Krakow is a city where history blends with everyday life - and in the best possible way. A walk at your own pace, with a group of friends and a guide who knows the city inside out, gives you the freedom to choose the tempo, places and anecdotes. A private tour lets you stop where you want, ask the questions you care about and tailor the route so everyone feels like the day was well spent.
If you happen to be in Krakow during the Lajkonik procession, the experience becomes even more special - it is a lively, colourful tradition Krakow residents have kept alive for generations. For a group of friends it’s a perfect reason to go out together - a bit of folklore, lots of laughter and plenty of unforgettable photos.
A private tour lets you combine watching the procession with other parts of your plan - for example visiting Wawel, strolling through Kazimierz or taking a break for local specialties. It’s ideal when you want a made-to-measure plan rather than a one-size-fits-all script.
In short - a private tour with friends means comfort, flexibility and the chance to experience Krakow in a way that’s simply fun for the whole group.
Below you’ll find practical tips on how to organise it, where to stand for the best view of the Lajkonik and suggested routes for different time budgets and group moods.
The Lajkonik, also known as the Zwierzyniec Horse, is one of Krakow’s most recognizable traditions. Its roots go back at least to the 18th century, though legends connect it with the defence of the city against Tatars in the 13th century. Whether you prefer legend or historical records, the Lajkonik is a colourful ritual procession that draws locals and visitors alike.
The parade usually takes place during the octave of Corpus Christi - in practice in June - and follows a set route from Zwierzyniec to the Old Town. Local families and communities take part, and the event is both a spectacle and a social ritual - a tradition cherished by generations.
During the procession the Lajkonik often gives the public a symbolic tap with his mace for good luck, performs dances and visits several representative spots along the route. For spectators it’s a mix of folklore, city fun and local pride.
If you want to experience the tradition in a broader context, combine watching the procession with a walk through places that tell Krakow’s story - Wawel, the Royal Route and Kazimierz are excellent choices.
Remember: this is a living tradition treated with care by residents - it’s worth showing some respect and friendly energy towards the participants.
The procession traditionally takes place in the octave of Corpus Christi - so the exact date depends on that holiday and usually falls in June. The route runs from Zwierzyniec through several points to the Main Market Square. Exact times and route details can vary from year to year, so check local announcements before you arrive.
Where to stand for a good view? - If you want the full spectacle and great photos, pick spots where the procession performs dances and ceremonies - for example along the Vistula boulevards, key junctions on the route or sections close to the Main Market Square. - If you prefer a calmer observation, look for side streets near the route where crowds are thinner and the atmosphere is more intimate.
For groups of friends it’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point and schedule your time to be on the route before the procession passes - that way you won’t miss the most interesting moments. Also remember comfortable shoes and a light layer in case the weather changes.
If you plan to combine the procession with a private walk, start your sightseeing earlier so you can visit a few places before the parade reaches the Market Square and the crowds grow.
Practical note - on the day of the procession some streets may be closed to traffic and the city centre will be busier, so allow time for getting to your meeting point and short breaks.
Route planning depends on your group’s time and mood. Here are a few tried-and-true proposals you can easily adapt:
2-hour route - "Essence of Krakow" - A quick walk along the Royal Route: Barbican - St. Florian’s Gate - Floriańska Street - Main Market Square - Cloth Hall - St. Mary’s Basilica. Perfect for your first day in town when you want to feel the city’s atmosphere and still have time for coffee afterwards.
3-4 hour route - "Tradition and Legend" - Expand the Essence with Wawel and a short riverside walk: add Wawel Hill (courtyard, exterior of the cathedral) and a stroll along the Vistula boulevards. If it’s the day of the Lajkonik procession, fit the parade observation into the route so you can join the finale at the Market Square.
Full-day route - "Culture and Flavours" - Wawel, Kazimierz, lunch at a local restaurant and an afternoon exploring quieter nooks: Planty, inner courtyards and stops with stories about the city. This is a great way to show friends Krakow’s many faces.
