Full Day Private Tour of Krakow's Old Town & Jewish Quarter

Krakow , Poland

Full Day Private Tour of Krakow's Old Town & Jewish Quarter

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend a day discovering the history, culture and World Heritage Sites of Krakow's Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle State Rooms, Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Jagiellonian University Courtyards and Old Synagogue.

Highlights:

• Discover the turbulent history and legends of Krakow with a 5-Star Private Guide
• Skip the lines to 3 top-rated attractions: Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica
• Witness the power and wealth of Polish monarchs by exploring their state rooms, royal chapels and crypts
• Visit the Old Synagogue and learn about life in the Jewish Quarter under the Nazi occupation
• See the ancient quads of the Jagiellonian University, where Nicolaus Copernicus graduated

Spend a day discovering the history, culture and World Heritage Sites of Krakow's Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle State Rooms, Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Jagiellonian University Courtyards and Old Synagogue.

Available options

Full Day Private Tour of Krakow's Old Town & Jewish Quarter

What's included

Recommendations on the best local restaurants and cafes

Regular tickets to the Old Synagogue

5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the selected language

Private Walking Tour of Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter with Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets to the Wawel Royal Castle State Rooms, Wawel Cathedral & St. Mary’s Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide in front of the Sheep&Dragon Cafe, Straszewskiego 2, 31-101 Kraków, Poland

Stop 2

We'll start the day with a visit to Krakow’s most popular attraction and the world’s first World Heritage Site: the Wawel Royal Castle. With skip-the-line tickets you'll get in without waiting in long lines and admire the richly decorated State Rooms of the medieval residence of Polish kings.

Stop 3

You will also skip the lines to the Wawel Cathedral, Poland's national sanctuary and former coronation site.

Stop 4

From Wawel Hill, you will follow the Royal Route to the Old Town, passing the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, St Andrew’s Church, and many historical palaces.

Stop 5

Your Private Guide will share many interesting stories from the Middle Ages as you wander around the Market Square, admiring the Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower and other medieval monuments.

Stop 6

Like in the old days, you may hear the legendary St Mary’s Trumpet Call played from the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica (skip-the-line tickets are included).

Stop 7

After lunch break at a recommended local establishment, your Private Guide will take you to the courtyards of the Jagiellonian University, the world's 13th oldest continually operating university whose alumni includes the Renaissance polymath Nicolaus Copernicus.

Stop 8

Later, you will have the opportunity to learn about the events of World War II and the Holocaust as you explore Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter. Here, you will walk through the famed Schindler’s passage

Stop 9

Visit the Old Synagogue, which was the center of Kraków's Jewish community until WWII. The guide will also show you other Jewish heritage sites, such as the Tempel Synagogue, and give you recommendations on what to order from a local Jewish cafe.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.

Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time. Being late may prevent you from joining this tour.

Skip-the-line tickets are purchased in advance to allow you to get in faster without queuing at the ticket office. Regular tickets will be purchased on the spot.

Guided tours inside the churches during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, therefore the guide may provide all information outside.

The Old Synagogue is closed on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

The Wawel Castle State Rooms are closed on Mondays, so we may replace it with another attraction.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Sheep&Dragon Cafe, Straszewskiego 2, 31-101 Kraków, Poland

Important notes

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

• Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
• Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time. Being late may prevent you from joining this tour.
• Skip-the-line tickets are purchased in advance to allow you to get in faster without queuing at the ticket office. Regular tickets will be purchased on the spot.
• Guided tours inside the churches during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, therefore the guide may provide all information outside.
• The Old Synagogue is closed on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
• The Wawel Castle State Rooms are closed on Mondays, so we may replace it with another attraction.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.