Collegium Novum, the representative building of the Jagiellonian University at Gołębia Street 24, is one of the most elegant spots in the University Quarter. During the May holiday the area tempts with walks along the Planty, a quick detour to the Market Square and a short stop at the Aula or the Collegium Novum courtyard — but that’s exactly when it’s easy to make small mistakes that turn a pleasant day into a sequence of little frustrations. This guide will help you avoid those and fully enjoy the place.
Collegium Novum has a ceremonial role and is often used for graduations, concerts and university events — so it’s worth checking whether the building is open to visitors before you head for Gołębia Street. In this article you’ll find practical tips, a list of the most common mistakes and recommendations for nearby places to sit down after your walk.
The address is simple: Gołębia Street 24 — this is the very centre, just a few minutes from the Main Market Square. Many university pages and promotional materials publish information about events in Collegium Novum, and during university functions the building may be partly or completely closed to visitors.
Collegium Novum houses the representative Aula and rooms that are sometimes rented for concerts and conferences — another reason to check university announcements or call ahead before your visit. Don’t assume that “you can always go in.”
If you care about interiors, look for information about virtual tours or scheduled open days — sometimes that’s the fastest way to see the most interesting rooms without risking a closed door.
1) Assuming that all historic buildings in the Old Town are always open — Collegium Novum can be closed because of academic ceremonies, rehearsals or commercial rentals.
2) Not planning for weather and crowds — the May holiday draws both locals and visitors, which means longer lines, crowded Planty and waiting times for cafe tables.
3) Confusing Collegium Novum with other university buildings — this part of Krakow has several “collegia” and museums, and assuming they all follow the same rules causes misunderstandings.
4) Photographing in private areas or during events without permission — during official ceremonies you may not be allowed to freely take pictures indoors.
5) Expecting to pay everywhere by card — while most places near the Market accept cards, smaller cafes and stalls may prefer cash.
Check in advance: visit the university’s official pages or local city information sites and make sure Collegium Novum is open on the day you plan to visit. If you’re coming for a long weekend, check at least one day ahead.
Choose the right time: early morning or late afternoon are the best times for visiting. The Market Square and Planty attract crowds around midday, while early hours give you more space and better light for photos.
Have a backup: plan other stops in the University Quarter (for example Collegium Maius, the Jagiellonian Library, St. Anne’s Church) — if Collegium Novum is closed you won’t lose the day.
Take care of formalities: if you plan to attend an event, concert or a guided group visit, check photography rules and any dress or ticket requirements.
Book tables: if you want to eat at a popular restaurant nearby after your visit, reserve a table in advance — the May holiday fills top spots quickly.
Collegium Novum is part of a living academic environment — on weekdays you may come across diploma ceremonies, open lectures and student concerts. Those moments are perfect for feeling Krakow’s academic atmosphere, but remember they can limit visitor access.
There are several well-regarded cafés and spots nearby — if you want a classic cosy coffee, Camelot Cafe on Świętego Tomasza Street is known for its warm interior and friendly hours; for breakfast or bakery items try Charlotte at Plac Szczepański; for quiet reading and coffee, Massolit Books & Café (bookshop and café) is a great option — each of these places is popular and works well as a base after a walk around the University Quarter.
A surprising fact: the representative halls are sometimes used for official international meetings and jubilees, which means you might encounter an exhibition or event that isn’t a typical tourist attraction — this can be a unique bonus if you visit on an open day.
If you’re in the mood for coffee and cake in a charming place, Camelot Cafe (Św. Tomasza 17) is a reliable choice near the University Quarter. For a quick French-style bakery stop, choose Charlotte at Plac Szczepański — a good spot for breakfast before exploring.
For a more formal lunch or dinner consider Wierzynek on the Main Market Square — a historic restaurant with high marks, ideal if you want to feel Krakow’s tradition with an elegant meal. Remember to reserve at long weekends.
If you prefer café calm and books, Massolit Books & Café combines an English-language bookshop with a pleasant café — a great place to catch your breath after sightseeing.
Is Collegium Novum always open to tourists? No — accessibility depends on university events and bookings. Always check university announcements or call ahead before your visit.
Can I take photos inside? Generally photos outside scheduled events are not a problem, but during ceremonies and closed events there may be restrictions. Respect security and event organizers’ guidelines.
How long does it take to see the University Quarter with a stop at Collegium Novum? A comfortable visit with a short café stop takes about 1–2 hours; if you plan to enter several museums and have a longer meal, set aside half a day.
- Not checking university opening hours and events before coming.
- No alternative plan if the interiors are closed.
- Arriving too late at popular cafes and restaurants during the May holiday.
- Inappropriate behavior during ceremonies (loud conversations, going on stage, etc.).
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit. If you prefer touring with someone who knows every corner and can tell the building’s stories in an engaging way, I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page. Have a great May holiday in Krakow and many discoveries in the University Quarter!
If you’d like, I can prepare a short personalized 1–2 hour route including Collegium Novum, Collegium Maius and the best cafés nearby — tell me the pace you prefer for sightseeing.
