The Dominican church and priory at Stolarska Street is one of those places in the very heart of Krakow that combines rich history with an intimate atmosphere. The Dominicans have been in Krakow since the 13th century, and the church preserves many valuable chapels and details — including the famous St. Hyacinth chapel and the tomb of Kallimach, attributed to the workshop of Veit Stoss. It is an ideal place to begin a calm day of sightseeing before the crowded Market Square and Wawel fill with tourists.
The Dominican Museum is housed in the historic priory buildings (Stolarska 12) and presents both the history of the order and a rich collection of sacred art. Admission to the museum is free, but you must reserve a free ticket for a specific day and time — for this reason it is worth planning your visit in advance. The museum offers guided tours that can be booked for small groups; group prices start from a symbolic fee for the whole group (booking details are available from the museum).
Practical note: the entrance is through the priory gate on Stolarska Street; due to the layout of the complex you may sometimes need to leave larger luggage or an umbrella in a locker (coin 1–2 PLN). The museum has some accessibility limitations — if you need assistance, contact the staff in advance to arrange the visit conditions.
Wawel is a complex of many exhibitions and routes: the royal chambers, the treasury and armory, thematic exhibitions, the Dragon's Den and the gardens. Each has its own entry system and often different hours, so check in advance which routes you want to visit. Entry numbers for specific exhibitions are sometimes limited, especially in peak season, so buying tickets online usually saves time and stress.
Ticket prices vary depending on the route — from inexpensive tickets for the Dragon's Den or the gardens to more expensive tickets for the representative chambers or the treasury. There are also family tickets and packages that cover several exhibitions. Note that on some Monday mornings there may be free admission to selected displays, but rules and availability change seasonally, so verify before you go.
If you want to see both the Dominican Museum and Wawel in one day, plan your morning at Stolarska. The museum is usually open on selected days in the morning and afternoon; a reservation guarantees entry without queuing. After a calm walk around the cloistered courtyards you can head toward Wawel — it is a short walk through the historic center.
Allow 2–3 hours at Wawel if you plan to visit 2–3 exhibitions. If you plan a guided tour or want to enter the Treasury, take the schedule of entry times into account, since some routes have fixed starting hours. If the site is very busy, choose early morning or late afternoon outside the peak times.
Around the Market Square and near Wawel you will find both iconic and modern highly rated places. If you are looking for well-regarded traditional Polish cuisine, consider long-standing restaurants in the center — reserving a table for the evening may be necessary in season. For coffee and dessert we recommend charming cafes in the Old Town area. At lunchtime consider smaller places in Kazimierz, where the atmosphere is more relaxed and the menu variety is large.
If you want to rest on a bench with a view, the Wawel courtyard and parts of the Planty offer pleasant spots for a short break after intense sightseeing.
Not reserving the free ticket to the Dominican Museum is a frequent cause of disappointment — slots sometimes fill up early. Booking is simple and worth doing before you arrive in the city.
Another mistake is planning too many routes at Wawel in one day. It is better to choose 2–3 exhibitions and see them calmly than to rush between them all. Also remember baggage restrictions — for larger items staff may ask you to leave them in a cloakroom or lockers.
Expecting every part of Wawel to be open all the time can also surprise you. Some exhibitions have technical breaks or seasonal closures, so always check the current schedule.
The Dominicans have worked in Krakow continuously since the 13th century, and their priory contains fragments of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture within one complex. It is a good place to see how different eras overlapped in the urban fabric.
At Wawel, aside from the representative chambers and the treasury, temporary exhibitions with surprising themes are often held that can dramatically change the visiting experience. When planning your visit check whether a special exhibition is on that may interest you.
Is admission to the Dominican Museum paid? Admission is free, but a ticket reservation for a specific day and time is required.
Can you buy Wawel tickets at the ticket office right before entry? Yes, but availability is limited, especially in season; for this reason I recommend buying online or reserving in advance.
How much time should I allocate for both places? The Dominican Museum usually takes 45–90 minutes; at Wawel plan 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of routes you choose.
Reserve the free ticket to the Dominican Museum in advance.
Check availability and opening hours for the routes at Wawel and buy tickets online if possible.
Have some small change for a locker at the museum (coin 1–2 PLN) and leave larger luggage in a safe place.
Reserve a table in a popular restaurant if you plan to have lunch or dinner in the center.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan their stay in Krakow better. If you want to visit with someone who knows the city intimately, I recommend booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. I am also happy to help tailor a sightseeing plan to your preferences if you describe your time frame and interests.
