About Us

Brave, independent, witty, flamboyant, sweet, local. Those who've changed tourist market in Kraków.




I come from Czarna D±brówka, a small town in the north of Poland, around 100 km west of Gdańsk and 50 km from the Baltic Sea. I came to Kraków in 2004 to study.

I'm still in progres of finishing my MA in psychology on the Jagiellonian University. :)



My interests are linked to my study, psychology, but also with things often mentioned during our tours – history, cinema, music, history of art, sport, economy and even politics, which I have to be interested in, being a child of members of two different political parties:) Generally, due to my faculty, I have a very methodological approach and I would like to measure everything and get an honest feedback.:) Also, I love dancing, but with age my musical taste becomes more and more picky. At the moment I prefer music from the 60s/70s/80s, so if You also like it, we may meet somewhere on a dancefloor in Kraków.




Kraków is in my opinion the most remarkable city in Poland. On the one hand, it’s so popular that it’s almost boring, on the other it is fascinating how many areas of the city are still undiscovered by the tourists and even the citizens of the city itself. I had a chance to guide people 50+ who lived in Kraków all their lifes and they were amazed, so my passion is finding such unexplored places and share my knowledge with anybody, regardless of the time they spent in Kraków.


For a very long time I’ve been interested in history, although I never wanted to study, as I don’t see myself being a history teacher. But history claimed me anyway, because I settled in the most interesting (according to me and The Guardian) part of Kraków – in Podgórze. Following the advice of the local society www.podgorze.pl , I explored the district and then decided to do a course to become a tour-guide to extend my knowledge of the city even further. So actually, I became a sort of a teacher, but my students are mostly adults and only those willing;)



I would have one final request – please comment our tours, send us messages with Your own suggestions. Your honest opinions will help us improve the tour to make it even better!:) See You on the tour! :)

Paweł Mrozowicz
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I was born Krakowian, but raised in the mountains due south, so I’m a true highlander, which means my favourite type of weather for the tour is rain&cold:P Got back to Krakow for high school and stayed since, so I consider myself a local;)

I have a so-called "broad education", which means I studied three faculties and never finished any;) I continue my education in an unofficial way, travelling every winter for 3-4 months, so if You happen to come to Kraków at that time, unfortunately I'll miss You:( I also have a knack for learning languages, even a few sentences, so don't be surprised if I start to babble in some strange and uncouth dialect from time to time;)



I have no idea how and why I decided to become a tour-guide... but once I did, I knew I found my place on Earth at lastJ People always complained I talk too much, in this job I can simply be myself:P I also like history and monuments... but most of all, I love meeting new people from all over the world!!! And now I have the opportunity to meet them every day, from all corners of the planet and from all walks of life.



Krakow... I could go on for hours on end how much I love the city and what for... but I think it’s best if You come and see it for Yourself, experience its unique atmosphere and explore all the interesting places. Then we will understand each other without words:)

In my free time... well, I love dancing! I’m a total 80’s disco freak, so at least once a week I have to dance for several hours:) I also enjoy meeting new people and sitting down with them for a beer (or two... or three... etc;)) and just talk about anything that comes to mindJ Sometimes, in order to slow down a bit, I read a book or play some strategy games, but most of the time my world is simply spinning too fast;)



... Sometimes, in order to slow down a bit, I read a book or play some strategy games, but most of the time my world is simply spinning too fast;)
Did I mention I like beer? Good!:)
Well, my dear Ladies&Gentlemen...
See You in Krakow during our Free Walking Tour!!!:)

Maciej Osika vel Maciek





My name is Piotrek, although everybody calls me Lechu. I am genuinely Krakowian and through a mysterious set of events I study law, despite always being in mathematical classes. Obviously, the mother of all sciences figured out that I will not become a second Einstein;)




Hobby? If not for the exam session every half a year, I’d say that studying (or rather the student life) is my hobby. Besides, it’s also Role-Playing Games. And no, I don’t speak Klingonian. No, I’m no geek or a nerd. Yes, I know how a girl looks like. I just like those darn RPGs!;)

Kraków to me is first of all a student city which never sleeps, being full of life. I think nobody needs being told that what cannot be done, a student can do during the exam session – that’s why I love this city, because impossible here is nothing:)



I became a tour-guide because everybody wants to know a bit more about their own place of birth, so did I. Besides, probably most people would like a guy who knows where the cheapest beer in the city is;)


During the tour, I try especially to show You the atmosphere of Krakow, which is something that will make You want to stay one more day... and another... and another...:)

Piotr Lechowski vel Lechu
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I am originally from Nowy Targ, a town near Zakopane, so it means I am a genuine Highlander. You can check my “highlandish” skills, as I used to sing and dance in an ensemble and was doing pretty well!:)



I graduated from Jewish Studies at the Iagiellonian University, so besides being a guide I also work at the Jewish Galicia Museum. I can honestly say that Kazimierz and the “Jewish stuff” is my passion.


