Historic Krakow : Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This award-winning Krakow tour will cover all of the highlights of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle.
The small fee you pay to Viator is a booking fee to secure your place on the tour. On the day, you will join our donations-based tour. Our guides work for contributions at the end. The amount you donate is entirely up to you.
We meet in front of the towers of St Mary's Basilica in Krakow Old Town main square. Look for the Blue 'City Walks Krakow' umbrella.
On the tour, you'll visit the beautiful Krakow Old Town and majestic Wawel Castle. You'll learn about Krakow's most important historical figures, including Pope John Paul II and Nicolaus Copernicus. You'll hear the stories of Krakow's most famous residents—the Krakow Dragon and the St. Mary's Basilica trumpeter.
What you'll see:
Krakow Barbican
Medieval City Walls
Wawel Royal Palace
Bishop's Palace (former home of Pope John Paul II)
Wawel Cathedral
St. Mary's Basilica
Cloth Hall Market
Collegium Maius
Main Market Square
Available options
Historic Krakow : Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking tour
What's included
Guided tour of Krakow's main sights
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
See the fabulous architecture and learn the fascinating history of one of Europe's most beautiful Old Towns.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
See one of Poland's most famous churches and hear the story of the famous Krakow trumpeter.
3
Stop 3
Visit Poland's most historic University and learn about former student Nicolas Copernicus
4
Stop 4
See the Second Largest Palace in Krakow and the former home of Pope John Paul II
5
Stop 5
Enter the grounds of Wawel Castle with your guide. See the beautiful Renaissance Palace and Poland's Royal Cathedral.
What's not included
Coffee and/or Tea
Guide Gratuity
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
274 reviews
5★
269
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour requires walking at a moderate pace
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the two tours of St Mary's Basilica in Krakow Old Town main square. Look for the Blue 'City Walks Krakow' umbrella.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
