best free walking tour krakow

Best things to do and see in Krakow

Krakow is one of the most important cities in Poland . It is located in the south and is very close to its border with Slovakia and not far from the cities of Bratislava or Vienna. It is a city that enjoys a rich history and was deeply impacted by World War II. The Jewish neighborhood, (Kazimierz) and the old ghetto are the saddest and most affected areas or the city, where they are left as a reminder so that the atrocities of the past are never repeated. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) was one of the first places to be named a World Heritage site with its spectacular Market Square and St. Marie’s Basilica.   

There are many guided tours in Krakow that give you the chance to get to know the city in 2 to 3 hours while walking to visit some of the most emblematic monuments and places the city has to offer. In addition to this, there are themed tours that have a more specific route centered around a specific place or topic, to visit Wawel Cathedral and Castle located on the banks of Vistula River are, without a doubt, some of the most iconic parts of this Polish city. Another interesting place to visit is St. Florian’s Gate, the old entrance to the Medieval city, with 8 gated doors and a total of 35 spires spanning its length. If you cross over the wall, you will come across the Krakow Barbican, a fort that is surrounded by a moat which was used to protect the ancient city. Other points of interest you should check out are the Collegium Maius, the Planty Gardens, Oskar Schindler’s factory, Bohaterow Square with the chair monument, which is very close to the city where the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka salt mines were located. 

The best free walking tour in Krakow is the one where you get to see the sites with a local guide who will help you to understand the context of the city’s history and those little-known details about the place and its people. You can choose to book a guruwalk in the morning, afternoon, or evening. If you would like to learn more about other tours or walkers and their experiences, you can read their reviews to get a better idea of which tour would be best for you. Other cities that are also popular for travelers looking for a guruwalk in Poland are Warsaw, Poznan, Wroclaw or Prague.

Free walking tour near Kraków

Others cities to visit after kraków, find other guruwalks in kraków, where are you traveling to.

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Kraków Walking Tours

best free walking tour krakow

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.

Free Walking Tours

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.

St. Florian’s Gate

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.

Old Jewish Synagogue

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.

St. Franciscan Basilica

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.

Krakow Walking Tour Map

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 Barbican

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.

Juliusz Slowacki Theatre

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.

Small Market Square

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.

Adam Mickiewicz Monument

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.

Rynek Glowny Square

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.

Pavilion “Wyspianski 2000”

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.

best free walking tour krakow

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.

best free walking tour krakow

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.

best free walking tour krakow

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.

best free walking tour krakow

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.

best free walking tour krakow

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 23 best free walking tours in Krakow

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best free walking tour krakow

1 Kraków Barbican

best free walking tour krakow

2 Rynek Główny

best free walking tour krakow

3 Wawel Royal Castle

4 st. mary's basilica, 5 wawel cathedral.

best free walking tour krakow

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best free walking tour krakow

6 St. Florian's Gate

7 kraków main station, 8 oskar schindler's enamel factory, 9 wieliczka salt mine, 10 mnk sukiennice, 12 muzeum uniwersytetu jagiellońskiego collegium maius, 13 old synagogue, 14 adam mickiewicz monument, kraków, 15 juliusz słowacki theatre.

best free walking tour krakow

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best free walking tour krakow

16 National Museum - Palace of Bishop Erasmus Ciolek

17 wyspiański pavilion, 18 hotel kazimierz i, 19 the royal sigismund bell, 20 venetian house market square aparthotel, 21 kaplica zygmuntowska, 22 planty gardens apartments, 23 silver apartment old jewish quarter, top searches in krakow, popular road trips from krakow, what's the weather like in krakow.

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Krakow Free Walking Tour

Krakow FREE Walking Tour: Best Tours, Tips & Reviews (2023)

Krakow is a city full of history, art and culture and one of the best ways to explore it is by participating in a Krakow Free Walking Tour . More and more cities in Europe are offering the chance to discover the city with an expert guide for a few bucks. This meets the needs of budget travelers , young travelers and backpackers . It is no mystery that the first to offer free walking tours were the hostels. But nowadays, adults and seniors also participate in these tours, because it is often a light and fun way to visit the city , less demanding than a real cultural visit with a professional guide.

In this guide to the best Krakow Free Walking Tours , I will try to answer all common questions about it.

Best Krakow Free Walking Tours

Free walking tour of krakow.

The Free Walking Tour of Krakow is the most popular free tour in town , and allows you to discover the main attractions of the old town, such as the ancient royal streets and the remains of the mighty medieval fortifications, such as St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican , and then explore the wonders of the Main Market Square , with St Mary’s Church and the iconic Cloth Hall . You will explore the Wawel Hill where the fabulous Castle and its Cathedral are located.

You will visit hidden courtyards , quaint alleys, and your guide will tell you several stories about the history of the city, especially the tragic events of WWII and life during the communist regime . You will discover many interesting things about the monuments and buildings you see, their history and their curious facts.

The Free Walking Tour of Krakow is held in English , Spanish and Italian and lasts 2.5 hours . Tours run daily, and are held in small groups, so places are limited. If you visit Krakow in the summer or during the Christmas period, it is recommended to book well in advance.

Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter

The Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter is another very popular free tour in Krakow and is the perfect complement to the previous one. In fact, this allows you to visit the other most important district of Krakow: the Kazimierz , the former Jewish quarter .

This is the most significant place in the recent history of the city, as this was once one of the most important and prestigious neighborhoods in the city. You will discover its history, its fabulous synagogues that are over 500 years old , and then head to the former Krakow Ghetto , in the current Podgorze district.

