Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Wawel Royal Castle
- Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- Saints Peter and Paul Church
- Jagiellonian University
Photos & Highlights
- Gain insights from a local expert, discovering places and perspectives not found in guidebooks
- Learn the hidden stories behind Krakow’s landmarks, from medieval town planning to modern cultural shifts
Select a date
Tour Description
Fold away your city map for a few hours and let your Context expert get you acquainted with the heart and history of Krakow. This introductory experience will take you through the historic center of Krakow’s Old Town, both providing an orientation to the city and offering historical and cultural insights that will have you regretting you decided to tote that heavy guidebook on the flight here.
You’ll stop at essential sites like Wawel Castle Hill, where the first settlements in Krakow were located, dating back to the 4th century, the Basilica of St. Francis, and the main market square, sometimes considered the largest medieval town square in Europe. Ending up around Jagiellonian University, which counts Copernicus amongst its alumni, you'll have had the chance to discover the layers of Polish history that hide in unexpected places along the way.
Choose this tour if…
- It is your first time in Krakow and you want to look up from your map and experience the city
- You want access to secret spots and insider insights from a local expert (like the address of an underground restaurant that was once at street level in medieval times)
- You want deep insight into the rich local history, while still exploring the city as if you were on a walk with a friend
Your Krakow city tour begins atop Wawel Castle Hill with a survey of the striking exterior of the Royal Castle. In this scenic spot, your expert guide will walk you through Krakow’s time as a kingdom, allowing you to imagine what it was like looking out from this very hill when Krakow was only a small 4th-century hilltop settlement.
You will then begin your descent into the Old Town, getting a lay of the land and admiring the contrasting colors and styles of the local architecture. You may peek into the Basilica of St. Francis, and stand in the exact spot where Saint John Paul II often came to pray, or stop inside Saint Peter and Paul’s Church, and imagine the excitement building around the first Baroque structure to be constructed in Poland.
Making your way to the Main Market Square- often said to be Europe's largest medieval market square (though neighbors in nearby Prague might beg to differ)--you will begin to get a sense of just how deep Krakow’s history reaches. Like many medieval cities, what was once street level has now been layered and built over, dotting the city with intriguing underground spaces that offer the opportunity to time travel for the length of a coffee or drink stop.
After a few hours of wandering through the streets of Krakow with an expert at your side, you will wind up at the historic Jagiellonian University, Poland’s oldest university, where figures like John Paul II and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus once studied. You will leave your Krakow introduction with the orientation needed to be able to say that you have truly experienced this beautiful and intriguing city and pass on your enthusiasm for this Central European gem to any future travelers who should follow in your footsteps.
Sites Visited
- Wawel Castle Hill - Home to the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, an imposing reminder of Poland’s royal legacy dating back to the 11th century.
- Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - A key religious site in Krakow’s Old Town, blending Gothic and modern architecture, where Saint John Paul II prayed.
- Main Market Square - In the heart of the Old Town, the market is a vibrant hub of history, cafes, and attractions and is often considered the largest medieval square in Europe (though a mapmaker might insist this is actually found in Prague)
- Jagiellonian University -Founded in 1364, it shaped the careers of many prominent scholars and leaders, such as Copernicus.
Logistics
Tickets
No tickets are necessary for this tour.
Transportation
This is an all-outdoor walking tour. We cannot currently provide a transfer service in Krakow, so we suggest you ask your hotel about the best way to arrive at your tour meeting point.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
This Krakow city tour is all-exterior and therefore can be accessible for certain wheelchair users. The Old Town is mainly flat but does have some cobbles and uneven sidewalks.
Service dog accommodations
Service dogs are welcome and can be accommodated on this tour.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
While not a kid-specific tour, we can accommodate children on this itinerary!
Do tours operate in inclement weather?
Our tours run rain or shine. Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for walking on varied surfaces and don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat if showers are expected.
Where does the tour meet? Where does it end?
You will meet near Wawel Castle Hill and end near Jagiellonian University. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Does this tour visit the Kazimierz District?
No, but you can visit it on our Jewish Krakow Tour.
While not a kid-specific tour, we can accommodate children on this itinerary!
Do tours operate in inclement weather?
Our tours run rain or shine. Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for walking on varied surfaces and don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat if showers are expected.
Where does the tour meet? Where does it end?
You will meet near Wawel Castle Hill and end near Jagiellonian University. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Does this tour visit the Kazimierz District?
No, but you can visit it on our Jewish Krakow Tour.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start