How to Plan Your Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour

Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland, and with its rich history and beautiful sights, it’s no wonder it’s become a must-visit destination in Europe. The Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour is the perfect option for first-time visitors or for those looking to delve deeper into the city’s culture and important landmarks. In this guide, we will provide information on how to plan your tour and make the most out of your visit to Krakow.

Tour Overview

The Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour is a guided tour that takes you through some of the most important and iconic sights in Krakow. In this tour, you will be able to visit the Old Town highlights such as the Market Square and St. Mary’s Church, as well as the impressive architecture of Wawel Castle. The tour is a private one, which means you can avoid the crowds and have a more personalised experience. With the help of a local guide who knows Krakow inside out, you will be taken on a historical journey of the city.

What’s Included

The tour includes the following:

• Private Tour
• Local guide
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Visit to the Market Square, Wawel Castle, and St Mary’s Church

Please note that food and drinks are not included in the tour’s price.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meeting point is at the Liv Bagel Museum of Kraków located at Ignacego Paderewskiego 4, 31-157 Kraków, Poland. The museum and café offers a range of traditional Krakow snacks, including obwarzanki (a type of pretzel-shaped bagel) that are freshly baked in front of you, making it a great place to arrive early and grab a bite to eat before your tour begins.The pickup point will be at the Żywe Muzeum Obwarzanka (cafe & live museum of obwarzanek) – Ignacego Paderewskiego 4, which is only a short distance away from the meeting point.

The Itinerary

The Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour has a full itinerary that is planned out for you, which means you can save yourself hours of research time and simply enjoy the tour. Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary:

Stop 1: Stary Kleparz

The tour starts at the historic Stary Kleparz market, which dates back to the 12th century. Here, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture as you wander around the market stalls and see the fresh produce being sold. Your guide will provide a brief history of the market, and you’ll learn how important it is to the local community.

Stop 2: Wawel Castle

Next, the tour moves to Wawel Castle, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Krakow. This castle was the royal residence of the Polish monarchs from the 11th to the 17th centuries and is now a major tourist attraction. During your tour, you will stroll past the castle and marvel at its impressive architecture, which is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Stop 3: Market Square and Cloth Hall

The Market Square and Cloth Hall are some of the most visited places in Krakow. The square is lined with colourful buildings and is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. You’ll also see the Cloth Hall, which dates back to the Renaissance period and was once a major centre for international trade.

Stop 4: St. Mary’s Church

The final stop on the tour is the stunning St. Mary’s Church, which is located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town. The church is one of the most magnificent Gothic churches in Europe, and its interior boasts breathtaking murals and artwork. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the church and its importance to the local community.

How to Book

To book the Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour, visit Viator’s website on the following link: book the tour here. Be sure to click on the “Check Availability” button to confirm your tour’s date and time. You can contact Viator’s customer service team if you have any questions or special requests.

Conclusion

The Heart of Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Private Tour is a fantastic way to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Europe while enjoying a more personalised and informative experience. With this guide, you can plan your tour with ease and make the most out of your visit to Krakow. Enjoy your trip!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Krakow: Your Ultimate Guide

Krakow is a fascinating city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. It is no wonder that thousands of tourists flock to this city every year, and with good reason. If you are planning a visit to Krakow, you may have some questions about the city, its history, culture, and attractions. In this guide, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Krakow to help you plan your trip more efficiently.

1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these months, the weather is mild, and the city is not overcrowded with tourists. Summer is peak season in Krakow, and prices tend to be higher during this season. Winter can be cold and snowy, but it offers a unique and magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and winter festivals.

2. How Do I Get To Krakow?

Krakow is easy to access by plane, train or car. The city has an international airport – John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice, which connects to various destinations worldwide. Trains are also available from major cities throughout Europe, and there are many highways and roads connecting Krakow to other cities in Poland and neighboring countries.

3. What Are The Must-See Attractions In Krakow?

Krakow has numerous attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the best ones are:

• Rynek Glowny – The Main Market Square of Krakow
• Wawel Castle
• Kazimierz – The Jewish Quarter
• Sukiennice – The Cloth Hall
• St Mary’s Basilica
• Schindler’s Factory Museum
• Wieliczka Salt Mine

4. Is Krakow Safe?

Krakow is generally a safe city. However, it is always advisable to take common precautions, such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding quiet and poorly lit areas at night.

