self guided tour krakow

Self-guided walking tour of Old Town Krakow

I stayed in Krakow for a night and was in this charming city for two days. Of course work kept me occupied and confined to a hotel, but end of April, the crisp spring weather and long days of sunlight did make me lucky to go around the town and explore. Thanks to my lovely colleague and friend who took me around a quick tour of the town and being so patient as I stopped now and then to click pictures.

Krakow is Poland’s second largest city and supposed to be a financial and IT hub. The city dates back to 7 th century. After Poland was invaded by Germans during World War II, Krakow was the headquarters of the German occupied Poland. Unlike Warsaw, this city was not heavily plundered and still retains most of its old historic buildings and monuments.

Irrespective of the time you are here, its fairly easy to understand the town and navigate. My short and working knowledge of the town which should assist anyone who wants to wander around in the least bit of time and enjoy Krakow. The new part of Krakow is quite swanky and has many state of the art Business Parks. Multinational conglomerates have made a beeline to this city owing its multilingual workforce, good infrastructure and strategic location with a proximity to Germany, Czek Republic, Austria.

So here is a guide to all what you can see around Krakow in a short time.

1. Grand Square

The UNESCO listed old town of Krakow is the one to visit to enjoy the old world charm. Like many other European towns, it is also straight from a sketchbook. Criss-crossed with cobbled streets, towering church spires, outlined with quaint restaurants, its large town square, called Grand Square is probably one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe.

2. Town Hall Tower

While you stroll around the Grand Square, there is a lot to see and observe. The most obvious monument to catch your eyes undoubtedly would be the Town Hall Tower with the ceremonious clock glaring with its hands spread out.

3. St Mary’s Basilica

Next overlooking the Square is the grand pair of towers of St Mary’s Basilica . Yes like you I had the same question in my mind, why this Basilica has two towers? I have always seen one dome or pulpit; well there is a fable around it, of two brothers building each one. Up from the taller tower, goes the daily ‘bugle call’ called ‘hejnal mariacki’. It is believed this was used as a watchtower and a trumpeter was sounding off alert to the people of the town of approaching Mongolian army when he was shot in his neck. To keep the tradition alive and honour him, today every hour the bugle sounds off and abruptly breaks off mid-melody. Do not miss it!

The Basilica is open for prayer but for a visit you have to pay 10 Zloty. I wasn’t expecting this at all, when I entered the interiors blew me off completely. Sheer opulence and richness drips from every corner of the Basilica. The ceiling is an interesting starry sequenced with a striking blue background. The altar is the highlight with its large altar piece which is supposed to be the largest Gothic one in the world. Golden gilded figures, elaborate carvings and lavish interiors, you wouldn’t be able to get over it. Honestly I didn’t know when to stop looking at this sight and exit. Its like you cant get enough of it.

4. Krakow Cloth Mill

Supposed to be the World’s oldest shopping mall, The Krakow Cloth Mill dates back to the 16 th century, is right in the middle of the Main Square. A beautiful piece of architecture houses neatly lined shops inside mostly selling handmade artifacts. A must visit!

5. St Aldabert Church

Huddled in the corner of the Market Square is this bundle of domes, the 11 th century Church of St Adalbert. More than 1000 years old, this is one of the oldest stone churches. Of course you cannot miss this one as well, as its right there though a little intimidated by St Mary’s Basilica’s flamboyance.

Next to the St Aldalbert Church is something that caught my eye. A quaint cart of souvenirs and knick knacks. While the masses were busy in clicking selfies in the Market Square, this small treasure trove certainly finds a place on my blog.

This whole place is just all in a square so the best way of course is to walk around. However you can also try these chariots driven some lovely Polish women to take a relaxed tour of the whole town.

6. Royal Route

After having a good walk and clicking lots of pictures, we moved to another part of the town, towards the castle. Easiest way is to walk through the Grodzka Street from the Old Town. Apparently this is also called the ‘Royal Route or Royal Road’ as it is flanked by monuments. As you walk through this street, you will actually feel like one of the Royals as you cross various historic buildings, churches, giant statues.

7. The Church of St. Peters and St. Paul

As we keep walking, we cross another beautiful and very famous Church, The Church of St Peters and Paul, first Baroque Church of Poland. The most striking feature is the raised platform with statues of the Apostles. The interiors are beautiful and opulent too.

