Krakow Old Town & Wawel Castle Walking Tour Highlights

Summary

Walk Krakow’s cobbled streets to Wawel Castle with stories, legends, and laughter

You’ll join locals in Krakow’s lively main square, follow your guide through Old Town’s winding streets, snack on fresh pretzels by Cloth Hall Market, and climb up to Wawel Castle for sweeping views and quiet moments inside its cathedral. Expect laughter, legends (yes—dragons), and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

You’re standing in Krakow’s main square, right under those spiky towers of St. Mary’s Basilica — honestly, I was still half-awake when I spotted the blue City Walks umbrella. The square was just waking up too: pigeons everywhere, a couple of flower sellers setting up, and that weirdly sweet smell from the bakeries drifting over. Our guide, Marta, waved us over with this big grin and got us moving before I could even finish my coffee. She started off with a story about the trumpeter (the one who plays every hour — you’ll hear it) and I tried to pronounce “hejnał” but totally failed. Marta laughed and said everyone does.

We wandered through Krakow Old Town, past the Barbican and those thick medieval walls — you can actually run your hand along them if you want. There’s something about old stone that just feels cold even on a warm day. Marta told us about Copernicus at Jagiellonian University; she pointed out a window where he supposedly stared at the stars (maybe). At one point we stopped for a minute near Cloth Hall Market because someone in our group wanted to try obwarzanek (those chewy pretzels). I bought one too — salty, soft, kind of addictive if I’m honest.

The walk up to Wawel Castle is steeper than it looks in photos — maybe it was just me huffing a bit after all those carbs. The castle grounds are huge, all pale stone and green lawns with school kids running around. Inside Wawel Cathedral it got quiet suddenly; the air smelled like candles and old wood. Marta explained how Polish kings were crowned there but also threw in a story about the Krakow Dragon that made everyone laugh (I won’t spoil it). We finished near Bishop’s Palace where Pope John Paul II used to live — people still leave flowers outside his window sometimes.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to these places after just a few hours walking around with strangers. There’s something about hearing real stories while you’re right there that sticks with you — I still think about that view back down toward the river from the castle wall. Anyway, if you’re in Krakow for even half a day, this walking tour is worth it… just wear comfy shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle

• Meet at St Mary's Basilica towers
• Visit St Mary's Basilica and hear trumpeter story
• Walk through Krakow Old Town architecture
• Visit Jagiellonian University and learn about Copernicus
• See Bishop's Palace, former home of Pope John Paul II
• Enter Wawel Castle grounds with guide
• Explore Wawel Royal Palace and Cathedral

Top questions

Where does the Krakow Old Town & Wawel Castle walking tour start?

The tour meets in front of St Mary's Basilica in Krakow's main square under the blue 'City Walks Krakow' umbrella.

How long is the walking tour of Krakow Old Town?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours at a moderate pace covering main sights between Old Town and Wawel Castle.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Do I need to pay in advance for this Krakow walking tour?

You pay a small booking fee online; at the end of the tour you contribute whatever amount you choose directly to your guide.

What sites are included on this Krakow walking tour?

You’ll see St Mary’s Basilica, Barbican, medieval city walls, Cloth Hall Market, Jagiellonian University, Bishop's Palace, Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral.

Is lunch included during this Old Town & Wawel Castle tour?

No lunch is included but there are opportunities to buy snacks like obwarzanek pretzels along the route.

Will we enter inside Wawel Castle on this tour?

You’ll enter the castle grounds and see its Renaissance palace exterior as well as visit Wawel Cathedral with your guide.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide right by St Mary’s Basilica in Krakow’s main square before setting off through Old Town’s historic streets. You’ll visit highlights like Barbican Gate, Jagiellonian University, Cloth Hall Market for snacks if you wish, then continue up to explore both the grounds of Wawel Royal Castle and its cathedral together—all at an easygoing pace before ending near Bishop's Palace. No extra tickets needed; just bring comfortable shoes and curiosity.