Wawel and the Royal Route — a family walk with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz

Planning a family walk in Krakow?

If you are wondering what to see with children, where a story about kings turns into a legend about a dragon, and how the Old Market stays interesting even for the very young — this route is for you. Wawel and the Royal Route are Krakow classics, but presented in an accessible, interactive way they can become a wonderful adventure for the whole family. As a guide I have shown thousands of people around and I know how to plan a walk so it is engaging for adults and captivating for little ones. Let me tell you what a family trip looks like, what to expect and how to prepare.

The route covers the city’s most important historical points — from Wawel, along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets, to the Main Market and its surroundings. During the walk I mix facts with stories and legends, point out architectural details, advise where to stop for something tasty and how to avoid the longest lines.

This article includes practical tips — duration, pricing options and advice for parents with strollers, plus ideas to engage children during the visit. Everything is written in a friendly tone so planning the trip is simple and enjoyable.

I invite you to read on and — if you’d like — to book a walk. You can find my contact details at ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com.

What does the "Wawel and the Royal Route" include?

This is a walk that connects Wawel Hill with the most important points of the Old Town along the former Royal Route. We start at Wawel — the cathedral, the castle courtyard and royal stories — then head along Kanonicza and Grodzka streets toward the Main Market. Along the way I talk about traces of papal visits, medieval craft guilds, the Cloth Hall and what life in old Krakow looked like.

The program includes historical accounts as well as anecdotes and legends — for example the Wawel Dragon legend that children adore. I also show scenic viewpoints, hidden architectural details and spots that make great souvenir photos.

For families there is also a version of the route with elements of an outdoor game — riddles and short tasks for children. This turns the walk into an active, engaging experience and helps knowledge stick through play.

Why is this route good for families with children?

I tell stories briefly, colorfully and with humor — that helps even toddlers listen with interest. I know ways to shorten or lengthen a story depending on the group’s mood and the children’s pace.

The route includes elements that naturally attract the youngest visitors — legends, architectural details that resemble characters and animals, and historical "gadgets" like the Sigismund Bell or St. Mary’s Tower, whose histories can be told as short adventures.

For families I offer materials and ideas for simple games during the walk — mini quizzes, symbol hunts and drawing tasks. This makes the tour interactive so children don’t get bored during longer stretches.

What you will see step by step

Wawel — the royal hill with the Castle and Cathedral. I talk about coronations, royal tombs, the famous bell and the art and legends connected to the place.

Kanonicza Street — one of the most beautiful and best-preserved lanes in Krakow, with townhouses of former canons and stories about the daily lives of past residents.

Grodzka Street — once the link between Wawel and the Market; along the way we pass palaces and churches that tell of the city’s political and cultural life.

Main Market — the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church with its bugle call, and the Town Hall Tower. This is the city’s center, full of history, markets and places to rest.

Additionally — institutions and spots visible from the route: Collegium Maius, the Pope’s Window at the Bishop’s Palace, fragments of the city walls and stories about less obvious architectural details that often escape a tourist’s eye.

Duration and pace of the tour

The optimal duration for the walk is 3–4 hours. This allows a relaxed pace, visits to selected sites and a short break for a snack or drink. Shorter versions — about 2 hours — are possible if you want to focus only on the highlights.

I adapt the pace to the family’s needs — with small children there are more stops, with a more active group I add extra stories and details. If you plan to enter museum interiors on Wawel, it’s worth booking tickets in advance because availability can be limited.

Prices and booking — how it works in practice

On my offer page you will find different price options depending on the length and language of the tour. There is a fixed price for chosen versions as well as per-person settlements for larger groups. Comfortable headset sets are available for groups to make it easier to hear in crowded places — the headset rental is a small additional fee per person.

Payment usually takes place after the tour — cash or bank transfer — and it’s best to book in advance due to the route’s popularity. The site also shows how to contact me directly — by phone or email — to arrange details of date, time and any special needs.

A few practical tips for parents

Shoes: comfortable footwear and readiness for climbing short stone steps — some parts of the route require care, especially with a stroller.

Strollers: Wawel and some Old Town lanes have cobblestones and steps. If you have a small stroller, plan for short carries or breaks. I can suggest alternative parts of the route that are more stroller-friendly.

Tickets: if you want to enter Wawel interiors, buy tickets in advance — especially in high season. This helps avoid long waits and keeps the walk running smoothly.

Breaks: plan short stops for ice cream or a hot drink — this way children rest and are more willing to listen to the next stories.

Time of day: a morning walk offers fewer crowds at Wawel and the Cloth Hall. Evening lighting adds magic if you plan a shorter afternoon walk.

How to book a walk and how to contact me

We arrange bookings and details by phone or email. If you have questions about the route, tailoring the program for children, language needs or dates — write or call and I will gladly help plan the ideal family walk in Krakow.

You can find contact details on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. I recommend booking ahead during the tourist season and being flexible with the start time so the pace of the walk fits your family’s rhythm.

I warmly invite you — together we will discover Krakow told up close, with humor and care so that every participant returns home with a smile and an interesting story to tell.

FAQ and practical tips

How far in advance should I book? It’s best to reserve at least a few days ahead in high season. If you need Wawel interior tickets, reserve them earlier as they can sell out.

Is the route suitable for strollers and small children? Parts of the route have cobblestones and steps. With a small stroller plan for short carries; I can adapt the route to include more stroller-friendly sections.

Where are good places to stop for food or a break? There are many family-friendly cafes and ice cream shops around the Main Market and along Grodzka Street. Plan a short snack break so children can recharge.

Accessibility: If anyone in your group needs mobility assistance, let me know when booking. I will adapt the route and suggest the smoothest passages and entrances.

What should we bring? Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and a small pack with snacks for children make the walk more pleasant.