Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is one of Kraków's most important sites of memory — a place that links a personal story with the wider context of World War II and the Nazi occupation. Allow at least an hour to go through the multimedia permanent exhibition and to absorb the story of the place.
Nowa Huta tells a very different story: a planned city from the Polish People's Republic era, industrial landscapes, the Central Square, the Combine (Kombinat) and distinctive housing estates. Visiting both sites gives a fuller picture of 20th‑century Kraków — from occupation experiences to postwar urban transformation.
For visitors this makes a great one‑day plan or two shorter half‑days: a morning at Schindler's Factory (Zabłocie), and an afternoon in Nowa Huta with lunch at a period‑style restaurant and a walk along the Avenues of Roses.
The Route of Remembrance is a project that connects three branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków which tell the story of Kraków during the war: Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, the Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka Pod Orłem) and Pomorska Street. Together they provide a complementary narrative about the terror of occupation, life in the ghetto and repressive actions.
If you plan a deeper visit, consider buying a ticket or visiting all three locations — that helps to understand the links between the stories and shows different perspectives on the same period.
The most convenient option is to buy tickets online through the official ticketing system of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. Many entries are time‑slotted — you choose a time window and arrive at the assigned hour.
Note about Mondays: the permanent exhibition at Schindler's Factory is sometimes free on selected Mondays, but those free tickets (when available) are issued only on the same day at the museum ticket office and the number of places is limited — they cannot be reserved online in advance.
At the museum ticket office you can usually buy tickets for the nearest available entries; one person can buy a limited number of tickets at once. If you want to secure a specific time, book online in advance.
If you plan a guided visit, remember: the guiding service is paid separately and is usually invoiced apart from the entry ticket. Groups should arrange details with the museum or with the guide before arrival.
Museums offer several ticket types: full price, reduced, family, group and special tickets for themed Routes. Prices change over time, so check the current price list on the museum's official site before purchase.
A ticket for the Route of Remembrance may be priced differently than a standard exhibition ticket. If you are entitled to a discount (for example students, seniors), bring a document confirming your entitlement.
A common mistake is booking only the guiding service without a separate museum entry ticket. Make sure both the admission ticket and the guiding service are arranged.
Museums generally operate regular hours most days of the week, with shorter hours on Mondays and occasional exceptions — always check the museum's current opening times before you go.
Entry to exhibitions is sometimes limited to specific time slots. Usually you can arrive a few minutes before your slot and entry may be allowed up to several minutes after the hour — still, come early to avoid stress at security checks.
If you plan to visit on a free‑entry day, keep in mind there will often be larger queues and a limited number of places — free entry doesn't always save time.
Schindler's Factory is located in the Zabłocie district, fairly close to the Old Town — a walk from the Main Market Square takes about 25–35 minutes, and a tram will get you there faster (stops near Zabłocie/Plac Bohaterów Getta).
Nowa Huta is further away — reaching it by tram or bus from the centre usually takes 30–45 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Plan at least 2–3 hours on site if you want to visit the Nowa Huta Museum and stroll around the estates and the Central Square.
If you combine both locations in one day, plan your route to avoid peak travel times — Kraków's centre can be very busy in the tourist season.
Around Schindler's Factory (Zabłocie / Kazimierz) you'll find many cozy cafés and restaurants — ideal for a coffee after the visit or a light lunch before continuing.
In Nowa Huta a must‑visit is Restauracja Stylowa — a venue known for its PRL atmosphere and traditional dishes, which fits perfectly with the context of exploring the district.
If you want something less typical, hunt for local bars and small cafés in the Nowa Huta estates — it's a great way to feel the authentic atmosphere of the area.
Some of the halls of the former Enamel Factory are today used by other cultural institutions — the administrative building, however, retains its museum function, which creates an interesting contrast between the historical story and contemporary use of the premises.
For years Nowa Huta had a statue of Lenin that was the target of several attacks and became a symbol of the city's complicated relationship with communism — traces of that history can still be sensed while walking the squares and housing estates.
The Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka Pod Orłem) is part of the Route of Remembrance; its intimate character connects personal accounts with the story of life in the ghetto and can move visitors as strongly as larger exhibitions.
Buying a last‑minute ticket without checking availability for a specific time slot — book ahead if you care about a particular hour.
Assuming a free Monday means no queues — quite the opposite: many people plan their visits for free days, so demand can be high. For a calmer visit, choose another day or reserve a ticket online.
Not preparing emotionally — the exhibition at Schindler's Factory and other Route of Remembrance sites deal with difficult subjects. Plan time for reflection, a coffee break and conversation after the visit.
Can I enter Schindler's Factory exhibitions without a ticket? On some days (for example selected Mondays) the permanent exhibition may be available free of charge, but tickets for such entries are issued only on the day at the ticket office. Not all special routes or temporary exhibitions are covered by free entry.
Do I need a ticket for the Pharmacy Under the Eagle and Pomorska Street? Yes — the Route of Remembrance includes three branches, and entry rules may vary by branch; check availability and ticket options before you go.
Is the visit suitable for children? The subject matter can be difficult for younger children; if you bring teenagers, consider in advance whether the content is appropriate. Museums often recommend a minimum age when themes are especially challenging.
If you want to visit Schindler's Factory and Nowa Huta calmly and with context, a well‑planned visit — with tickets, transport and breaks — will give you much more than a quick checklist visit.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their Kraków visit better.
If you are interested in a private guided tour with a local guide, consider booking a personal tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour is a great way to see these places in a personalised way and to gain deeper understanding of their history.