This free tour will allow you to discover the most picturesque and significant corners of the district, which today is the heart of the artistic and cultural life of Krakow (as well as nightlife! ), The places where the Oscar winning film Schindler’s List was shot and many of the places where the tragic history of the Ghetto took place.

The Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter is held in English , Spanish and Italian and lasts 2 hours . Here too, only small groups are allowed and the tour is usually in high demand, so book early! Usually people take both the Free Walking Tour of Krakow (Old Town) and this one, because they take place at different times , so you can see the Old Town in the morning and Kazimierz in the afternoon, for example.

Free Walking Tour of the Old Town & Jewish Quarter

The Free Walking Tour of the Old Town & Jewish Quarter is the condensed version of the previous two tours. This tour lasts 3 hours , so it could be a decent solution for those short on time and want to visit all the highlights of the city in just a few hours.

It is held in English and Spanish , but only a few days a week (usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday). If you have enough time, I recommend that you take the two separate tours in order to enjoy a more complete and relaxed visit.

Nazi & Communist History Free Tour

This is one of the most interesting free tours in Krakow , but unfortunately it is not held every day (usually only once a week ). This tour is held in small groups and the guides will take you to discover the recent past of the city: the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime .

You will visit the key places of these events that marked Krakow’s past, discover many interesting curiosities and historical facts , see several emblematic buildings and discover their dark past. Finally, you will be able to get an overview of local life during communism , discovering some places that have survived the time, such as the milk bars and the headquarters of the Solidarność union, which was one of the main proponents of the collapse of the regime.

The tour is held in English and Spanish and lasts 2.5 hours .

Nowa Huta Free Tour

One of the must-dos in Krakow is to visit the Nowa Huta district. Although a little off the beaten track, this is one of the best places to discover the recent past of the city: a suburb born around a huge steel mill built at the behest of Stalin. Nowa Huta is the symbol of the communist utopia , a neighborhood built for the workers according to the highest standards of socialist architecture .

Visiting Nowa Huta is like stepping into a time machine: there are old restaurants , bars and shops that have remained untouched since communism, underground bunkers and a museum dedicated to its compelling history. The best way to explore the neighborhood and its attractions is with a guided tour of Nowa Huta by local guides who live right in the neighborhood, which includes round-trip transportation from Krakow city center in a vintage Communist-era car .

Otherwise, if you just want to have a quick look around the neighborhood, you can get there on your own and join the interesting Nowa Huta Free Tour . A local guide will led you through the highlights of Nowa Huta , showing you the socialist boulevards, the huge steel mill that it was once named after Lenin, and some of the most characteristic places.

The tour is held in English and lasts 2.5 hours .

Vistula River Free Bike Tour

One of the most fun Krakow free tours is the Vistula River Free Bike Tour , which will allow you to discover the wonderful surroundings of Krakow. This tour will allow you to cycle along the beautiful cycle paths that flank the Vistula , from Wawel Hill along some of the most remarkable buildings in the city.

From here continue to one of the most important shrines in Krakow, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel , and along the way you will see some iconic buildings in the style of Soviet realism. You will continue on to the fabulous Camaldolese Hermit Monastery and finally cross the countryside around Krakow until you reach the Tyniec fortress-monastery , one of the most hidden gems of the city.

The tour is held in English , lasts 3.5 hours and runs only a few days a week. Bike and helmet rental is not included, so you will need to rent it at your hostel or hotel, or you can rent it for a few bucks here .

Krakow Free Walking Tours

What is a Krakow Free Walking Tour?

A Krakow Free Walking Tour is essentially a guided tour of some districts of the city, for example there is a Free Walking Tour of Krakow’s Old Town, one of the Krakow Jewish Quarter, but there are also thematic tours, such as the Nazi & Communist History Free Tour.

It is a walking tour, therefore an easy stroll through the streets of the city , led by passionate and expert guides. The guides are mostly students, boys and girls who do it for passion and to earn some extra money. The great thing about free walking tours is that there are no boring and monotonous guides , because they love what they do!

During a walking tour you visit the highlights of the city , for example the most famous monuments, and you get many interesting explanations and information about their history and local culture . Plus, the guides are usually super friendly, and willingly answer questions about what to see, where to eat etc.

Krakow Free Tour

In Krakow there is a wide offer of free walking tours: it will not be uncommon to see small groups following guides with colored umbrellas. How to choose the best one? Many tours also make money by promoting shops, restaurants etc, which is something I personally really hate. When I choose a free tour, I want to enjoy the visit, get curious facts, learn something more.

This is why you should avoid tourist traps and join tours offered by reputable agencies , with honest and knowledgeable guides. For example I love the tours offered by Civitatis , which are led by experienced and super-friendly local guides . This is a brand active throughout Europe, which collaborates ethically and directly with local guides , promoting their services. It is a guarantee of honesty and good service.

Are Krakow Free Walking Tours really FREE?

Yes, the best Krakow Free Walking Tours – which means those offered by reputable and honest agencies and guides – are really and totally free. Guides earn from tips , but no one is required to tip the guide. However, if you enjoyed the tour, it is ethical and fair to give your guide a small tip.

Krakow Free Tours in Krakow Old Town

How Much to Tip on a Krakow Free Walking Tour?

It’s up to you! Sincerely! No one will force you to tip your guide, although it is fair to tip if you enjoyed the tour. For these people this is a job, as well as a passion. And these are real tours, not just a promotion of a more comprehensive paid tour.

