Krakow in a Day: Private Walking Tour including Wawel Castle

Krakow , Poland

Krakow in a Day: Private Walking Tour including Wawel Castle

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

Discover the best of Kraków on this full-day private walking tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Begin in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter, visiting landmarks like the Old Synagogue and Schindler’s Passage while learning about Jewish heritage and the area’s modern cultural revival. Continue to Wawel Hill to explore the grand Wawel Castle, the richly decorated State Rooms, and the historic Wawel Cathedral—once home to Polish royalty. After a break for lunch, follow the Royal Route into Kraków’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Visit the Jagiellonian University, St. Florian’s Gate, and the medieval city walls. In the Main Market Square, admire the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, where you'll hear the legend of the hourly trumpet call. This comprehensive tour blends history, culture, architecture, and local legends, offering first-time visitors or returning travelers a deep and engaging look into Poland’s former royal capital.

Available options

Krakow in a Day: Private Walking Tour including Wawel Castle

What's included

Entrance tickets to Wawel Cathedral

Entrance tickets to the Wawel Royal Castle

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

Entrance tickets to St. Mary’s Basilica

A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Explore Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter while learning about the Jewish history in Poland.

Stop 2

Enter the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Europe, built in the 15th century (tickets included). Afterwards, finish your tour at a café, where your guide will happily share recommendations for you on how to best spend the rest of your time in Poland.

Stop 3

Visit Wawel Castle, which was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world (tickets included). Admire the rich decoration of the State Rooms, the medieval residence of Polish kings, and see the Wawel Cathedral, Poland's national sanctuary and former coronation site (tickets included).

Stop 4

Tour Krakow’s Old Town, where you will see many of its highlights, including the Royal Road, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and St Andrew’s Church among others. Wander around Market Square, and admire the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower and other medieval monuments.

You will also enjoy a lunch break at Old Town (at your own expense).

In the afternoon, visit the courtyards of the Jagiellonian University, one of the world’s oldest universities whose alumni include the Renaissance polymath Nicolaus Copernicus.

Stop 6

Visit St. Mary's Basilica with tickets included, and like in the old days, you may hear the legendary St Mary’s Trumpet Call played from its towers.

Stop 7

where your guide can explain how this site of royal coronations and burials is deeply tied to Polish national identity

What's not included

Food and Drink

Transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you at the entrance to Remuh Synagogue at Szeroka 40, 31-053 Kraków, Poland

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.