Pinball machines and arcade games combine nostalgia with fun, interactive entertainment — which explains the strong interest among families, couples and groups of friends. In Krakow there are venues with unique collections of machines (from classic electromechanical pinballs to modern models with screens) that often include unlimited play in the ticket price — this extends visit times and creates local queues. That's why it's worth planning your visit to avoid the busiest hours.
Don’t start planning by arriving on a weekend afternoon — that’s the most common reason for waiting. Below you’ll find concrete ways to skip queues and what to do if you do encounter a crowd.
There are at least two popular places in Krakow that focus on pinballs and arcade machines — one near Wawel, and another in a larger venue with a broad arcade collection. Both attract tourists and families, offering either unlimited play or hourly tickets.
When planning your visit, check the address and opening hours of the specific museum — hours sometimes change seasonally or are modified on public holidays.
The shortest queues are usually on weekdays just after opening and in the early afternoon (for example Monday–Friday between opening time and the after-work rush), and late in the evening on days when the museum stays open late.
Avoid weekends, long holiday weekends and days with local events (for example festivals or city celebrations) — those are peak times. If you can, choose a weekday morning or less popular days of the tourist season.
It’s also worth checking whether the museum offers an all-day "open" ticket — in some places buying a day pass and coming back in the evening is better than trying to enter during the afternoon peak.
Check the museum’s website to see if tickets can be bought online — buying online often lets you skip the ticket line. If the museum offers specific time slots or group reservations, book in advance.
Watch for different ticket types: hourly tickets and all-day (open) tickets are common. Families and groups with younger participants often get discounts — prepare any documents needed to claim reduced fares if you plan to use them.
If you’re planning a group visit (more than a dozen people), contact the museum ahead of time — many venues require group reservations and lack of prior notice is a common reason for denied entry or long waits.
At the entrance ask staff about expected waiting time and whether they admit visitors in “waves” (group entries every 15–30 minutes). Staff often can suggest an alternative time or add you to a waiting list.
If the museum sells hourly slots — buy a shorter ticket, play intensively and come back later (at places with an all-day ticket you can usually exit and re-enter). It’s a good way to get some games without waiting the whole afternoon.
Use nearby attractions or cafés — instead of standing in a corridor, grab a quick espresso, explore a nearby street, or take a short trip to Wawel (if the museum is close). You’ll return in a better mood and save time.
If you’re visiting a museum near Wawel, the area has friendly, well-rated cafés and bars worth waiting in: a cozy Old Town café for a quick coffee, bookshop cafés with comfortable chairs, or a small bistro for lunch. Choose places with good reviews — a shorter queue at a café makes for a nicer break than waiting outdoors.
For drivers — if you pick larger museums outside the city, check parking information. Some venues have large, free parking lots, which can save time searching for a spot and make planning an out-of-center visit easier.
Assuming the museum is "open all the time" — before you leave, check current opening hours (they can change even on weekdays).
Not checking the ticket policy — missing information about all-day passes, hourly tickets or group reservations is a major cause of unnecessary waiting. Always check the website or call ahead.
Arriving with a large group without prior reservation — groups should ask about the possibility of a dedicated time slot. Otherwise staff may ask the group to split up or postpone the visit.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? — If you plan to visit on a weekend, with a group, or during the tourist season, booking is recommended. On weekdays it’s often enough to come just after opening.
How long does a typical visit last? — It depends on your pace: one hour is enough for initial games, but many guests stay several hours since all-day tickets let you return to machines freely.
Are pinballs suitable for children? — Yes, pinball museums are family-friendly. Children usually have a great time, but check age and supervision rules at each venue.
Can I buy drinks and snacks on site? — Many venues have a small bar with drinks and snacks; if you plan a longer stay, it’s a good idea to check the food and drink options in advance.
Some museums run short workshops, tournaments or themed evenings — during these events entry can be limited or require a separate ticket, which creates queues. Check the events calendar.
If you care about a specific pinball model (for example a very rare machine), ask staff on arrival about its availability — popular machines are sometimes taken offline for maintenance or use a rotation system.
Venues located in historic cellars attract visitors not only for the machines but also for the atmosphere — when planning your visit, allow time to briefly explore the surroundings (a good way to spread out your time and avoid queues).
Planning is key: check opening hours, buy tickets online if possible, come outside peak times and have an alternate plan (a café, a walk or a nearby sight). This will make your visit shorter, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
If you’d like, share this article with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit. If you need a personalized tour of Krakow (including recommendations, directions and help with reservations), I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have fun and good luck getting high scores on the pinball machines!
