Yes — it can be done, but it requires planning and flexibility. Wawel is one of the most visited sites in Kraków and its interiors have limited capacity, so visits with large groups often need to be spread out over time or split into smaller subgroups. In contrast, mural routes run through neighborhoods such as Kazimierz, Podgórze, Zabłocie and Nowa Huta and offer a very different pace — more outdoor walking and short stops at individual works. The key is choosing priorities, booking in advance and planning logistics between points.
To avoid frustration, I recommend agreeing priorities with the group: do they mainly want to see the castle interiors (chambers, treasury, armory), or would they prefer a longer encounter with contemporary street art. In practice it usually works best to combine a short visit to Wawel or just a walk around the courtyards with a dedicated mural route in Kazimierz/Podgórze, or to split the group: some enter the castle interiors while others walk the murals, then rotate.
Kraków has a rich street art scene concentrated mainly in Kazimierz, Podgórze, Zabłocie and Nowa Huta. The city hosts works by local creators and international artists, and many pieces were produced as part of municipal initiatives and educational projects.
It's worth seeing the historic and educational murals in Kazimierz (for example the well-known walls along Józefa Street), the large-scale works in Zabłocie — including pieces connected to the area's history — and the murals in Podgórze, which often reference literary and local contexts. Street art tours are sometimes organized as meleks or bus rides, which helps see more works in less time.
Remember that murals are striking but not permanent — some change or disappear — so treat the route as a "living gallery," not a fixed checklist.
Option A — Wawel (short visit) + mural route: arrive at Wawel in the morning, take a short visit of the courtyards and possibly one selected indoor exhibition; coffee break; afternoon mural route through Kazimierz and Podgórze with several photo stops.
Option B — Split group: in the morning one half visits Wawel interiors while the other half does a street art walk; after a break rotate. This works well when many participants want to enter the chambers but you don’t want to spend the whole day waiting.
Option C — Evening event / Night of Museums: if you visit Kraków during the Night of Museums (usually held in May), many institutions — sometimes including Wawel — offer special evening programs. In this format it’s smart to plan the mural tour earlier in the day and reserve the evening for special events; be prepared for queues and limited entry numbers for particular routes.
Reservations: book all tickets and any group entries well in advance; during peak tourist periods and special events tickets sell out quickly.
Group splitting: many museum interiors and historic sites require splitting groups that exceed their permitted size. When planning, consider the need to divide the group and possibly arrange for two guides or leaders.
Voice amplification and headsets: for larger groups it's worth using a sound system or a headset set, which helps communication during walks and in places where silence is required.
Transport and transfers: mural routes are spread across several districts, so for groups of 30–60 it's more convenient to plan tram or bus transfers or to hire a small coach for short legs. You can't avoid all walking — plan a pace suitable for the slowest participants.
Quiet hours and restrictions: some places in Kraków introduce special "quiet hours" or temporarily limit guided tours; check the rules of institutions you plan to visit.
Night of Museums usually takes place in May and means evening, often free, openings of many museums and exhibitions. For large groups it's a great opportunity but requires even more logistical discipline. Prepare an entrance plan and alternative meeting points in case of queues.
If you plan to visit Wawel or other popular institutions during such an event, reserve places ahead or check whether the organizer allows larger groups and what the entry rules are. It’s also useful to set a meeting time and a person responsible for the attendance list.
Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) is a reliable spot for coffee and quick bites in a cozy atmosphere. Wierzynek Restaurant is a historic choice for groups seeking a special setting and traditional Kraków cuisine. Szara (Market Square) offers seasonal dishes in an elegant interior, good for larger lunch breaks. Forum Przestrzenie has a relaxed vibe and a pleasant view of the Vistula — ideal for younger groups or for combining a break with a riverside rest. Near Zabłocie and MOCAK consider the cafés and bars by the museum, where you can sit down quickly before continuing the walk.
When choosing a place for a large group always contact the restaurant in advance and reserve tables or space. In the tourist season book at least a few days ahead, and for larger numbers — a week or more.
Hundreds of murals have appeared in Kraków, many created through competitions and city projects, which shows how the city treats street art as an important element of public space.
Some works serve educational purposes and recall local histories; others were created during workshops with residents and students, so murals often reflect local needs and identity.
Murals are mobile: new works appear while some disappear or are refreshed, so expect the route to look different from year to year.
Trying to see "everything" in one day — better to set clear priorities and a realistic plan.
Not booking in advance — entries to interiors and popular restaurants can be limited; reserve early and confirm dates.
Not preparing for walking pace — check the group's fitness, plan more frequent breaks and a pace adapted to the slowest participants.
Overly optimistic timing for transfers between districts — schedule buffer time for public transport or hired vehicles.
Do you have to reserve Wawel for a group of 30–60 people? It's definitely recommended — interiors have limited capacity and groups often need to be split or scheduled at different times.
Are murals accessible in the evening? Most murals are visible at any time, but daylight is better for safety and photography.
How long does a street art route take? Depending on the program and group's pace, a short route can take 1.5–2 hours, a more extensive one 3–4 hours with breaks.
Do we need a guide? A guide greatly enriches the experience — they explain the context, authors and history — but routes can also be self-guided with a prepared map.
Plan alternative route options in case of bad weather or temporary closures.
Look after participants' comfort: comfortable shoes, water, a short list of safety rules and a person responsible for the attendance list.
If you want the visit to be truly stress-free and matched to your group's pace, consider private guiding services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Finally: if this text helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it's always nice to know it made planning a Kraków trip easier!
