krakow free walking tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OLD TOWN TOURS

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

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

• Planty Park

The Barbican

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

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

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

Krakow Explorers

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

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

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

You can book the tour here.

JEWISH QUARTER TOURS (Kazimierz)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can book this tour here.

WORLD WAR II AND COMMUNISM TOURS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walkative Tours!

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

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

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

FREE SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF KRAKOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juliusz Slowacki Theatre

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

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

Some of his most famous works included Balladyna and Kordian.

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

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

Small Market Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adam Mickiewicz Monument

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

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

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

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

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

Rynek Glowny Square

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

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

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

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

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

Pavilion “Wyspianski 2000”

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

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

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

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

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

Bishop Erazm Ciolek Palace

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wawel Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wawel Royal Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

King Sigismund Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

Giant Bell (Royal Sigismund Bell)

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

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

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

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

Dragon's Lair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 .

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.

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.

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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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning your trip to Krakow?

Discover the BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN KRAKOW and all the best tips for visiting AUSCHWITZ and WIELICZKA SALT MINES .

Here you will find plenty of in-depth guides to better plan your trip to Krakow:

☞ TRAVEL GUIDE TO KRAKOW AND AROUND ☞ PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KRAKOW: EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ☞ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST HOSTELS IN KRAKOW

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Free Walking Tour of Krakow

• 9.60 / 10 600 reviews | 4,859 travellers Kris was an amazing guidance for the tour, he showed us all what we needed to see and explained in an informative and funny way. Cheers 10 Alessandro

Take in the exquisite Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance-style buildings on a walking tour of the historic center of Krakow and see for yourself why it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

Description

Begin your free walking tour between St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican , where you can immediately discover the traces of the important medieval city Krakow once was, by the old entrance to the walled city.

Then, over two hours, you'll learn about the city’s rich history and anecdotes accompanied by your knowledgeable English-speaking guide . Head back to the city's 15th and 16th-century heyday , when Copernicus himself walked streets packed with exotic goods and foreign merchants, seeking their fortune.

Marvel at the numerous landmarks, including the Main Market Square with St Mary's church, Cloth Hall, the Cathedral, and Castle courtyard . Then onwards to the tragedy of the Second World War in Poland, the communist regime, and even the story of Karol Wojtyła, a man better known as Pope John Paul II.

Important information

The free tours are designed for individual travelers or small groups of friends and family. In the best interest of our customers, we try to limit our groups to relatively small numbers. We cannot accept groups of over 7 people on our regular tours, and the guide may refuse to accept them. If you're a large group, check out our private tours of Krakow.

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Expert local guide

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Walkative Tour Show more

Corporate name: Legendary Tours

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Between St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican

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Free Walking Tour of the Krakow Jewish Quarter

• 9.50 / 10 346 reviews | 2,268 travellers Tomasz, our guide was completely lovely. He really loves what he does, and you can tell that. Very good and interesting experience. 10 Javiera

Delve into the heart of Jewish culture in Poland on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Kazimierz, Krakow's Jewish Quarter , famous throughout the world as the setting of " Schindler's List ".

Description

Our tour begins at the Old Synagogue in the heart of Krakow's Jewish Quarter , or Kazimierz , originally an independent city founded by King Kazimierz III in the 14th century. For centuries was the center of Jewish life in Poland.

We'll continue by strolling down  Szeroka Street , which is the epicenter of the Jewish Quarter, you'll learn all about some of Krakow's most important Jewish places of worship and their tumultuous history in the Second World War. Discover the Old Synagogue , built in the early 15th century; the Remuh Synagogue , which has the city's oldest Jewish graveyard; and the  Isaac Synagogue , the biggest in an area full of former places of worship.

Hear all about the rich heritage of Jewish culture and history in Poland visiting the Jewish Community Center before making your way to Plac Nowy, or New Square , well known for its food stalls selling typical cuisine. Make sure you try  zapiekanki , a local specialty, before you leave Krakow!

The tour will also take you to see some of the places where the Oscar-winning film  Schindler's List was shot before coming to an end in the historic Ghetto Heroes Square, where we'll learn all about the ghetto in this area.