5. What Is The Currency Used In Krakow?

The currency used in Krakow is the Polish zloty (PLN). Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, but it is advisable to have some cash on hand for small transactions.

6. What Is The Food Like In Krakow?

Krakow has a rich culinary tradition that blends both Polish and Jewish influences. Some popular dishes to try are pierogi – dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese, bigos – a hearty meat and cabbage stew, and zapiekanka – a popular Polish street food made with bread, cheese, and toppings. Krakow is also known for its café culture, and you can find many cozy cafes serving delicious pastries, cakes, and coffee.

7. What Is The Nightlife Like In Krakow?

Krakow has a vibrant and bustling nightlife, with something for everyone. The city has numerous bars, clubs, and pubs that stay open late into the night. Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, is a popular area for nightlife, with many hip and trendy bars and clubs.

8. What Is The History Of Krakow?

Krakow is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in Poland. It was the capital of Poland from the 11th to the 16th century and served as the seat of the Polish kings. The city has a rich and varied history, including its role in World War II, where it was occupied by the Nazis and became the center of their brutal policies against the Jewish population.

9. Where Can I Stay In Krakow?

Krakow has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay are:

• Old Town – Close to all major attractions and restaurants
• Kazimierz – Trendy and vibrant Jewish Quarter
• Kleparz – Quiet and residential neighborhood

10. What Are Some Lesser-Known Attractions In Krakow?

Apart from the popular attractions, Krakow also has some lesser-known places that are worth visiting. Some of them are:

• Podgorze – A charming and quiet neighborhood across the Vistula river from Old Town
• Nowa Huta – A unique and fascinating socialist-era neighborhood built in the 1950s
• Planty Park – A lush green park that surrounds Old Town
• Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology – A fascinating museum with exhibits on traditional and modern Japanese art and technology

In ConclusionKrakow is a city that has something for everyone – history, culture, art, food, and nightlife. By planning your trip and being prepared with information about the city, you can make the most of your time and have a memorable experience. We hope this guide has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow and will help you plan your trip more efficiently.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is one of the most visited cities in Poland, and it is not hard to see why. It is a city steeped in history and culture and boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. If you are planning a trip to Krakow, you might be wondering how best to spend your time to make the most out of your visit. Here is a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Krakow.

1. Visit Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Krakow. This stunning castle is located at the top of Wawel Hill, in the heart of Krakow, and overlooks the Vistula River. Wawel Castle dates back to the 14th century and has a rich history. Visitors to the castle can explore the State Rooms, the Royal Private Apartments, and the Crown Treasury and Armory. The castle also houses a museum, which is dedicated to the history of the castle and the royal family. The castle is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and tickets cost 25 PLN for adults and 15 PLN for students.

2. Explore the Kazimierz District

The Kazimierz district is located to the south of the Old Town of Krakow and is considered one of the hippest neighborhoods in Krakow. Kazimierz used to be the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, and today it is a vibrant neighborhood with lots of quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors to Kazimierz can explore the Jewish Quarter’s rich history and culture, which includes the Jewish Museum and the Galicia Jewish Museum. Kazimierz is also home to some of Krakow’s best street art.

3. Discover the Rynek Główny

The Rynek Główny, also known as the Main Market Square, is the largest medieval square in Europe and is located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town. The square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Town Hall Tower. The square is a great place to sit and people-watch or to explore the many restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area.

4. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a former concentration camp that is now a museum and memorial. The site is located about an hour’s drive from Krakow and is a powerful and humbling experience. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the lives of the people who lived and died there. The museum is open daily, and tickets must be booked in advance.

5. Take a Day Trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine is located about 16 km from Krakow and is considered one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The mines date back to the 13th century and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the mine can take a guided tour and explore the underground tunnels, chapels, and salt lakes. The mine is open daily, and tickets must be booked in advance.

6. Enjoy Traditional Polish Cuisine

Krakow is famous for its traditional Polish cuisine, and no trip to Krakow is complete without trying some of the local dishes. Traditional Polish dishes include pierogi, bigos, and kielbasa. Visitors can find these dishes at many of the restaurants and cafes in the city.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city with something to offer everyone. From its rich history and culture to its vibrant neighborhoods and delicious cuisine, there is always something to explore in Krakow. We hope this guide has given you some ideas on how best to spend your time as a tourist in Krakow. Remember, always plan your visit in advance, book your tickets online, and enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!