People usually give a small tip based on their budget. You have a small budget, give a small tip. Some just give a few coins for a coffee or a beer, others give 5 or 10 €. Did you really enjoy the tour? Then give a € 10 or € 20 tip. You’re rich? Then give a big tip! Really, it’s up to you.

There are people who simply don’t tip, because they travel on an extremely tight budget. Or, if you didn’t like the tour , you can just say bye and walk away. No problem! Anyway, what will continue to make these great free walking tours available in the future is the fact that someone tips the guides.

What is the difference between a Krakow Free Walking Tour and a Paid Tour?

The main difference, besides the fact that paid tours have a fixed price to pay in advance, is in the type of experience. Krakow free walking tours are basic tours , which allow you to explore the city with a local guide , see the most important things and get a brief overview of the local culture.

A paid tour is led by a professional guide , who has an in-depth background in medieval and contemporary history, art history and local culture. This guide is a local, who has lived in the city for years. He speaks several languages ​​perfectly, and has passed strict certification exams, for example the licensed guides for Wawel Castle tours require a special license . This is why the tour is more comprehensive, more in-depth. You will have tons of notions , historical facts, details about the art, architecture and history of what you see. To make the most of a paid tour, you should know how to appreciate all that in-depth information, otherwise you risk getting bored.

Best Krakow Free Tour

Should I choose a Krakow Free Walking Tour or a Paid Tour?

If you just want to get an overview of the city , its main monuments, essential historical facts, as well as some info on the local culture, then a Krakow Free Walking Tour is the right choice for you.

If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t want to spend money on an expensive paid tour, then a Krakow Free Walking Tour is the right choice for you.

If you want a less demanding and more informal experience than the classic professional guided tour, with friendly guides, and small groups (10-20 people) with an average age under 35, then the Krakow Free Walking Tours is the right choice for you.

If you want to visit the interiors of monuments , churches, synagogues, palaces and museums, get in-depth information on what you see and accurate historical, artistic, architectural details, then it is better to join a specific paid tour , with a professional guide. However, do not rely on improvised guides, but only on tours offered by official agencies and guides.

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A free walking tour of kraków’s royal road.

Explore the path of kings on this free walking tour of Kraków’s Royal Road

“Has anyone here been to Warsaw?” asked Pavel, our tour guide. No hands went up.

“Good,” he continued. “I hope that you never have to go there.”

It was  Christmas Day in Kraków , and our  walking tour  group had assembled between St. Florian’s Gate, the 700-year-old gate into the old town, and the impressive Barbican. Built at the end of the 15 th  Century to protect Kraków against the Turks, this is considered to be the best-preserved barbican in Europe.

According to Pavel, it was streets ahead of Warsaw’s Barbican.

His passion for Kraków, its history and its burgeoning craft beer scene – and his cheerful disdain for Poland’s capital – was evident during our 2.5-hour walking tour along  Kraków’s Royal Road . This route, beginning at St. Florian’s Gate and ending at the Wawel Castle, was used by monarchs to move around the city.

old gate to walled city at start of krakow walking tour

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IN THIS ARTICLE

A walking tour is the best way to explore Kraków’s historic heart. Many of the city’s landmarks are close together and much of the old town is pedestrianised.

I did a tour with  Walkative!  which was excellent. This Kraków old town tour runs three times a day, even on Christmas Day when I did it! As the name suggests, it is free but tips are appreciated.

square in krakow at christmas eve lit up at night

St Mary’s Church – Kraków’s Temple to God

From  St. Florian’s Gate , the sole survivor of the eight fortified gates built into the city’s walls, it is a short stroll along  Floriańska Street  to the  Market Square .

St. Mary’s Church  dominates this main square and is Kraków’s geographic and spiritual beating heart.

Whereas Wawel Cathedral was the seat of the city’s bishopry, St. Mary’s was Kraków’s parish church. This Gothic basilica was built to inspire awe and display the city’s wealth, its calling card if you like.

At the top of each hour, a bugle call ( hejnal )  sounds from the taller of the two towers which pierce the ash-grey sky like giant exclamation marks.

But it is the interior of St. Mary’s Church that is truly extraordinary.

Stuffed full of outstanding works of art, its star turn is the late 15 th  Century wooden high altar, depicting scenes from the life of Christ in a dramatically expressive fashion. Get there just before midday to witness the middle shutters of the altar opening in all of their glory.

Cloth Hall: Kraków’s temple to commercialism

Across the Market Square from St. Mary’s Church is the  Cloth Hall .

closed indoor market with xmas decorations

Open for business since 257, this covered market is the oldest shopping mall in Poland. This temple to commercialism now houses souvenir stalls and coats of arms from Polish cities embellish its walls.

Even here, Warsaw and Kraków are having a face-off.

Exiting the other side of the Cloth Hall, across the square is a Gothic tower built with red brick and local limestone. This is all that remains of the  old town hall , which was destroyed in the 19 th  Century.

The adjacent sculpture of a giant head –  Eros Bound , known as “The Head” –  was created by the celebrated Polish artist Igor Mitoraj and is the subject of controversy. Many people dislike this sculpture and it was destined to be positioned in the square outside the Galleria Krakówska.

massive head sculpture in old square in krakow

However, indignant that his work of art should be displayed outside a shopping mall, Mitoraj insisted that it be relocated. Despite howls of protests from historians and locals alike, this 12-year-old sculpture found its way to its current location.

Its hollow interior is perfect for kids to crawl through, poking their heads out of its unseeing eye for proud parents to capture an image.

It also serves as a bed for the night for the homeless of Kraków in the winter.  “The cheapest hostel in the old town,” as Pavel, our tour guide put it.

