This is a two-hour walk through the most recognizable places of the Old Town and its edges, designed with mature visitors in mind. The route combines two clear layers: the monumental religious and civic history represented by St. Mary’s Church (with the legendary hejnał and the Wit Stwosz altarpiece) and the 20th-century memory — traces of World War II visible in the urban space (memorial sites, stories about the ghetto, the Schindler Factory and places connected with residents’ fates). Everything at a moderate pace, with breaks, in a friendly atmosphere.
The tour is personally led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a licensed guide for Kraków. I tell Kraków’s story in a simple, lively and anecdote-filled way, while respecting the solemnity of places of remembrance. The goal is for everyone to return to their hotel feeling they learned a meaningful piece of the city’s history without being tired and with time to ask questions.
If you wish, the tour can be extended to include entry to the Schindler Factory museum — in that case the total time may be around 4 hours (museum entry requires separate tickets). In the standard 2-hour version we focus on outdoor and easily accessible points and a short, well-explained stop at St. Mary’s Church.
The tour is private — this allows me to adjust pace and content to the group, especially to seniors’ needs: more frequent breaks, places to sit, avoiding steep stairs where not necessary.
Important organisational note: admission tickets to some attractions (e.g., Schindler Factory, entry to St. Mary’s tower or interior) are not included in the guiding fee — I assist with purchasing tickets and inform about current fees.
Meeting point: most often at the Main Market Square, by the Adam Mickiewicz monument — a well-known, easy-to-find and convenient place to start the walk.
- Start on the Main Market Square: a short orientation and presentation of the route.
- St. Mary’s Church (outside and, depending on the group’s preference, inside): a story about the church’s history, the Wit Stwosz altarpiece, the polychromes and the legend of the hejnał. I point out areas that can be viewed comfortably without long waiting in queues.
- Hejnał: if we meet at the hour of the hejnał, we stop to listen or to talk about its legend and meaning for Kraków. I also explain how the duty system works and what the options are for climbing the tower (if the group wishes and feels able).
- Walk along the Royal Route: stories about the Cloth Hall, the medieval street layout and the most interesting urban episodes.
- Proceed toward Kazimierz / the area of the former ghetto: memorial points, the ghetto wall, the Ghetto Heroes Square, places connected with residents’ testimonies and the occupation’s history. Stops are short but focused — I try to convey atmosphere and historical context without overwhelming with details.
- Finish: a place to rest, answer questions, and give tips on where to eat and how to continue exploring. If we plan to enter the Schindler Factory, we agree on the schedule and logistics (duration, tickets).
St. Mary’s Church is one of the most important churches in Poland: history in this location reaches back centuries, and the present Gothic form mainly dates from the 14th century. Inside are real treasures, including the monumental altarpiece by Wit Stwosz and polychromes by artists such as Jan Matejko and his pupils.
The hejnał mariacki is a symbol of Kraków — played every hour from the higher tower. The legend about the trumpeter from the time of the Tatar invasion explains the sudden breaking off of the melody; I tell this story so everyone feels its force, while understanding that for seniors the most important thing is the experience — hearing the hejnał and understanding its meaning.
Tower access: the higher tower is 81 m high; the visitor platform is at about 54 m and is reached by more than 270 steps. For safety and comfort the tower visits are organised in limited groups. In practice, for seniors we often choose to view the interior and hear the hejnał from the Market Square level; I propose climbing the tower only if the group wishes and feels fit.
Inside the church: if we decide to enter, I show the most important elements at a pace adapted to the group — focusing on the Wit Stwosz altarpiece, the polychromes and a few architectural curiosities, without overloading with details. Interior tickets are paid separately; I help with their purchase.
In practice: participants’ comfort and safety are the priority — I will suggest the best option for viewing or entering depending on the group’s fitness and expectations.
Kraków bears many traces of World War II: in the urban space we encounter commemorative plaques, sites connected with the Kraków ghetto, remnants of walls and fragments of history told at specific points. On the route I draw attention to:
- the location of the former ghetto and how it looked in daily life; I explain where German offices, hospitals and “green areas” stood, and how the landscape changed after the war,
- the Ghetto Heroes Square and fragments of the wall — points that help understand the scale of the tragedy and individual fates,
- the Schindler Factory (from the outside or with entry to the museum, if the group wishes) — I tell how this place became a witness to concrete actions and the survival of some residents.
I tell these stories empathically and respectfully for the victims — without sensationalism, emphasising the human dimension and memory. For seniors, pace and the ability to rest are especially important, so I choose the number of stops and the length of talks so nobody becomes tired.
Pace: the walk is conducted slowly, with frequent breaks and the possibility to sit in comfortable places.
Break length: I plan shorter story blocks (5–10 minutes) and breaks between them so the group can rest and consult with the guide.
Stairs and inclines: we avoid steep climbs and long staircases if the group prefers; entry to St. Mary’s tower is proposed only with clear interest and good participant fitness.
Seating and toilets: during the walk I point out places to sit and quick-access toilets — I plan the route so these are available roughly every 20–30 minutes of walking.
Group size: for larger numbers we make use of headset audio-guide sets (available to rent) — a convenient solution; but in a private, intimate group I try to speak directly so everyone can hear and take part.
Is 2 hours enough to “see everything”? - Two hours are designed so you can comfortably visit the most important points: St. Mary’s Church, hear the hejnał, and understand the main World War II traces in the Kazimierz and former ghetto area. If you want to enter museums (e.g., Schindler Factory), I recommend the extended version (about 4 hours).
Does the guide help with ticket purchase? - Yes. The guiding fee covers the tour; tickets to attractions are additional. I assist with purchasing and advise on the best times to avoid queues.
Where do we meet and how early should I arrive? - We usually meet by the Adam Mickiewicz monument on the Main Market Square. Please arrive 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time so we can start calmly.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, tours can also be conducted in English — please indicate this when booking.
Is the tour safe for people with walking difficulties? - Yes, the route can be adapted: shorter sections, more frequent breaks, avoiding stairs. If someone has particular needs, please inform me at booking.
Clothing: comfortable shoes and a layer for changing weather — weather in Kraków can change quickly, and the Market Square can be windy.
Weather and plan B: tours run in light rain as well; in case of very bad weather I change the route so we spend more time in indoor sites and interiors.
Wallet: tickets for museums and interiors are extra — it’s good to have small cash or a card. I help orient you to current prices.
Phones and cameras: photos are welcome, but please be discreet and respectful at places of remembrance.
Rest and food: after the walk I can recommend calm, reliable places for coffee and lunch in the centre — senior-friendly spots with comfortable seating and easy access, such as Café Camelot, Miód Malina or Pod Nosem.
How to book: best by phone or e-mail — contact details are available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. After booking we agree on meeting place and time and the group’s pace and preferences.
Prices (approximate): the standard 2-hour tour has a fixed guiding fee — details and current offers can be checked when you contact me. Admission tickets to museums and some monuments are paid separately; the guide will help purchase them.
Special needs: if someone has mobility issues, needs seating beyond public benches, or has other expectations — please inform me when booking and I will adapt the route and pace.
I warmly invite you — discovering Kraków is not only facts and dates but also stories you can listen to with a smile, reflection and comfort. If you’d like to arrange a route for yourself or loved ones, write or call — we’ll set everything so the walk is pleasant and meaningful.
See you on the Market Square! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com)
