Yes - and it’s much easier than it used to be. In recent years many institutions and trail creators have made ready-to-use map files available (Google My Maps overlays, KMZ files for Google Earth or PDFs), and popular audio guides work offline and play recordings exactly where you are. That lets you combine a walk through the Old Town or Kazimierz with museum visits, plan time for exhibitions and buy tickets in advance. It’s an ideal solution if you like exploring at your own pace, pausing at points of interest and stopping whenever you like for a coffee or an exhibition visit.
Audio guides usually rely on GPS and navigate between pre-set points. In practice it works like this: you download the route to your phone, load the offline map and start the app - when you approach a point a short commentary plays. Maps provided by museums often come in three formats: a Google My Maps overlay, a KMZ file for Google Earth and a simple printable PDF. That way you can choose what suits you best: an interactive map guide or a convenient paper plan.
Important: before you leave check that the route works offline and that you can download the GPS files - this will help you avoid high roaming charges. Bring comfortable earphones and a powerbank. If you plan to enter museums, book tickets online - many venues allow advance purchase, which shortens waiting time.
Many city and museum websites publish official routes in downloadable map formats - both as ready overlays for Google Maps and as KMZ and PDF files. These materials are especially useful when you want to plan a route with several museum visits and are time-conscious. Look for sections labeled “routes,” “maps” or “downloads” on cultural institution sites; you’ll often find descriptions of points, walking times and suggested visit order.
If a route includes indoor museum points, check the point descriptions - sometimes the route specifies entry to particular rooms or permanent exhibitions. KMZ files can also be opened in tourist navigation apps, which helps when moving outside the city centre.
The Royal Route and the Old Town with visits to the main museums is a classic: if you allocate time sensibly you can see the university courtyard, the Cloth Hall and stop at an exhibition in one of the major museums. Alternatively you can focus on Kazimierz - a neighbourhood walk with a visit to a museum dedicated to local history makes for an intense but rewarding plan. For those interested in World War II and 20th-century history, consider a route linking memorial sites with smaller museums and thematic exhibitions.
When planning, allow time for one larger museum (min. 1.5–2 hours) or two smaller exhibitions of 45–60 minutes each. Temporary exhibitions can be time-consuming - if you want to enter at a specific hour, buy a timed ticket.
Buying tickets online is standard. Some exhibitions allow entry without prior reservation, others require timed tickets - check this before you travel. On weekends and in high season popular exhibitions can sell out quickly. Always pay attention to information about reduced-price or free tickets and any free-admission days - this helps plan your budget.
If you use an audio route, check activation rules: some guides must be downloaded for a set time or activated with a code. After purchase a route may work offline for a limited period - download it before leaving your hotel.
Make sure your battery is full and bring a powerbank - audio recordings and GPS drain phones quickly. Take light, comfortable earphones (in-ear or on-ear) so the audio is clear amid city noise. Download offline maps and route files in advance; if the app has an offline mode, enable it before you leave Wi-Fi range.
If you plan several museums in one day, start with the one that has the shortest opening hours or requires a timed reservation. Make a realistic schedule: factor in walking time between museums, coffee breaks and possible queues.
After sightseeing it’s nice to eat in places with good atmosphere and reviews. In the Old Town and Kazimierz recommended, well-reviewed spots include: Wierzynek (a long-standing traditional restaurant), Pod Aniołami (Polish cuisine), Café Camelot (an atmospheric café), Starka and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz - all popular with visitors and close to major walking routes. It’s always a good idea to check current reviews before visiting and to book a table for the evening.
For accommodation, highly rated hotels in convenient locations include Hotel Stary, PURO Kraków and Sheraton Grand - they’re close to the centre and make for an easy start to a morning museum route. Choose a location that shortens walking time between points if you plan intensive days of sightseeing.
Trying to see “everything” in one day. It’s better to choose wisely - 2–3 main sites and a few audio stops give more enjoyment than rushing. Not downloading maps and forgetting earphones - without them an audio route loses meaning; download the files and bring earphones. Skipping reservations for popular exhibitions - this costs time and nerves; buy tickets beforehand. Relying only on a mobile signal - have an offline version ready, especially in crowded places.
If you have limited time, pick one neighbourhood and plan a short visit to one larger museum rather than several rushed stops.
Many city-themed routes include short bonuses - local anecdotes that don’t appear in classic guides. Some audio guides also play fragments of letters, eyewitness accounts or narrator recordings, which give the walk a theatrical feel. Museums often offer alternative maps - for example routes for couples, families or people with limited mobility - check these before you go.
Downloadable materials often include practical tips, such as nearby toilets, rest areas and recommended cafés - this helps when planning breaks during a long day of sightseeing.
Do I need the internet for an audio guide to work? Not always - most apps and routes allow you to download files and work offline, but download the content before you leave.
How long does a typical audio route in the centre take? A standard route with visits and commentary is 1.5–3 hours of walking; add museum entries and plan for a full day.
Can I combine several routes in one day? Yes, provided you plan realistic time for museum entries and breaks.
What if a venue requires a timed ticket? Buy the ticket for the chosen time and arrange your route so you’ll be nearby at that hour.
If you’d like, I can prepare a sample day plan for you including 2–3 museums and a walking route tailored to your interests.
Planning self-guided audio tours in Krakow gives you freedom and a deeper, more personal experience of the city. Remember to download maps and audio, reserve museum tickets and bring earphones and a powerbank. After your trip share your impressions with friends - recommendations from other visitors help uncover the best routes and places. If you’d like, I can help prepare a personalized route or advise which exhibitions are worth visiting on specific dates.
If you enjoyed this text, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with an experienced guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz also offers private guiding services; contact details and service information are available on her guide page. Have a great trip and many wonderful discoveries in Krakow!
