Krakow is a city that blends history, art and surprises at every turn. A day spent with a group of friends can be both a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s and 1990s at an interactive games museum and an exploration of modernist and socmodernist buildings that show how the city evolved during the 20th century.
A private tour gives you flexibility: you can set the pace, choose places that genuinely interest the group, and add local flavors — coffee breaks, pizza or regional dishes. It’s also a great opportunity to take photos and talk with the guide about the context of places you might otherwise miss.
If you want laughter, games and a bit of friendly competition, a perfect start is the Krakow Arcade Museum. If you prefer reflection about the city and its architecture, a route through Krakow’s modernist corners and stops at socmodernist sites will reveal a different, less obvious side of the city.
A relaxed plan for a day with friends: morning coffee and a short walk around the Old Town, a visit to the Krakow Arcade Museum in the afternoon, and an evening stroll with commentary on modernism and socmodernism — or a visit to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) depending on the group’s preferences.
An active alternative: start with an architectural walk along the Modernism Trail, stop for lunch at one of the top-rated restaurants, then spend the afternoon playing at the games museum. With a private tour you can change the timing and order during the day.
Practically: allow extra time for transport (tram, taxi) and possible reservations — for example, the Krakow Arcade Museum asks groups to reserve in advance and weekends can be busy. A private guide will help optimize the route so you make the most of your day.
Krakow Arcade Museum is an interactive video game museum with a large collection of arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s — most machines work and are available to play, so it’s not just looking at exhibits but active participation.
The museum is located at ul. Centralna 41a. From the city center (Main Market Square) a tram or taxi usually takes around 20 minutes, which makes it an easy stop outside the Old Town.
In practice: you buy a timed ticket (1h, 2h) or an unlimited 'open' ticket — this lets you play without strict time limits. It’s a great place for birthday gatherings, corporate team-building or simply an evening with friends playing classic titles (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat and many more).
The museum operates in the afternoon and evening — check current opening hours before you go, as they may vary by season. Reservations are recommended for groups above a certain size.
Ticket prices vary: hourly tickets, two-hour tickets and an 'open' unlimited option are available. Student and family discounts are often offered. The museum also offers birthday packages and the option to rent space for exclusive use.
When planning with friends, book ahead if you want to visit on a weekend or as an organized group. For larger groups, a private guide can assist with contacting the venue and arranging extras (tournaments, tastings).
Modernism in Krakow covers several 20th-century trends: from interwar tenement houses and institutions to postwar realizations. In the city you’ll find both elegant interwar buildings and public structures that reflect modernist ideas.
Socmodernism is a term describing postwar architectural phenomena in Central Europe — an era following socialist realism that included formal and functional experiments. Recent exhibitions and publications in Krakow have shown how diverse and inspiring this architecture can be.
If this interests you, explore local routes on the Modernism Trail, which run through parts of the Old Town and nearby areas, showing examples from the 1920s through the 1960s and beyond. A private tour allows stops at less obvious buildings and provides the historical context that brings façades and forms to life.
In the center, pay attention to interwar tenement houses and institutions that are part of the early and mid-20th-century wave of modernist development. The Modernism Trail includes themed routes to help plan walks.
Outside the center you’ll find postwar design examples that are often more experimental — institutions, public buildings and some housing estates. Exhibitions devoted to socmodernism have shown that it’s more than just panel blocks; it also includes striking formal solutions and buildings that are increasingly reassessed today.
If you wish, the guide will point out specific examples, recommend the best photo angles and explain how to read details of façades, forms and urban design from the modernist period.
One good idea is to start with a morning or early-afternoon walk through the city’s modernist areas and then move to the Arcade Museum — ideal if you want to mix walking and active entertainment without rushing.
Alternatively, dive into retro gaming first and then, when crowds are smaller in the evening, take a shorter architectural route with explanations of context and historical references. This works especially well during hot weather or uncertain conditions.
A private tour also allows you to add gastronomic stops at places recommended by locals — that’s important, because the best memories combine places with tastes.
After a busy day of sightseeing it’s nice to reward yourselves. In the center we recommend classic well-reviewed spots for coffee and desserts like Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Café — characterful places often recommended by visitors.
For a larger lunch or dinner, choose restaurants known for solid quality and positive reviews — places offering Polish cuisine and modern takes on tradition. When choosing, it’s always wise to check recent online reviews and ask your guide, who knows the local top addresses.
If you visit MOCAK, consider the museum café for a convenient break between exhibitions. Around the Old Town you’ll also find many small bistros and pizzerias that work well for groups of friends.
For convenience, choose accommodation near the Main Market Square or in Kazimierz if you want nightlife and great dining within easy reach. Hotels and apartments in these locations are comfortable bases for sightseeing and evening outings.
Visitors preferring quieter neighborhoods may consider staying closer to Zabłocie — a good base if you plan to visit MOCAK and other sites slightly outside the immediate center. When choosing accommodation, pay attention to reviews about cleanliness and public transport links.
A private guide can recommend specific, tried-and-true places to stay that match your budget and preferences (central, boutique hotel, apartment).
Don’t leave reservations until the last minute — especially on weekends and in high season. The games museum can be particularly popular in afternoons and evenings.
Don’t try to see “everything” in one day — Krakow deserves a pace that lets you soak in the atmosphere. Focus on a few highlights and explore them more deeply.
Avoid peak crowd times at popular attractions or choose early-afternoon slots. A private tour makes it easier to skip queues and plan visits outside busy periods.
How long does a typical tour combining the Arcade Museum and a short modernist walk last? - Usually 4–6 hours, depending on the group’s pace and the time spent at the games museum.
Do you pay extra for games at the Arcade Museum? - Games are typically included in the purchased ticket (ticket types: 1h, 2h, open).
Is the modernist route suitable for people with reduced mobility? - It depends on the route chosen; many areas are accessible, but some sections may require walking on pavements. A private guide will adapt the route to the group’s needs.
Is it worth booking a private guide? - If you want context, local anecdotes, faster movement and a personalized plan, then yes. A private tour saves time and adds interpretive value.
Arcade machines were rare in the PRL era and had a significant cultural role — today their collections are preserved in museums that combine nostalgic fun with education about entertainment history.
Socmodernism is broader than just “panel blocks” — it also includes interesting public buildings and formal experiments that are often re-evaluated today.
Krakow has more modernist stories than you might expect — a walk down some Old Town streets reveals façades and details that tell of the city’s continuous 20th-century transformation.
If you want the day shaped around your expectations, consider booking the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will tailor the route to the group’s pace, interests (games, architecture, food) and the weather.
Contact details for Małgorzata are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — there you can find information on available dates, route options and prices. Private tours can be booked in advance, and the guide will gladly advise on combining the Arcade Museum with architectural walks.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. You’re invited to enjoy a private tour and discover Krakow at the pace that suits you.