8. Wavel Castle

As we left the Old Town Square behind us, we reach the Wavel Castle situated on the Wavel Hill. The evening views of the Castle were fantastic. Perched high this fortress has treasures inside it which we reserved to explore the next day. I will also write a separate post on the beautiful Wavel Castle.

The setting sun glistening the Castle Walls with many stories hidden behind its high walls.

Our walk for last few hours was one of the most amazing ones I have had in Europe. Truly felt transported back a few centuries and walking the beautiful streets amidst the timeless historical giants looking down at us. The river Vistula adds an extra charm to this idyllic town. As we called it a day and proceed ahead to the Jewish part of the town called Kazimierz to celebrate my belated birthday, we stopped for a while to admire the sunset on the horizon of this beautiful river town; And I would say my best click of the day.

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Kraków Walking Tours

This post lists the best free walking tours you can take in Kraków, that cover the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter as well as other subjects and locations.

Krakow is one of the most historic cities in Poland, and there are a lot of notable sites to see and learn about while you’re in the area.

And, in the video below, local tour guide Bart takes you on a virtual walking tour of the Old Town.

One of the most popular subjects to cover is Krakow’s history with Communism and what happened here during WW2.

There are also tours of the Jewish Quarter and its history both before and after those events.

• Old Town Tours
• Jewish Quarter Tours
• WW2/Communism Tours
• Self-Guided Tour of Krakow

The best thing about all of these services is that they are all free to enjoy!

Free walking tours are run on a pay-what-you-like basis.

You don’t need to pay anything upfront and can pay what you feel the experience was worth with the local guide.

We suggest €5 to €15 per adult if you enjoy your walking tour.

Keep in mind that while free walking tours are incredibly convenient and budget-friendly, the groups can be quite large. 

If you want to have a more personal experience and be able to have more conversations with your guide, you might consider taking a small-group walking tour instead.

We offer  free tours around the world . Here are just a few.

OLD TOWN TOURS

There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with the history of the city than touring the Krakow Old Town area and learning about some of the oldest and most notable landmarks in the city.

These sightseeing tours will provide details about the medieval city and some of the most historically relevant locations in Krakow, including stops at some of the following highlights:

• Planty Park

The Barbican

• St. Florian’s Gate
• St. Mary’s Basilica
• Remains of the Walled City
• Medieval Town Hall
• Main Market Square
• And many more!

If you’re interested in discovering more about landmarks such as these, consider taking one of the tours listed below.

There are several companies offering these tours. Schedules are subject to change due to possible pandemic restrictions. View our calendar for updated timings.

Krakow Explorers

This company offers multiple pay-what-you-wish tours in Krakow, including this outing which covers both the old town and Wawel neighborhoods. 

While on this 2 ½ hour walk, your guide will provide information about over 1,000 years of history in the city.

This tour is usually offered twice a day in both English and Spanish at 10:15 am and 14:30 (2:30 pm). See the calendar above.

You can book the tour here.

JEWISH QUARTER TOURS (Kazimierz)

These free walking tours will take you to the historic Jewish Quarter of Krakow (Kazimierz), which has been home to Jewish families since the Middle Ages.

In addition to learning about centuries past, you’ll also find out more about the lives of Jewish citizens in Krakow during WW2 and beyond.

You can expect to visit some of the following sites and highlights on your journey:

• Old Jewish Synagogue
• Holocaust Memorial
• Jewish Cemetery
• The Bridge of Love
• Heroes of Ghetto Square
• Schindler’s List Filming Locations

The following pay-what-you-wish tours are a great way to visit these locations and learn about the history behind them.

This service covers a variety of subjects and sites from throughout the history of the Jewish Quarter in Krakow, including topics such as WW2, life during the Middle Ages, and even films made about the Holocaust.

You can take this 2 ½ hours Jewish Quarter tour daily in English or Spanish at either 10:30 am or 15:00 (3 pm).

You can book this tour here.

WORLD WAR II AND COMMUNISM TOURS

With the Nazi occupation of Poland, Krakow became the site of many terrible events in the history of its nation.