Important information

This tour is for groups of less than 6 people only. If your group contains more than 6 people, we recommend booking a private walking tour of Krakow .

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Walkative Tour Show more

Corporate name: Legendary Tours

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

In front of the Old Synagogue on Szeroka 24 Street.

You may also be interested in

Free Walking Tour of Krakow

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Our Free Walking Tours

What is a free walking tour? It is a concept invented in Berlin, which has become one of the most popular tourist’s activities worldwide. One man decided to change tourism forever. He said “join my tour, and you can PAY-AS-MUCH-AS-YOU-WISH”. Usually, you must pay for the guided tour in advance. 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 would like to know what to do in Krakow, you should start with our Free Tours!

Old Town and the Wawel Castle tour

Free Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter and the Former Ghetto Tour

“don't be a tourist, be an explorer”.

REGULAR GUIDED TOURS

In here you will find an offer of other activities MUST DO in Krakow. It is very simple to book it, choose one, or few tours below. Click on one of the tours. On the right side, next to short descriptions, you will find a calendar with availability and price. Keep in mind that according to the Auschwitz Memorial Camp Museum authorities, the tour has to be booked 3 days in advance!

Foodie Explorers - Our Food Tours!

As food enthusiasts, taste explorers and history lovers, we create tours that are focused on food, local drinks and culture. We tell you stories about the history and traditions of Kraków through its flavors and aromas. Whether you want to join our  Vodka Tour  and sample the best vodkas and liquors that Poland has to offer, our  Beer Tour  and taste the local craft beers, or our  Food Tour  and try the famous Polish pierogi, we have a tour for you. Join us and experience Kraków like a local, with a local. We are FoodieXplorers, and we can’t wait to meet you!

Kraków Food and Historical Adventure: Intorduction to polish cuisine. Do you love food and want to discover the best of Polish cuisine? Join our Food Tour and taste the most delicious dishes and snacks that Kraków has to offer. Kiełbasa zapiekanka, oscypek and more. You will enjoy a variety of flavors and learn about the history and culture behind them.🍽️

🗓️ Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 💶 20 Euro

Kraków Craft Beer Adventure: Discoverig the local Flavour Explore the world of Polish beer on our Beer Tour. Find out how beer is made, what are the main ingredients and styles, and how to pair it with food. Taste different kinds of beers, from lagers to ales, from light to dark, from classic to craft. 🍻

🗓️Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 💶 35 Euro

Vodka Culture Tour: Through Time and Taste Discover the secrets of Polish vodka on our Wódka Tour. Learn about the history, culture and traditions of this iconic drink. Sample different types of vodkas and liquors, from clear to flavored, from mild to strong. 🥃 And enjoy some classical vodka food to prepare your stomachs and enhance your experience.

🗓️ Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 💶 35 Euro

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Join Orange Umbrella Free Tour Warsaw!

Whether you’re curious about features, a free trial, or even press, we’re here to answer any questions.

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.

• MEETING POINT Old Town tour - St. Mary’s Church Jewish Quarter tour - Old Synagogue
• +48 576 855 755

• Destinations
• Tours in Krakow

Complete Spanish Free Tour of Jewish Quarter and Gheto

Overview of the tour in Krakow

Do you know, that Cracow contains more impressive and beautiful places that only the Main Square and Wawel Castle? Our city has way more interesting places to offer, and way more stories to tell you. On this tour, we invite you, to one of the most interesting districts in Cracow – Kazimierz. Here, over the centuries, Christian culture coexisted with Jewish culture. You will get to know Jewish feasts, habits, and places in the Jewish Quarter (it is inside Kazimierz) that still remind us about this nation's culture, a nation that for a long time made a high percentage of Cracow's inhabitants. We will visit the Christian part of Kazimierz too, full of magnificent churches, that very often escape visitors' notice. If you want to know what the Jews are doing during the Sabbath, is honey a kosher food, who is allowed to pray in the Synagogues, which Saint you should be praying to for help and if you have problems with your sight... join us!

