Are you planning a walk around Kraków and wondering which route will be best for a family with children? Do you want to see Nowa Huta or go to Wieliczka with a guide? Or are you curious about the Royal Road and the stories that stick in the memory of both adults and the youngest visitors? This text is for you — written in a simple, friendly style with practical tips and route ideas.
As a licensed Kraków guide with many years of experience I run tours tailored to different needs: families, school groups, English-speaking visitors and people who want to discover lesser-known corners of the city. Below you will find descriptions of the most popular routes, organizational tips and an FAQ to help you prepare the perfect day in Kraków.
Sightseeing with a guide is more than dry dates and facts — it’s stories, anecdotes and local curiosities that bring places to life. A well-led walk helps you understand historical context, see the city’s contrasts and notice details you might easily miss on your own.
On my walks I focus on interaction: I ask questions, point out interesting details, and on family routes I use simple narrative games and tasks for children to keep their attention and make the tour fun for them.
The Royal Road and Wawel — a classic I recommend for a first visit: the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and then Wawel Hill with the cathedral and the castle. This route is full of legends, royal tales and architectural highlights.
Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter, full of atmosphere, narrow streets and stories about culture and daily life. It’s an ideal place for those who like to combine history with local flavors and the vibe of city cafés.
Nowa Huta — a route of contrasts: socialist urban planning, industrial history and stories of social change. It’s a great option when you want to see a different face of Kraków and learn about 20th-century history presented in an accessible way.
Wieliczka with a guide — a trip to the famous salt mine is a unique experience. The underground route, salt chapels and remarkable sculptures make it a destination worth combining with your stay in Kraków. I organize trips that include transfer and logistics so the whole day is comfortable and well planned.
If you’re visiting with children, I offer a specially prepared route full of legends, riddles and simple competitions. This way kids learn through play and adults don’t get bored on the walk.
On the family route I focus on short, engaging stories, show places that create a ‘wow’ reaction for the little ones (for example the Wawel Dragon) and include interactive elements. The route is flexible — I adjust pace and length to the age and stamina of participants.
Nowa Huta is an excellent example of a planned socialist-era town. On the route I point out the main urban planning ideas, public buildings and tell stories about everyday life under the People’s Republic of Poland. It’s a story of contrasts: ideology versus daily life.
Typical stops on a Nowa Huta tour include Central Square, Aleja Róż, residential estates with characteristic architecture, and places connected with the opposition and changes after 1989. The route is perfect for people interested in architecture, 20th-century history and those who want to see a less touristy side of Kraków.
Wieliczka is an underground city carved in salt. A trip includes entrance to the mine, following the designated route, visiting chapels and chambers, and stories about mining technology and the history of salt mining.
Logistics: I usually organize departures from Kraków including transfer and time for ticket pickup. Entrance tickets to the mine are paid separately — I help with purchasing and advise on the best visiting times to avoid crowds.
Languages: I conduct tours in Polish and English — I’ll match the language to your group.
Booking: It’s best to contact me in advance by phone or email to set the date, route and details. After booking we agree on the meeting place and time, usually in the city center, e.g. the Main Market Square.
Pricing and offers: There is a price list depending on route length and group size. For tours that include entrances to museums or the mine, admission fees are charged additionally. For school groups and families I prepare special versions of routes adapted to participants’ ages.
Meeting and duration: Typical walks last from 2 to 4 hours — on request I can offer shorter or longer options, as well as full-day programs combining several sites.
Comfortable shoes — this is the most important thing. Kraków involves a lot of walking on cobbles and uneven surfaces.
Weather — bring a light jacket or rain poncho, especially outside summer. For a trip to Wieliczka remember it’s cooler and more humid underground than on the surface — it’s worth taking something warmer.
For families — small snacks, water and quiet activities for little children work well. If you’re coming with a stroller, please inform me in advance — I will adapt the route to accessibility and convenience.
Tours are conducted with safety in mind, and I choose routes to be as comfortable as possible for participants. If someone has limited mobility, please let me know before booking — I will suggest a route and solutions to minimize difficulties.
In case of intense heat we plan frequent breaks and choose places to sit. On rainy days routes can be partially moved indoors — museums and historic interiors.
Are tours available daily? — Yes, routes are available most of the year. It’s worth booking in advance during the tourist season and on weekends.
How many people can be in a group? — I organize both small private groups and larger tours. It depends on the route; for big groups I recommend a headset system so everyone can hear the guide clearly.
Are museum tickets included? — Generally entrance tickets are not included in the guiding fee. I help purchase tickets and advise on the best options.
What if it rains? — Tours run regardless of the weather; in very bad conditions the route may be modified to spend more time indoors.
How long does a trip to Wieliczka take? — The program depends on your chosen plan, but it’s a good idea to reserve half a day or a full day to allow for transfer, the visit itself and time to rest.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before the agreed meeting time — this gives comfort and helps start the walk punctually.
If you have special interests (architecture, 20th-century history, food), tell me before the tour — I’ll prepare extra material and anecdotes.
For families: plan a break for ice cream or coffee halfway through the route — it’s a great way to recharge and talk about what you’ve seen.
If you’d like to arrange a tour, it’s best to contact me in advance by phone or email to set the date, route and group details. After booking we’ll confirm the meeting place and I’ll send practical tips before the day of the tour.
You’re warmly invited — together we’ll explore Kraków with energy, humor and curiosities that will stay with you for a long time.