Even after the war, communism would affect the lives of citizens for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about this subject and seeing some of the most important sites tied to these moments in history, there are at least a couple of free tours you may want to consider.

Here are just some of the locations you can expect to visit:

• Szczepański Square
• Jagiellonian University
• St. Franciscan Basilica
• Cracovia Football Stadion
• Former St. Michael’s Prison
• The Palace Under The Rams

To learn more about these and other historic areas tied to WW2 and Communism in Krakow, take one of these free walking tours.

Walkative Tours!

In addition to their other pay-what-you-wish tours in Krakow, this company also provides an outing that describes the events which led to the nazi occupation and later the Soviet occupation after WW2.

Although these aren’t easy topics to tackle, they are certainly some of the most important moments in the history of this city and well worth learning about, especially since the tour is free to take.

This 2.5 hour tour runs once a week on select days.

FREE SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF KRAKOW

This self-guided tour will cover some of the most notable and historic sites in the old town of Krakow, providing details about multiple locations in the oldest neighborhood of the city.

Click the map to enlarge or to download it to a smartphone.

This structure was built with the purpose of protecting the city of Krakow from danger. Its walls are 3 metres thick and it has 7 turrets to help defend against invaders.

The Barbican is a Gothic-style fortification, but it was built in more of an Arabic style than European.

The building was once connected to the inner city wall, another defensive piece of architecture in Krakow.

Today, this location is used as a museum that houses several historic exhibits.

There are also concerts and other performances hosted here from time to time.

Juliusz Slowacki Theatre

This theatre was the first building in all of Krakow to be constructed with electric lighting. After opening its doors in 1893, the theatre quickly became a success.

The theatre was given its name in 1909, and it was named in honor of the Polish poet and playwright Juliusz Slowacki.

Some of his most famous works included Balladyna and Kordian.

Sadly, this theatre couldn’t draw as large of a crowd as intended for many years as a result of an economic downturn, and it was eventually surrendered during a Nazi invasion.

Thankfully, after WW2, Polish artists would reclaim the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre and resurrect it to its former glory. This venue still hosts a variety of shows to this day.

Small Market Square

Also known as Maly Rynek, there’s a surprising amount of history behind this small public square.

Originally, this location was used as a butcher’s market where you could find the best meat and fish in Krakow.

Eventually, it would become a fruit and vegetable market in the 18th century.

Due to its location in the center of Catholic and Protestant communities, there was also a lot of bloody violence related to religious conflicts.

For a short time in the 1900s, this public square would accommodate a tram track and become used largely as a parking lot. 

Thankfully, on the 750th anniversary of the city, they decided to reinvent the Small Market Square and fill it with fountains, benches, and lanterns.

Today, it’s considered one of the best meeting places in Krakow.

Adam Mickiewicz Monument

Located in the Main Market Square, this monument depicts the famous 19th-century figure Adam Mickiewicz, who was known for his romantic poetry and often referred to as a national hero in Poland.

Mickiewicz was one of the Three Bards, a group of Polish poets who lived and worked in exile during the partitions of Poland.

His poem ‘Pan Tadeusz’ is considered an important national epic.

Adam Mickiewicz passed away in Istanbul, but after 35 years he was finally brought back to Krakow, and his final resting place now lies in the crypts of the Wawel Cathedral.

This statue was erected on June 6th, 1898, which was the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Rynek Glowny Square

Also known as the Main Market Square, this area is surrounded by notable and important historic sites including St. Mary’s Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, and more.

The Rynek Glowny was originally founded in 1257, and even now it is considered the largest medieval market in all of Europe, clocking in at 40,000 meters in size.

Aside from the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, there is also a sculpture called Eros Bendato which depicts the severed head of this Greek God, his eyes and mouth covered to symbolize his desires being imprisoned.

There is also a unique fountain sitting in front of the cloth hall which uses blue water and is well-lit after dark, so if you’re visiting at night, this is one site you won’t want to miss.

In addition to all the historic landmarks here, there are also several great restaurants, bars, and shops you might want to check out while you’re here.

Pavilion “Wyspianski 2000”

This building is named after the artist who created the amazing stained glass that can be found inside, Stanislaw Wyspianski.

The stained glass featured here was actually intended and designed for the Wawel Cathedral, but it never made it into the final construction.

