Krakow Bike Tour

Every European city has a unique charm and Krakow is no exception, the best thing is that it is a destination that can be comfortably toured by bicycle. This type of experience cannot be missing in your vacation, as it adds excitement and allows you to maximize your time and save exhausting walks.

When it comes to choosing you will find different types of tours, some take you to the central perimeter, where the Jewish quarter and the old town are hidden. You can also explore the Polish countryside whose lakes, ruins and forests will transport you to an enchanted atmosphere. You can join some of the best things to do in Krakow such as gastronomic tastings, visit the communist quarter and reach the Tantra Mountains.

Krakow has many attractions to enjoy, so it is worth considering an experience aboard a bicycle. This way, you will be able to reach dozens of places of interest, which are exhausting to reach on foot. While pedaling you will be able to move without limits in the green lung of the city, known as Planty Park, where this kind of experience is a must.

Get ready for all there is to see and do in the surroundings of Krakow by bike, like enjoying a stop at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle construction. Here it is possible to visit the Krakow Castle which was the first residence of Polish royalty, thus housing royal apartments, state rooms, exhibits with precious jewels and artifacts from the Middle Ages. It is also home to the Wawel Cathedral, one of the main local churches; the John Paul II Cathedral Museum and the Dragon Cave, a grotto full of mysteries and legends.

Of course, the best time to travel to the city and take advantage of this experience is in summer. Following the usual route of this kind of tour, you will reach the terraces, bourgeois houses and palaces that surround the largest medieval market square in Europe. Other sights to see include St. Mary's Basilica and the Kazimierz quarter. Please note that this is generally a shared experience with a tour group of at least 25 people, ideal for meeting new people.

Interesting details

• Price: from 26 € per person.
• Duration: approximately four hours.
• Advantages: it usually includes professional guidance and bike rental, you will only have to dedicate yourself to enjoy.
• Disadvantages: if you are planning things to do in Krakow with children, you should know that the bikes are only suitable for a height over 128 cm.

Getting to know the city with other people is always an enriching experience, however you will depend on a group and the itinerary is usually predetermined. If you want to get to know the most authentic side of this city and take advantage of the best activities in Krakow, I recommend you to evaluate a private bike tour.

Travel back in time and enjoy the main locations, while soaking up the history and culture with a local expert. You can make the most of your time and explore the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, or explore the old town to marvel at its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. During the tour you may discover local stories and legends, and in some cases you can request a visit to sites you are looking forward to.

Details of interest

• Price: from 80 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Advantages: generally, you will enjoy the personalized attention of an expert guide, as only your group will participate.
• Disadvantages: must be booked in advance, as these types of experiences are easily sold out. In addition, they are more expensive due to the personalization of the service.

In case of a family or friends trip, the best option to get to know Krakow by bike is a tour designed for small groups. It is a personalized experience, but more economical than private tours. Generally, you will have three hours to enjoy the architectural beauty of this city, whose Eastern European mix is tattooed on every corner.

It usually includes a local guide, who will point out the points of interest. Keep an eye out for details in the Old Town, where you can pedal through the Lonja de Paños, a small street lined with souvenir stores.

You'll also witness the beauty of the Old Town Hall Tower, the opulence of the Market Square surrounded by colorful buildings and the solemnity of St. Mary's Basilica. You are likely to reach the oldest synagogue in Poland and make a stop in Krakow's Jewish Quarter.

Details of interest

• Price: from 31 € per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Advantages: it is an excellent way to exercise during the vacations.
• Disadvantages: they wear out quickly, and it is not recommended during rainy days.

To save yourself the effort of walking or pedaling, I suggest you consider a segway tour. It is an option very similar to a bicycle, with the difference that it is an electric vehicle that is controlled by the driver's balance. In fact, some of the best guided tours of Krakow's Jewish quarter are conducted aboard this ingenious self-balancing device.

You can focus on discovering the secrets and best activities of the Jewish quarter, where you will find points of interest such as the Remuh Jewish Cemetery, the Tempel Synagogue or Wolnica Square. The best thing is that you don't need experience, before getting on it is common to receive a brief introduction on how to use the segway and at all times it is likely to have the company of a local guide.

This type of experience makes the difference, as they usually offer a tasting of typical Polish sweets, if you select it in your reservation.

Interesting details

• Price: from 46 € per person.
• Duration: about two hours.
• Advantages: usually includes training to use the segway.
• Disadvantages: not suitable for pregnant women, travelers with heart conditions or other serious medical problems.

Krakow's communist past is preserved in Nowa Huta, a suburb that recalls the local Soviet history. The bike tours offer a multi-sensory experience that takes you on a ride through traditions, gastronomy, exhibitions and preserved sites. Generally, the route starts in the center and as you approach this neighborhood you will get a glimpse of a former air base, where you can now visit the Aviation Museum.

