Did you know that the Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University Medical College is housed in a historic tenement and displays exhibits across five floors? It is one of the most interesting, though less frequently visited, specialty museums in Kraków - perfect if you’re looking for something off the beaten path that will interest both you and an older family member.
In this article I suggest a practical day plan that combines a visit to the Pharmacy Museum (Old Town), a pleasant walk and delicious coffee in Kazimierz’s atmospheric cafés. Everything is paced to be senior-friendly, with tips about accessibility, places to rest and small “pitfalls” that could spoil the trip.
The Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University Medical College is more than cabinets full of bottles and scales - it’s a journey through how pharmacists worked centuries ago: retorts and distillation apparatus, old mortars, apothecary furniture and a collection of historical documents. The exhibition spread across several floors lets you see what a pharmacy looked like “from the cellar to the attic”.
Two things matter to visitors: the collection presents materials related to the history of pharmacy in Poland and Europe, and the interior of the tenement itself is an interesting example of historic urban architecture. It’s an excellent choice for a calm, engaging visit with an older relative - the exhibition is focused, not overwhelming, and provides plenty of conversation topics for later over coffee.
Museum address: Floriańska Street (Old Town) - a convenient location to combine with a walk around the Florian Gate and the Planty. Because the museum is inside a historic tenement, check in advance which floors are accessible if someone has serious mobility issues.
Opening hours and ticket prices can change depending on the season and special events (for example Museum Night). Before your planned visit it’s best to check the museum’s current information or call ahead - this will save disappointment.
Visit at a relaxed pace: plan about 60–90 minutes if you want to look at collections closely and read the labels. If your aunt prefers shorter stops, 30–45 minutes is enough to see the most interesting parts of the exhibition.
1) Start near Florian Gate or the Main Market Square - easy to reach from most places in Kraków. A short walk to the Pharmacy Museum and a visit to the exhibition.
2) After the museum, I suggest a walk (about 20–30 minutes) or a short tram/taxi ride to Kazimierz. Take breaks on benches and enjoy the views - especially important if you’re with an older person.
3) Lunch or a snack in one of Kazimierz’s friendly restaurants - choose places with good reviews and comfortable seating.
4) After the meal: coffee. Kazimierz has many cafés with different characters - from quiet bookshops with coffee to specialty coffee bars. Pick a place with a low threshold or easy access if mobility is a concern.
5) If you have the energy: a short stroll to Kazimierz highlights - Szeroka Street, Nowy Square and side alleys full of charming corners. Finish the day relaxing on the Vistula boulevards or return to the market.
Massolit Books & Café - a well-known bookshop with a café, quiet atmosphere and plenty of seating. A great spot to sit with a book or chat in a calm setting.
Cheder Café - a small, intimate café often recommended in Kazimierz; a good place for coffee after visiting local sights.
Ona Coffee Bar and Senna - examples of specialty cafés in the Kazimierz/Zabłocie area where you can get well-brewed coffee and comfortable seating. Choose places with supportive staff and comfortable chairs.
Galeria Kazimierz - if easy access and a restroom matter, the shopping center offers chain cafés and easily reachable places to rest, which can be important when going out with an older person.
Pay attention to seat height and comfort. For older people, chairs with backs and tables at a comfortable height are better.
Check restroom availability and the distance from the nearest entrance - long walks on Kraków’s cobbles can be tiring.
Choose places with a low entrance step or a ramp; if a café has many stairs ask before entering whether there is an alternative or a table that can be set near the entrance.
If your aunt prefers a quiet environment, avoid spots with loud live music in the afternoon or evening.
The Pharmacy Museum has fascinating technical exhibits - pay attention to items related to distillation and old pharmacy scales that show how precise pharmacists’ work was.
Although many people associate Kazimierz with nightlife, daytime in this district is a completely different, peaceful side: small synagogues, quiet courtyards and cafés that are ideal for family meetings.
The Vistula boulevards and the pedestrian footbridge are great places to end the day - there are often many benches and the view of the river can be very relaxing after an active day of sightseeing.
Mistake: assuming that everything in historic tenement houses is fully accessible. How to avoid it: always ask about accessibility and possible stairs before entering; plan alternatives.
Mistake: not leaving enough time for breaks and rest. How to avoid it: plan shorter walking segments and more rest stops for sitting and having coffee.
Mistake: choosing a loud café when you want a peaceful conversation. How to avoid it: pick cafés known for a calm atmosphere or bookshop-cafés.
Is the Pharmacy Museum suitable for seniors? Yes - the exhibition is interesting and not overwhelming, but if someone has severe mobility problems it’s worth asking about access to specific rooms in advance. Some floors in historic tenements can be harder to reach.
How much time should I allocate for the museum visit? I recommend 45–90 minutes depending on pace and interests.
Where is the best place to sit for coffee with my aunt in Kazimierz? Choose cafés with comfortable seating and a calm atmosphere - for example a bookshop-café or a small, well-reviewed specialty spot; the shopping center is an alternative if easy access and restrooms matter.
How do I get between the Old Town and Kazimierz? Walking is simplest (about 20–30 min), or take a tram or a short taxi/ride-hail ride - the choice depends on fitness and preferences.
Pack a small bottle of water and some tissues - small items that can really help when you plan a walk with an older person.
If you plan a meal at a popular Kazimierz restaurant, make a reservation - especially on weekends.
When planning the route, include shorter segments and places to rest: parks, the Vistula boulevards and café terraces are great reset points during the day.
If you liked this plan and think it could help others - share the article with friends or on social media. A simple recommendation can help someone plan a successful day in Kraków with loved ones.
If you want a comfortable, stress-free way to explore Kraków with an older relative or family, consider arranging a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a guide can adapt pace, route and topics to your needs and help with reservations and logistics.
