A private tour is the best way to see Krakow “your way” — without the crowds, with a flexible itinerary and more time for stories and curiosities. For medium-sized groups (7–30 people) you can plan a 2–4 hour route that mixes the classics with less obvious spots: from Wawel and the Main Market, through Kazimierz, to hidden corners that not every guide mentions. This kind of program works well for family groups, corporate outings and friends who want something off the beaten track.
In this article you’ll find suggested routes, a list of surprising places to include, practical information about entry limits and tickets, recommendations for top restaurants and cafés, plus an FAQ with common organizational mistakes and how to avoid them.
A private guide gives you full control over pace and topics — you can spend more time on what interests your group and skip parts that are less attractive. Groups of 7–30 are particularly agile: large enough to justify a dedicated program, but small enough to move smoothly through the city and to enter some interiors without splitting into many subgroups.
Many urban attractions enforce limits on group size or require advance booking — especially if you want to enter cellars, museums or chapels. A private tour makes it easier to arrange formalities and synchronize entries; the guide will often advise the best visiting times to avoid queues.
Short tour — 2 hours - Classics with a twist: a brisk walk along the Royal Route (Wawel - Grodzka Street - Main Market), a short visit to Kazimierz with stories about Jewish monuments, and a finish at one of the small, atmospheric cafés.
3-hour route - History and a mine of unusual places: Wawel with a look at the courtyards (optional entries to the cathedral/treasury), then the Main Market Underground (booking required) and a walk to Kazimierz with a visit to Remuh Synagogue and local anecdotes.
Half-day tour — 4+ hours - Deeper immersion: Wawel and the Main Market Underground, a stroll through the Old Town, transfer (or walk) to Zakrzówek / Twardowski’s Rocks and finish in Nowa Huta — ideal if you want to show contrasts between historical and contemporary city life.
Remuh Synagogue and the old Jewish cemetery (kirkut) in Kazimierz — an authentic place of remembrance with unique architectural details; it often forms a moving contrast to the market’s bustle.
Jan Matejko’s House — a museum in the artist’s original home where you can see how he worked and kept mementos from the 19th-century art world.
Main Market Underground — a multimedia archaeological exhibition revealing the medieval market beneath the square; note that entries often require advance booking and have group limits.
Zakrzówek and Twardowski’s Rocks — natural enclaves close to the centre, perfect for a short escape from the cobbles; beautiful greenery but wear comfortable shoes and take care on some paths.
Nowa Huta — a district with a distinct, monumental character: Central Square, Aleja Róż, the PRL-era museum and industrial landmarks create a fascinating contrast with the historic centre.
Collegium Maius — the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University with interesting exhibits and an atmosphere of centuries-old learning.
Staw Dąbski and small nature enclaves — lesser-known, family-friendly spots for those seeking green space inside the city.
Kościuszko Mound and Wanda Mound — viewpoint spots offering wide panoramas that add a “big perspective” to a tour.
Kraków Zoo and Las Wolski — a great option for tours with children or groups that prefer active outdoor time.
Many city attractions regulate the number of visitors in a group. For example, some exhibitions and museum objects accept groups of up to 30 people — that’s a common standard to consider when planning. If your group is close to that size, confirm in advance whether you can enter at once or plan to split into smaller subgroups.
The Main Market Underground requires advance booking (often several days ahead) — reserve as early as possible, especially in high season. When planning interior visits (cathedral, treasury, museum) also check fees and possible group discounts.
Have a plan B — if interior access is not available at the desired time, the guide can suggest alternative attractions or expand the outdoor commentary so the group still has a rich experience.
Take care of pace and breaks — medium-sized groups have varied needs, so schedule short stops for rest, photos and quick snacks.
Audio systems or headsets — for groups near the upper limit (20–30 people) consider using portable audio systems that improve audibility in crowded areas; the guide can provide these on request.
Transport and movement — most routes in the Old Town and Kazimierz are best done on foot; if you plan to visit Zakrzówek or Nowa Huta, consider a short trip by public transport or minibus, especially when time is limited.
For coffee breaks and lunches choose places with good reviews and the option to reserve tables for groups. Trusted picks include atmospheric cafés in the Old Town for coffee and cake, traditional restaurants serving pierogi and hearty Polish dishes, and modern venues with contemporary European cuisine.
A few well-known, group-friendly options to consider: Starka (Kazimierz) for hearty Polish fare and a cozy atmosphere; Pod Wawelem or Kompania Kuflowa near Wawel for traditional Galician hospitality and large portions; cafés on the Market Square such as Cafe Noworolski for a historic café experience. Always check group menus and booking possibilities in advance.
If you plan a group dinner, reserve early — restaurants that offer group menus and good service will make organization much easier. For visiting guests, hotels and hostels that offer group options can also help with planning the tour program.
For sweet treats and local coffee: look for established patisseries and speciality coffee shops in the Old Town and Kazimierz; in the evening, recommend restaurants focused on regional cuisine — culinary memories are often a highlight of the trip.
Krakow hides many small, surprising stories — from legends about Pan Twardowski connected to the Rocks, to tales of Jan Matejko’s artistic salons and memories of Nowa Huta residents about times of change. These anecdotes fit naturally into a route and make a strong impression on participants.
Adding short “mini-interviews” with locals, quick food tastings or a brief outdoor multimedia presentation can completely transform a standard walk into a vivid experience.
Not booking popular interiors in advance — this causes last-minute plan changes. Check availability several days ahead, especially in season.
Not matching the pace to the group — moving too fast tires less mobile participants, while too slow a pace bores the active ones. Plan a balanced rhythm and allow time for small delays.
No alternative for bad weather — keep an indoor variant ready (museums, cafés, exhibition halls) and inform the group about possible program changes.
How far in advance should I book a private guide? - Ideally 1–2 weeks before your planned date; in high season book earlier to arrange details and reserve entries to attractions.
Do we always enter places as a single group? - Not always; some venues limit group size (often to 30). If interior access is important, confirm this during booking and consider splitting into smaller subgroups or booking two entry slots.
Does the guide provide audio equipment? - Yes, many guides offer headset systems for groups, which greatly improve listening comfort in crowded areas.
How long is a standard tour? - Common options are 2, 3 or 4 hours; you can also order themed tours that last longer.
Dress comfortably — Krakow involves a lot of walking on uneven, cobbled surfaces. Good footwear is essential, especially if you plan to visit Zakrzówek or the Rocks.
Plan breaks for drinks and toilets, especially for groups larger than 10. Short, regular pauses improve comfort and concentration.
If you want something special, consider a themed route (e.g. PRL-era history, art, literature, industrial architecture) — private tours allow tailoring content to the group's interests.
If you liked the ideas in this article, share them with friends or on social media — it’s a great way to help others plan a successful stay in Krakow.
If you want your tour to be polished, engaging and tailored to a group of 7–30 people, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Małgorzata is a licensed Krakow guide who creates routes with passion and adjusts them to each group's needs — contact details and booking information are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. Feel free to send a short message — we’ll be happy to help plan the perfect route for you.
