Yes — you can see these two important sites in Kraków without spending a fortune if you plan ahead and use a few reliable tricks. This guide gives concrete tips about tickets, days with reduced or free entry, times that are convenient for visiting, and suggestions for what to do nearby after the exhibitions. It’s written in a friendly tone with practical information both for first-time visitors to Kraków and for people returning after years.
Schindler's Factory is one of Kraków’s most-visited exhibitions — the display tells the story of city life under occupation and the fate of those saved by Schindler. Visiting usually takes about 1.5–2 hours, so allow a comfortable time window in your daily plan.
In 2025 tickets can be in high demand, especially during the high season and on weekends — it’s best to buy tickets online through the museum’s official system or plan your visit during less popular hours. Beware of intermediaries and resellers — tickets bought outside official channels are often more expensive and can cause problems at the entrance.
Good news for budget seekers: during events such as Night of Museums many museums, including Schindler’s Factory, often offer symbolic entry fees (for example a few zloty) or special shortened entries. If you visit Kraków in May, check the Night of Museums programme.
It’s also useful to know that the museum plans changes to its ticketing system from 2026 — for example a longer online presale window and additional rules intended to improve ticket availability. If you are planning travel for next year, make sure to check the current rules with the organiser before your trip.
The Ethnographic Museum (branch at Wolnica Square) has visitor-friendly hours: it is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission around 17:30. On Mondays it is often closed — a common trap for unprepared visitors.
Tuesday is the day when the Ethnographic Museum’s permanent exhibition is often available free of charge — a great opportunity to see the collection without spending money. Temporary exhibitions usually have reduced prices on Tuesdays, but rules can vary, so check the current programme before you go.
The museum also organises special “quiet hours” (for example on Wednesday afternoons) — a good time for visitors who prefer a calmer visit. Bookings for groups and information about guided tours are best made by phone or email, especially if you plan to come with a guide or a school group.
Buy tickets from official sources — this is the first and most reliable way to avoid inflated prices from intermediaries. Check the museum website or official city channels.
Use days with lower fees: Tuesdays at the Ethnographic Museum and special events (Night of Museums, open days) often offer very favourable financial conditions. Night of Museums usually takes place in May and gives the chance to visit many institutions more cheaply on a single evening.
Plan outside peak times: early mornings or late afternoons (after 16:00) tend to be less crowded, and at the ticket offices you may find last-minute places even when the online system shows sold out. Keep in mind some ticket desks accept only a limited number of visitors and that entering after buying on-site may require waiting in a short queue.
If you travel on a tight budget, consider a walking route combining several free or low-cost places — for example a walk around Kazimierz, a visit to the market at Plac Nowy, and seeing the Ethnographic Museum’s permanent exhibition on a Tuesday.
Morning: start early at Schindler's Factory — the first entries are calmer, and the visit takes about 1.5–2 hours. After the exhibition enjoy a light meal around Kazimierz.
Afternoon: wander through Kazimierz — its streets, synagogues and atmospheric cafés. If you still want to visit the Ethnographic Museum, plan it for late afternoon (entry before closing) or on another day that’s a Tuesday when the permanent exhibition is often free.
Evening: enjoy local dining — Kazimierz and the Old Town offer many well-rated places to eat. If there’s a cultural event nearby, consider attending — concerts and small exhibitions frequently take place in the same neighbourhoods.
Around Schindler’s Factory and in Kazimierz you’ll find many highly-rated spots — a few tried-and-true suggestions are: Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in Kazimierz), Charlotte - Chleb i Wino (breakfasts and baked goods, close to the Market Square), Cafe Camelot (a cosy café in the Old Town) and Massolit Books & Café (for book lovers and good coffee).
If you fancy ice cream or something to take away, the Good Lood chain in Kraków has very positive reviews. For an evening with local beer, check specialist pubs and craft bars in the Kazimierz area — choose places with recent good ratings.
When choosing a place to eat, follow ratings and guest reviews — the highest rated venues usually combine good food with friendly service. Avoid eating in the first touristy place right on the Market Square if you want authentic cuisine at a reasonable price.
Arriving on a Monday hoping to visit many museums — many institutions are closed on Mondays, so always check opening hours before you go.
Buying tickets from intermediaries or auction sites — this risks overpaying or receiving an invalid ticket. Use museums’ official sales channels.
Not checking changes in the ticketing system — in 2025–2026 various modifications to presales and entry rules were introduced. Always glance at the museum’s official page before your trip.
An overly tight schedule — Schindler’s Factory and the Ethnographic Museum require time, and travel plus food breaks also take time. Allow enough buffer between entries so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
How much time should I allow? — Schindler's Factory: 1.5–2 hours; Ethnographic Museum: 1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
Can I take photos? — In many museums photography without flash is allowed; some rooms may have restrictions. Observe signs and staff requests when you enter.
Are there discounts? — Yes: pupils, students, seniors and carers often have reduced prices. Some museums offer free or cheaper entry days for permanent exhibitions (for example Tuesdays or during special events).
Are the museums accessible for people with disabilities? — Many branches, including Schindler's Factory, are adapted (lift, aids for visitors with visual or hearing impairments). If you need special facilities, contact the museum before your visit.
What if the online system shows sold out? — Try checking the ticket office on site in the morning (sometimes returns appear or some entries are sold only in person) or plan an alternative date. During very busy periods consider other days or night events.
Many Kraków museums take part in night events and special educational programmes — you may find unusual guided tours, concerts or film projections at museum sites.
Quiet hours in some institutions (for example at the Ethnographic Museum) are a great option for visitors sensitive to crowds and noise — check the times and plan your visit then.
Sometimes museum ticket desks release places after online cancellations — the early bird may get lucky.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan their stay in Kraków better.
If you’d prefer someone to plan a route and tell you about the city in person, consider using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — her contact details and offer are visible on the guide’s website. This is a convenient option if you want to make the most of your time and learn less obvious stories about the city.
Good luck with your sightseeing — Kraków has a lot to offer, and with a bit of preparation you can explore it cheaply, smartly and enjoyably!
