A half-day private scooter route mixes efficient city travel with deeper insights into history and places of memory — especially when the plan includes Kazimierz and the former ghetto in Podgórze. The tour usually lasts 3 to 4 hours and allows you to see the main highlights of central Krakow without rushing — the Main Market Square, sections of the Royal Route, Kazimierz, and then Podgórze with Bohaterów Getta Square and the Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka pod Orłem).
Riding a scooter shortens travel time between districts but does not replace walking in places of remembrance — at those stops we dismount and walk, spending longer in silence and reflection. The private guide adapts pace and content to your interests — you can request a stronger historical focus, a general city narrative, or a mix of history and local anecdotes.
Meeting and quick briefing - 10 min: start in the center (for example Main Market Square) - check scooters, helmets and safety rules.
Old Town - 30–40 min: ride along the Planty and a short stop at the Main Market Square - a quick overview of the Royal Route and key monuments (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, city gates).
Transfer to Kazimierz - 20 min + 40 min exploring: winding streets, synagogues, stories about Jewish life before WWII and the fates of the community. Time for local stops — a café or a short snack.
Ride to Podgórze - 15–20 min: arrival at the area of the former ghetto.
Krakow Ghetto - 40–60 min: on-foot walk through the main memorial points — Bohaterów Getta Square (the Umschlagplatz), fragments of original ghetto walls, the Eagle Pharmacy and sites connected with deportations. At memorials the guide offers a calm narration and time for reflection.
Optional Schindler’s Factory or return via quieter routes - 20–30 min: depending on interests you can finish the route at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (museum) or return to the Market Square.
Main Market Square and the Royal Route - the heart of the medieval city and a natural starting point to tell the story of Krakow. Short stops explain urban and cultural context and the most important monuments.
Kazimierz - the former Jewish district, today one of the most atmospheric areas of Krakow. Here we talk about centuries of Jewish culture, synagogues and the dramatic changes the Jewish community experienced in the 20th century.
Krakow Ghetto (Podgórze) - the ghetto existed from 1941 to 1943 and was the site of forced resettlement of roughly 16,000 people; its final liquidation took place on 13–14 March 1943. On the route you will see Bohaterów Getta Square (the Krakow Umschlagplatz), fragments of ghetto walls and the Eagle Pharmacy — places of great historical and symbolic importance that are normally discussed during the remembrance walk.
In Krakow electric scooters follow traffic rules — bike lanes and cycle paths are preferred; where they are absent riding on streets with speed limits (for example 30 km/h) is allowed, and riding on sidewalks is only exceptional, always with extreme caution and yielding to pedestrians. Rental scooters are often limited in top speed by operator settings.
Operators and the city cooperate on parking points — Krakow has designated places where you can legally leave a scooter after use. Make sure not to block sidewalks, building entrances or ramps.
Practical safety - before starting check the brakes, battery level and lights. Helmets and reflective elements increase safety — on sightseeing routes wear comfortable shoes for short walks and bring a light rain jacket in case the weather changes.
Rental companies offer various models and rental periods — by the hour, for a few hours or the whole day. Typical prices at private rental shops start from several dozen złoty per hour; day rentals are usually more economical. Costs for a private guide depend on duration, group size and the depth of commentary — in practice half-day private tours are priced individually.
If you use a shared-system operator, check tariffs and any additional fees — some models have speed limits and city-defined operating zones. When booking a scooter rental together with a guide, ask for convenient pick-up and drop-off points.
Ideal for people who want to see more in less time — a scooter helps cover distances between sights and reduces fatigue. It’s also a comfortable option for couples and small private groups.
Limitations - routes that include places of memory require frequent dismounts and on-foot sections; people with limited mobility should inform the guide in advance so the route can be adjusted or alternative transport suggested. During peak pedestrian hours (afternoons, weekends in season) using a scooter in the centre may be less comfortable.
Book the guide in advance and describe your expectations — length of the tour, interests (history, architecture, memorial sites), pace and preferences for breaks. Contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com to arrange the start point and to request help organizing scooter rental.
Inform the guide about the number of participants and any health or mobility restrictions. If you want to visit museum interiors or Oskar Schindler’s Factory, check ticket availability ahead of time — entries can be limited and tickets may sell out.
Places connected with trauma and collective memory require particular respect — keep quiet where appropriate, take photos only where permitted and listen carefully to the guide. Many memorial points include information boards and spaces for reflection — do not treat them as ordinary entertainment attractions.
The guide should present facts sensitively and based on reliable research; when visiting the ghetto and surrounding areas it’s important to take time to understand the historical context rather than just checking off another item on the sightseeing list.
If you want a longer tour, many offices offer extensions to 6 hours or a full day, combining the Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta. Another convenient alternative are electric sightseeing vehicles (meleks) — comfortable, guided electric carts that work well in bad weather or for guests who prefer to sit.
You can also combine the scooter route with museum visits (Oskar Schindler’s Factory) or a short walking tour of Wawel Castle — the guide can advise the best plan.
How many people can join a private tour? - Private tours are flexible; most guides accept small groups of up to 10–15 people, but confirm this at booking.
Is a scooter safe for older participants? - It depends on fitness and balance. Older participants are encouraged to test the scooter model before the route or choose an alternative transport option.
Will we enter museum interiors? - Usually museum entry and tickets are not included in the basic guide fee; if you want to enter (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory), book it in advance.
Good cafés and snacks - in Kazimierz try local cafés on Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy for a quick bite; in the Old Town Café Camelot and other small places near the Market are nice for a break.
Public transport connection - if you need to return or continue on your own, tram connections and short taxi rides are widely available from both the Old Town and Podgórze.
Weather - Krakow weather can change quickly; dress in layers and bring a small rain jacket. Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are useful in warm months.