Collegium Maius

Turning our backs on “The Head”, we continue along Jagiellońska to the  Collegium Maius , the oldest college of Poland’s oldest, and some would say best, university. Rebuilt in the late 15 th  Century around a Gothic arcaded courtyard, it counts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II amongst its alumni.

Make sure that you arrive there shortly before 11 am or 3 pm (plus 9 am and 5 pm in the summer months) for the show put on by the  courtyard clock . Watch the wooden figures of kings and professors solemnly parade to music.

Art Nouveau in Kraków: Stansilaw Wyspicński

At the end of the 19 th  Century, Polish artists were caught up in the  Art Nouveau  wave sweeping through Europe like a new broom. This injection of style and modernity into Poland’s cultural landscape resulted in the  Mloda Polska   (Young Poland) movement (1895 – 1914).

Kraków was at the heart of this movement and at the fore of this group of visionary artists was  Stansilaw Wyspicński,  who was responsible for the interior decoration of the  Franciscan Church , the next stop on our Kraków walking tour.

The first church on this site (pl. Wszystkich Świętych) was built in 1255, 18 years after the arrival of the Franciscans in Kraków. Following damage wrought by the Great Fire of Kraków in 1850, the church was rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic / Neo-Renaissance style.

But the murals and stained glass of Stansilaw Wyspicński are its most striking features. Take, for example, the stained glass image –  Let It Be – of God emerging from the sinuous, elemental cosmos.

My visit was perfectly timed with a performance by the Sicilian Choir in front of this masterpiece.

choirmaster conducting in front of a stained glass window

If you are visiting Kraków at Christmas, take a look at the live Christmas Nativity that takes place outside the Franciscan Church, featuring live animals and singing children. What could possibly go wrong?

Kanonicza: The best address in town

Leaving the Franciscan Church behind us, we now make our way along  Grodzka  on our final approach to Wawel Castle, the last section of Krakòw’s Royal Road. At the magnificent baroque church of St Peter and Paul, we cross Mary Magdalen Square and turn down  Kanonicza , one of the oldest streets in Kraków.

cobblestone street in rain in old street in krakow

This street gets its name from Kraków’s canons who lived there from the 14 th  Century onwards. As each canon took up office in the chapter of Kraków, he was given the use of one of the houses on Kanonicza for life.

That’s better than most pensions nowadays.

In a medieval version of  Grand Designs , each successive inhabitant would modernise his abode. This has resulted in a vast array of architectural styles along this narrow street.

At the end of Kanoniczka, we reach  Wawel Hill , home to Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle.

Kraków was the capital of Poland from 1038 until 1596 and Wawel Castle served as the royal residence and seat of power. When the capital of Poland moved to Warsaw at the end of the 16 th  Century, the castle began to fall into ruin.

But mercifully, Wawel Castle, in common with most of Kraków was saved from destruction during WWII and has been restored to its former glory.

people walking in snow in castle courtyard in krakow poland

Enter the Wawel Dragon

Our walking tour ended with the Dragon of Wawel Hill. Local legend has it that Kraków was founded on his defeat and that his lair was in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill.

Today, a fire-breathing dragon sculpture stands guard at the foot of Wawel Hill in honour of him.

I wonder if Warsaw has any fire-breathing dragons?

How to get to Kraków

Getting from Kraków airport  to the centre of the city is easy, thanks to a great rail connection.

Frequent trains run from the train station at the airport to ’s central station (Główny). The 16km journey takes just over 15 minutes and you can buy your ticket from the machines on the platform or from one of the conductors on board.

Kraków also has rail  connections to other major European cities.

How to get around Kraków

Due to its compact size, the  old city is walkable .

If you need to go further afield or your accommodation is not centrally located, take a tram. Kraków’s tram network  is modern and efficient. Ticket machines are at tram stops.

Where to stay in Kraków

Mid-range – Mercure Stare Misto

I stayed at this comfortable 4-star chain hotel, conveniently located opposite the train station and a 10-minute walk from the Market Square.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A ROOM

Splurge – Balthazar Design Hotel

In the heart of the old town, close to Wawel Castle, this boutique hotel has garnered rave reviews.

Budget – EWM Kopernika 8.3 – Market Square & Old Town

This centrally-located apartment looks like a fantastic budget choice. It has the bonus of a garden area for outdoor dining.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN APARTMENT

>>> None of these places take your fancy? Click here for other great accommodation choices in Kraków.

Enjoy your Kraków walking tour

It’s the best way to get to know this beautiful city.

If you need more help with planning your time here, take a look at my comprehensive 4-day Kraków itinerary . This includes how to visit the salt mines near Kraków and the lowdown on taking a day trip to Auschwitz . I also have a summary of the most highly-rated Auschwitz excursions .

Happy travels!

bridget coleman the flashpacker 2

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

best free walking tour krakow

Free walking tour Krakow

Welcome to Cracow Free Tours! We are pleased to present free, tip-based tours of Krakow.

Krakow walking tour is the perfect way to discover and explore the most interesting and crucial places of the city with our licensed guide. Everybody can take part and there is no price – if you like the tour, you simply give a tip at the end according to your own budget.

There is no pressure, you decide how much the tour is worth. You don’t have to book the tour, just come to the meeting place and join it. The tours take place every day all year round, no matter if it’s sunshine or rain. We are licensed guides, born in Cracow and have lived all our life here so we hope to share this knowledge and our life experience with you.

