Jan Matejko's House at 41 Floriańska Street is a place where you can feel the everyday life of one of the most important Polish painters of the 19th century. The small, intimate rooms and the artist's studio offer a completely different perspective than large gallery halls. After such a calm, “museum” experience, a carriage ride instantly immerses you in the atmosphere of the historic centre — a light, informal way to see the Planty, the Main Market Square and parts of the Royal Route without a strenuous walk. This combination takes half a day and still leaves plenty of time for coffee, ice cream or a meal at one of the recommended restaurants.
Start: Jan Matejko's House (41 Floriańska Street) — allow 45–60 minutes for the visit. Inside you'll see the studio, personal items and a selection of works that bring the artist's life closer.
Next: a short walk toward Matejko Square and the Royal Route — it's worth passing through the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate, admiring parts of the city walls and the tenement houses on Floriańska Street.
Highlight: a carriage ride usually starting near the Market Square/Planty — 20–40 minutes in a carriage lets you see the Main Market Square, the Planty, parts of the Royal Route or approach Wawel (the exact route depends on the driver). After the ride: a break for coffee or a light lunch at one of the recommended places.
If you have more time: you can extend the trip with a visit to Jan Matejko's Manor in Krzesławice — an interesting option for those keen on the artist's biography (it's outside the city centre and requires transport).
Book your ticket to Jan Matejko's House before arrival or buy it on site — the visit usually takes up to an hour, but it's worth checking opening hours for the day of your visit.
The Jan Matejko House has regular opening days: the museum is closed on Mondays; on Tuesdays many branches of the National Museum often have free admission to permanent exhibitions. The last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
After visiting, walk to Matejko Square, from where you can easily reach the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate — a convenient stretch for a few short stories about the city's history.
Carriages usually wait near the Main Market Square and along the Planty. Before the ride, agree the route and the price with the driver — sometimes prices are negotiable, and routes can last from a few to several dozen minutes.
Address of Jan Matejko's House: 41 Floriańska Street, Kraków. Typical opening hours in the standard season: Monday — closed; Tuesday 10:00–18:00; Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00. Last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
Ticket prices (approximate; best to check before your visit): full price, reduced price, family ticket; audio guides are available in several languages. The museum offers guided tours — prices for guided visits are set by the museum and may vary depending on the language.
Getting there by public transport: many trams and buses run close to the Old Town — trams and buses serving the Floriańska Street / St. Florian's Gate area are useful. If you come by car, remember parking restrictions in the centre.
Photography: amateur photos and videos of the permanent exhibition are usually allowed without extra lighting or a tripod, but it's good to confirm the rules on site.
Carriages are a traditional, picturesque way to take a relaxed look at Kraków's centre. Drivers usually offer several route options: a short ride around the Market and the Planty, a longer route along parts of the Royal Route, or a route that approaches Wawel. Time and price depend on the length of the route and the number of passengers.
When planning, ask the driver for an approximate duration and cost before you get in — the simplest way to avoid misunderstandings. In the high season there can be a queue, so if you want a specific time, arrive earlier.
Remember the horses' comfort — in very hot or rainy weather carriage services may be reduced. Also respect safety rules and do not feed the animals by hand.
After visiting, it's worth stopping for coffee or lunch near the Market or Matejko Square. A few tried-and-true places with good reputations: Wierzynek — the historic restaurant at the Market, Cafe Camelot — a cozy café close to the Market, Starka in Kazimierz — traditional Polish cuisine, Miód Malina — known for home-style dishes. When choosing a place, check reviews and the menu (in season it's wise to reserve a table).
If you prefer quick, local treats, visit the stalls with fresh pastries and ice cream around the Market or the Old Kleparz market (if open that day). This lets you taste the city from a culinary side without long waits.
Jan Matejko's House is one of the few places where visiting combines elements of a biographical museum and the artist's studio — a more intimate experience than a traditional gallery.
On Tuesdays many branches of the National Museum offer free entry to permanent exhibitions — a great opportunity, but keep in mind it may be busier then.
The last visitors are usually admitted for a shorter time before closing — if you want to see every room at a relaxed pace, arrive at least 60 minutes before closing.
If you plan photo shots in the Planty or from a carriage, aim for the afternoon for the best light — early evening offers beautiful colours and softer shadows.
Arriving on Monday — many museums are closed. Check opening hours before you go.
Not agreeing the carriage price with the driver before starting — always ask about the rate and route to avoid misunderstandings.
An overly tight schedule — a half-day trip is meant to be relaxed; don't try to fit too many points into one morning. Leave time for a break and an unhurried visit to the exhibition.
Careless use of phones and cameras during the visit — respect the museum rules about photography and quiet.
How long does it take to visit Jan Matejko's House? — Usually 45–60 minutes for the permanent exhibition; longer if you use an audio guide or join a guided tour.
Is admission paid? — Usually yes; there are sometimes free admission days for permanent exhibitions (for example, Tuesdays at some National Museum branches).
Where can I catch a carriage? — Most carriages stand near the Main Market Square and along the Planty; you can also arrange rides by phone or at tourist information points.
Should I book a ticket in advance? — In the tourist season booking is sensible, especially if you want a specific time or are visiting with a group.
If you want a calm, elegant half-day programme in Kraków, combining Jan Matejko's House with a short carriage ride gives a great balance between culture and pleasure. It's a suggestion for those who want to feel the city's atmosphere without rushing.
Share this plan with friends or on social media if you enjoyed it — you'll help them plan a similarly successful day in Kraków.
If you prefer a tailored, carefully planned route — you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. For bookings and details, visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata will gladly help match the itinerary to your expectations.