The architectural design uses thousands of bricks as if they were curtains, mounted vertically on a metal rod that you can manipulate to let light into various sections of the building.

Depending on what time of day it is, this pavilion can really shine in the right light, and it’s sure to be one of the more difficult sites to miss on our tour.

The Wyspianski Pavilion was intended as a celebration of Krakow’s 750th anniversary, and it is used today as an information center that promotes some of the most historical and important sites in this city.

Bishop Erazm Ciolek Palace

This is one of the oldest examples of Renaissance architecture in Krakow, and it was originally constructed in the early 16th century.

In addition to the Renaissance style, you can also see a few examples of Gothic architecture.

As the name implies, this palace was originally built thanks to the efforts of the Bishop of Płock Erazm Ciołek, a skilled diplomat and a patron of the arts.

Today, the palace houses a museum with several notable paintings, portraits, and sculptures crafted from the 12th - 18th century.

Follow the artistic history of Poland from its Gothic phase, through the Renaissance era, and onto Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Tickets start at 15 PLN for general admission, 10 PLN for reduced tickets, and only 1 PLN for kids and young adults from the age of 7-26.

Wawel Cathedral

Although this cathedral was originally constructed in the 11th century, it would also be demolished shortly after.

The replacement lasted until 1305 when a fire destroyed the building.

The structure sitting before you now was built in the 14th century, and it’s an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

The crypt at Wawel Cathedral has been the main burial site for Polish monarchs since the 14th century, and in addition to housing the tombs of kings and leaders, it is also the final resting place of national heroes.

Today, there is a museum on site that was opened in 1978 by Pope John Paul II.

The museum contains works of medieval church art including paintings, sculptures, crosses, and more. 

One of the more notable items here is King Sigismund II Augustus’ sword which was used in the 16th century.

Tickets are 14 PLN for general admission and 8 PLN for reduced prices.

Wawel Royal Castle

The hill upon which this castle rests dates back to prehistoric times and archaeologists have found evidence indicating that settlers have lived here since the Palaeolithic era.

Wawel Castle itself has only been here since the 14th century, but it is notable for having been the royal residence where kings and queens lived in Poland for many centuries.

Since it has needed repairs and expansions over the years, you can see examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque, and even early Baroque architecture on display.

The Wawel Royal Castle welcomes over 2 million visitors every year and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While you can walk around the grounds for free, you will need tickets to enter the museum which houses some of the best and most important paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints, and more.

Both the Crown Treasury and Armory and The Lost Wawel exhibit are free to visit on Monday, but from Tuesday - Sunday ticket prices for these and other areas range from 5 PLN - 25 PLN per person.

King Sigismund Chapel

One of the most incredible sites to take in at Wawel Royal Castle is the gold-plated dome of King Sigismund Chapel.

Many consider this one of the finest examples of the Tuscany Renaissance style of architecture.

This chapel was originally designed in the 16th century by Italian architect Bartolomeo Berrecci, and it houses the tombs of Sigismund II Augustus, Anna Jagiellonka, and King Sigismund I.

Both the exterior of the chapel and its interiors are quite beautiful, with red marble sculptures of the saints and an altarpiece designed by Hans Durer being just a few notable examples of the incredible detail put into this site.

Even if you don’t choose to go inside, we recommend checking out the gilded dome at least once from the exterior before you leave the castle grounds.

Giant Bell (Royal Sigismund Bell)

This is the largest of five bells that hang in the tower of the Wawel Cathedral, and it was cast in 1520 after being commissioned by King Sigismund I.

The bell weighs in at around 9,650 kgs and it’s around 9 feet in diameter. The clapper alone is approximately 365 kg, and it’s kept attached to the bell with 12 layers of leather belts.

If you visit during a Christian holiday, you can expect to hear this centuries-old bell ringing in a ceremony, and every time that happens, it’s thanks to a manual effort.

It takes roughly 12 men, 6 on either side, to ring the Giant Bell. Those who have rung the bell more than 50 times over the years are given a badge to symbolize their efforts.

Dragon's Lair

Found on the foot of Wawel Hill near the banks of the river Vistula, this site is known as the Dragon’s Lair.

