The Barbican and the fragment of defensive walls with St. Florian’s Gate are among the most tangible traces of medieval Kraków. Today it’s a great place to feel the scale of former fortifications — you’ll see towers, sections of the wall and a model showing the old defensive layout of the city. It’s worth starting from this perspective because a walk through the Old Town afterwards gains a whole new context.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Lipowa 4) tells the story of Kraków under occupation — it’s a moving and very popular place where exhibits combine documents, multimedia and personal items. Because it attracts many visitors, plan your visit in advance: tickets often sell out online well before the date of visit.
In this article you’ll find practical tips on buying tickets, the optimal time to visit, how to combine both attractions in one day and useful information for families and travelers with light luggage.
When to visit: the stretch of walls with the Barbican is usually open seasonally (spring–autumn). Exact dates and opening hours can change, so it’s a good idea to check current information before you arrive. The route includes the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate and several towers, and the visit features well-preserved fragments of Gothic architecture.
Tickets: there is usually a single ticket that allows access to the Barbican and the walls route; in season ticket prices for adults are moderate. Tickets are sold at the branch ticket offices of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków or at the Visitor Service Center. Not all online sellers offer the same flexibility, so if you need a specific time slot check refund and entry rules.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (the walls have narrow passages and steps), a light backpack, and a camera. On hot days there is little shade along the route, so water and a hat are helpful. The route is attractive for families with children, but people with limited mobility should check accessibility in advance.
Where and how long: the museum is located at Lipowa 4; plan about 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibition. The main exhibition is devoted to the fate of Kraków during World War II and includes multimedia displays as well as original documents and objects.
Opening hours and tickets: the museum usually operates on a fixed weekly schedule from Tuesday to Sunday; Mondays can have reduced hours and sometimes special arrangements for limited or free entry at the ticket desk — this depends on current institutional policy. Admission prices vary and there are different categories for full-price, reduced and family tickets; online tickets often appear well in advance and can sell out, especially in the tourist season. The safest option is to buy on the museum’s official site or at the box office if your schedule is flexible.
Who it’s for: because of its difficult subject matter the museum is recommended for teenagers and adults; some parts of the exhibition may be upsetting for younger children. The museum also provides facilities for visitors with disabilities, but if you have special needs it’s worth contacting them by email or phone before your visit.
1) Don’t rely only on resellers — popular time slots disappear quickly, and some companies may charge much higher prices. Always check availability on the museum’s official site before buying from an intermediary. 2) Don’t leave Schindler’s Factory to the last minute in high season — online tickets often sell out weeks ahead. 3) If you expect to buy on-site, allow for queues — especially on weekends and during holidays. 4) For the Barbican remember the seasonal opening — outside the season the route may be closed. 5) Don’t underestimate the time needed: combining many sights in one day is possible, but an overly tight plan takes away the pleasure of discovering details.
Short trip suggestion - start in the morning at the Barbican and walk the city walls (about 45–90 minutes), then stroll along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square. After lunch head to Schindler’s Factory (about 30–40 minutes by tram or a walk from the centre), where you’ll spend 1.5–2 hours. This plan lets you visit both attractions without rushing and leaves time for coffee or a meal.
Off-peak times - to avoid crowds at Schindler’s Factory choose an afternoon weekday slot, or arrive very early at the Barbican if it’s open. For the Barbican consider an evening walk around the Planty — the sight of walls and lit gates is atmospheric.
Combining with other sites - from the Barbican you’re close to Wawel and the Main Market Square, so you can plan a full-day route: Wawel – Planty – Barbican – Market Square – Schindler’s Factory (Lipowa).
If you want to eat near the Market and feel the local atmosphere, popular choices include Charlotte (breakfasts and French-style baked goods), Szara (upmarket restaurant by the Market), Massolit Books & Café (great for coffee and a book), Pod Aniołami (Polish cuisine in a historic interior) and Cafe Camelot (a cosy Old Town café). Always pick places with good recent reviews, especially in high season.
If you prefer something quicker or less touristy, look for local bistros and cafés away from the Market — Sławkowska Street, Grodzka Street and the Kazimierz area offer many pleasant spots with usually better prices and excellent quality.
For families: many restaurants are child-friendly and offer kids’ menus; in popular evening venues it’s wise to reserve a table in advance.
- The Barbican, although it looks like a massive fortress, is one of the few surviving elements of the old defensive system — most of the walls were dismantled in the early 19th century and replaced by the Planty park.
- Schindler’s Factory often hosts temporary exhibitions and educational events — if you’re interested in WWII history or Kraków’s past, check the programme before your visit.
- If you plan to visit during large city events, keep in mind ticket availability may be limited and public transport crowded.
How much time should I allocate for Schindler’s Factory? – Usually 1.5–2 hours is enough to see the permanent exhibition and some temporary displays.
Can I take photos? – Many museum areas allow photography without flash; always check the rules on site.
Should I buy tickets online or at the box office? – If you want a specific time slot and to avoid queues, buy online in advance; if you’re flexible, sometimes checking the box office on the day can work (for example on days with limited free entry).
Is the Barbican open year-round? – The tourist route along the walls usually operates in season (spring–autumn); access may be limited in winter and off-season.
Is a guided tour worth it? – A guide brings historical context and anecdotes, but if you prefer your own pace the on-site descriptions and multimedia are very informative.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Kraków. If you’d like to explore the city with someone who knows Kraków well and can tell its stories in an engaging, accessible way, consider taking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your visit and remember: plan ahead, but leave room for surprises — Kraków can delight you at every turn!