You will have the opportunity to visit the Church of Our Lady, which is shaped like a ship and is one of the main local churches. Another regular stop is the heart of this area which is notable for the period residential areas, surrounded by cinemas and old theaters. Highlights include the milk bar and the former Vladimir Lenin steel factory. Note that this experience can be combined with a private tour of the Nowa Huta neighborhood aboard a classic communist car.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 € per person.
• Duration of the tour: approximately four hours.
• Advantages: usually includes a guide.
• Disadvantages: it does not usually include meals, as you need to recharge your batteries I suggest you take a look at the best restaurants to eat in Krakow that are located in the area.

Cycling takes energy, so there's nothing better than combining a bike tour of Krakow with a Polish food tasting. Stop by Krakow 's best restaurants and tour the main markets to immerse yourself in the culinary culture. It usually starts in the center through cobblestone streets that hide a rich historical and cultural heritage.

This can be an eye opener that will encourage you to get into the best gastronomic tours in Krakow. You are likely to try obwarzanek, known to be a type of bread doughnut that is a local classic, you will also feel an explosion of flavors with oscypek, a traditional smoked cheese. Of course, there's nothing better than tasting Polish sausages in the middle of Poland. There is even sometimes a vodka tasting, usually made in the city.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration of the trip: about two and a half hours.
• Advantages: you will be able to taste traditional dishes and visit authentic restaurants.
• Disadvantages: this type of tour sells out quickly.

The beauty of this Polish city is not limited to its interior; the activities around Krakow also deserve a place on your itinerary. Your helmet and a bicycle can take you on a journey that begins along the Vistula River, which winds its way through the countryside. Just a forty-minute pedal ride will bring you to the magical town of Tyniec.

The ride may seem a bit long, but you'll hardly notice the time as you see towering forests, ruined fortresses and glittering lakes, making the scenery unbeatable. Generally, a stop is made to try Polish snacks and recharge your batteries. The highlight of this corner is the Tyniec Abbey, a monastery where rituals are performed every day. Note that you must cover your shoulders to enter.

Nearby you'll find plenty of entertainment options, such as learning about life in the 11th century, tasting tea or Polish wine, and popping into stores selling monk-made treats. On the way back, marvel at the views of the Polish countryside, visit the former area where John Paul II worked and appreciate the cliffs from the hill.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 € per person.
• Duration: approximately four hours. The bike ride from Krakow to Tyniec is at least forty minutes by bike, but you can shorten the time by car, cab or public transport if you have any health difficulties.
• Advantages: leave the tourist hustle and bustle behind and take in the best secret spots in Krakow. In addition, it usually includes a special trekking bike, which will make pedaling easier.
• Disadvantages: It is not suitable for travelers with heart conditions or other serious medical problems. In fact, participants must be in average physical condition.

When arriving in Krakow most tourists rush to the most emblematic places, but miss the real charm of the city. This type of experience takes you to the less touristy areas within the city, at a calm and leisurely pace. Pedal along the Vistula River, take postcard photographs and learn stories of World War II.

You will also have access to one of the main must-see churches in Krakow, known as the Skalka Basilica. Jewish life has a great history in this city, so you are likely to pass through the old Jewish ghetto Podgorze. Near sunset climb up to the city' s observation decks and take advantage of the panoramic views.

Details of interest

• Price: from 30 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Advantages: it is a gentle tour, so most people can participate in the experience.
• Disadvantages: generally only available in English, Polish and Dutch.

The most adventurous tour is undoubtedly the one up the Tatra Mountains. It is ideal for adventurers and is an unforgettable cycling experience. Of course, cycling all the way is crazy and is only recommended for professionals. There are usually tours to the Tatra Mountains and their hot springs from Krakow that include a trained driver who will get you there in good time, approximately less than three hours.

Leaving the city allows you to escape the hustle and bustle and get some fresh air, upon arrival you can explore the ski capital of Poland known as Zakopane, where it is ideal to hop on a traditional or electric bike. Along the way you will see traditional wooden houses, meet locals and have the opportunity to sample local delicacies. When you reach the foundations of the mountain you can choose to continue by bike or by funicular, depending on your physical ability. Of course, at the heights the views of the mountain range are breathtaking.

Details of interest

• Price: from 220 € per person.
• Duration: about ten hours, the trip takes approximately two hours and forty minutes.
• Advantages: usually includes pick up and return to your accommodation, as well as the ticket for the funicular to the mountain.
• Disadvantages: It is one of the most expensive options.

• Choose a reliable company and check what is included, I recommend you to prefer those complete itineraries that take you to experience the best things to do in Krakow.
• In case of renting on your own, make sure you choose the right bike. For example, for mountainous areas it is best to opt for trekking bikes.
• Take a waterproof jacket or clothing suitable for the weather, as well as comfortable sneakers.
• Do not engage in this type of activity if you have a delicate health problem.
• Usethe helmet you will be given, it can save you from accidents and fines.
• Follow the traffic rules and use the bike lanes.
• Stay hydrated during the tour, make stops to eat and rest.