Krakow and Wadowice are close to each other and offer very different experiences: Krakow gives you history, the Market Square and city atmosphere; Wadowice offers a quieter, moving place connected to the youth of John Paul II. A well-planned day trip lets you see the heart of Lesser Poland and visit the museum at the pope's birthplace without rush or stress over parking or ticket queues.
This is a practical idea whether you sleep in Krakow or are doing a one-day outing with family or for visitors interested in history and culture. Below you’ll find exact addresses, travel options, parking tips for both Krakow and Wadowice and a sample day plan — everything so you can enjoy a pleasant, trouble-free day.
The John Paul II Family Home Museum is located in a townhouse at ul. Kościelna 7 in Wadowice. This is where Karol Wojtyła spent his first eighteen years; the exhibition includes the Wojtyła family apartment and modern exhibition zones that tell the story of his life and work.
Plan about 1.5 hours to visit the exhibition — in practice walking through the displays and a moment for reflection usually takes 60–90 minutes (longer if you use an audio guide or take a slow pace). The ticket office is located at the Wadowice market square (John Paul II Square 5), roughly 20 meters from the museum entrance.
The museum does not have its own parking lot. Public parking spaces are available around the market; a specially designated parking spot for visitors with disabilities is located by the Town Hall, within a short distance of the entrance. When buying tickets, consider purchasing online to avoid queues, especially in high season (May–September) and on weekends.
If you plan a guided visit or are coming with a larger group, check availability and any group requirements in advance; the museum offers several ways to visit: guided tours, audio-guides and individual visits.
By car, the trip from Krakow to Wadowice takes about 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. The distance is roughly 50–60 km — the fastest routes use main roads, and on weekends it’s worth checking traffic before you leave.
Alternatives are regular bus and train connections. Buses depart from Krakow’s bus station (operated by various companies) and go to Wadowice; trains are an option if you prefer rail travel, but check timetables — schedules change. Always verify current timetables and possible disruptions when planning, especially during the tourist season.
If you travel with small children or people with limited mobility, a car gives the most flexibility — but remember to plan parking at both destinations (Krakow and Wadowice).
Because the museum has no dedicated parking, it’s most convenient to park on public squares and nearby market-area parking lots. Recommended places include the area around Kościuszko Square and other parking spaces directly around the market. From most parking spots it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the museum.
For visitors with disabilities there is a designated parking space by the Town Hall, about 50 m from the museum entrance. If you need assistance, contact the museum staff in advance — they can tell you what support is available and help with access.
During peak times (weekends, holidays, anniversaries related to John Paul II) expect heavier traffic and limited parking — arrive earlier or consider parking a little farther away and walking in.
If you start your day in Krakow and want to leave the car near the Old Town, you have several reliable options:
Galeria Krakowska (next to the Main Station) — a large guarded car park under the shopping center; a convenient starting point for a walk to the Main Market Square or for switching to public transport.
Underground parking by the National Museum (al. Mickiewicza) — a subterranean option close to the Planty and entrances to the Old Town; good for short stays and central sightseeing.
Stare Podgórze car parks (ul. Zamoyskiego/Warneńczyka) — a good choice if you plan to visit Kazimierz or Podgórze or want to avoid the most expensive spots near the Market; from there it’s easy to reach other parts of the city.
P+R and multi-storey car parks on the city edge (for example P+R at tram terminuses) — park in a cheaper spot and take the tram into the center; often the fastest option during rush hours.
A few practical tips: check current prices and ticket machine hours; the center has paid parking zones and limited spaces right by the Market. If you want certainty, choose a multi-storey or underground car park and park there before starting your walk around the Old Town.
7:30–9:00 - morning walk around the Old Town, coffee and a quick breakfast at one of the well-rated cafés by the Market (leave the car at Galeria Krakowska or the National Museum car park).
9:00 - depart by car to Wadowice (approx. 50–70 minutes). If you take a bus or train, check departures so you arrive in Wadowice before noon.
10:30–12:00 - visit the John Paul II Family Home Museum (allow 60–90 minutes for the exhibition). The ticket office is at the market square — buying tickets online can help you avoid queues.
12:00–13:00 - break for a kremówka and lunch at one of the local bakeries or restaurants; this is a great time to soak up the atmosphere of Wadowice’s market.
13:00–15:00 - stroll around Wadowice: the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the old market square and nearby sites, or a short local-themed walk tied to Karol Wojtyła’s life.
15:00 - return to Krakow or continue exploring Lesser Poland if you have more time.
Wadowice are famous for kremówkas — a must-try. Around the market you’ll find several patisseries that attract visitors; some trace their history back to Karol Hagenhuber’s confectionery, known for kremówkas years ago. Choose places with good reviews and fresh pastries.
If you want more than dessert, the center of Wadowice offers cozy restaurants and cafés serving home-style dishes and local specialties. Back in Krakow, consider visiting one of the classic cafés by the Market or in Kazimierz — pick places with high ratings to ensure quality and service.
A quick culinary tip: enjoy your kremówka on-site and consider sharing — portions can be generous, and tasting a few different patisseries is a fun way to find your favorite version.
A frequent mistake is not booking tickets ahead — this leads to long queues and lost time. Solution: buy tickets online if available or arrive early, especially on weekends and in high season.
Another mistake is leaving the car in central Krakow without checking paid parking hours and rules — you risk a fine or towing. Solution: choose an underground/multi-storey car park or a P+R and use public transport into the Old Town.
A third mistake is lacking a simple logistics plan between locations — visitors try to see too much in one day. Solution: pick priorities (for example one museum + food + a short walk) and save the rest for another visit.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users? - The museum declares accessibility and support, but contact them in advance for details and possible assistance at the entrance.
Is it worth buying a ticket online? - Yes, especially in high season; it helps avoid queues and better plan your time.
Where is best to park in Krakow if I plan to drive to Wadowice afterward? - If you start in the center, Galeria Krakowska or the National Museum car park are convenient; to save money, use a P+R and public transport.
The famous kremówkas that helped make Wadowice internationally known don’t come from a single continuously operating bakery — the story of the kremówka is spread across many local patisseries that developed their own recipes over the years. Try several versions to find your favorite.
The Wadowice museum is more than just the apartment — the exhibition spans several floors and blends traditional narrative with modern multimedia solutions, so the experience is both personal and educational. That’s one reason to allow enough time for your visit.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, you’ll find shops near the museum selling religious items, local products and books — prices vary, so compare before buying.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or post it on social media — it’s useful for anyone planning a trip and wanting practical tips beforehand.
If you’d like to explore Krakow or Wadowice with a local guide who will tell stories and show places off the beaten path, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She offers tailored tours that help you make the most of your time and see the highlights without the organizational stress; details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck planning your trip — I wish you beautiful weather and many great memories!
