Yes — but you'll want to set priorities. The Schindler Factory and the National Museum (MNK Main Building) offer two very different ways to experience Kraków: one is a powerful, reflective lesson in 20th-century history; the other covers art and art history from the Middle Ages to today. Zakopane is a completely different kind of trip — nature, mountain views and regional food.
If you only have a weekend, you can split it like this: arrive and take an afternoon walk plus one museum the day you arrive; the next morning visit the Schindler Factory and then MNK; use the third day (or make it a full-day trip from Kraków) for Zakopane. If you only have one day, pick either city museums or a day in the Tatras — both are full but doable options.
Plan with opening hours and travel times in mind. The Schindler Factory is in the Zabłocie district and usually runs timed entries; MNK Main Building follows standard museum hours and is often closed on Mondays. For Zakopane, leave very early — buses and minibuses run frequently and the trip typically takes about 2–2.5 hours by road; trains can be longer but sometimes avoid road traffic.
This is a museum with strong emotional and historical weight. The exhibition is multimedia; the story is told with photos, documents and films, and a visit usually takes around two hours. The address is Lipowa Street in Zabłocie — from the Main Market Square it's about a 25–30 minute walk or a few tram stops.
Buy tickets online in advance when possible — during high season and long weekends tickets sell out fast. Note about Mondays: the museum sometimes offers free admission during specific hours, but those tickets are often only available at the ticket desk on the day and can mean waiting in a queue. The safest source of tickets is the museum's official ticketing.
Respect the place: parts of the exhibition are very moving and describe people's fates and dramatic events. Photography is usually allowed but without flash — check the rules on site and follow staff instructions.
The National Museum in Kraków (MNK Main Building) hosts both permanent displays (notably Polish painting, including 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces) and temporary exhibitions. A visit can take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on your interests.
Practical tips: the Main Building is often closed on Mondays; on other days it follows standard museum hours. Plan entries with time to spare — visitors are usually admitted up to a certain time before closing. There's a tram and bus stop nearby and paid underground parking under the building is sometimes available.
If you care about specific works (for example the permanent Polish painting collection), check the museum's current exhibitions in advance — special shows sometimes deserve extra time.
Zakopane is lively year-round: Krupówki street, the Gubałówka funicular, Wielka Krokiew and nearby short trails are easy to experience on a day trip. To feel the Tatras with little effort, take the funicular to Gubałówka or choose a short valley walk (for example Dolina Kościeliska). Reaching Morskie Oko requires much more time and planning.
From Kraków, buses and minibuses are frequent and usually take about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic; trains can be longer but are a good alternative when the road is congested. It’s safest to depart very early in the morning and reserve a return ticket — seats fill quickly in season.
Dress for mountain weather: conditions change fast, even in summer. Bring a light waterproof layer and comfortable shoes.
In Kraków choose well-reviewed restaurants. For regional and Polish cuisine consider places with consistently good feedback — in Kazimierz and around the Main Market you'll find cozy cafés and higher-end restaurants. For coffee and pastries try popular cafés with fresh baked goods and good reviews.
In Zakopane look for traditional highlander (góralska) restaurants — well-rated karczmas serve oscypek (smoked sheep cheese), kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup) and lamb dishes. If you plan to stay overnight, book in advance: guesthouses and boutique hotels fill quickly in high season.
Trying to “see everything” in a single day leads to fatigue and less satisfying visits. Choose fewer attractions and spend more time with each.
Not booking museum tickets in advance — especially for the Schindler Factory during peak season. Buy online or be prepared for queues if you plan to use free Monday entry.
Ignoring road conditions to Zakopane — traffic jams on the Zakopianka road can add a lot of time. On long holiday weekends consider the train or leave earlier than usual.
The Schindler Factory is housed in the original administrative building of Oskar Schindler’s factory; the production halls nearby are now used by a modern art museum. This proximity creates an interesting contrast between 20th-century history and contemporary art.
The area around the MNK Main Building opens onto the Błonia meadow — a great spot for a short rest or a picnic after museum visits if the weather is nice.
In Zakopane, look for local craft markets and artisan stalls: beyond oscypek you can find beautiful handmade souvenirs with real artistic value rather than mass-produced tourist items.
How much time to allocate? — Schindler Factory: about 1.5–2 hours; MNK Main Building: 1 to 3 hours; Zakopane (express day): 8–12 hours leaving Kraków in the morning and returning in the evening.
Where to buy Schindler Factory tickets? — The most reliable source is the museum's official ticket sales; free Monday entries exist but expect queues at the ticket desk.
Are museums accessible for people with limited mobility? — Both MNK and the Schindler Factory offer accessibility features (lifts, facilities), but confirm details with the museum information center before your visit.
What to bring to Zakopane for a day trip? — Comfortable shoes, layered clothing (mountain weather can change fast), water and a small first-aid kit. If you plan a specific trail, check its length and difficulty in advance.
If you're planning this into a weekend: prioritise and leave time to rest. Don't try to tick off every single attraction quickly — it's better to fully experience three interesting places than to glance at ten.
If you'd like, I can help create a detailed 1-, 2- or 3-day plan (hours, transport, reservations). For guided tours of Kraków and the surrounding area you can book a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com is available for personalised walks and private touring. If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan well. Have a great trip and enjoy your visit!