I like what most of You do – good books (especially adventure), cinema, music, dancing (absolutely!), mould cheese and wine; and as a proper Polish person – vodka (from time to time).
To me, Krakow is a beautiful city which You can discover anew all the time. I especially like it in autumn, even when it rains, it has the most charm at that time. The only thing I dislike about it are the pigeons. Please forgive me, but I am just a bit afraid of them...


I wanted to become a tour-guide out of passion for exploring Krakow d meeting new people. I am looking forward to every tour with You (unless it is –30 and I have a sore throat;))



I hope You will enjoy Your time with me, I will do my best to infuse You with my enthusiasm and love for the city.

Małgorzata Fus vel Gosia
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We wanted to know more about Chris, so we arranged a meeting and we did a short interview...
- When were you born?
- On 19th of may '82. In Cracow of course.
- And what happened then?
- You are asking about my life? Well... school, another one, and one more. Then Academy, Uni... Just a boring stuff, nothing special.
- OK. Now tell us what do you do in your free time?
- I love books, all kinds (even cookbooks)... Listening to the music,especially hard rock and progressive rock music (here comes a list of boys bands that I really like: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd... and a lot more). Travelling. Usually in the winter time. I hate winter in Poland.


- Are you a student?
- Yes, i'm studying History of art, at the Uni.
- Do you mean Jagiellonian University?
- Yes, in Cracow we have only one REAL UNIVERSITY.
- How would you describe Cracow, but only in five words?
- Well... Crowded, small, magical, beautiful, small.
- Why did you say "small" twice?
- Because, it's a really small city...


-So if it's small, i guess it's easy to be the guide in Cracow.
-I wouldn't say that. Generally speaking, training is long but nice and you can learn a lot about the place. State exam is a problem,but... I don't want to talk about the exam. Why I'm doing it? I enjoy working with other people... Every group is one big surprise, you never know who's going to be in it. That's really cool.
- When did you start working as a guide?



- Five years ago in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. I'm a local guide in the Mine. In 2006 I passed the state exam and I became a Tour Leader. So now I can work with organised groups not only in the Mine. Last year I got through another state exam and then I started working as a City Guide in Cracow.
- What is your personal motto?
- F*ck political corectness. Any questions??
- What are your plans for the future?
- I hope I become a historian eventually. I think that for next few years I'll be working in Cracow as a guide. Then... well nobody knows what future will bring.
- How can we get to know more about you?
- It's easy, you have to show up at 11 am, in front of the St. Mary's Church.

Krzysztof Suszkiewicz vel Krzysiek (Chris)
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Hi! I’m Dorota (Dorothy in English-if You read or saw Dorothy and The Wizard in Oz, You know my name ;)). I come from Brzesko originally, small town about 50 km from Kraków. I moved to Kraków in 2006 to study here and of course to be a tour guide in this lovely city. I still study here at the oldest university in Poland, Jagiellonian University. History of my education is a bit… complicated, I would say. I studied Polish language and literature first. I chose that faculty for the simple reason that I love books. Apparently, it wasn’t that, because I gave it up in one year. So then I began with my second faculty, which is applied psychology. When I was on my third year of psychology I started with another studies, rehabilitation. So now I hope that next year, 2012, I will graduate from my studies.



Although, I didn’t continue my first studies, I still love reading almost all genres except fantasy and love stories ;) I won’t be very original if I say that I also love cinema. Especially movies which plot run in the roaring twenties and thirties- that’s the best period in my opinion- like Once Upon a Time in America or TV serial Boardwalk Empire. In my spare time I try to do some exercise- I’m a big fun of roller skating.



Some people say that Kraków is the most Polish city and you must see it if you visit Poland. I think that Kraków is the most beautiful city in Poland. That city never sleeps! Maybe it is not as big as New York, but you can’t be bored here, there is always something to do.



Why I became a tour guide? It’s simple. I was always interested in history, history of art and culture issue and I also wanted to work with people. I think that being a tour guide is just perfect for me, because it enables me to combine both things.



Enjoy Kraków! If you want to do it with me, let’s meet at St. Mary’s Church ;)

Dorota Damasiewicz vel Dorota
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My full Polish name is Aleksandra, but I don't really like it because it doesn't suit my personality at all. ( I think this name is very formal and serious ). Fortunately in Poland we have a short nickname for me- "Ola", and it is very easy to remember because it is almost like the word "hi" in Spanish :):) I think it suites me the best because it is fun and cheerful like me :) I was born and raised in Krakow . I'm 23 years old and currently studying at Ignatianum Academy in Krakow. I am at my first year of Culture Studies , but hopefully next year I will start a 2nd course about Far East culture which I have a huge interest in.



