The Royal Route is one of Kraków’s most iconic routes — from the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, along Floriańska Street, through the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, all the way to Wawel Hill. A walk with a licensed guide not only shows you the main sights but also reveals stories, anecdotes and hidden details that solo visitors often miss.
Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz regularly leads tours along this route — she presents royal customs, architecture, notable figures and Kraków legends in an accessible, engaging and humorous way. For many guests, these local stories and little ‘treats’ are what make the visit unforgettable.
If you want to know what lies behind the townhouses’ façades, why the St. Mary’s trumpet call (hejnał) is interrupted, or which spot in the Cloth Hall witnessed important events — a guided walk is the best choice.
The Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — the traditional start of the Royal Route: a surviving fragment of the old city fortifications and a great introduction to the medieval layout of the city.
Floriańska Street — the historic main shopping street with beautiful townhouses and the atmosphere of old Kraków.
Main Market Square — one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica with the altarpiece by Veit Stoss, the Town Hall Tower and many monuments and cafés. This is the heart of the city, full of history and life.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — once a center of trade, now a gallery of craft and a meeting place; Małgorzata will tell you about its transformations and interesting architectural details.
St. Mary’s Basilica — the story of Veit Stoss’s altarpiece, the meaning of the hejnał and what to look for inside the church.
Wawel Hill — the royal castle and cathedral: royal tombs, chambers and legends. Depending on your chosen route, a visit to the hill can be included in the program.
Booking: the easiest way is to contact the guide directly by phone or email to arrange the date, time and preferred language. When booking, it’s helpful to give an approximate number of participants and mention any special needs (for example accessibility requirements).
Duration: typical options are 2, 3 or 4 hours. A two-hour walk covers the essentials and the main attractions; a three- to four-hour tour allows more stories, entry to selected places and a more relaxed pace.
Pricing (indicative): prices depend on the tour length and group size. For small groups (1–35 people) rates are usually given for 2–4 hour tours; larger groups are often charged per person. For school or corporate groups it’s worth discussing the program and any educational materials in advance.
Audio-guide / headset sets: for larger groups it’s possible to rent headset systems so everyone can hear the guide clearly in crowded areas. The cost is small and is arranged when booking.
A recommended meeting point is the Main Market Square (for example next to the Adam Mickiewicz monument or beside the Cloth Hall). This is an easy reference for participants. You can also arrange to meet at St. Florian’s Gate if you wish to start from the very beginning of the Royal Route.
Meeting time: mornings and early afternoons are convenient — the crowds on the Square are smaller than later in the day. If you prefer the lively café atmosphere, pick an afternoon. The guide will advise on the best time depending on the season and weather when you book.
Group meet-up point for schools or companies: it’s useful to have a sheet with the group name and contact number, and to agree on a backup meeting place in case someone is late.
Family and school routes are adapted to the age of participants — Małgorzata can lead an outdoor lesson full of curiosities and fun anecdotes that keep children engaged. A themed walk (for example following legends) is a great option for younger visitors.
For visitors with mobility limitations: parts of the route can be adapted to avoid old, uneven pavements or steep approaches. Please report such needs when booking so the guide can plan a comfortable route.
Schools and organized groups: the educational program can be tailored to curriculum requirements — materials and field tasks are available on request.
Clothing and footwear: wear comfortable, flat shoes and dress in layers — Kraków weather can change during the day. A small umbrella or a light rain jacket can be useful.
Tickets and entries: if you plan to enter specific museums or interiors (for example selected chambers at Wawel), it’s best to arrange this beforehand — some sites require group bookings or have entry limits.
Money and discounts: carry any documents needed for discounts (student card, senior card, etc.). Some group programs allow reduced rates for organized participants.
Breaks and food: for longer tours (3–4 hours) it’s worth planning a short coffee or snack break. Around the Market you’ll find many cafés and restaurants; popular spots include Wierzynek, Café Camelot and Charlotte — good for a quick break and to round off the program.
Experience and license: Małgorzata holds a state guide license for Kraków and has many years of experience leading groups of all kinds — families, school groups and corporate clients.
Style of guiding: she tells stories with humor, shares curiosities and anecdotes, and adapts language and pace to the audience. This approach makes both children and adults active participants on the walk.
Flexibility: themed routes are available (legends, culinary, film locations) as well as combined trips (for example Kraków plus a museum). For larger groups headset systems are available to improve listening comfort.
Is the walk available in English? - Yes, tours in English are available; please specify the language when booking.
How long is a standard walk along the Royal Route? - Typically 2–3 hours, but you can book a longer program (for example 4 hours) if you want more details and stops.
How many people can join a group? - The guide works with both small and large groups (there are special rates for groups over 35 people). For large groups audio headsets are recommended to ensure good communication.
Does the guide accept vouchers or gift certificates? - Yes — vouchers can be arranged as a gift; please agree details when you contact the guide.
What if it rains? - Walks usually take place in light rain; the guide will advise on route changes in case of severe weather.
Lunch or dinner on the Square: after the walk it’s nice to sit in one of the local restaurants — the historic Wierzynek offers a memorable atmosphere, while many cafés around the Square are perfect for a quick lunch or dessert.
Evening walk along the Vistula boulevards: if you have time, finish the day with a peaceful walk along the Vistula on the Podgórze side — the illuminated view of Wawel makes a beautiful ending to the day.
Photos and souvenirs: the Cloth Hall is a great place to buy local crafts. The guide will show the best photo spots and point out which details are worth capturing.
