Krakow: Collegium Maius, St. Mary’s Basilica & Cloth Hall

Krakow , Poland

Krakow: Collegium Maius, St. Mary’s Basilica & Cloth Hall

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

Walk through Kraków’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a local guide. See the Collegium Maius and Cloth Hall, then enter St. Mary’s Basilica to marvel at the Veit Stoss altar.

Highlights:
• Step into UNESCO-listed Krakow Old Town with an expert guide
• Marvel at the dazzling Veit Stoss altar inside St. Mary’s Basilica
• Stroll past the iconic Cloth Hall & Collegium Maius courtyards
• Discover Krakow’s legends on Europe’s largest medieval square
• Capture must-see landmarks in the heart of historic Krakow

Embark on a guided tour of Kraków's Old Town's most essential landmarks. Discover Kraków’s Old Town on a guided walking tour that blends history, legends, and stunning architecture. Stroll through centuries-old streets, admire iconic landmarks, and hear stories that bring the heart of the city to life.
With an expert local guide, this is more than sightseeing—it’s an immersion into the living heart of Poland’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Available options

Polish tour

Group tour in Polish

Italian tour

Spanish tour

French tour

Group tour in French

English tour

Group tour in English

German tour

Group tour in German

What's included

Guided Old Town walk

Entrance ticket to St. Mary's Basilica

Outside view: Cloth Hall & Collegium Maius

Expert Guide

Detailed itinerary

Starting at Plac Marii Magdaleny, a picturesque square tucked between churches and cobbled lanes, your expert guide introduces you to the stories that shaped Poland’s former royal capital. From here, your journey winds through centuries, uncovering how the city grew from a medieval trading hub into a seat of kings, scholars, and merchants.

Stop 2

As you stroll along the historic streets, you will pause by the Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University. Founded in 1364, this university educated generations of scholars, including the world-famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Standing in the quiet courtyard, your guide explains how this institution became a beacon of learning in Central Europe and still plays an important role in Kraków’s identity.

Stop 3

A few steps further lies the vibrant Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe. Here, history feels alive: horse-drawn carriages pass elegant townhouses, street performers echo age-old traditions, and the heart of the square is dominated by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Once a bustling center of international trade, it connected Kraków to faraway markets, where merchants dealt in salt, textiles, furs, and amber. Today, your guide points out its Renaissance arcade and tells how the Cloth Hall remained a marketplace across centuries, embodying the city’s commercial spirit.

Stop 4

The highlight of the tour is entry to St. Mary’s Basilica, whose two asymmetrical towers dominate the skyline. Inside awaits one of the great treasures of Gothic Europe: the breathtaking Veit Stoss altarpiece, carved in the 15th century. With its monumental figures and dramatic scenes, it captures biblical stories in astonishing detail and color. Your guide explains how it survived centuries of turmoil, from fires to war, and why it remains such a powerful symbol of Kraków’s devotion and artistry. The richly painted vaults, stained glass windows, and chapels add to the unforgettable experience of stepping into a living masterpiece of sacred art.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.

Our group tours are only in 1 language. Select your preferred language when booking.

There will be a maximum of 30 participants.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the St. Mary Magdalene Square, at the Piotr Skarga Monument. They will hold an excursions.city sign.

Important notes

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.
Gratuities are optional but always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for your guide.
Weather conditions can impact your enjoyment of the tour. Please check the forecast ahead of time and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. The tour goes ahead in all weather, rain or shine.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women

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.