Krakow tours

Things to do in Krakow

Welcome to Krakow, where history seems to breathe through every cobblestone and the spirit of Polish hospitality wraps around you like a warm shawl. This city has a way of drawing you in, with its architecture whispering tales of bygone eras and a culture that thrums with life. With a local guide, the well-trodden paths of Krakow reveal their hidden narratives. Imagine yourself amid the bustling Main Market Square, where the hum of life is palpable. As you explore tucked-away courtyards or savour the delights of a food and wine tour, the essence of Polish cuisine dances on your palate. With private tours, the stories of the Jewish Quarter echo from the past while the splendour of Wawel Castle stands timeless. Skip the queues and delve into Krakow's core, where your guide's tales turn a simple visit into something memorable. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Krakow. Explore Krakow your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Krakow tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Krakow for every interest, including: History tours: Follow the Royal Route from the Barbican to Wawel Castle, then cross to Schindler’s Factory Museum for wartime stories and continue to remnants of the ghetto wall in Podgórze. Private history tours can also sample Nowa Huta’s socialist‑realist avenues in a classic car. Layover tours: With 2–4 hours, meet at the airport or Kraków Główny and take a brisk walking tour of the Old Town, hear the hejnał from St. Mary’s, and try a quick zapiekanka in Kazimierz before your next connection. Your guide keeps an eye on timing and routes you back efficiently. Religious Sites tours: Visit Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica, then explore Kazimierz’s Remuh Synagogue and historic cemetery. Longer private tours can include the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki or a half‑day to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Getting around: The historic centre is very walkable, with reliable trams and buses for longer hops. For sites farther out, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Krakow inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Stroll through Krakow on a private walking tour and delve into its fascinating neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide. Experience the city as you uncover its stories and secrets firsthand. - Kazimierz: Cultural tourists will love the rich Jewish heritage and eclectic vibe of this artistic district, filled with galleries and historic synagogues. - Old Town: Perfect for families and history fans, with its stunning Main Square and the majestic Wawel Castle. It’s the heart of Krakow’s cultural and historical landscape. - Podgórze: This area offers deep historical insights, particularly for those interested in World War II history and the story of the Jewish Ghetto. - Nowa Huta: An intriguing neighborhood for architecture enthusiasts and cultural tourists, showcasing the socialist realist style and offering a unique glimpse into Poland’s recent past. Day trip ideas from Krakow Base yourself in Krakow and branch out to salt chambers, mountain valleys, and limestone cliffs with day trips and tours that mix history, nature, and food at your pace. - Wieliczka Salt Mine: Go underground to walk through chambers carved from salt, see chapels and tools that show centuries of work, a strong pick if you enjoy engineering stories, geology, and unusual art. - Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: Visit the former camps with care and time to reflect, learn about the Second World War and Jewish history, and focus the day on remembrance and context if understanding the past matters to you. - Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains: Wooden villas, market streets, and mountain views set up a flexible day, with flat valley walks or steeper trails if you want more challenge, plus highlander food that adds a local note. - Ojcow National Park and Pieskowa Skala: Karst cliffs, river paths, and a castle on a rock create a compact loop close to the city, and it suits you if short walks, caves, and photography sound like a good mix. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Krakow most travellers miss.