During our Krakow city tour, you will learn about the history, architecture and people of Cracow. You will listen to a lot of entertaining stories about the customs of people from the past which are not included in your guidebooks. Only those who walk the streets of Cracow can say that they really know the city and it’s no use to walk with a guidebook - it’s better to join our free tours! If you would like to have a private tour, please contact us.

best free walking tour krakow

Please, notice that our unique tours are run only by the guides with our RED UMBRELLA . Look for it in front of St. Mary’s church at the Main Market Square.

best free walking tour krakow

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FREE WALKING TOUR KRAKOW

Free walking tours of krakow – advantages.

If you’re spending your holiday in Krakow, spend some time to get to know it better. Thanks to the walks with our guides you will not only enrich your historical knowledge, but also feel the spirit of the city. After enjoying the walking tour with Krakow Explorers you will realize that a visit in this place can give you even more excitement than before.  What is important, our free walking tours are led with great enthusiasm and attention to the group.  That is why time flies really quickly and interestingly during the tour. Despite the fact that walks along the Old Town and the Jewish quarter always last about two and a half hours, many tourists discovering  Krakow  with us, say that they did not even notice when the tour came to an end.

best free walking tour krakow

Several thematic routes to choose from

We offer our groups free tours of Krakow in three versions.  Everyone can choose the places they want to visit with the guide. Often, after having completed one of our trips together, we can see familiar faces during the next one. Each time it is a very nice experience for us, which confirms that it is worth sharing your passion with others. Depending on your interests and time options,  we can offer you free walking tours around the Old Town, the Jewish quarter and the evening city of Krakow – the sin city . Additionally, you can book a paid walk around Krakow’s restaurants and bars, where you will taste characteristic Polish dishes and drinks.

Krakow by day and by night

Would you like to start your day with a visit to Krakow’s main attractions, or maybe you prefer to go on an evening trip and discover the darkest stories of the city? In our offer you will find fascinating walks at different times of the day. Thanks to this both early birds and those who prefer to sleep longer can participate in the tours. If you are in Krakow for a few days, maybe you will be able to meet all our routes.

best free walking tour krakow

Lots of information and interesting places

We want to show and tell you the fascinating over a thousand years long history of Krakow. All our  free walking tours  have their own individual character, but each one is prepared in such a way that you can experience as much as possible.  Free tour of Krakow with us means discovering the city piece by piece and moving back in time to different historical periods.  And although during our trips we share with you a lot of information, the pace of the tour is always adjusted to the group. We do not rush anyone, and during the trips there are plenty of stops, so both young people and seniors take part in them.

Free tours of Krakow for everyone

Our routes are intended for all those who are not afraid of long walks combined with sightseeing. Thanks to the tip-based form of excursions, they are available for everyone regardless of their budget. Everyone can participate and, depending on their preferences, give our guide a free donation at the end of the tour. This is a way of remuneration if you enjoy the time spent with us. We do not charge any other fees.

best free walking tour krakow

Enthusiastic approach to each group

As enthusiasts of history and archeology, as well as the residents of Krakow, while working, we try to share with our listeners not only our knowledge, but also our enthusiasm. We want to infect you with our fascination for this beautiful place. That is why we put our hearts into what we do, and this approach is highly appreciated by the participants of our trips. We treat each group individually, ensuring that everyone receives a lot of attention. During the trip we encourage participants to ask questions if, for example, a topic is of particular interest to them, and we will tell the stories from the past. Together we discover Krakow all over again!

Opinions about us

I visited Krakow for the first time. I took part in a trip around the Old Town. I am impressed by the knowledge and charisma of the guide. I will be happy to return to Krakow and take part in the other trips included in the offer. Gregory

Free walking tour with Krakow Explorers exceeded my wildest expectations. A few hours walk that had passed by before I realized it. Many interesting anecdotes and beautiful monuments in the background. Victor

We chose the free sightseeing with the family in the evening, as part of the Sin City route. We have never been on a more interesting trip. It is a pity that we did not have time to participate in other sightseeing routes. Dorothy

MEETING POINT

Free walking tours in English Old Town: Mon-Thurs 10:15 Fri-Sun 10:15 and 15:00 Meeting Point: St. Mary’s Basilica on the Main Square with the guide holding an orange umbrella. Jewish Quarter: Mon-Thurs 15:00 Fri-Sun 11:00 and 15:00 Meeting Point: The Old Synagogue at 24 Szeroka Street in Kazimierz with the guide holding an orange umbrella.

Rynek Główny 4 31-042 Kraków In front of St. Mary’s church

best free walking tour krakow

MEETING POINT Old Town tour – St. Mary’s Church

Jewish Quarter tour – Old Synagogue

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best free walking tour krakow

Krakow Explorers is a proud member of the Free Tour Community, a global network of independent local initiatives operating in the pay-what-you-wish model. We are committed to delivering top-quality cultural experiences and promoting the free tour concept throughout the world.

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Historic Krakow: Old Town & Castle Free Walking Tour

Historic Krakow: Old Town & Castle Free Walking Tour Poland — #1

Overview of the tour in Krakow

Join City Walks Kraków as we delve into the city's Medieval past. From its humble beginning as a merchant town to its transformation into a royal city and once, the capital of Poland; Kraków has one of the most fascinating histories in Europe. Journey with us into the past, as we explore the cobbled streets once walked by famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and visit the former home of Pope John Paul II. We visit Kraków's Wawel castle and cathedral, see the city's famous Cloth Hall and listen intently as the St. Mary's trumpeter plays his hourly call from St. Mary's Basilica. If you're ready to discover the magic of Kraków and tales of witches' curses and fire-breathing dragons, then join us every day at 11am. Look out for the guides with the Blue Umbrellas.

