24903EAS
Morning city sightseeing of Kraków with a local guide
Sightseeing is mostly done on foot and will involve considerable amounts of walking. You will probably need the bus for visits to Kazimierz and the Jewish Ghetto area.
The tour will probably include most or all of (check expenses guide and vouchers for details):
- Wawel Castle and Cathedral (if with Sigismund Bell – a steep climb!)
- Walk through the Old Town to the Market Square (Rynek Glówny)
- The Old University Courtyard
- Explanation of Clothiers’ Hall
- St Mary’s Church (Mariacke) and Bugler
- Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
- Jewish Ghetto
You should include a toilet break at the Castle (free of charge) before heading down the hill to the Old Town. Arrange with your guide to finish at St Mary’s at an appropriate time to catch the bugler. Give free time suggestions, distribute maps and make sure the group knows how to return to the hotel. Alternatively arrange a time to meet them if they are unsure. There is absolutely no shortage of places to eat in the Old Town. Clothiers’ Hall is an excellent place for gifts, amber, woodcarvings etc.
Churches are closed for visitors on Sunday. You may want to substitute the visit to the cathedral with a visit to one of the synagogues in Kazimierz. The Rehuh Synagogue is best to visit. There are also very good (pierogi) restaurants on Szeroka (the main square in Kazimierz).
Schindler’s Factory is located in an almost abandoned industrial area. There is a new museum of Jewish life there, but it is not suitable for large groups and the building has virtually nothing of its original features. You can however pass by for a photo stop on your way to the salt mines if the group is particularly keen and the mines are included as an afternoon activity.
Evening activities
Kraków is an extremely lively city filled with lots of young people (especially students) at night. There are many good bars, pubs and clubs.
However, despite the smoking-ban it is not unusual to find smoking illegally and venues turning a blind eye to this.
Under 18-years old may not be able to enter jazz clubs. One exception to this rule: Harris Piano Jazz Bar, Market Square. There may be an entrance fee depending on who is playing.
In summer, there are many street performers on the Market Square and it is perfectly possible and safe to send students off to explore in small groups if the Group Leader is happy with this. There are also plenty of good ice cream shops etc. Make a convenient meeting point such as outside the Hard Rock Café, next to St Mary’s Church, to take the group back to the hotel.
An alternative excellent place to visit in the evening is Kazimierz, the former Jewish area, if the group has not already done so. It is a good 20-minute walk or so from the Old Town and there is a lively atmosphere of trendy restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs, alongside the slightly haunted historic feel of the area. Klezmer music is widely available, although this is often in restaurants where dining is required. Check with the hotel reception for details.
You may well have a dinner with folklore entertainment during your stay. This will last longer than a regular dinner, of course.
Do check the local listings as there may be concerts, films and shows of interest.