The Museum of Pharmacy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College is a small but detail-rich place located almost at the Main Market (Floriańska Street 25). If you have only one day in Krakow, it is an excellent choice: a stroll through the historic centre combined with a visit to the apothecary museum offers a pleasant balance between the open space of the Market and a cozy, atmospheric exhibition.
The exhibition stretches from the cellars to the attic – across 12 rooms you will see pharmacy furniture, old pharmacopeias, bottles and tools. The average visit lasts about 1.5 hours, so it fits easily into a one-day itinerary.
Keep in mind that the museum is housed in a historic building without an elevator, so visitors with limited mobility should consider this when planning their visit. The last admission is usually about 45 minutes before closing, so plan your arrival time accordingly.
The museum’s opening hours vary and it is often closed on Mondays; other days have different schedules, so it is worth checking before you go. The last admission is typically 45 minutes before closing.
Admission for the permanent exhibition includes standard tickets: full-price and reduced-price tickets, as well as family tickets; the museum also offers guided tours at a different rate. Exact prices and any changes are available at the ticket office or on the museum’s information channels before your visit.
If you plan to visit as a senior, bring an identity document that confirms your eligibility for a reduced ticket. In practice many Krakow museums grant discounts to pensioners/seniors (often 60+ or 65+), but the Museum of Pharmacy does not publish a detailed list of concessions online, so it’s best to confirm at the ticket office when buying your ticket.
8:30–9:30 - Morning walk around the Market: start at St. Mary’s Square, admire St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, take a few photos and glance at a city map.
9:30–11:00 - Museum of Pharmacy (Floriańska 25): visit the permanent exhibition, usually 1–1.5 hours. Remember the last admission is 45 minutes before closing; for larger groups or if you want a guided tour, check guide availability in advance.
11:15–12:30 - Coffee and a snack: choose one of the well-rated cafés near the Market, rest and plan the rest of your day.
12:30–15:30 - Wawel or a walk in Kazimierz: if you wish, visit Wawel Castle (allow time for tickets and possible queues), or take a more relaxed walk through the Jewish quarter with a break for lunch.
16:00–18:00 - Dinner at a recommended restaurant near the Market or in Kazimierz — pick a highly rated place; booking for the evening often helps avoid waits.
If you appreciate tradition with a touch of elegance, consider restaurants by the Market: Szara Gęś in Kuchni and Wierzynek are venues with history and reliable cuisine. For a quick and excellent coffee, try one of the well-rated cafés close to the Market — they offer a pleasant atmosphere.
For visitors seeking intimate spots, consider cafés and bistros a little farther from the immediate Market area — there you often get better value and fewer crowds. During the tourist season it’s smart to reserve a table for lunch or dinner.
The Museum of Pharmacy does not have an elevator and not all rooms are easily accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant walking difficulties. If you need assistance, inform museum staff before entering — they usually help within their capabilities.
When buying a reduced ticket, carry an identity document (ID card or a pensioner’s certificate). Even if the museum website does not list detailed concessions, many Krakow museums treat pensioners as eligible for discounts; ask at the ticket desk.
Avoid planning your visit on days the museum is closed (most often Mondays) and remember the last admission 45 minutes before closing – when you have only a short stay in Krakow this helps avoid wasting time.
Planning on the fly without checking museum opening hours — the museum may have shortened hours on specific days or be closed on Monday. Check the museum information or call ahead.
Assuming all museums accept city tourist cards — the Museum of Pharmacy does not accept the Krakow Tourist Card, so do not rely on that for free entry.
Not confirming accessibility for visitors with limited mobility — stairs and the lack of an elevator inside can be challenging, so plan your route in advance.
One curiosity: part of the Museum of Pharmacy’s exhibition occupies historic interiors that run from the cellars to the attic, creating an unusual vertical character to the visit — a different experience than the typical, level-by-level exhibition path.
At the museum you will see not only apothecary furniture and laboratory glass, but also traces of the everyday work of pharmacists from centuries past — a real treat for detail lovers.
Can a senior expect a discount? - In practice, Krakow museums often grant discounts to pensioners and seniors (typically 60+ or 65+), but the Museum of Pharmacy does not publish a detailed list of concessions on its site. It’s best to have an identity document that confirms your age or pensioner status and ask at the ticket office.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance? - The museum primarily operates with an on-site ticket office; guided tours and group visits may require advance booking. If you want a guided visit, contact the museum ahead of time.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users? - The interior covers several floors and there is no elevator, so accessibility is limited. Visitors who need help should contact the staff before visiting.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a short but rewarding stay in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a private guide and want a personalized route (especially adapted for seniors), I recommend using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa. This is a convenient option when you want to see more in less time and with greater comfort.
