Ghosts & Crimes: Macabre Kraków
Dark legends and crime in Kraków’s Old Town. We cover ghosts and urban legends, medieval torture and the executioner’s trade, and factual 20th‑century serial killers. We stop by former punishment sites, a haunted palace and a monastery gate, ending on Kanonicza Street.
Basic Information
Total time
1h 20m
Language
English, Polish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Payment options: Cash, Digital Payment. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €15 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Between St. Florian´s Gate and Barbican Nearest public transport: Stary Kleparz 01 tram stop; Teatr Słowackiego 02 tram stop
Ending point
Kanonicza Street Nearest public transport: Wawel tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Krakow guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour suitable for people with reduced mobility and strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Every city has its dark secrets and Kraków is no exception. Come with us and we will tell you stories that will make your hair stand on end…
During the walk through the streets of Old Town you will hear about Krakow’s Lady In Black and other ghosts and urban legends. You will find out about some of the instruments of torture used here in dark medieval times. Your blood will run cold when we will unveil the secrets around the executioner’s profession and you will have a chance to feel a hangman’s noose tightening around your neck. At the gates of a monastery you will hear a story straight from a Gothic romance — for forbidden love, there must be a severe punishment. And last but not least, you will hear the historically factual tales about brutal serial killers that terrorised Kraków in the 20th century.
Join us… this time only if you dare!
Final point: Kanonicza Street
Highlights
- 1
St. Florian's Gate and Barbican
These medieval fortifications, consisting of a gate and a circular barbican, are a key part of Krakow's defensive history and a magnificent example of Gothic military architecture.
- 2
Krzysztofory Palace
Hear chilling tales of Kraków’s famous Lady in Black and other ghoulish stories that haunt the city.
- 3
Rynek Glowny Central Square
Discover the gruesome instruments of torture and harsh punishments used during the city's darkest medieval times. Unveil the grim secrets of the executioner's profession and learn how public executions were carried out.
- 4
Wyspianski Pavillon
Hear a tragic tale of forbidden love and severe punishment that unfolded at a local monastery.
- 5
Florianska Street
Learn the true, brutal stories of the serial killers who terrorised Kraków in the modern era.
- 6
Palace of Wielopolski Family
Visit the site of a real haunted palace and listen to the eerie stories of its ghostly residents.
FAQ
Map
Between St. Florian´s Gate and Barbican Nearest public transport: Stary Kleparz 01 tram stop; Teatr Słowackiego 02 tram stop
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Our customers said about us
Krakow
Isabelle4.8.2026
Krakow
Edyta31.7.2026
Krakow
Elisa25.7.2026
It was an amazing, fun and different Way of learning about the City. Very recomendable if you are travelling with teenagers and if you are Lucky enough to do It with Big Tom you will enjoy It doppelt seeing how he manages to have everyone on board hearing to the amazing creepy stories ;o)
Krakow
Alex24.7.2026
Very interesting and not ordinary tour . We enjoyed the perspective that Tomasz showed us about Krakow. He is very easy going and knowledgeable guy. It was fun to take part in his tour!
Krakow
Claire16.7.2026
Krakow
Stella12.7.2026
Super interesting night macabre tour
This was my 3rd Walkative tour in 2 days and i loved it. Walking tours led by locals I think are the best way to get to know a location as quickly as possible hearing about fun facts and history. I learnt many fascinating guelish facts about Krakow and its sparked by interest to read up on the relevant characters who were featured in the walk. From the vampires to the serial killers, to what it must have been like working and living as the city's executioner. Some super intresting details. And I got to see the other side of the old town that I hadn't seen before. And a 2nd time to wave the trumpeter at St Mary's basillica. Thanks so much Walkative. I love what you do.
Krakow
Milda9.7.2026
Kraków’s legends come alive
We joined Jacek’s tour about Kraków’s darker legends, and it was such a unique experience. A windy, autumn-like evening in Kraków, mysterious stories, and the city’s hidden corners created the perfect atmosphere. Jacek brought these legends to life with a great balance of light humor and gentle scares, and his storytelling made the whole experience truly memorable. He clearly knows this topic inside out and knows exactly how to keep everyone engaged. Highly recommended if you want to see a different, more mysterious side of Kraków.
