Krakow , Poland

Zalipie, Painted Village - Guided Tour

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About this experience

Zalipie - a small village 120 km east of Kraków. It is not a museum or an open-air museum (normally people live and work here) but this place attracts tourists. All thanks to painted colorful huts, fences, barns and even... doghouses.
The tradition of beautifying farmyards dates back to the old days, when the interiors of rather poor cottages in the village were covered with soot from the home stove. Painting the walls was considered a whim, so the resourceful Zalipie women came up with the idea of decorating the darkened walls with white irregular spots using lime and birch twigs that replaced the brush. As the "packing" of walls gained popularity, more and more elaborate and bright motifs began to be painted.
And so, over time, colorful decorations became a local tradition and a hallmark of Zalipie. Today, ornaments can be found here in the least expected places, which makes the paintings look very natural and are made "from the heart".
Go to Zalipie in search of color!

Available options

Zalipie, Painted Village - Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport service (air-conditioned vehicle)

Guide-driver

Entrance ticket to the museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meeting and departure from Krakow. Admire the Polish landscape along the way, enjoy comfortable transport.

Zalipie - a colorful village, famous for decorating houses with cheerful paintings on walls and stoves, flowers made of tissue paper, cutouts and spiders made of hay.
The most oryginal example of this folk art is the homestead of Felicja Curyłowa (currently a Museum), a famous local painter, whose painting was known already in the interwar period. We will start our visit to Zalipie with its visit.
Then, on foot, we will go for a walk through the village in search of color. Contrary to appearances, not all houses are decorated here, so you should be patient and look hard. You can walk around the village in just 1.5 hours in the open air.
It is also worth visiting the church in Zalipie. Its interior is beautifully decorated with thousands of colorful floral designs. Interestingly, we will also find a tiny Zalipie chapel here, entirely painted in fairy-tale colorful flowers.
During our tour you will see many decorated houses, a museum and visit a small shop with unique handmade souvenirs.

Stop 3

We will set off on our way back to Krakow. You will have enough time to think and discuss with fellow travelers what you saw in Zalipu.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.