The Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka Pod Orłem) today is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and a site strongly connected with the history of the Kraków ghetto. It sits at Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 in the Podgórze district, and is visited not only by history-minded tourists but also by people continuing to other stops on the Memory Trail (for example Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory). The site’s popularity—especially in the tourist season, on weekends and public holidays—naturally leads to crowding and lines at the ticket desk or entrance. Variable opening hours (depending on season and museum announcements) and special events can also cause sudden increases in visitors. Remember that the pharmacy’s dual role as a historic place means some people are there to see the exhibition while others are stopping for information or nearby services, which adds to the activity on the square.
To avoid surprises, check current opening hours and visitor information on the Museum of Krakow’s site or call the Eagle Pharmacy office in advance at +48 12 656 56 25. If you plan to visit several stops on the Memory Trail, consider booking ahead or coming outside peak hours. (Note: opening hours may change; always verify before you go.)
The smallest crowds are usually right at opening time (if the museum opens in the morning) or shortly before closing on weekdays. If you can, choose a weekday instead of the weekend. In summer and on holidays city attractions are much busier—plan visits early in the morning (first entry slots) or late afternoon. Avoid midday on weekends when groups and tour buses arrive in larger numbers.
If you want a quieter visit to the exhibition, come on a weekday between opening and noon or about an hour before closing. For large school groups or special museum events there may be limits on admissions, so reserve in advance for special events when possible.
If your priority is buying medicines without standing in a long line, you have several quick options: use Krakow’s on-duty and 24-hour pharmacies, reserve medication online and pick it up in the pharmacy, or check availability with apps and portals that let you search pharmacies offering reservation or click-and-collect. The list of on-duty and 24-hour pharmacies changes seasonally—check the current duty roster in advance, especially at night or on Sundays. There are 24-hour pharmacies in the city center, but their addresses and duty schedules are updated regularly, so verify the current list before your trip.
Use services or apps that show nearby pharmacies and let you reserve a product for pickup—this saves time and helps you skip traditional queues. As an alternative, go to a pharmacy a short walk away from Plac Bohaterów Getta—there are cafés and eateries nearby, so if one pharmacy has a queue, a 5–10 minute walk will often find a shorter line or an open stock.
Krakow has several pharmacies with round-the-clock duty schedules; official lists are published periodically and cover locations across different districts, including the city center. If you need medicine outside standard hours, check the latest duty list. Keep in mind not every night pharmacy stocks the full range of over-the-counter products and supplements, so when planning look for a specific branch that offers what you need.
If you travel with someone who takes regular medication, consider bringing a few days’ supply—that’s the simplest way to avoid stress around pharmacy duty hours. In urgent situations, a pharmacy that offers online reservation or direct phone information can help—use the Eagle Pharmacy office number +48 12 656 56 25 to confirm exhibition availability or local opening arrangements if necessary.
The Eagle Pharmacy sits in the historic heart of Podgórze and fits well into a one-day plan: visit the museum, stroll around Plac Bohaterów Getta, stop by Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, and take a short walk along the Vistula. If you plan several sites, route your itinerary so you don’t return to the same place during peak hours. Start in the morning with less crowded spots and leave the most popular points for the afternoon.
For those interested in World War II history and the Memory Trail, check the offerings of the Museum of Krakow—combined tickets or guided options are sometimes available and help you organize the day. If you prefer a quieter pace, choose off-peak hours and pair the visit with a coffee or lunch break in one of Podgórze’s atmospheric cafés.
Podgórze has several local culinary gems worth trying. Near Plac Bohaterów Getta you’ll find pleasant cafés and restaurants popular with locals and visitors. Recommended places include Aftertaste (Plac Bohaterów Getta 17) — praised for good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere; TWORZYWO (Plac Bohaterów Getta 2) — known for an interesting menu; and Jadłodajnia Wczoraj i Dziś (Plac Bohaterów Getta 10) — a spot for simple, home-style meals. These venues get good reviews and are convenient if you want a break between sightseeing and practical errands.
If you need accommodation, Podgórze and Zabłocie offer hotels and apartments within a short walk of the museums. When choosing a place to stay, look for recent reviews and a location close to a tram stop or a bridge to the Old Town—this makes sightseeing easier without wasting time on transport. Book ahead during high season to avoid last-minute stress and long trips during peak tourist hours.
Assuming the museum is open standard hours year-round—opening days and hours can change seasonally or for holidays and events. Always check the Museum of Krakow’s official information before you go. Not planning alternatives for medicine—if you travel with someone who may need medication outside normal hours, prepare a list of on-duty pharmacies or reserve medication in advance. Standing in the queue instead of checking nearby options—sometimes a 5–10 minute walk finds a shorter line or a pharmacy with online availability.
Another common mistake is packing too many popular attractions into one afternoon—this leads to fatigue and time pressure. Spread your visits so you have buffer time for unexpected delays (queues, coffee breaks, ticket checks).
Is the Eagle Pharmacy a working pharmacy or a museum? The Eagle Pharmacy today operates as a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and is an exhibition dedicated to the pharmacy’s history and the ghetto. Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta 18, Krakow.
What are the opening hours? Hours change seasonally and are updated periodically—check the Museum of Krakow’s information before you visit or call +48 12 656 56 25.
Where can I buy medicine if the Eagle Pharmacy is crowded? Check Krakow’s on-duty/24-hour pharmacies, use apps or websites to reserve medicines for pickup, or walk a few minutes to the nearest pharmacy in the area.
Is it worth combining the visit with Schindler’s Factory? Yes—both sites are in the same district and are often visited together as part of the Memory Trail. Plan enough time for each exhibition to see them at your own pace.
What should I do in a medical emergency? For urgent medical help go to a medical point or call the emergency number first. On-duty pharmacies can assist at night, but in emergencies contact emergency services. (Emergency number in Poland: 112.)
The Eagle Pharmacy is an important and moving memorial site worth visiting, but plan your visit with a few simple rules: check current opening hours and museum announcements, come outside peak times, have a plan B for medicines (online reservation or on-duty pharmacy), and allow time for a calm visit to Podgórze. If you’d like to explore the area with someone who knows local tips and can help you avoid tourist pitfalls, consider booking a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information and contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media—it may make someone’s visit to Krakow easier!
If you want, I can prepare a short walking route starting at the Eagle Pharmacy (timing, cafés on the way, nearby pharmacies and other practical points) — tell me how long you’d like to spend and I’ll make a plan tailored to your time and interests.
