A shared visit is a simple, natural way to build work relationships outside the office — it allows for conversation in a more relaxed atmosphere, the chance to show your personal manners and interests, and to experience together a place that has a unique character in Poland. Krakow, with its concentration of monuments in the centre and a variety of options (short walks, museums, full-day trips to Wieliczka or the surroundings), is well suited for this occasion.
A well-planned visit shows your boss you can take care of the details: the timing, booking tickets and reserving a place for a meal. It signals competence and attentiveness — and at the same time creates an opportunity for a pleasant conversation over coffee or lunch after the walk.
Short walk (1–2 h) - a good option when you have limited time between meetings: walk the Royal Route through the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and a view of part of Wawel from the outside. It lets you see the main sights without entering paid attractions.
Standard walk (3–4 h) - the optimal time for a guided visit: in this version you can visit Wawel (entry to the cathedral or the royal chambers), St. Mary’s Basilica and a short walk through Kazimierz. In practice, 3–4 hours allow you to combine the narrative with a break for coffee or a light lunch.
Full-day trip (6–8 h) - an option for guests and more important business meetings: beyond the Old Town consider a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or touring the Oskar Schindler Factory and Podgórze. When choosing such a program, remember the more demanding elements of the route (steps in the mine, longer walks).
Licensed guide and scheduling - if you plan to tour with your supervisor, it’s best to book a licensed guide in advance. Guiding services in central Krakow for small groups usually start at a few hundred zloty for a 2–3 hour tour; the exact rate depends on duration, language and group size.
Tickets to attractions and group limits - many museums and monuments limit the number of visitors per group. For example, entry to the Wawel Royal Chambers and some exhibitions are regulated by limits (groups of a dozen to several dozen people), so when planning it’s worth checking conditions and buying tickets in advance.
Equipment and extra fees - for larger groups tour-guide audio sets (headphones and transmitter) are useful — rentals are often offered and cost a small amount per person. With more participants you may need a second guide or an audio system.
Payment for services and meals - payment terms for guides and tickets are arranged individually; often payment is made after the service. If you plan a business lunch after the walk, reserve a table in advance, especially in popular locations around the Market Square.
Duration and pace - for most people a comfortable single visit is 3–4 hours with a short break. For longer routes include a break for a meal and rest.
Clothes and footwear - choose an elegant but comfortable outfit. Even if you are going to a representative restaurant, you should wear shoes suitable for walking a few kilometres on cobbled streets.
Weather and plan B - on an overcast or rainy day have an alternative plan that includes more indoor activities (museums, cafés, the royal chambers at Wawel).
Physical limitations - if you know your boss or any participant has limited mobility, plan a route without difficult stairs or check for barrier-free access. Some attractions (for example the salt mine) require climbing steps and longer walking.
Punctuality - arrive a few minutes early; even a short delay is remembered. If you are the organiser, confirm the meeting place and time the day before.
Take initiative, but not pushy - offer help with reservations and logistics, but don’t impose your ideas. Give your boss space to choose the pace and places, especially regarding entry to specific attractions.
Conversation topics - avoid controversial topics (politics, religion, personal matters), unless your boss brings them up. Ask neutral, engaging questions about cultural preferences and impressions of the city.
Paying for a meal - in a business context the custom depends on company culture and the relationship. If the outing is formal and you or your company organized it, be prepared to cover the costs. When the initiative comes from the supervisor, they will usually propose how to settle the bill.
Photos and privacy - before taking a group photo or posting it on social media, make sure everyone agrees. Not everyone wants to be photographed during work-related situations.
Route adjustment - a licensed guide can shorten or extend the route, include historical or thematic threads (for example architecture, Jewish history of Krakow, art history) and adapt the pace to the group.
Group sizes and museum limits - a guide will help plan entries to fit current limits and avoid long waits at ticket offices. For larger groups they will advise whether to consider two parallel guiding teams.
Equipment and availability - guides often offer audio systems for better listening during walks. They can also help with formalities related to purchasing group tickets or reserving a table at a restaurant.
- Agree the scope and purpose of the outing (short walk, museum visit, full-day program).
- Book a guide and buy tickets for the attractions you plan to visit (Wawel, the Basilica, museums).
- Check group limits and admission rules for museums; if needed, reserve an additional guide or audio equipment.
- Reserve a table for lunch or coffee, taking into account participants’ dietary preferences.
- Prepare a short plan of the day for yourself and (optionally) send it to your boss as an invitation or logistical information.
- Check the weather and prepare an alternative plan if part of the program is outdoors.
Keep a balance between professionalism and naturalness — be polite, interested and flexible. Remember that the goal is a pleasant, stress-free visit that leaves a good impression.
If you want to take an extra step — suggest a short follow-up (for example a joint email with a few photos and a thank-you for the time spent together). Such a small follow-up can strengthen a work relationship without excessive formality.
Krakow offers many possibilities: from the representative Royal Route, through atmospheric Kazimierz, to trips to the surroundings. Good preparation will make a shared visit with your boss a success both logistically and image-wise.
