Looking for an idea for family sightseeing in Kraków that will interest both children and adults? The Wawel – Royal Route itinerary is a classic that combines the city’s biggest attractions with stories, legends and practical tips. As a licensed Kraków guide I lead this route so that everyone leaves smiling and with new knowledge.
In this article I will explain what the tour includes, what the family program looks like, how much time to plan, the pricing options and a few practical tips — what to bring, how to manage a stroller, when it’s best to come and the questions parents ask most often.
Note: offers and prices can change seasonally — if you plan a specific date, it’s best to write or call so I can confirm availability and the current terms.
The Royal Route is the heart of historic Kraków — it begins at St. Florian’s Gate, goes through the Main Market Square, and ends at Wawel. Along the way we pass the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, fragments of the old city walls and, of course, Wawel Hill with the Castle and Cathedral.
For families it’s a great choice because the route mixes the “big” stories (kings, castles, coronations) with city legends and short tales that can capture children’s imagination. The program includes funny anecdotes, simple tasks for kids and interactive elements — all presented in an accessible, lively way.
During the walk I pay attention to the pace, adapted to the group — there are shorter 2-hour variants as well as longer 3–4 hour walking programs for families who want to see more or stop for a break.
2-hour variant - quick introduction: start at St. Florian’s Gate, a short walk past the Barbican, enter the Main Market Square — stories about the Cloth Hall and the hejnał from St. Mary’s Church, finish at Wawel (outside visit to the hill, tales about the royal chambers and the dragon). This is ideal for families with very young children or when time is limited.
3-hour variant - classic visit: more stops around the Market Square, visits inside selected points (depending on the group’s interests), entry to Wawel with stories about coronations, the cathedral and legends. This variant allows a short break for ice cream or a sandwich.
4-hour variant - full experience: relaxed pace, extra stories, visits to Wawel with entry to selected exhibitions (if the group wants to buy group tickets), plus time for photos and rest. This is a good choice when you want to immerse yourselves more deeply in the city’s history and atmosphere.
During every tour I suggest elements that engage children — simple tasks, mini-quizzes and legends told in a way that encourages imagination.
For small groups (from 1 to 35 people) standard rates for tours in Polish are: 2 hours — 350 PLN, 3 hours — 450 PLN, 4 hours — 550 PLN. Thematic tours have separate rates.
For larger groups (from 36 people) prices are calculated per person. There’s also an offer in English and the option to rent headset sets (audio-guide) — usually for a small extra fee per person.
Prices may be reduced during the season or as part of specific promotions — if you plan to come on a particular date, check for current promotions when booking. For school or corporate groups I offer special conditions and programs tailored to the group’s needs.
It’s best to book in advance, especially on weekends and in the summer season — that way I can adapt the route to the children’s ages and the group’s pace.
Entrance tickets: some interiors at Wawel and the Cathedral require separate tickets. If you want to visit interiors on the route, check ticket availability and opening hours in advance — sometimes it’s worth buying tickets online to avoid queues.
Strollers and accessibility: the walk along the Royal Route is mostly stroller-friendly, but some parts of Wawel (steps, steeper fragments of the hill) can be difficult. For families with very young children I recommend the shorter route or a baby carrier for steep sections.
Time and pace: younger children tire more quickly — plan breaks in a square, for ice cream or a small meal. Bring comfortable shoes and water, and on cooler days bring jackets because the wind on Wawel Hill can be bothersome.
Weather: part of the route is outdoors, so in case of rain it’s good to have rain ponchos or umbrellas. In exceptional conditions I can suggest modifying the program.
Photography: taking photos is allowed of most exteriors; some interiors have photography restrictions — I always inform the group before entering.
1) Is the route suitable for small children? - Yes. I have programs adapted to the youngest visitors: shorter stories, interactive elements and tasks that keep children’s attention.
2) Can I come with a stroller? - Yes, but keep in mind that Wawel has cobbled surfaces and stairs. For infants I recommend a carrier for some sections.
3) How many people is a standard group? - I work with both small families and larger school groups. I comfortably guide groups of about 30–35 people; for larger groups audio systems or splitting into smaller subgroups is recommended.
4) Does the route include entry to the Castle and Cathedral? - It depends on the chosen variant and ticket availability. I can help plan group entries, but admission tickets often need to be reserved separately.
5) How do I book? - The best way is to contact me directly by email or phone — tell me the number of people, children’s ages, preferred tour length and language of the tour.
Mini-quizzes and field tasks - simple questions and clues that children can collect during the walk (for example, who can find the oldest fragment of the city walls?).
The Wawel dragon legend - told enthusiastically, with theatrical elements and sound effects to engage the youngest.
A break for ice cream or a sandwich on the Market Square - let the children rest and briefly turn sightseeing into relaxation.
Educational elements for older children - short curiosities about architecture, medieval life and tasks that encourage noticing details.
If you want to book the Wawel and Royal Route tour for your family or have questions about the program — feel free to contact me. During the conversation we’ll determine the optimal tour length and tailor the content to the children’s ages.
I usually reserve dates in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. In an email or by phone please give an approximate number of participants, children’s ages, preferred date and time, and I will reply with a proposed program and availability confirmation.
I’m also happy to help plan connections with other family attractions, for example a short visit to the Garden of Experiences or the Kraków Zoo — so that a day in Kraków is cohesive and enjoyable for everyone.
Warm regards — Małgorzata Kasprowicz
The Wawel and Royal Route is an ideal choice for families who want to discover the heart of Kraków in an engaging way without rushing. I adjust the pace and content to the participants’ ages, ensuring that both children and adults take away pleasant memories and a few interesting facts to share afterward.
Have questions or want to plan a tour for a specific day? Write or call — I’ll help match the program to your expectations and available time. See you on a walk through Kraków!