Legend has it that there was once a dragon living here during the reign of King Krak.

According to the legend, the people of this city got tired of making offerings to the dragon and the king sent for help to vanquish his foe.

In this story, a young shoemaker by the name of Dratewka convinced the dragon to take an offering of a Ram filled with sulfur.

After eating it, the dragon drank so much water that it exploded!

Some say this is just a myth, a fairy tale told to young and gullible visitors, but it certainly sparks the imagination simply to think of the scenario that could have taken place here.

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THE 10 BEST Krakow Self-Guided Tours

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Krakow Jewish Quarter - Kazimierz: self-guided walking tour with mobile app

• Miodowa 24, 31-055 Kraków, Poland
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Miodowa 24 Miodowa 24, 31-055 Kraków, Poland See address & details
• Pass by Muzeum Krakowa - Stara Synagoga Izaak Synagogue Kowea Itim le-Tora Synagogue
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in Krakow

Krakow Jewish Quarter - Kazimierz: self-guided walking tour with mobile app - with unbiased reviews

THE 10 BEST Krakow Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in krakow.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Undercover City Games: Krakow

2. Electric Scooter Rental Krakow 4 Hours

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7. Electric Scooter Rental Krakow 12 Hours

8. Segway Rental 30 min, 60 min or 120 min in Krakow

9. Krakow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

10. Kraków Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

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From Warsaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Premium Train Transportation

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Herbal Tea Ceremony and Home Baked Bread Tasting with Forest Bath

What travellers are saying.

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Krakow walking tour: Kazimierz and the Jewish Ghetto

I was about 12 years old when I saw the movie Schindler’s List for the first time.

Unforgettable. Horrifying but equally magnificent.

One of the most impressive cinematographic shots I’ve ever seen was the little girl in the red coat turning up in Oskar Schindler’s (Liam Neeson) viewpoint when he was overlooking the Jewish quarter of Krakow as it was being swept clean by the Nazis - while he was having a leisurely trip by horse for fun . The girl with the red coat walking around in a part of Krakow in full turmoil. The red coat together with the flame of a candle being the only colours in an otherwise totally black-and-white movie.

Not many things beat such a strong image, wonderfully portrayed by Steven Spielberg. Yet there are some instants that surpass even the most memorable and magnificent movie moments. That sort of moment that sends that tingly feeling down your spine. That sort of moment that can emotionally completely overpower you.

That sort of moment completely overwhelmed me when recently visiting that very same Jewish quarter on a Krakow walking tour. While strolling around the streets of the Jewish quarter, that very same moment from Shindler's List flashed through my memories. For an instant I felt like I got struck by lightning. The whole area already exhumes raw emotions and when your brain takes you for a trip down on memory lane towards that very same moment you watched Schindler’s List as a 12-year old, it only reinforces your entire experience.

I turned more silent than I already was that day. I felt melancholic and even a bit sad. At the same time I felt privileged of being able to walk around in such a historically rich environment. Not having to worry for my safety, not for a single minute. So much changed in the world since World War II. But we should never take our current world for granted.

Our free walking tour of Krakow, Poland

Krakow’s Kazimierz district, is one of the most culturally and historically rich parts of the city, and is home to the ancient Jewish quarter. Jewish inhabitants flourished in this part of Krakow for centuries until they were forcibly relocated in 1941 by the German occupying forces into the Krakow ghetto, located across the river in Podgórze. This self-guided Krakow walking tour explores these both districts, offering a fascinating insight into the history of Poland and its Jewish community.

Where to stay in Kazimierz

Krakow has many amazing places to stay to be honest but we preferred to stay outside of the more frequently visited Old Town and instead opted for a stay in Kazimierz. Hotel Puro Kazimierz was excellently located as a starting point for this Krakow walking tour through Kazimierz and the former Jewish ghetto.

Click here for pictures and check prices for Puro Kazimierz

Kazimierz: The Jewish District

Between June 1942 and March 1943, a part of lively Krakow died: so many innocent people got killed or families got separated. Yet, Jewish culture has never never flourished more Krakow than it does today. In fact, no other place in Europe has preserved a sense of pre-war Jewish culture better than Kazimierz in Krakow. As a result, many Jews are returning to Krakow, claiming and embracing their heritage and filling Kazimierz with life again. The return of contemporary Jewish culture in the area has begun!

