If you are planning to visit Kraków and want a tour that combines solid knowledge, local context and a touch of humour — you’re in the right place. I have been guiding in Kraków for years and my repertoire includes both the classic Royal Route and less obvious paths, such as Nowa Huta. On my walks I try to present places so they are understandable and interesting for adults, families and young people.
In this article I’ll explain what’s worth knowing about the Nowa Huta route, how St. Mary’s Basilica and the hejnał work, typical visiting hours and practical tips — from meeting the guide to tickets and what to bring.
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Nowa Huta is a special part of Kraków: built after World War II as a planned industrial town, today it is a fascinating testimony to the architecture and social life of the 1950s and 1960s. The Nowa Huta route is full of contrasts — monumental squares, housing estates from the era, but also places that tell stories about people, customs and transformations.
On the walk I show, among other things: Central Square (Ronald Reagan Square) with its characteristic blocks and porticoes, the Avenue of Roses, the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre, the Wanda and Willowe housing estates and symbols of residents’ struggle for their churches — such as the Arka Pana. We often visit local cafés and milk bars to feel the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
The route can be adjusted: partly on foot and — if you wish — with short transfers by tram, bus or coach. For those interested in social history and 20th-century architecture, it’s a great complement to the classic Kraków sightseeing tour.
Duration: most often 2–4 hours — it can be tailored to your wishes (a shorter route covers the main points; a longer one includes more housing estates and local stories).
Groups: tours are available for small and larger groups. I offer guiding both in Polish and in English.
Price: prices depend on duration and group size. When you book we agree the details and scope of the route. If needed, I can also help arrange headset sets or transport.
Meeting point: the start location is agreed individually — most often in central Kraków or directly in Nowa Huta, so travel is comfortable for the group.
Reservations: the easiest way is by phone or e‑mail — you will find the phone number and e‑mail address in the “Contact” section below.
St. Mary’s Basilica on the Main Market Square is one of Kraków’s symbols. Its two towers have different functions: the higher one (the hejnalica) is where the hejnał is played every hour, while the lower tower serves as a bell-tower.
The hejnał mariacki is a tradition heard on the square every hour — the melody is played live by a trumpeter from the higher tower. Legend says the tune stops where the trumpeter was struck by an arrow, but the real value of this tradition is its uninterrupted presence in city life and the fact that you can hear it whenever you are on the Market Square.
Visiting the interior of the basilica: selected parts of the church can be visited, including the presbytery and the main altar. Some areas remain open for prayer free of charge at all times.
Visiting hours for the interior of the basilica most often look like this: Monday–Saturday 11:30–18:00, Sundays and holidays 14:00–18:00 (on the day of publication entrances to the visitor areas are organised like this; the parts available for prayer remain open longer).
Access to the higher tower (hejnalica) is often seasonal — for example, in summer months visits take place regularly at set times (entries approximately every 30 minutes, with the last entry near the end of the day). Groups for the tower are usually limited in size (e.g. around 10 people).
Tickets: depending on whether you want to visit only the exhibition part or also climb the tower, different admission fees apply. There are ticket offices on site where you can buy the tickets; if you wish, I will help with ticket purchase and plan tower visits so they fit the group’s schedule.
Practical note: opening hours and prices can change depending on the season, renovations or liturgical events — it’s worth confirming current hours before your visit (I can do that for you when you make a reservation).
If your time is limited, plan carefully: spend the morning in the Old Town (Wawel, Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica — listen to the hejnał) and reserve the afternoon or another day for Nowa Huta. This way you’ll see both faces of Kraków: the historic centre and the post-war industrial district.
Transport: it’s convenient to get from the centre to Nowa Huta by tram or bus — when you book I can suggest the best connections and meeting points to avoid traffic and give you more time for sightseeing.
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Does the guide speak English? - Yes, I conduct tours in Polish and in English.
Are tickets to St. Mary’s Basilica included in the tour price? - The guiding fee covers the tour; entrance tickets to museums and special attractions (e.g. tower access) are usually an additional charge. I will help buy tickets and plan the sightseeing order.
Is the Nowa Huta route suitable for children? - Yes. Routes can be adapted, with interactive elements and shortening to keep younger participants engaged.
Do walks take place regardless of the weather? - Yes. In bad weather I adjust the route to spend more time in covered places or museums.
How far in advance should we book a tour? - It depends on the season. In summer and during holidays it’s best to book in advance; off-season a few days’ notice is often enough. If you have a specific date, contact me right away to reserve the time.
Clothing and shoes - comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are best — in winter remember a warm coat, in summer bring a hat and water.
Where we meet - most often at the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument or at an agreed meeting point in the centre. For the Nowa Huta route we can start directly in Nowa Huta — everything is arranged at the time of booking.
Duration and pace - I adapt the pace to the group: both more intensive walks and gentler sightseeing with more frequent breaks are possible.
Photography - I encourage photos! Interiors of churches may have restrictions on flash photography — please respect those rules.
If you want to book a tour, discuss the route or ask about availability — write or call. Reservations are arranged individually, tailoring the length of the tour, the language and any additional needs of the group.
Phone: +48 501 962 037
E-mail: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
Website: zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — the site contains descriptions of routes and more information about personalised tour options.
Kraków has so many faces that it’s worth getting to know at least a few. If you want to understand the city beyond guidebook photos — join a walk. I’ll show you places, tell stories and answer all questions — so that after the tour Kraków feels a little more familiar.
See you on the route!
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