The Eagle Pharmacy and Wawel Cathedral are two very different yet complementary stops on Kraków’s map: the first is an intimate museum preserving the memory of a place and people from World War II, the second is the heart of Poland’s royal history — tombs, chapels and legends best appreciated up close.
If you like combining reflective, deeper sightseeing with impressive architecture and stories about Polish history — plan to visit both. They are close to one another and, with a well-organized day, you can see both without rushing.
The Eagle Pharmacy (Plac Bohaterów Getta 18) is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. Founded in the first half of the 20th century, it gained special significance during the occupation as it was the only working pharmacy within the boundaries of the former Kraków ghetto.
The pharmacy’s connection to the fate of the ghetto’s residents, and the attitude of its owner and staff, turned the place into a center of help, shelter and safekeeping of belongings entrusted by those deported. The permanent exhibition tells these stories in a documentary and moving way.
Address and contact: Plac Bohaterów Getta 18, Kraków. Phone for the Eagle Pharmacy office: 12 656 56 25. For reservations and information you can write to apteka@muzeumkrakowa.pl.
Opening hours can be seasonal: generally they are shorter than central-city museums on some weekdays, and on Mondays there are sometimes morning hours with free admission (worth checking before your visit). Always confirm current opening hours and any special events with the museum staff.
Wawel Cathedral is home to many chapels, royal tombs and the Sigismund Bell. A visit can include the cathedral interiors, the Cathedral Museum, the Royal Tombs and — via separate entrances — the option to climb the Sigismund Tower.
Tickets: the cathedral and the Cathedral Museum have admission tickets, often offered in different variants (cathedral only, cathedral with audio guide, crypt tours, etc.). Buying online saves time and helps avoid queues, especially in high season.
Opening hours: in spring and summer (generally April to September) the cathedral is open for longer (for example until around 17:00), while in autumn and winter hours are shorter (for example until around 16:00). On Sundays visiting often begins after midday due to liturgies. The cathedral and the Cathedral Museum may be closed on particular days (for example November 1st, December 24–25) or during important ceremonies.
How much time to allocate: the Eagle Pharmacy is an intimate exhibition — allow about 30–60 minutes. For Wawel and the Cathedral plan 1.5 to 3 hours depending on whether you want to visit all exhibitions and the crypts.
Practical items: buy tickets online if you can; carry an ID if you may use concession fares; avoid large backpacks — some exhibitions require left-luggage; on religious holidays and special days visiting may be limited.
Transport and logistics: the Eagle Pharmacy is in Podgórze — a short walk from the city centre and from the Kazimierz area. Wawel is adjacent to the historic centre — walking from the Main Market Square takes a few minutes.
Morning: start at the Eagle Pharmacy, when the atmosphere is usually calmer; it’s a good time to read the displays and reflect.
Afternoon: move to Wawel — see the cathedral, royal tombs and, if time allows, the Royal Castle interiors. After visiting Wawel I recommend a walk along the Vistula or a short stop at a café on Mały Rynek.
Alternative: if you’re short on time, choose a morning visit to Wawel (less crowded before midday) and the Eagle Pharmacy later when lines at Podgórze museums are often shorter.
If you enjoy authentic Polish cuisine in a comfortable setting — Restauracja Starka in Kazimierz is known for homestyle flavors and a cozy garden.
For a special fine‑dining evening consider booking Bottiglieria 1881 — a restaurant recognized by gastronomic guides with an excellent wine list.
For a traditional, historic experience — Restauracja Wierzynek on the Main Market Square offers an elegant, historic atmosphere. Remember to reserve a table, especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Not planning enough time: don’t underestimate how long visits take — leave buffer time for queues and rest.
Not checking opening hours and ceremonies: the cathedral is an active place of worship — during Masses and important ceremonies visiting may be limited or closed.
Inappropriate clothing and large backpacks: dress modestly for sacred interiors, and consider leaving big backpacks at your hotel or in luggage storage.
Should I buy a ticket in advance? I strongly recommend buying a ticket for the Cathedral online — it saves time and secures an entry slot. The Eagle Pharmacy receives visitors in smaller groups, but usually doesn’t require long-advance reservations.
Is the Eagle Pharmacy suitable for children? The exhibition is educational and addresses difficult historical topics — judge in advance whether the content is appropriate for younger children.
Are card payments accepted? Most places accept online payments and cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash just in case at smaller on-site ticket desks.
The Eagle Pharmacy was not only a point of sale for medicines — it became a place providing medical and non-medical help, storing belongings and organizing support for people threatened with deportation.
Wawel Cathedral is not only a coronation and burial site — its interiors hide many small details, mysterious tombstones and works of art that are easy to miss without pausing at individual chapels.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. A small recommendation helps others plan a meaningful visit to Kraków.
If you would like to explore Kraków with personal commentary and the insights of a local guide, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details and booking information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Private guiding is a great way to learn historical context and local anecdotes without hurry.
