Yes — if you look into the side streets of Zabłocie, the courtyards of Podgórze and the tenement façades of Kazimierz you will find large-scale images that turn the city into an open-air gallery. Murals in Kraków are not just colorful paintings — they are stories about history, neighborhood identity and contemporary issues, best understood during a walk with someone who can decode them. A tour during the holiday season has its own charm: fewer crowds, festive lights and a completely different quality of light on the streets. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will show places that often escape the attention of solo walkers and will explain what each mural hides behind it.
A holiday walk among murals is also a great option for groups of friends: the pace can be adjusted, you can add a break for a hot tea or lunch, and combine art with culinary stops in nearby cafés and restaurants. In this article you'll find the route and practical tips to help you prepare for the outing.
Shorter days mean earlier “golden hours” for photography and a more atmospheric feel — a mural lit by warm, low sun looks completely different than at noon. In winter fewer tourists also means more space for conversation and calmer stops at each artwork.
During the holidays some places host extra cultural events, markets or accompanying exhibitions, which can be woven into the tour program. In addition, the guide will take care of logistics: she will plan warm-up and meal breaks and point out options in case of rain or snow.
Keep in mind that some murals are created as part of city projects and festivals, and some locations are accessible only with permission (for example works in the courtyards of certain institutions) — the guide will inform you about this and suggest the best way to see them.
Zabłocie is a good start: an industrial district that in recent years has gained new life thanks to murals and institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK). From there the walk leads through Podgórze, where on many façades you will see a variety of works by local and international artists. The route ends in Kazimierz — a lively district with the iconic Plac Nowy and a rich gastronomic offer.
In practice this route lasts from 2 to 4 hours, depending on pace and number of stops. You can shorten or extend it — everything depends on the group's preferences and the weather. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will tailor the route to your expectations and fitness level.
During the tour the guide will talk about the most important murals and their creators — both famous works by Polish artists and guest pieces by international creators. You will hear about painting techniques, how a mural differs from an illustrative wall painting, and the origins of individual projects.
On the route you will see examples of murals tied to urban revitalization as well as works that have become neighborhood symbols. You will also learn which walls are legal spaces for creation and which were produced as part of projects organized by local institutions and festivals.
There will be no shortage of anecdotes about how murals affect residents’ lives: projects consulted with the local community, educational murals, and examples when art helped change perceptions of neglected parts of the city.
MOCAK and the Zabłocie area — the Museum of Contemporary Art is not only exhibitions but also a neighborhood rich in murals and revitalization projects. It's a safe place to start the walk and an option for a warm break in the museum café.
Podgórze — here you will find large, socially engaged murals and works by artists experimenting with form and material. Pay attention to murals created within city festivals and those that gained new life during the revitalization of former industrial areas.
Kazimierz and Plac Nowy — plan the end of the route in Kazimierz to try the legendary zapiekanki at Plac Nowy and to feel the bohemian atmosphere of this part of the city. Kazimierz combines history with a lively cultural and culinary scene, so it's easy to find a place to rest for longer after the walk.
Clothing: warm, layered clothes and comfortable shoes are essential, especially in winter. Kraków’s weather can be changeable — carry a waterproof jacket and a thermos with a hot drink.
Time and light: winter days are short, so start earlier to use daylight for photos. In the evening some parts of the city are beautifully illuminated, but mural details are easier to see during daytime.
Transport: the route is mostly on foot, but it's easy to combine it with a tram ride or taxi between more distant points. If you come by car, plan parking in advance.
Weather and alternatives: if it rains the guide will suggest indoor program points — e.g. a short visit to MOCAK, a break in a café or stories about the neighborhoods around a table in a restaurant.
MOCAK Café (the museum café) is a convenient spot for a break with a warm coffee and a light lunch, located close to the mural-rich part of the route. It's a good choice especially on colder days.
In Kazimierz try local flavors and street food — the legendary zapiekanki at Plac Nowy are a classic stop, and there are many cafés and restaurants offering world cuisines. Places such as Hamsa are popular for hearty meals and a friendly atmosphere for groups.
Along the route you'll also find cozy cafés and bars ideal for a short rest and a conversation about what you've just seen. The guide will suggest where to sit to be warm and enjoy good food.
Assuming all murals will remain unchanged — street art can be ephemeral. Approach each work with curiosity but also with the understanding that the city's appearance changes.
Thinking the route will be a quick, effortless stroll — murals often require walking between districts and entering less frequented streets. Plan a comfortable pace and breaks.
Photographing without respect for residents and privacy — not all murals are on public façades, and taking photos in someone's courtyard can be uncomfortable. The guide will advise where it's safe to position yourself for pictures.
In Kraków you will find murals created as part of international projects and festivals, and works by foreign artists that have become permanent features of the cityscape.
Street art is often a revitalization tool: many murals appeared in previously neglected places and helped change the neighborhood and engage residents.
Some works are in unusual locations — there are pieces visible only from specific viewpoints, and some artistic projects were created in cooperation with institutions and require prior arrangement to access.
Is the tour suitable for groups of friends? Yes — the route is designed for groups with varying activity levels and can be adjusted to your expectations.
Can children handle this route? Yes, but pace and the scope of commentary should be adjusted. For children the guide can add workshop-style elements and artistic games.
Do I need to book in advance? It's definitely recommended — especially during the holiday season when dates can be limited. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz will help arrange the time and program.
Can I take photos? Yes, but please respect residents’ privacy and the artists' copyrights. The guide will point out the best spots for photos.
If you want to spend a holiday walk with friends accompanied by someone who knows the best stories and shortcuts, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and booking options are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. The route can be adjusted for time, theme and group requirements.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — maybe you're planning a trip to Kraków together. Or write to the guide, tell her about your group and plan the ideal walk among Kraków’s murals together.