This activity includes:

• Popper Synagogue
• Church of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
• Kazimierz The Former Jewish District
• Jewish Ghetto Memorial
• Corpus Christi Basilica
• Tempel Synagogue, Kraków
• Old Synagogue
• Synagoga Izaaka Jakubowicza
• Las más importantes sinagogas
• Escenas Schindler list
• La lista de Schindler
• Cementerios judíos
• Zona cristiana de Kazimierz
• Antiguo gueto de Podgórze
• Plaza memorial de los héroes del gueto
• Fábrica de Schindler
• Comida callejera
• la zona alternativa
• Bares y Klubs
• otros secretos

Meeting point

Sinagoga Remuh

Busca al guía con el paraguas blanco enfrente de la sinagoga Remuh en la calle Szeroka 40, un poco antes de la hora de comienzo del tour.

Things to note

El tour es en español, rogamos puntualidad e ir preparado para las condiciones meteorológicas. Aceptamos pagos en efectivo en euros (recomendable) así como revolut o paypal. Algunos guías aceptan bizum (Raúl). No es posible el pago con tarjeta de crédito.

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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There are many free Krakow walking tours available, which are led by local guides who are experts in Krakow. They know the area very well, which means you will be able to get all the information you need about the city. Some tours include visits to Wawel Castle and the old town, as well as the Jewish quarter. If you feel comfortable paying after the tour, do so. There is absolutely no demand for a tour guide. You decide the guide’s worth. The free walking tour Krakow can be booked online, and you just have to show up at the given location to join us Most Krakow free walking tours are held every day, no matter what the weather is like Below is the list of free Krakow walking tours you can attend.

Popular Free Walking Tours in Krakow

Loaded with abundant heritage, both glorious and notorious, Krakow is a city that has earned affection among tourists. It has become the coolest and hottest vacation spot in central Europe. Astonishingly, the architectural structures of Krakow remained unaffected during the Second World War, and in spite of being centuries old, Krakow’s old landmarks are well-preserved and beyond a shadow of doubt they are worth visiting. In Krakow, you are able to chill out and enjoy the roaring nightlife, explore historical attractions, galleries, museums, and even pursue an outdoor adventure. With picturesque streets, a walk around Krakow is an excursion. When touring Krakow, prepare for some opportunities to see jewel-year architectural structures even though Krakow is a big city. Don’t forget to consider joining one of our free walking tours Krakow to explore the city with local guides.

Krakow History

Krakow has been recognized for decades for its cultural heritage. As one of the first cities to make it onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it has a rich historical background and beautiful architecture. It is generally believed that Kraków commenced as a town on Wawel Hill in 965, and back then it was a chaotic trading centre of Slavonic Europe. At present, Kraków has approximately 760,000 inhabitants, and about 8 million people live within a 100-km radius of its famous main Market Square, making it Poland’s most populated area. Aside from that, it has also become a European center for gastronomic heritage , offering you the opportunity to experience rich culinary traditions while enjoying money-saving options. Furthermore, Krakow is one of the world’s most influential vacation spots, and free tours Krakow can be an excellent way to experience astounding human history and cultural heritage while keeping your budget intact. Unfortunately, roughly 1.1 million people died during World War II in close proximity to Auschwitz , which is a few hours away from Krakow. Consider exploring this historical city with one of our informative free tours Krakow to gain deeper insights into its heritage and save money during your visit.

Faqs about Krakow

Is Krakow safe for tourists?

Kraków is generally a peaceful destination for vacationers. It offers the tourist an opportunity to pay a visit to nearly every part of Kraków without having to be terrified of kidnapping or every other kind of dangerous crime. However, the negative thing is, unfortunately, Kraków has its justifiable share of thieves; be cautious in congested public areas.

How many days should you spend in Krakow?

If you are a first-time traveler to Krakow, it is highly recommended that you spend no less than 2 days in Krakow. If at all possible, 3 days would be perfect to get a general flavor of the city. This would enable you to visit most of the main attractions, and get to know the main neighborhoods.

Is Krakow expensive to visit?

In most cases, Krakow has long been a more cost-efficient travel destination than many cities in Europe, but even so, prices have been rising over the past few years. Krakow. Apart from this, Krakow is among Poland’s biggest cities, so travelling costs in Krakow are generally higher than in other parts of Poland.