This activity includes:

  • The Cloth Hall
  • Wawel Royal Castle
  • St. Mary's Basilica
  • Smok Wawelski
  • Wawel Cathedral
  • St. Mary's Trumpeter
  • Wawel castle grounds

Meeting point

St Mary's Church Krakow

Meet us in front of St Mary's Church in the Main Square (the big church next to Hard Rock Café) look out for the guides with the Blue Umbrellas that say City Walks Kraków. We meet at 11:00am every day of the week. The address is Rynek Glowny 4.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Krakow Free Walking Tour

Why book a krakow free walking tour.

Krakow is an enchanting city and was one of the first in the world to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. That means there is plenty to discover. Time and again we hear tourists say they didn’t have time to cover all they had hoped.

City Walks Krakow can help you with that.

A City Walks Krakow tour is the perfect way to discover the magic of Krakow. Anyone can simply wander the streets, but a free tour with our expert guides allows you to delve deeper into what makes Krakow so special, so you can really get to know this amazing city.

On each Krakow Free walking tour, in only a couple of hours with our guides you will cover a whole area of the city, see all there is to see and learn all there is to know. Not just about the history and architecture, but which restaurants to eat in, the best museums to visit and the best places to go for a drink.

How far will I have to walk?

Much of Krakow centre is pedestrianised so if you don’t walk, you probably won’t see much. Each Krakow Free walking tour lasts between 2- 2.5 hours, but you won’t be walking the whole time. Much of the time is spent telling you the great stories of Krakow’s past.

There are plenty of streets and 1000 years worth of history to cover in Krakow. We find it is a lot less walking and much quicker to see the city with the help of our expert guides, than to try to tackle it on your own and end up going in circles! In one day with us, you can cover most of the city.

Will it be a boring history lesson?

No of course not! Our guides only make their money from tips. Which means they work extra hard to be fountains of knowledge and to make the tours as entertaining, funny and informative as possible.

How do I join Krakow free walking tour?

Easy! Reservation for our tours is free. Just follow the link below, book your spot on the tour and we will see you at the meeting point.

Look for the Blue City Walks Krakow umbrellas .

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This tour was excellent and the tour guide was the best we had for any of the trips we did during our visit to Krakow. The guide was full of interesting information and spoke excellent English. He spoke clearly and guided the group around at the right speed so that we could take photographs and have a good look at everything. The tour was very reasonably priced and the guide was clearly passionate about the subject. I didn't catch the guides name but he said English speakers usually call him Jack. I would highly recommend this tour.

Our guide Maciej was one of the best tour guides we've ever had. So dynamic and engaging. We really enjoyed this walking tour and found ourselves discussing what we had learned in the days afterward as we strolled through beautiful Krakow. Highly recommended.

Last weekend we had three tours with Walkative and would recommend it to anyone travelling to Krakow! All guides were really funny and friendly, and had all sort of interesting information to share. First we did the Street Art Tour with Navia und after we were so enthusiastic about this tour we decided to go for the Old Town Tour with Damian and the Macarbre Tour with Jaczek. Can only recommend the tours and guides, and if we come back to Krakow, we will definitely do a tour again.

I did 2 tours in one day they were so great! First the old town with Mario and then the Jewish quarter with Ania. I have done free walking tours all over Europe and these tours were the best-above and beyond fantastic. Both guides were native Polish, well educated, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about the tour subject matters. They do these tours full time and are very excited to share their history and culture. I really can’t recommend this company enough! They offer a wide variety of tours. I wish I could do them all!

Having spent much time learning the more 'heavy' sides of Krakow's long history, it was a delight to enjoy a afternoon in this museum. The museum is full of interactive installations and displays (...), the artifacts held in the collection are often stunning and illuminating, and our guide skillfully used these small every-day items to feed into broader questions of social and historical significance, how [Krakow's] people have lived, how its influence has risen and waned and now these questions feed into the 'heavier' questions of religion, politics and economics. Can thoroughly recommend this tour.

I had a fantastic time and learnt more things that I can remember and write down by taking 4 walking tours by Walkative Agnes, Magdalena and Bartos. They are all excellent tour guides, very knowledgeable, they carry materials with them that help bring to life all the stories that are telling combined with excellent presentation skills. Absolutely recommended!

Oddly enough, the main town was the last in the various walking tours I have done with Walkative over two trips to Gdansk. There is very little overlap and this one really gives you a solid grounding in the history dating back four or five centuries in some cases. The guide (Macin I think - sorry!) did a wonderful job retelling some of the gore and much of the wonder that’s as old Gdansk. These guides do an amazing job!

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krakow FREE WALKING TOURS

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Which are the best Free walking tours in Krakow, Poland?

Krakow, in the south of Poland, is a delightful mix of characters and atmospheres; a vibrant and buzzing modern University city with a fairy-tale-like medieval heart, Gothic architecture, and an Old-town situated around an impressive plaza that was a significant Renaissance-era centre of trade. There’s fascinating legacies of ancient and recent history everywhere you turn in Krakow, and so much to get to grips with here – so a Krakow free walking tour with a professional local tour guide is certainly a must-do for an unrivalled insight to local culture, heritage and history. There are a few different tour providers to choose from, so to save you some research time, here is our expert pick of the best free walking tours in Krakow.