My hobbies ? Hard to say, I have too many :):) I love to dance, read, watch basketball games ( we have a female basketball team here in Krakow which is the Polish champion - Lucky me ! :) and I am addicted to TV shows too. I also have a huge interest in Far East culture especially the Japanese. Someday i will travel to Japan and learn to speak Japanese fulently ( so far i know only some basics ) and i will finally find my samurai :). That's the plan !
My big passion is travelling too, but so far I haven't been to too many places. ( western Balkans, Slovakia, Austria, and few others )


What is Krakow to me ? It is my home, the place i will always come back to no matter what. I am not a tour guide so I am not very interested in historical aspects of the city, I love it more for its beauty and amazing, unique atmosphere. ( Visit Warsaw ! I dare you and you will see what I mean :) )



Why did I decide to work for Free walking tour copmany ? I was desperate for money :) Just kidding. I have been working in tourist business for the past 5 years and i have to admit i really enjoyed it. Helping people to experience Krakow and Polish culture is very rewarding for me. So feel free to e-mail me or call me, i will be more than glad to help you as Krakow's Free Walking Tour Customer Advisor.


Aleksandra Smaga vel Ola
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Been born in Kraków, raised partially in Roztocze Region at the border with Ukraine, where all my family comes from and fascinated by British culture and especially music: I feel very Polish and also quite British at the same time. Ask me anything about The Beatles or Oasis anytime! :)

I study European Relations (which comprises mostly law, sociology and economics of the European Union) and History (that is my passion) - I'm on course to finishing these 2 Master Degrees - hopefully in 2012 ;)




I'm interested in music, writing songs, playing guitar (or ukulele), singing, cycling, history, sport (Formula 1, hence one of the pics with Ayrton Senna's Lotus), languages, geography, physics, politics, laughing, smiling. Well the latter sums it all up pretty nicely :)

It may not be the biggest, most beautiful, oldest or richest city in the world. May not. But Kraków is just the place in the world that I can call my friend :)




Why tour guide? Well definitely maybe because I love this city? Or maybe because I'm quite shy and wanted to beat it? Or maybe because I love meeting new people during the tours? Don't know, but I'm glad I am one :)


This is how my friend once described me (she actually put it on WikiPaedia, soon after it was removed, but still) - so not my opinion:
"Dardaism (from Polish "Darda") is an antonym of pessimism. Philosophy of life, pioneered by Tomek Darda, well-known Cracovian optimist. Dardaism features positive approach to life and unrestrained happiness about all aspects of everyday life.
Dardaists love the world around seeing it as friendly and colourful. They value friendliness and kindness of the others. They tend to be thankful even for not-so-positive happenings, which can occur on the way.
They feel good in both natural environment and urban hubbub. They spend most of their time focusing on their biggest passions: music, history and languages."
Oh well.
See you soon and live forever :)

Tomek "Tolo" Darda
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I am from ¦wiebodzin. It’s a small town in western Poland. And yes, we have gigantic statue of Jesus there.
I came to Kraków to study sociology at the Jagiellonian University. That took me a while and I decided to stay here afterwards.


Kraków is a special place to me. From where I come from, almost everything is… let’s say borrowed from Germans and everybody is a child or a grandchild of a refugee. In Kraków, on the other hand, almost every stone remembers past centuries. This is just amazing that You have so much history and tradition in one place, that wasn’t moved or destroyed.

My love for Kraków was growing gradually. First, I studied here. Then I got to know the people and pay attention to the buildings. Stories started to pop up from every corner. Finally I decided to take it to a new level by doing a tourist guide course and becoming a guide.



Good thing about being a guide in your city is that you become open to the new things you didn't even know were there and appreciate them. Another advantage is that it is almost as good as travelling itself. You spend time with people from around the world, having great time. You assume their perspective, looking at the city and sharing your knowledge with them. At the same time they, by asking questions, show you new ways of looking at the city . Pretty much that's why I became a guide.


I like nothing more than a good story being told, no matter who is telling it. I am a great fan of audiobooks . One week it can be George R. R. Martin and the other lectures on Jewish Mysticism. In autumn I love picking up mushrooms in nearby forests. Each year I also try to grow tomatoes on my balcony but they always come as sun-dried ones :).

I can’t wait to meet You and show You around Royal Capital City of Poland.

Jakub Janeczko vel Jakub

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