simple language and ask children to choose an ending - this develops imagination.
- Movement riddles: at the monument, in front of the Cloth Hall or on an open spot children perform a short movement task - a good way to burn off energy.
- Short art activity: if the weather allows, I suggest a quick drawing task - draw your favourite townhouse or invent a new detail for the Cloth Hall.
These activities are short and easy to carry out outdoors - no special supplies needed, and children leave the tour with smiles and keepsakes like their own drawings or photos.
Tickets: if you plan additional entrances (for example the Rynek Underground), the best option is to book online or buy tickets in advance - this helps avoid long queues. I’m happy to advise which entrances are worth planning and when.
Toilets: around the Square there are food venues with restrooms - I always inform the group where the nearest WC is. A mid-route break for drinks and a snack is a good idea.
Food: around the Market there are many family-friendly places - from cafés with terraces to quick snack options. I recommend choosing a place slightly off the very centre of the Square to avoid higher prices and big crowds.
Strollers and moving with children: the Square is flat and convenient for strollers, although watch for some curbs and cobbles. A small stroller works well; for larger groups it’s good to tell me in advance so I can choose the most stroller-friendly route.
Safety: please remember a short briefing for the kids - where we meet if someone gets lost and how to recognise the guide. Usually we set a simple sign or reminder - the younger the children, the simpler the rules should be.
Is three hours enough to see everything on the Square? - Three hours is a great amount of time to get to know the main places and feel the atmosphere of the Market without rushing. If you want to enter many museums, it’s worth planning extra time or separate visits.
Is the route suitable for the youngest children? - Yes, the route is adjusted to the age of the group. For little ones the pace is calmer and I add more breaks and movement games.
What if it rains? - I have a backup plan: shorter sheltered stops, interesting stories under cover and suggestions for hot drinks in nearby cafés. The walk usually goes ahead in light rain, but in heavy downpour I suggest rescheduling.
Do you help with booking tickets to interiors? - Yes, I can advise and help with logistics so entrances happen without unnecessary waiting.
Can I book a private walk just for our family? - Of course - private family tours are my speciality. That way the route is fully tailored to your expectations.
- Clothing: comfortable shoes, layered clothing and a small backpack with drinks are a good plan - even three hours outdoors require preparation.
- Photos: the Square offers many great shots - I encourage photographing details, not only wide views. Kids love taking pictures of sculptures or colourful signs.
- Time and timing: to avoid crowds as much as possible choose a morning on a weekday. Weekends and afternoons are definitely busier.
- Souvenirs: the Cloth Hall is the place to buy small keepsakes - I recommend setting a budget in advance and letting children choose one memento after the walk.
- Further plans: after the walk I suggest considering a short visit to Wawel or the Rynek Underground on another occasion - such attractions need more time but leave beautiful memories.
If you’d like me to lead your family tour of the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - write or call. Together we’ll decide the best time, pace and any extra attractions you want to see. My priority is that your day in Kraków is an enjoyable experience - full of laughter, curiosities and relaxation, not just “checking points off the map.”
See you at the Market - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com - a guide passionate about storytelling and working with families.