The best Free Walking Tour for an introduction to Krakow

Good Cracow Tours offer two free tours in Krakow, their Old Town Free Tour and Jewish Quarter tour. The Old Town tour is an essential as the district is a definite highlight of the city with so much to see & discover – not least St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, Barbican, Town Hall Tower, and Wawel Royal Castle; all this and much more is included on this Krakow city tour as well as in-depth and insightful local knowledge from the excellent and passionate tour guides. The tour lasts around two and a half hours and is available in both English and Spanish languages every day at 10:15 A.m., with afternoon tours also available during Summer season. You’ll meet the guides, wearing lime green shirts, in front of Mary’s Basilica on the main square Rynek Główny 4, 33-332 Kraków, Polska.

Jewish District Free walking Tours in Krakow

As mentioned above, Good Cracow Tours also run a free walking tour of the Jewish district in Krakow, and it is certainly worthy of exploring and learning more about as it harbours fascinating history. Kazimierz was home to the largest Jewish community in the world and one of co-existence with local ethnic Polish population for centuries. It is now a trendy area teeming with chic shops, hip cafes and galleries; but this place’s dark history is that which informed the WWII themed film, Schindler’s List and saw the forcible relocating of Jews by German occupying forces into Podgórze, the Krakow ghetto, in 1941.

This tour runs every day at 10:30 P.M. and 3 P.M. and in Spanish at 3:30 P.M. There are other companies offering free tours of the Krakow Jewish quarter too, such as Cracovia Walking Tours who meet at Little Market Square, near Sienna St, behind St Mary´s church at 10A.M. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays so you’re sure to have a few options to suit your schedule. Any free tour of the Jewish quarter includes the essential sites and stories, such as Kazimierz Synagogues, the Holocaust Memorial and Jewish Cemetery, Bridge of Love and Heroes of Ghetto Square and plenty more besides.

More free tours in Krakow

AFree Walking Tour Foundation also offer a Krakow Old Town free tour and Jewish tour, but they also offer free tours around other topics; Macabre Krakow, Krakow Street Art, and World War 2 In Krakow – so there is plenty of different free tour experiences to check out in this remarkable city.

Of course, you can always consider booking a private walking tour in Krakow to suit your itinerary and this can be an ideal option for groups, couples or even individuals on a tighter schedule. Each of the above mentioned providers offer private Krakow city tours, and at competitive rates too.

Do I need to book a free tour in Krakow?

Usually you’ll be able to join free tours on arrival to the meeting point, but Krakow is growing in popularity for visitors, so booking your tour via the tour provider’s website, or on Freetour.com or the Freetour app, is highly recommended. Be sure to take note of any ‘no-show’ or cancellation policies that Krakow city tour providers might display when booking online.

Some tipping tips

Free tours mean you get an unbeatable quality tour with professional local tour guides and you decide what to pay at the end. A good way to value the tour is to gauge it against what a conventional paid Krakow city tour would cost you, how much you enjoyed the experience, and what you can afford to give.

So, how much should you give free tour guides in Krakow?

The cost of a general paid walking tour in Krakow ranges from €14 to €35 per person at the lower to mid-range, and as high as €65 to €90+ per person at the higher-end of the tour market. Our research with local Krakow free tour guides shows tips are often between €12 and €28 per person, so an average of €20 is considered appropriate, depending on your valuation of the experience and budget.

That’s our recommendations for the best free walking tours in Krakow, and we highly recommend getting insider local tips from your city tour guide for things to do and see after your tour, they can mark the best places to eat, shop, and places to visit on your free Krakow walking tour map too – easy peasy!

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Best Free Walking Tour (Krakow Street Art Tour)

The Street Art Walking Tour in Krakow with Alicja was the best Free Walking Tour I've been with so far!! Our very sympatic guide Alicja showed us some amazing street art with a great mix of history, art and interesting facts. Thank you for this super cool tour!!! New meeting point: old synagogue.

Nice experience to join this tour through the jewish quarter. The tour was about 2.5 hours. Alicja was a very good guide.

We took the free walking tour of the old town. Our guide was Gosia who was really knowledgable. The tour was around two and a half hours and we covered many of the main sights and learned some history behind the city. Would highly recommend doing this, especially at the beginning of your stay as it gives you a great understanding of the city and its layout.

best free walking tour krakow

We did the afternoon free tour with Alice. She is very professional, funny and answered to all our questions. I highly recommend this tour while in Krakow. We tipped 50 pln for 2 persons although tip is optional.

Great stories, legends and history facts told by our very nice and smiling guide Zosia. Really recommended if you're in Krakow and want to get to know the city and its history.

This was one of the best walking tours I have been part of. It lasted about 2.5 hours and our guide lecho was funny, knowledgeable, inquisitive about the group and made the tour very interesting. A lot of tours get bogged down in too much detail while Lecho kept it light and entertaining with questions thrown in from time to time. We didn't notice how the time flew. I would recommend everyone coming to Krakow to take this tour.

best free walking tour krakow

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  2. A Free Walking Tour Of Krakow's Royal Road

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  5. Discover the very best, free walking tour of Krakow Poland!

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  6. Krakow Attractions Map

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COMMENTS

  1. 25 Free Walking Tours at Kraków

    The best guruwalks in Kraków (22 / 25) Recommended. GuruWalk Original Free Tour Krakow: Old Town and Wawel Castle. 2873 ratings. 4.9. Duration: 2h and 30min. Starts at: 10:15, 10:30 and 1 more. wed. 28.

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    Rating: 9.9. (Reviews: 804) from €75. Explore one of the most iconic Communism district of Poland on an authentic Trabant automobile that will take you back in time. Enjoy hearing stories from the daily grind and... Languages. English. Start time. 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM +6 More.

  3. Free Walking Tours Krakow

    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.

