Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved building of the Jagiellonian University and one of the most atmospheric spots in Krakow’s Old Town. It’s worth visiting not only for its collections — medieval scientific instruments, globes, clocks and keepsakes from famous professors — but also to feel the university’s history: Gothic cloisters, restored halls and a small hidden professors’ garden.
Inside you’ll find, among other things, a room commemorating Nicolaus Copernicus, the former library, the Stuba Communis (the old professors’ dining hall) and exhibitions that blend historic objects with modern interactive displays. There’s also a small museum shop and a café (historically called the "U Pęcherza" café in one of the cellars), which makes the visit pleasant even for visitors who aren’t museum enthusiasts.
Practical information: the museum has set visiting hours and offers guided tours at scheduled times. Guided visits run regularly, while some entrances and displays are available for individual visitors. It’s recommended to reserve for groups in advance and to check current opening hours before you go (tickets and information are available at the entrance). If in doubt, contact the museum by phone or email before your visit.
Most museums (especially inside historic interiors) have a general rule: no animals, with the exception of assistance dogs for people with disabilities. In practice this means you most likely won’t be able to take your dog into the main exhibitions. The courtyard and some exterior parts of the building may be accessible to visitors, but specific rules (for example whether dogs are allowed on the courtyard) are best confirmed directly with the museum before your visit.
If your dog is a certified assistance dog, have the required documents and certificates ready — it’s good to carry them in case museum staff ask. If you plan to visit without your dog, see the section "Where to leave your dog?" for practical options for every situation.
The simplest approach: call or email the museum before you arrive and ask about their animal policy, access to the courtyard and any possibilities for storing items (for example larger bags). That way you’ll avoid surprises on the spot.
1) Petsitter / hourly caregiver (at the caregiver’s home or yours): a quick and convenient solution for a few hours. Pet-sitting platforms and local listings let you find verified sitters. This is a good option if you need flexibility and want your dog to have human contact or playtime.
2) Daycare / doggy preschool: if you plan longer sightseeing or a full day in the city, a doggy daycare is a safe option — your dog will spend time under supervision, playing and being walked at scheduled times. Several facilities in Krakow offer day care and short stays; check programs, reviews and requirements (for example up-to-date vaccinations) before leaving your pet.
3) Dog hotel / overnight stay with a caregiver: if you plan to stay overnight outside Krakow or want to explore the city all day, dog hotels offer round-the-clock care. Prices depend on standards and services (walks, baths, photo reports). Typical daily rates may start around 90–130 PLN per night depending on the dog’s size and services offered.
4) A trusted person (family/friends): the simplest and often least stressful option for the pet — if you have someone nearby your dog gets along with, consider asking them.
5) Never leave a dog locked in a car or unattended in a public place — it’s dangerous and in many situations illegal. Heat is especially hazardous.
- Check reviews and references — look for places with photos, descriptions and real owner feedback.
- Required vaccinations and documents — most daycares and hotels ask for current vaccinations (rabies and core vaccinations), deworming and often a health booklet.
- Meet-and-greet before leaving your dog — schedule a short introductory visit so the dog can get to know the place and caregivers; this reduces stress during the actual stay.
- What to bring: a supply of your dog’s usual food, a favorite blanket or toy (familiar scents are calming), treats, any medications, up-to-date contact details and your veterinarian’s phone number.
- Agreement and scope of care — agree on walk times, feeding, the possibility of contact and how you’ll receive updates (for example photos during the day).
- Insurance and emergency procedures — check whether the facility has procedures for emergencies and what their cancellation or refusal policies are.
- Pet-sitting platforms: these give quick access to caregiver listings and ratings. You can find both day care and overnight stays with sitters.
- Doggy daycares and hotels: search for "psie przedszkole Krakow" or "hotel dla psów Krakow" and check reviews and call ahead — many places offer short stays and socialization activities.
- Local groups and recommendations: Krakow dog owner groups (forums and social media groups) often provide the best recommendations; asking in local groups can bring quick, trusted answers.
- In urgent situations: ask the reception at your hotel — they often have recommended, trusted caregivers or partner dog hotels.
Morning: walk your dog in the Planty or along the Vistula boulevards - a great way to start the day so your dog can run and relax before a few hours alone.
Before midday: leave your dog with a caregiver (daycare, petsitter) or with a trusted person. While your dog is cared for, visit Collegium Maius and other indoor attractions: the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. Most historic interiors do not accept animals.
Afternoon: after sightseeing pick up your dog and choose a longer walk in Kazimierz or on the Błonia - both areas are dog-friendly and great for exploring. In the evening relax at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating that accept dogs (outdoor seating is usually more pet-friendly).
Plan your days with the weather and your dog’s comfort in mind — on hot days keep outings shorter with cool stops, and on colder days add more walks.
- Documents and identification: make sure your dog wears a collar with an up-to-date tag and phone number and, if possible, is microchipped. Bring the vaccination booklet or a photo of the chip number if the facility asks.
- Gear: a shorter leash for city walking, a collapsible water bowl, a water supply, waste bags, a towel and basic grooming wipes if needed.
- Safety: never leave your dog alone in a closed car; keep your dog on a leash in public places and watch reactions of other animals and children.
- Calm introduction: if your dog stresses in new places, bring a familiar-smelling item (for example a blanket) and do short relaxing exercises before leaving them with a caregiver.
Do I need to reserve in advance for Collegium Maius? - For groups and some types of guided visits reservations are recommended; for individual entries there are usually set entry times. It’s best to check current opening hours and ticket information before your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the courtyard? - It depends on the rules for that day and the type of event. Usually indoor exhibitions are not accessible to animals, and it’s worth asking museum staff about courtyard access before entering.
How much does it cost to leave a dog in a hotel or daycare? - Prices vary widely: day services and daycares often have hourly or daily rates, while dog hotels may start around 90–130 PLN per night depending on the dog’s size and services. Check exact prices at your chosen facility.
What to do in an emergency (for example the dog falls ill)? - Have a local vet or 24-hour clinic phone number ready. If you use a hotel or daycare, ask about their emergency procedures and whether they cooperate with a specific clinic.
When planning to visit Krakow with your pet, treat it as a joint project: a bit of organization before your trip brings peace of mind and more enjoyment on the spot. If you need to leave your dog for a few hours - book care in advance, arrange a short introductory visit and bring something that smells like home.
Remember that many Krakow residents love animals - local recommendations (friends, hotel reception, online groups) are often better than anonymous listings. Take a moment to choose the right place — your peace of mind and your dog’s comfort are worth it.
If you’d like, I can prepare a short list of recommended dog care options in Krakow (daycares, hotels, petsitters) — tell me the dates you plan to visit and some details about your dog (size, age, special needs) and I’ll tailor a selection to your requirements.