Do the locals in Krakow speak English?

Despite the fact that, generally, Polish people don’t learn English, the locals in Krakow speak English perfectly. Added to that, all of the listed free tours in Krakow are provided in English.

When is the most suitable time to visit Krakow?

Even though the weather conditions in Krakow are always pleasant throughout every season, the most ideal times to pay a visit to Kraków are from March to May and between September and November. The weather usually gets hotter in June, July, and August.

Can you drink tap water in Krakow?

Typically, restaurants across Krakow provide drinking water bottles by default. In general, drinking Poland’s public tap water is considered healthy and safe because the Polish government ensures that water quality is maintained throughout the country.

Is Krakow cheap for shopping?

Absolutely, yes. The fact is that, throughout central Europe, Krakow is viewed as one of the most attractive and inexpensive places to shop. It’s a city where you can find plenty of high-quality products at inexpensive prices, and, moreover, it’s straightforward to get a bargain.

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Communist Kraków – Nowa Huta

Those were the days when Kraków’s veins were running with coal and steel and the glorious, royal past of the city didn’t matter anymore. The world was on the eve of the Cold War and Nowa Huta, the communist district of Kraków, was built to fight and resist it. 

Visit with us Nowa Huta, one of the two still existing ideal communist cities in the world and get a chance to see the representative part of Nowa Huta – monumental Central Square and the Avenue of Roses, enter the ‘Ark of Lord’ church, a symbol of spiritual resistance of Catholic workers against the communist party will.

An ideal communist city, monumental and grand was built in a country that had just started to raise itself from the rubble of World War II. But, for the Communist Party, the costs of its construction were meaningless. Tangible proof of communist power was the only thing that mattered.

This ideal city, where religion was replaced with communist propaganda was supposed to be inhabited by ideal communist citizens: Homo Sovieticus. A new and better type of people, obedient, brainwashed and entirely devoted to the system. They were to replace the old chaotic, stubborn, free-willed and creative Homo Sapiens. But, nothing lasts forever. Eventually, the creatures turned against their masters. The people of Nowa Huta revolted and fought for freedom.

Join us and we will tell you the story of a heroic struggle of Polish workers, initiators of great strikes and protests that eventually started the fall of a Communist Block, and the beginnings of the biggest social movement of all times – Solidarity. All this in the surroundings of one of the best examples of an ideal communist city, which today, surprisingly, has so much to offer. 

During this tour, you will see:

• monumental Centralny (Central) Square – the heart of Nowa Huta
• the representative Avenue of Roses
• the site of the assassination attempt on the… statue of Lenin
• the most famous Kraków cross for which the proletariat fought
• ‘Ark of Lord’ church, a symbol of spiritual resistance of Catholic workers against the communist party, and modernist masterpiece
• and much more…!

A greatly enriching experience !

Damian was a fantastic guide and allowed us to learn a lot about the story of Nowa Huta, but also way more. He covered many topics, explaining us elements related to history, politics, architecture, religion, culture, very passionately and with a great sense of humor.

He was very attentive to the needs of the group a nd it was a very pleasing experience, time. I really recommend this visit to anyone interested to learn more about the communist past of Krakow !

Tour por Nova Huta un descubrimiento

No había oido de Nova Huta y fue un verdadero acierto. Una perspectiva distinta de una ciudad como Cracovia dada por un guía excelente, muy buen conocedor de la historia, como MAx. Un verdadero acierto

Imprescindible!

De la mà de la Victòria hem recorregut aquest barri/altre món de Cracòvia per descobrir un comunisme divers. Molt recomanable i amb unes explicacions interessants i amenes.

A brilliant experience

We’d never heard of Nowa Huta, so it was a wonderful surprise to hear all about it from the very friendly, amusing and very knowledgeable guide, Damien. Would highly recommend.

So interesting

We’d never heard of Nowa Huta so Damien’s tour was so interesting. Couldn’t recommend too highly.

Damien was incredibly knowledgeable and amusing. A great experience.

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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