"Chill" route - If the group prefers a slower pace, plan short stages with breaks for coffee, local snacks and conversations. Choose less crowded times - early afternoon or late afternoon after the seasonal peak.
In every option it’s smart to build in some buffer time - events like the procession, traffic or longer queues can upset a strict schedule.
If you like, I can personalise a route for your interests - history, photography, food or hidden corners.
Pick a meeting point - agree on a clear meeting place, have a phone number for the organiser (or for me) and an approximate meeting time. In crowds it’s easy to get separated; a clear plan helps everyone relax.
Clothing and comfort - bring comfortable shoes, a light snack and a bottle of water. June weather can be changeable, so a thin jacket or umbrella may come in handy.
Photos and space - if you plan to take pictures, choose a spot with a good background and avoid blocking pathways. Keep in mind that for locals this is an important event - a little tact goes a long way.
Children and seniors - if your group includes older people or children, choose spots on the route with places to sit. I can set the walking pace so it’s comfortable for everyone.
Reservations and tickets - if you plan to enter interiors (Wawel, museums), book in advance. A private tour gives you the advantage of scheduling visits to avoid queues.
Money and tips - many places accept cards, but some cafes and food stalls may be cash-friendly. If you enjoy the guiding, a tip is a nice gesture but entirely optional.
If you want, I can prepare a short list of friendly local places for a break - from classic pierogi spots to hummus bars and good coffee shops.
Morning start - a short walk along the Planty and the Royal Route, visit Wawel (courtyard only or with interiors depending on reservations).
Lunch break - Kazimierz is a great neighbourhood for food and relaxing. You can try traditional dishes or something more exotic - it all depends on the group’s mood.
Afternoon with tradition - position yourselves at a chosen point on the Lajkonik route, watch the procession and follow it part of the way to the Market Square where the finale often takes place. Then enjoy a short walk and coffee nearby.
Evening - if you still have energy, head to quieter alleys, peek into small courtyards or finish the day by the Vistula watching the sunset.
This plan mixes history, local flavours and a traditional spectacle in a friendly rhythm.
Does the Lajkonik procession always happen on the same day? - The procession takes place in the octave of Corpus Christi, so the date depends on that holiday each year. Check the exact date before your trip.
Do I need tickets for the procession? - The procession is an outdoor event and does not require tickets, but some accompanying events (performances, workshops, museum entries) may be ticketed.
How much does a private tour cost? - The price depends on length, language and group size. A private tour gives you a predictable budget and comfort - if you like, I will prepare a tailor-made offer for your group.
How large can a private walking group be? - A private tour can be a small walk of 2-6 people or a larger group up to several dozen - everything is adjustable to your needs.
If you have specific questions about your group - write to me and I will prepare an answer and a route proposal.
The easiest way - send a short email or message with your arrival date, group size and preferred time and theme for the walk. Let me know if you specifically want to see the Lajkonik on a given date so I can design the route to include the procession stress-free.
When booking, it’s helpful to provide: - number of people, - approximate tour duration, - topics you’re interested in (history, photography, food, hidden corners), - any physical limitations in the group (seniors, small children).
I will refine the route, advise the best viewpoints for the Lajkonik and plan logistics so the day runs smoothly and pleasantly.
After we agree on details you will receive a simple route proposal with price and meeting time. That’s it - I’ll take care of the rest.
If you’d like additional elements, ask for them - short photo workshops, planned breaks in selected spots or recommendations for places to eat.
Sightseeing Krakow with friends is not just about monuments - it’s about discovering flavours together, laughing in the street, taking shared photos and falling for little city details. The Lajkonik can be a perfect addition - it adds colour and a local touch to the day.
If you plan to visit during the procession, treat the day like a small city festival - plan ahead but leave room for improvisation. The best memories are often made when everyone can go with the flow a little.
I’m happy to help plan your route, adjust the pace and make your day in Krakow a success. Tell me who’s coming and what you like - I will prepare a proposal that will make Krakow stay in your memory for a long time.
See you on the walk! - Małgorzata
If you want to book or ask about available dates, send a message with basic information about your group - I’ll reply quickly and help settle the details.