Standing outside the Old synagogue in Krakow's Kazimierz district, I can hear the thumping rhythm of drums and guitars drifting from the different bars and restaurants in the neighborhood. Kazimierz, the district that was systematically destroyed during World War II, is alive once more.

This part of our Krakow walking tour - north of the Vistula river - takes you through the historic Jewish District where Krakow Jews lived before the atrocities of World War II took place. Some of the most remarkable sight are the New Jewish Cemetery, a place where prominent Jews were buried in the 19th and 20th centuries and the Old Synagogue, the oldest remaining example of Jewish architecture in Poland.

Kazimierz is the perfect place to stroll around and take it all in. While it doesn't boast any famous attractions, Kazimierz offers a peak into pre-war Jewish life. Traditional façades with Jewish symbols can be found throughout the streets of Kazimierz and go hand in hand with the current modern arts colourfully displayed on concrete.

The Jewish district also houses some incredible bars and restaurants. Our favorites while exploring Krakow were:

• Barka  – We were so sad to have missed dinner at Barka, it was highly recommended by locals! The laidback atmosphere, ambient decorations and great menu were to guarantee a great evening out.
• Hamsa  – While in the Jewish Quarter, why not enjoy the multi-flavored Middle Eastern kitchen? The menu brings together typical Israeli dishes like shish kebab, Moroccan lamb with couscous, baked eggplant with bulgur, and the Palestinian dessert Knafeh.
• Alchemia od Kuchni  – we stumbled upon this lunch spot while strolling around in the Jewish Quarter. The menu is quite short but definitely worth it, it even includes some vegan options! Go there for delicious burgers, quinoa bowls or hummus dips.

Kazimierz: The Krakow Jewish Ghetto

South of the Vistula river is where you'll enter the previous Jewish Ghetto. In April 1940 Kraków’s Jews were ordered to leave Kazimierz, in keeping the his desire for Krakow to be a Jew-free city , and settle across the river. As a result of the resettlement in late 1940, Kraków’s Jewish population was reduced from 65.000 Jews to only 16.000 Jews that were deemed necessary to maintain the economy at the time, with the 50.000-ish others forcibly deported to labour camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau . Their property and possessions confiscated with the exception of what they could carry into the ghetto.

A 3 metre high wall was erected around the confines of the ghetto, crowned with arches conscientiously designed to resemble Jewish tombstones. The remnants of the Ghetto Wall is one of the first sights you'll encounter in this part of Krakow. Four guarded entrance gates accessed the ghetto – the main gate to the ghetto once standing where the present entrance to the Ghetto Heroes square is, coming up from the Vistula river. The Ghetto Heroes Square - with its 33 memorial chairs of iron and bronze - symbolizes the tragedy of the Polish Jews.

Many Jews also worked outside the ghetto, particularly in the Zabłocie industrial district, which included Oskar Schindler’s factory at ul. Lipowa 4. Do not skip a visit to Oskar Schindler's Museum ! It's conveniently located on this walking route and will provide you with.

The rest of the walking tour will take you along some of the most tragic places in Krakow like the entrance to the sewers Jews used to escape Krakow and the ghetto. It's hard to comprehend what the people living here had to go through but the voice of guide can put some much needed context to é seemingly innocent sewer lid. If you like to explore the Jewish Ghetto with a guide, you can check out this tour and this one as well. Both come highly recommended!

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The best free walking tours and paid tours in Krakow by Walkative guides.

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What to see in Krakow?

Krakow is the former capital of Poland and one of its most beautiful cities. What is important, Krakow did not suffer during the Second World War and today you can admire a multitude of monuments here. The most important of them are located in the Old Town, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the first 12 sites worldwide! So what is worth seeing in Krakow? Where should you go during your trip to this city?

Museum lovers will be pleased to know that Krakow is one of the richest cities in Central Europe in terms of museum collections. It is home to almost one hundred museums, and the number is growing every year. Which ones are worth visiting during a short trip to Krakow? The largest and most important of its kind is the National Museum. Its main building is located on Aleje Trzech Wieszczów Street. Other branches are located in Bishop Erazm Ciołek’s palace (medieval art), the Cloth Hall (19th century Polish art), Feliks Jasieński’s Szołayski Tenement House (Young Poland art) and the Czartoryski Museum. In the latter, you can admire, among other things, Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine .

