Are you planning a trip to Krakow with children and wondering if it’s worth hiring a guide? Yes — if you want the walk to be lively, full of stories told in simple language and adapted to the ages of the participants. As a guide I’ve worked with families for years and I have reliable tricks to keep children from getting bored after the first few steps.
On my tours I combine short stories with games, puzzles and places where kids can run for a while or grab a snack. That way adults hear what interests them, and children come back from the walk happy — not asking “when are we going back to the hotel?”.
Legends Trail — perfect for kids: short, colorful tales about the dragon, kings and the city’s extraordinary inhabitants. The route is short, dynamic and full of “action points”.
The Royal Route and the Main Market Square — here you’ll see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower. Stories about merchants, guilds and amber bring the walk to life.
Wawel — the castle, the cathedral and the Dragon’s Den are places that fire the imagination. For younger children it’s worth planning shorter visits and a break on the square in front of the castle.
Kazimierz — a atmospheric district with fascinating stories and many good places to eat. This route offers a breather from the crowds of the Old Town and shows another side of Krakow.
St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Krakow’s most recognizable landmarks — famous for the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece and for its tower, from which the hejnal (trumpet call) is played every hour. The hejnal is a short melody played from the tower; the legend about the trumpeter who stopped mid‑melody because he was wounded during an attack is a great starting point to tell children about past times and courage.
If you want to hear the hejnal “live”, position yourselves on the Market Square in front of the church just before the hour. It’s the most spectacular place, but many people gather there — for families with strollers a quieter side street or a vantage point on a wider promenade can be more comfortable.
Entering the basilica interior (ticket) and visiting the altarpiece are separate matters — if you plan to go inside, include that in your itinerary. Short walks before entering and regular breaks help children cope with indoor visits.
Below are the current terms and rates for guiding in Polish and English — options most often chosen by families and school groups.
Guided tours in Polish — small groups (1–35 people): 2 hrs: 300 PLN (promotion) / 350 PLN (regular), 3 hrs: 400 PLN / 450 PLN, 4 hrs: 500 PLN / 550 PLN. Each additional hour: 80 PLN (promotion) / 100 PLN (regular). Themed tours: 370 PLN for 2 hours.
Guided tours in Polish — large groups (36+ people): 2 hrs: 12 PLN/person (promotion) / 14 PLN/person (regular), 3 hrs: 15 PLN/person / 17 PLN/person, 4 hrs: 18 PLN/person / 20 PLN/person. Each additional hour: 5 PLN/person / 6 PLN/person.
Guided tours in English — small groups (1–35 people): 2 hrs: 400 PLN (promotion) / 450 PLN (regular), 3 hrs: 500 PLN / 600 PLN, 4 hrs: 650 PLN / 750 PLN. Each additional hour: 120 PLN (promotion) / 160 PLN (regular). Large groups (36+): 2 hrs: 18 PLN/person / 21 PLN/person, 3 hrs: 24 PLN/person / 27 PLN/person, 4 hrs: 28 PLN/person / 32 PLN/person. Each additional hour: 8 PLN/person / 9 PLN/person.
Promotional reduced prices are valid for the period indicated at the time of booking. Audio-guide headset sets are available — about 8 PLN/person — which helps a lot in large groups and in the noise of the Market Square.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes are essential — the cobbles can be uneven and routes are sometimes longer than you expect. In winter bring warm hats and gloves; in summer a hat and sunscreen are useful.
Breaks and food: plan short breaks every 45–60 minutes. Around the Market and in Kazimierz there are many cafés and ice‑cream shops — a perfect reward for the little ones after a walk. Consider cafés such as Café Camelot, Charlotte, or family‑friendly places like Miód Malina and Wierzynek for a sit‑down treat.
Accessibility and strollers: most Old Town routes are passable with a stroller, but some side streets and the steps at Wawel require attention. A robust, all‑terrain stroller makes things easier.
Tickets for attractions: entrances to some interiors (for example the altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica or the Wawel chambers) require separate tickets — plan ahead, especially for larger groups.
Safety: always carry a phone with a charged battery and agree a meeting point in case someone gets separated. In crowds hold younger children by the hand.
School tours are interactive — stories are shortened, and there are tasks and quizzes for the pupils. Teachers often praise the dynamic format and the high level of participation.
Length and scope are adapted to age: younger classes choose shorter, lively routes (legend trails, the Dragon’s Den), while older classes can explore longer routes and visit museums.
I have experience with both small school groups and large trips — every itinerary is discussed in advance with caretakers to match expectations and walking pace.
Q: How do I book a tour? A: The easiest way is to send a message or call — when booking give the date, approximate number of participants, children’s ages and preferred language. I will confirm availability and propose a route.
Q: What about tickets to attractions? A: Entrance to some places (e.g. Wawel chambers, the altarpiece in St. Mary’s Basilica) requires a ticket. I can help plan and advise which sites are better to see from outside and which are worth entering with children.
Q: Do you accept groups with strollers or people with disabilities? A: Yes — most routes can be adapted, although some spots (steep stairs, narrow passages) need careful planning. Inform me in advance and I’ll prepare an accessible route.
Q: Do you run themed tours for children? A: Yes — I offer special routes (for example the legends trail) that are shorter and full of tasks and interactive elements.
Q: How long does booking take and what about cancellations? A: A booking is confirmed after agreeing the date and terms. Cancellation conditions are set individually — it’s best to ask at the time of booking.
Start in the morning outside peak hours — the Market and Wawel are more pleasant and children have more energy. Crowds grow in the afternoon.
Bring a small backpack with snacks and water. Short “energy stations” between stories work wonders for children’s concentration.
If you want to hear the hejnal without the biggest crowds, find a quieter side street with a view of the tower — you’ll still hear the melody and children will have more space.
Let children ask questions — they often ask the best ones that lead to entertaining anecdotes and show history from a different angle.
When booking please provide: the date and approximate start time, number of participants (including number of children and their ages), preferred guiding language and whether you need headset sets for large groups.
If you have special requests (pace of the route, breaks, stroller accessibility), tell me beforehand — I’ll adapt the route so everyone is comfortable.
For school groups it’s useful to include contact details of the supervisors and the planned number of museum entrances, so I can offer an optimal plan and an approximate total cost.
A guided tour is an investment in time: a shorter and more interesting walk, less guessing, more stories told in a way that engages both children and adults. With experience I can lead a tour so everyone returns with a smile.
If you have questions, want to check availability or want a route tailored to your family — write or call. I’ll be happy to help plan a day that children remember as an adventure and adults remember as calm, rewarding sightseeing.
