Do you want to see Wawel without getting crushed on the Market Square? Are you interested in architecture from the Middle Ages to modernism and prefer conversation in an intimate group? Wondering where to eat after a walk so that a group of 2–6 people can sit comfortably and enjoy a good meal? This text answers those questions and offers practical solutions tailored for small groups.
Touring in a small group is the best way to really talk about buildings, monuments and the city’s stories — without rushing, with space for questions and with spontaneous stops for good food.
Why exactly 2–6 people? - a small group gives route flexibility, better acoustics, easier access to some sites and a more pleasant meal after the tour. It also allows an individual approach and adaptation of pace to participants. (I lead such tours personally.)
Note: in several places in Krakow entrance tickets are additionally charged (for example some parts of Wawel or museum exhibitions); keep this in mind when planning the route.
You’ll also find ready ideas where to eat after the route — from cosy cafés to restaurants ideal for dinner for 4–6 people.
I always adapt the program to the group, but small routes usually include key points that illustrate Krakow’s development and different architectural styles:
- Wawel Hill: The Castle and Cathedral as the heart of the city’s history - here we tell stories of dynasties, coronations and architectural changes that left traces from Gothic to Baroque.
- Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): medieval urban layout, burgher townhouses and the history of craft and trade, plus stories about the city’s cultural life.
- St. Mary’s Basilica: the bugle call (hejnał), Gothic forms and the artistic history of the interior.
- The Barbican, city walls and Florian Gate: Krakow’s medieval defensive system and how it shaped the city’s growth.
- Kazimierz district: the history of the Jewish community, synagogues, transformations of the area and the influence of that culture on food and everyday life.
- Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory (if the group wants 20th-century history): the city during World War II and places of memory.
- Nowa Huta (optional, depending on interests): an example of a planned socialist-realist town and a completely different story of 20th-century Krakow.
- Length and pace: I usually propose 2–3 hours for an architectural-historical reconnaissance for small groups; for longer thematic walks we can choose 3–4 hours. I adapt the pace to participants — small groups make it easy to add stops and longer explanations.
- Meeting place and time: flexible — most often the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz monument or another convenient central spot. We set the exact meeting point after booking.
- Language and format: I guide in Polish and English; the walk includes plenty of room for questions, anecdotes and conversations about architectural details.
- Tickets and entrances: the guide service is included in the fee; entrance tickets to some sites (for example castle chambers, the cathedral, museum exhibitions) are purchased separately. For small groups it’s often worth reserving entrances in advance, especially in high season.
- Weather and plan B: walks take place in most weather conditions; during heavy rain I rearrange the route to spend more time indoors and in museums. Small groups have the advantage of being easy to reorganize at short notice.
- For families and children: I try to present stories in an engaging way for younger participants as well — short, with anecdotes and playful elements. The route is adapted to the group’s age range.
Below are suggestions grouped by style and location — all suitable for 2–6 people and convenient after an architectural walk.
- Traditional Polish cuisine (atmosphere, history at the table): try restaurants set in historic cellars serving pierogi, żurek and regional dishes — a great experience after a morning route through the Old Town. Examples include Pod Aniołami near the Royal Route and cosy cellar restaurants in the Old Town.
- Kazimierz — lunch and dinner in an informal atmosphere: the district is full of atmospheric cafés, bistros and bars with world cuisine; it’s ideal after visiting synagogues and the picturesque streets of Kazimierz. Places such as Starka offer traditional flavors in a relaxed setting.
- International cuisine and shared plates: restaurants serving dishes meant for sharing (for example Thai or Mediterranean places) are great for small groups because everyone can try several things.
- Cafés and breakfasts: after a morning walk I recommend intimate cafés with good bread and coffee — perfect for talking about what you’ve just seen. Cafe Camelot and similar cafés in the Old Town are cosy options.
- Vegan and vegetarian options: Krakow has a growing number of plant-based places — good for groups with varied dietary preferences.
Plan for a morning walk (2–3 hours) through the Market Square and Kazimierz:
- After visiting the Market and Wawel: a short coffee break in a cosy café — coffee and a pastry are a good way to rest briefly.
- Lunch in Kazimierz: a place with a sharing-style menu — Thai cuisine or a modern bistro with several small plates works well (easy to combine dishes for 4–6 people).
- Afternoon dessert/coffee: a small bakery with a local cheesecake or famous cinnamon rolls — a moment of rest before continuing the sightseeing.
Sample plan for a route including Podgórze (Schindler’s Factory) or Nowa Huta:
- After the route: a restaurant serving regional dishes or a cosy tavern around Podgórze; a good place for calm conversation about 20th-century history and impressions from the tour.
Practical tip: it’s worth reserving a table if the group has special needs (for example a table for children, gluten-free options), especially on weekends and evenings.
- Budget and tasty: small cafés, snack bars and artisan bakeries — quick and good options when you have limited time or plan further sightseeing.
- Mid-range: a bistro with a creative menu, a place with several shareable starters — ideal for small groups who want to taste local flavors without a formal dinner.
- Special occasion: an intimate restaurant with a full tasting menu or a venue recommended by culinary guides — a nice choice to end the day or celebrate with 4–6 people.
Tip: not all popular places on the Market Square offer the best food — I recommend trusted, cosy restaurants in side streets or in Kazimierz, where food quality often beats the “view of the market”. With a small group it’s easier to find a quiet table and talk about what you’ve just seen.
If someone in the group has allergies, intolerances or special preferences (vegan, gluten-free), it’s best to let me or the restaurant know in advance — then I can suggest places suited to those needs. Small groups have the advantage: it’s easier to negotiate the menu and order a few different dishes so everyone finds something they like.
For families with children I recommend places with space and simple dishes that are easy to share. On the tour I always take pace and breaks into account so the youngest can keep up.
- Best times for sightseeing and eating: early morning (before 10:00) and late afternoon (after 15:00) usually mean fewer crowds and more pleasant conditions for both walking and dining.
- Reservations: on weekends and in high season it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance, especially if you want to eat at a specific place on the Market or a popular spot in Kazimierz.
- Payments and tipping: most places accept cards; small groups often leave a tip of 10–15% depending on service level — keep this in mind if you want to thank the staff for an exceptional meal.
- Weather: bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes. Surfaces in historic parts of Krakow (cobbled streets) can be uneven — with a small group it’s easier to plan short breaks and a comfortable pace.
Krakow is best enjoyed slowly — in a small group you can notice more details, ask questions and stop where you really want to. If you value an intimate atmosphere, conversations about architecture and history and good food after the route, I invite you to join a walk with me.
If you’d like a tailor-made tour for 2–6 people — topic, pace and choice of restaurants will be adjusted to your preferences. We arrange bookings and details individually so your day in Krakow is exactly how you imagine it.
Warmly invited — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed guide in Krakow. (More information and available routes are listed on the tours page.)
