Pomorska Street holds a special place in the city's history — in a modest tenement here there were basement cells and offices that during the occupation served as places of arrest and interrogation. Today the branch of the Museum of Krakow in this building preserves the memory of the victims, presenting an exhibition that tells the stories of Krakow residents during years of terror. It is a powerful, important place — a fitting start for a walk that combines history with lighter attractions nearby.
If you have about three hours and enjoy discovering a city on foot, you can reasonably combine a visit to Pomorska with one larger exhibition (for example at Schindler's Factory or MOCAK) and a short coffee or meal break in Zablocie. Below you will find a practical plan, tips and a few recommended spots to make your visit easier and more pleasant.
The Museum of Krakow branch "Ulica Pomorska" is an authentic place of memory — preserved basements, cells and documents form an exhibition focused on the period of German occupation and the early postwar years. The display is factual, moving and invites a moment of reflection.
Practical note: plan about 45-60 minutes for Pomorska. Admission is paid (there are reduced and family ticket options), and opening hours can be limited on weekdays - check current opening hours before you go.
A visit here fits well into a memory route: other nearby sites connected to the city's history can also be visited the same day.
Start: Pomorska Street (Pomorska 2). Visit the exhibition and cellars - 45-60 min. After leaving, take a moment at Plac Inwalidow to look at the surrounding urban fabric and monuments.
Next: walk to Zablocie and Schindler's Factory. The walk takes about 25-35 minutes depending on pace and stops. Schindler's Factory offers an extensive exhibition about Krakow during the occupation - a quick self-guided visit can be done in about 60 minutes, but allow more time if you want to see everything in detail.
Alternative: instead of Schindler's Factory you can choose MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) - it is very close, right on the Vistula riverbank; a short, selected visit takes about 45-60 minutes.
Finish: Zablocie is also a great place for a meal or coffee. We recommend the food hall or one of the well-rated cafes and restaurants in the area as a pleasant way to end the route.
Sample timing: 0:00-0:50 Pomorska, 0:50-1:20 walk to Zablocie, 1:20-2:20 visit Schindler's Factory (or 1:20-2:00 MOCAK), 2:20-3:00 food break and a short walk around Zablocie.
Pomorska Street - authentic basements, cells and an exhibition showing the mechanisms of repression and the stories of Krakow residents in 1939-1956. The exhibition is substantive and is often complemented by additional remembrance events.
Schindler's Factory - an expanded account of Krakow under occupation, housed in the original administrative building of the former factory. The exhibition mixes multimedia, photographs and objects that help understand the fate of the city and its inhabitants.
MOCAK - the Museum of Contemporary Art with temporary exhibitions presenting works by Polish and international artists. It offers a good contrast to historical sites of memory if you want to see Krakow's contemporary cultural scene.
Pharmacy Under the Eagle and the memory route - nearby you will also find other historic points that together form a local "memory route" related to the occupation and its aftermath.
Linden Hall (Lipowa) - a food hall with several vendors; a good choice when traveling in a group and everyone wants something different. Industrial atmosphere and a comfortable place for a longer break.
Sweet Surrender (cafe) - a pleasant spot for coffee and dessert, praised by visitors for quality and an intimate atmosphere.
Hi Sushi Zablocie and several local places offering international and regional cuisine - choose highly rated places, especially on weekends when tourist traffic increases.
Olimp Restaurant in the Zablocie Business Park complex is a practical option for a quick and tasty meal, particularly if you want a simple, well-served lunch.
If you prefer something local in a quieter setting, look for spots named "Zlote Serce" - the area also has small restaurants serving Ukrainian dishes and other regional options.
Check opening hours and ticketing in advance - some museum branches (including Pomorska) have limited opening days and hours, and popular exhibitions are worth booking online.
Wear comfortable shoes - the route is on foot and includes sections with different surfaces. In winter, dress appropriately for the cold.
Remember respect in places of memory - the exhibitions deal with difficult events; keep quiet, avoid loud behavior and follow photo rules (not all rooms allow photographs).
If you visit with children: plan shorter stops and snack breaks, as some exhibitions can be emotionally demanding.
Trying to "see everything" in a short time - it's better to choose 1-2 places and see them more carefully than to rush through many exhibitions.
Not booking popular museums - this can mean long queues or no availability at your preferred time.
Being unprepared for the emotional weight of historical exhibitions - set aside a moment to rest after visiting places of memory.
Poor planning for meals at weekends - if you want to eat at a popular spot, consider booking or arriving outside peak hours.
The building at Pomorska had a very different function before the war - it once housed a home and dormitory for youth from Silesia before becoming the seat of occupation authorities. This change of role adds another layer to the building's history.
In Zablocie modern investments sit next to old factories, creating an interesting architectural contrast: on one side places of memory, on the other galleries, cafes and trendy restaurants.
Look down and around for small commemorative plaques and local educational initiatives - Krakow has many subtle traces of history scattered across the city.
Is the route suitable for seniors? Yes, most places are reachable on foot and include short distances, but the Pomorska basements have stairs - check accessibility and conditions before visiting.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? For Schindler's Factory and some temporary exhibitions it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance; check current ticketing rules for Pomorska.
How much does Pomorska cost? The museum offers full-price and reduced tickets and family options - prices are updated from time to time, so check before your visit.
Can you visit with children? Yes, but keep in mind that historical exhibitions are serious in tone and require preparation and conversation with children.
If you liked this route idea, share it with friends - short, well-planned walks are a great way to see different faces of Krakow without rushing.
If you would like to explore this part of the city with someone who can add context, anecdotes and local stories, consider a private guided tour by Malgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This is a nice option if you want the route tailored to your interests.
Thank you for reading - enjoy your walk, interesting discoveries and a tasty break at the end of the route. If you want, I can prepare a step-by-step version of the route with a map or a short list of places to book before your trip.