The most important monuments – places you can’t miss during your trip to Krakow!

One of the most recognisable landmarks of Krakow is the royal castle on the Wawel Hill. It is a huge two-storey building in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles – the result of numerous renovations and alterations it has undergone over the years. Its characteristic Renaissance arcaded courtyard, imposing entrance gate and medieval towers are its hallmarks. Inside the castle is now a museum – you can visit more than 70 exhibition rooms, most of which are decorated in Renaissance and Baroque style. Highly impressive are the Eagle Room with its magnificent ceiling, the Crown Treasury or the richly decorated Vasa bedroom. When visiting Wawel, it is also worth going to St. Stanislaus’ and St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral. The Wawel Cathedral, where the remains of Polish kings, the most important artists and national heroes are interred, is also very impressive.

Many of the most important city monuments are located in the Old Town. Almost all tours of Krakow go there sooner or later. While in the city, it is necessary to visit the Main Market Square, where one of the symbols of Krakow rises: the famous Cloth Hall. Nearby, there is also the historic Roman Catholic St. Mary’s Church with its characteristic asymmetrical facade. Its interior is breath-taking – it is here that you can admire, among other things, the elaborate altar created in the 15th century by Wit Stwosz. When strolling through the Old Town, it is also worth going to the Florian Gate. This medieval building is a remnant of the former city walls. Besides the Old Town visit also the former Jewish quarter of Krakow – Kazimierz with its 7 preserved pre-war synagogues. It is truly fascinating and enchanting place.

When visiting Krakow, one should not forget about one of the most horrific and tragic places on the European continent – the former Nazi camp Auschwitz-Birkenau located only 60 kilometres from Krakow.

Helpful guides and articles – Krakow:

• Public transport in Kraków – everything you need to know
• Best places in Kraków when travelling with children
• Kraków in 3 days – how to visit the former capital of Poland to make your stay unforgettable

Free walking tour – Krakow with a professional guide

Tours Krakow with a charismatic professional guide will make you remember your visit for the rest of your life. So where to look for such an experience? The answer is one – on Walkative! website! You will find many tours of the city of Krakow here – including so-called free tours that are ideal for families or couples. There is no entrance fee, you just need to sign up and then, at the end of the tour you decide how much you will pay for your guide’s commitment and knowledge. With us you can go on a free walking tour of Krakow as well as other Central European cities – including Prague, Bratislava, Budapest or Riga. If you decide to take our walking tour, Krakow will hide no secrets from you!

We had just one day in Wroclaw and a decision to join Walkative tours was the right one! These guys are amazing! Their stories are very informative, full of history, legends, funny jokes! They took us to all astonishing places of Wroclaw. Perfect for a day trip to this lovely city! Thank you, Lukasz and Matt for the brilliant tours!

Dawie’s tour was the best theatre in Paris as well as informative!!!! He is great – even in the rain. Do it.

My group really enjoyed the amount of history explained in the tour, it was a nice way to get a lot of information on several of the key sites in the center of Paris in a compact amount of time. Excellent for orientation and background. I would certainly do other tours in the future.

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Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-guided Tour

A half-day tour from Krakow to learn about the Holocaust

On this half-day tour from Krakow, you'll visit the former Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau.

You'll journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where you'll take a self-guided tour through the camps. During your time, you'll learn about their history, see personal artefacts and discover what the living conditions were like for prisoners during the Holocaust.

• Opportunity to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Chance to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau at your own pace
• Chance to learn about the Holocaust and its impact

What's included

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver-guide
• Admission to Auschwitz-Birkenau
• On-site assistance

What's not included

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Restrictions

• Visitors must show a valid photo ID.

Additional information

The maximum size of luggage allowed inside the museum is 30x20x10 cm.

Please note that the starting time of this tour is approximate and is subject to change.

The pace and duration of the tours are determined by the memorial's visitor service.

Please note this is not an audio tour. You can choose your language of choice for the guidebook and map, available in the following languages: Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

Please bring your ticket with you to the attraction.

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