A private tour gives you control over the pace, flexibility and the chance to focus on what interests your group most. Instead of following a fixed schedule for a large group, you can ask your guide to linger longer at a monument, share more local anecdotes or adapt the route for children or visitors with limited mobility.
A private trip is also a great solution if you want to combine sightseeing in Kraków with a visit to Zakopane — all in one day, with transport tailored to your needs and the option to include extra attractions (for example, the Market Underground Museum, a cable-car ride, or thermal baths).
For those who value an intimate atmosphere and personal contact with the guide, a private tour usually means a richer experience and more city stories than touring in a large group.
The Market Underground is an archaeological museum located a few meters below the surface of the Main Market Square. You will see exposed foundations of former townhouses and streets, everyday objects used by medieval Kraków residents, 11th-century tombs and modern multimedia displays that “bring the old city to life.”
A visit to the Underground helps you understand how trade on the Main Market Square thrived for centuries and why Kraków was such an important commercial center. It’s also a good place to rest your legs — the tour follows a fixed route and usually takes about 60–90 minutes.
For families with children the museum offers interactive zones and educational elements that make the visit engaging for younger visitors as well.
Prices vary by ticket type (adult, reduced, family, group). There are also city cards and reduced options for residents or specific groups. In practice, it’s worth buying tickets online in advance, especially in high season, to avoid queues.
If you’re visiting as part of a group, remember there is a limit to the number of people allowed in one group in the Underground, and for larger numbers an additional guide may be required. Organized groups are usually advised to reserve a few days ahead.
Opening hours and free-entry days may change depending on the season or special events — always check the museum’s current information before your visit.
Booking a private tour is easy: contact the guide or the office, specify the number of people, desired duration and preferences (for example the Royal Route, Wawel, Kazimierz, Podgórze). A good guide will propose a program tailored to your expectations and take care of logistics (meeting point, breaks, time for lunch).
If you plan to visit the Market Underground during a private tour, let the guide know in advance — entrances are often limited and group tickets may need to be booked ahead of time.
If you want to add a trip to Zakopane, arrange it when you book. A typical private day trip from Kraków to Zakopane lasts about 8–9 hours: add travel time (1.5–2 hours each way), sightseeing, and possible time for a cable-car ride or visit to thermal baths.
The optimal plan is an early departure from Kraków (hotel pickup around 7:30–9:00) with an evening return. With private transport you can customize the route: stop at a mountain pass, take a short walk along Krupówki, ride the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch or relax in the Chochołowskie thermal baths.
Decide in advance which elements are a priority — if you dream of high-mountain views from Kasprowy, allow time for the cable car; if thermal baths are the priority, plan a longer stop in Chochołów. Good planning helps avoid rushing and makes the day more enjoyable.
Remember mountain weather conditions — in winter they can shorten or complicate planned routes.
Morning: Walk the Royal Route — Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall. A brief historical introduction and anecdotes about kings and townspeople.
Midday: Visit Wawel — exterior tour or entry to the Castle and Cathedral depending on prior ticket reservations. Lunch break at a recommended nearby restaurant.
Afternoon: Kazimierz — stroll through the historic Jewish quarter, visit synagogues, enjoy atmospheric cafés and courtyards made famous by films. Alternative: visit the Market Underground or one of the local museums.
If you want to eat near the Main Market Square and Wawel, choose well-reviewed restaurants that combine local flavors with high-quality service. Many central restaurants serve traditional Polish cuisine and regional specialties.
In Kazimierz I recommend trying cozy cafés and restaurants with strong reviews, where you can rest after a walk and taste local or fusion dishes. For Zakopane choose regional mountain inns (karczmy) or popular places with good reputations — a great way to discover highlander cuisine.
If you like, I can provide a specific list of top-rated restaurants and cafés in each area (Old Town, Kazimierz, Zakopane) tailored to your tastes and budget.
Buying tickets from unverified sellers — sometimes it’s better to pay the official site or a trusted guide than risk a fake ticket.
Overplanning a single day — an overly ambitious schedule (for example many interior visits plus a long trip to Zakopane) can end in rushing. Leave buffer time for surprises and rest.
Skipping reservations for the Underground or Wawel — in high season entries to some sites are limited; book tickets in advance, especially if you have specific time slots.
How long does the Market Underground tour last? Usually 60–90 minutes. If you plan to visit on your own, reserve at least one hour. For guided visits add time for an introduction and questions.
Is the Market Underground accessible for wheelchair users? The museum has accessibility solutions, but it’s best to confirm details directly before your visit.
Is it worth booking a private guide for a full day? Yes — a private guide helps you make the most of your time, tailor the route and avoid the hassle of organizing transport and tickets.
In the Underground you can find traces of burials over a thousand years old — it’s not just ruins but a catalogue of human stories and everyday life from the medieval city.
Wawel wasn’t always so accessible to residents — for centuries some parts of the castle were wrapped in mysteries and legends that local guides happily share in intimate groups.
Kazimierz is a neighborhood that has changed many times — from an independent town to a neglected quarter and now a lively cultural and culinary district.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with a licensed guide, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Tours can be tailored to the group’s time and interests — from short walks to full-day programs combining Kraków and Zakopane.
Visit the guide’s site for prices, sample itineraries and information about available guiding languages. Booking in advance is the best way to secure a convenient date and access to sites like the Market Underground or Wawel interiors.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like, I can help prepare a personalized itinerary — tell me how much time you have and what you most want to see.