  4. The 23 best free walking tours in Krakow

    It's the entry gate to old town Krakow. Beautifully constructed well fortified. Take one of the walking tours of the city to fully know about every important monument, we took the yellow umbrella free walking tour in English and our guide was really funny. His stories added history to entertainment.

  5. Award-Winning Krakow Free Walking Tours

    We returned in June 2021 to run our award-winning Krakow free walking tours. It's been a long road but we are thrilled to be able to offer tours to our guests again. For now we will only have our Krakow Old Town free tour (11am) and our Jewish quarter Krakow free tour (15:30). Please check our schedule for the days.

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    25+ Old Town Kraków Walking Tour. 13:30 - 15:00 - Tour en español 🇪🇸. 2 Schindler's Factory Museum. 14:00 - 16:30 - Tour in English 🇬🇧. 25+ Old Town Kraków Walking Tour. 14:30 - 17:00 - Tour in English 🇬🇧. 25+ Jewish Kraków Walking Tour. 18:00 - 19:15 - Tour in English 🇬🇧. 25+ Macabre Kraków Walking Tour.

  7. The 20 Best Free Walking Tours in Kraków

    Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter. 4.8. 10,246 Reviews. Delve into Jewish culture in Poland on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Kazimierz, the most vibrant Jewish quarter in Krakow, home to unique synagogues and more. 3 hours.

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    The Free Walking Tour of Krakow is held in English, Spanish and Italian and lasts 2.5 hours. Tours run daily, and are held in small groups, so places are limited. If you visit Krakow in the summer or during the Christmas period, it is recommended to book well in advance. check prices & availability.

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    On the Free Tour, the guide lets you decide how much you would like to spend on the tour. There is no price set up. Krakow has beautiful architecture and amazing places to visit, but with the local guides everything gets funnier, better, easier to find, and comprehend. Anyone can join, and be sure that the guide will do the best he can. If you ...

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    Discover all the highlights on our award-winning Krakow Old Town free walking tour! Reserve your place on the Krakow Old Town Free Tour for free- Book Now. Join us: Every day at 11 am. Meeting Point: In front of St Mary's Basilica (Krakow main square) Duration: 2.5 hours. *If you missed our Old Town free walking tour, take our Krakow audio ...

  11. A Free Walking Tour Of Kraków's Royal Road

    A Free Walking Tour of Kraków's Royal Road. A walking tour is the best way to explore Kraków's historic heart. Many of the city's landmarks are close together and much of the old town is pedestrianised. I did a tour with Walkative! which was excellent. This Kraków old town tour runs three times a day, even on Christmas Day when I did it!

  12. Krakow Free Walking Tour by Walkative!

    From 19 EUR. Book. Craft Beers of Kraków. Price: 25,99 EUR. Book. Krakow Free Walking Tour | English, Spanish, German. The best of the UNESCO listed Old Town during an amazing tour with locals.

  13. Free walking tour Krakow

    We offer free, tip-based walking tours in Krakow. We will show you the secrets of this unique city, to help you appreciate the sights and culture of Krakow. (+48) 606 808 911

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    Free walking tour with Krakow Explorers exceeded my wildest expectations. A few hours walk that had passed by before I realized it. Many interesting anecdotes and beautiful monuments in the background. Victor. We chose the free sightseeing with the family in the evening, as part of the Sin City route. We have never been on a more interesting trip.

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    Journey with us into the past, as we explore the cobbled streets once walked by famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and visit the former home of Pope John Paul II. We visit Kraków's Wawel castle and cathedral, see the city's famous Cloth Hall and listen intently as the St. Mary's trumpeter plays his hourly call from St. Mary's Basilica.

  16. See the City: Krakow's Best "Free" Walking Tours

    Maybe I'm a little biased (sometimes I give tours for this company and invite you to join me!) but Krakow Explorers is by far the best free walking tour company in Krakow. You don't have to take my word for it- you can check out their reviews on Trip Advisor , Google , or Guru Walks (the leading booking platform for such tours).

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    Explore the city of Krakow on foot with an expert tour guide during the Best Free Walking Tour of Krakow. You'll get to see all the best spots, from St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican to the Main Market Square, and walk the streets Copernicus himself wandered about, passing by exotic goods and foreign merchants.. Experience Krakow your way and book the Free Walking Tour of Krakow!

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    Highlights of a Free Tour in Krakow. Some of the top attractions in Krakow include the Wawel Royal Castle, Rynek Underground, Schindler's Factory, Santa Maria Basilica, and Kosciuszko Mound. In the city center, your free local guide will also take you to the Collegium Maius, the main building of the oldest University in Poland, the Archbishop ...

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    Much of Krakow centre is pedestrianised so if you don't walk, you probably won't see much. Each Krakow Free walking tour lasts between 2- 2.5 hours, but you won't be walking the whole time. Much of the time is spent telling you the great stories of Krakow's past. There are plenty of streets and 1000 years worth of history to cover in ...

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    Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour. Another unique day-trip from Kraków is to the fantastic underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Much of the city, including the 14th-century university was built on the profits from salt. You can see our walkthrough of a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine here.

  22. Best Krakow free tours companies review

    More free tours in Krakow. AFree Walking Tour Foundation also offer a Krakow Old Town free tour and Jewish tour, but they also offer free tours around other topics; Macabre Krakow, Krakow Street Art, and World War 2 In Krakow - so there is plenty of different free tour experiences to check out in this remarkable city.. Of course, you can always consider booking a private walking tour in ...

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    Walkative! Krakow: Best Free Walking Tour (Krakow Street Art Tour) - See 13,610 traveler reviews, 3,184 candid photos, and great deals for Krakow, Poland, at Tripadvisor.