Krakow in 1 day: how to combine a 2-hour segway ride with a visit to Schindler's Factory

Krakow in 1 day: how to combine a 2-hour segway ride with a visit to Schindler's Factory
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Why combine a segway ride and Schindler's Factory?

Krakow has pace, history and emotion — and one day is enough to feel it in a capsule. A 2-hour segway ride lets you see much more than on foot and quickly get from the Main Market to the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz. Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory (a branch of the Museum of Krakow) is a place that invites you to stop and reflect. Combining both attractions balances movement and the city's energy with a deep, educational museum experience.

In practice most segway operators offer 2-hour routes — Old Town or Kazimierz — that often pass by or finish near Podgórze, from where Schindler's Factory is within easy reach. Keep in mind that you must leave the vehicle and enter the museum on foot — the exhibition cannot be visited on a segway.

This is a good solution for visitors who want to make the most of a short time in the city: a morning or late-morning segway ride, a quick lunch, then a museum visit.

Practical day plan (compact version)

08:30–09:00 - breakfast by the Main Market (for example Charlotte — fresh bread and coffee).

09:30–11:30 - 2-hour segway ride: Old Town or Kazimierz. The route includes main highlights and stops for photos.

11:45–12:30 - light lunch in Kazimierz (for example Hamsa or Mleczarnia) or a quick bite near Wawel.

13:00–15:00 - visit to Schindler's Factory. Plan at least 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibition, multimedia and a moment of reflection.

15:00–16:00 - walk to Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), visit the Pharmacy Under the Eagle (Apteka pod Orłem) or take a short rest by the Vistula River.

If you want to see more: add a walk around Wawel or an evening stroll through the Market Square with dinner.

What to reserve in advance and why it pays off

Tickets for Schindler's Factory are often limited and sold for specific time slots — booking online for a chosen time is essential, especially in high season. The museum publishes available slots in advance, so buy tickets as early as possible.

Booking a segway is also recommended: popular times (midday and afternoon) can fill up, operators require a short safety briefing and often set minimum group sizes or age/weight limits.

By booking ahead you avoid queues and can better coordinate segway timing with your museum entry. Allow about 30–45 minutes to get from the segway endpoint to the Schindler's Factory entrance — this depends on the meeting point.

What to expect at Schindler's Factory

The permanent exhibition tells the story of Krakow under occupation from 1939 to 1945 and uses many multimedia means. The display has an intense, emotional character — be prepared for powerful and often moving content.

Entry to the museum is at designated times — tickets work in time slots. The last admissions are usually allowed up to roughly 1.5 hours before closing, but check current opening hours before you arrive.

Schindler's Factory is part of the Museum of Krakow network and sometimes offers combined tickets or a memory route that includes the Pharmacy Under the Eagle and other memorial sites. Wear comfortable shoes and allow yourself a short break after visiting — the exhibition may be emotionally demanding.

Segway — key rules and practical things

Before you start you'll get a short training and a helmet. Learning the basics usually takes a few minutes, then the route is adjusted to the group's pace.

Age and weight requirements vary by operator, but a common minimum age is 12 and there are usually weight limits; check these details when booking.

Weather affects routes: light rain is not always a barrier, but in poor conditions the operator may postpone or cancel the tour. Bring a light jacket and avoid flip-flops — closed, stable shoes are better.

A segway will not go into museum interiors — plan it as transport and an attractive way to sightsee outdoors, not as a replacement for walking inside buildings.

Where to eat and rest (recommended places)

Kazimierz: Hamsa - highly rated Middle Eastern cuisine, great for a filling lunch after a segway; Mleczarnia - a cozy spot for coffee and cake.

Main Market and surroundings: Charlotte Chleb i Wino - a popular place for breakfast and freshly baked goods; restaurants around the Market offer convenience but can be pricier.

Podgórze / near Schindler's Factory: after the visit it’s nice to relax in a local café by the Vistula or choose a restaurant serving traditional Polish dishes — when time is tight, pick places with good reviews and quick service.

If you plan to stay overnight, choose the city center or Kazimierz — you'll save time on transfers and more easily fit sightseeing into a tight one-day schedule.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Not reserving tickets to Schindler's Factory — in season entries sell out days in advance. Buy your ticket online and choose a specific time.

Not leaving enough buffer between the segway and museum ticket — account for walking time, possible sidewalk congestion and an extra 15–30 minutes to return equipment and use the restroom.

Wearing inappropriate shoes for the segway — flip-flops or slippery soles are a bad idea. Choose stable, closed shoes.

Thinking a segway replaces the museum visit — each place needs time to stop and learn, so treat the segway as logistics and fun, not the only experience.

A few surprising facts for the tourist

Schindler's Factory remains an important point on the Memory Route — you can often add or visit related branches like the Pharmacy Under the Eagle to enrich the context of your visit.

Many segway routes end in less touristy but very interesting spots from which you can reach film locations from Schindler's List — ask your guide about such places along the route.

On some days the museum offers free admissions or special ticket pools; even on free days there is usually an entry limit — arriving early is the only way to use this option without a reservation.

FAQ - quick answers

Can I enter Schindler's Factory directly from the segway route? - Yes, but you must leave the segway outside and enter on foot. Make sure you have a reservation for the right time.

How long does the museum visit take? - Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to calmly see the exhibition and multimedia.

Is a segway hard to master? - No, you will learn the basics in a few minutes during the briefing, but stable shoes and basic physical fitness are required.

Are there discounts at the museum? - There are usually reduced-price tickets (students, seniors, children). Check the rules when buying tickets online.

What if it rains during the segway? - Many companies operate in light rain, but in heavy rain or thunderstorms the tour may be rescheduled. The operator will tell you the rescheduling procedure.

In closing - friendly tips and encouragement

If you have only one day in Krakow, plan with a sense of humor and realistic expectations: a 2-hour segway and a visit to Schindler's Factory is a beautiful, varied combination, but it requires advance bookings and some flexibility.

Share this plan with friends or on social media — it will help other visitors make the most of their time in Krakow. If you want to tour with a private guide, I recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offerings are available on the guide's website.

Good luck and enjoy your day in Krakow — plan smart, but leave room for unexpected discoveries.