Yes — and in a pleasant, not overwhelming way. The trick is to pace yourself: dedicate one day to the museum and the Old Town with a short afternoon walk in Kazimierz, and reserve the second day for Zabłocie, Podgórze and scattered murals. This mixes calm, atmospheric interiors with the street energy of colour and gives you more photographic moments.
Keep in mind that murals change more often than monuments — some works are seasonal or created during festivals. Treat a mural map as inspiration rather than a permanent checklist. MNK Czapscy, meanwhile, is a stable institution with a distinctive collection that benefits from a little planning (tickets, opening hours). Read on — I suggest a concrete schedule, the best times for photos and recommended cafés for a break.
Day 1 (morning and afternoon): museum and Kazimierz. Visit MNK (Czapski Palace) in the morning — a relaxed entrance, an interesting numismatic collection and the Józef Czapski pavilion. In the afternoon take a walk through Kazimierz: a 45–90 minute route, the top photo spots and a pause in a cosy café.
Day 2 (midday and afternoon): Zabłocie and Podgórze. Start near MOCAK and the Schindler Factory, then head into Zabłocie — here large-scale murals and modern developments create a strong contrast. Finish in Podgórze or near NCK / Nowa Huta, where you can also find interesting murals and graffiti-filled tunnels.
This split works well if you want more time for photos and breaks. If you prefer a faster pace — shorten the Kazimierz loop to 45 minutes and add more points in Zabłocie.
Morning: MNK Czapscy, ul. Piłsudskiego 12. This is an intimate museum with a coin and medal collection and cabinet-style interiors; allow about 1–1.5 hours. The pavilion dedicated to Józef Czapski often includes a small café and reading room and a charming garden — a great spot for a short rest.
Midday: a short lunch nearby (I recommend places with a good reputation — book ahead in season). After lunch take a tram or walk to Kazimierz. A 45-minute walking loop: Plac Nowy — Estery Street — Józefa Street — Judah square by Św. Wawrzyńca. It’s a quick, photo-friendly circuit showing colourful walls, neon signs and atmospheric gates.
Afternoon/Evening: if you have more time, choose the 90-minute route that dives into side courtyards between Meiselsa, Kupa and Warszauera — you’ll find details worth framing and less touristy perspectives. In the evening Kazimierz lights up with neons; this is a great time for photos in low light, especially at Plac Nowy and around the old neon signs.
Midday: start in the MOCAK and Schindler Factory area. This is where history meets contemporary art — from here it’s easy to begin exploring Zabłocie’s murals. In Zabłocie focus on Przemysłowa Street and the surroundings of former factories — that’s where large-scale works and urban projects appear.
Afternoon: head toward Podgórze — especially recommended are the areas around Błonia / Piłsudski Bridge and the route under NCK (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury), where new works often appear. If you want to close a festival-style loop, check short stretches with legal painting zones — they offer insight into the street-art community.
End of day: dinner at a well-rated restaurant in Zabłocie or back in Kazimierz. A twilight walk across the bridge with a view of the Vistula is a pleasant way to finish the day.
Short route (45 minutes) — a quick Kazimierz overview: ideal when you want a few great shots and time for coffee. This route hits main spots: Plac Nowy, Estery, Józefa.
Long route (90 minutes) — for photographers and the curious: adds side courtyards, neon-filled courtyards and stretches between Kupa and Meiselsa. Wear comfortable shoes and leave time for unexpected discoveries.
Modernist route — Zabłocie and Podgórze: here you’ll find an industrial landscape and large-format murals. Explore this area in the afternoon when the light brings out wall details and brick textures.
Location: Czapski Palace, ul. Piłsudskiego 12. It’s a branch of the National Museum with a strong numismatic and biographical emphasis. The palace interiors and the surrounding garden have an intimate charm, different from the big galleries.
Practicalities: plan for 60–90 minutes. The museum has set opening hours and parts may be closed for conservation work — check current information before you go. The Józef Czapski pavilion often houses a reading room and a small café, which pairs nicely with a stroll through the garden.
What to look for: collections of coins and medals, old maps, early printed books and temporary exhibitions. The palace itself is an interesting example of late 19th-century architecture, and the garden lapidarium offers a peaceful contrast to the city bustle.
The golden hours (just after sunrise and before sunset) are the best times for photographing murals and townhouses — soft light soothes contrasts and highlights wall textures. For neon and night shots choose late afternoon into the evening.
Avoid harsh midday light, especially in the narrow streets of Kazimierz — shadows can be very contrasty then. If you want photos without tourists, pick early morning or late evening on weekdays.
Camera or smartphone? A good smartphone handles well in good light; a DSLR or mirrorless with a wide-angle lens will help you make stronger images of large murals.
Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) — a classic courtyard café with solid coffee; a great place for a break while exploring Kazimierz.
Camelot Cafe — an atmospheric café close to the Old Town, good for dessert and a relaxed meal; recommended for those who appreciate unusual interiors.
Alchemia (Kazimierz) — a legendary bar with an artistic vibe; worth visiting in the evening if you like live music and an alternative atmosphere. All the places listed here are popular — in high season it’s wise to reserve or arrive early.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — result: fatigue and a shallow experience. It’s better to choose one neighbourhood for a thorough visit than to chase a map without breaks.
Not checking museum and pavilion hours — remember some branches have closed days or suspended exhibitions. Check before you go.
Expecting a mural to be “permanent” — street art is often temporary. If you want a specific piece, document it when you see it and don’t build your whole itinerary around single works.
Are photos of murals allowed? Yes, photographing murals and street art is generally accepted, but respect residents’ privacy and do not enter private courtyards without permission.
Do you need a ticket for MNK? Many branches require tickets; there are sometimes free-entry days or discounts. Buying tickets online saves time and avoids queues.
Are the routes accessible for people with limited mobility? Old streets and cobbles can be challenging. Check accessibility and elevator availability in places you plan to visit. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transport between points: central Kraków is well connected by trams and walking. Short walks between MNK, Kazimierz and Zabłocie are possible, but if you prefer to move faster a tram will save time.
Czapski Palace is not only exhibitions — in the garden there’s a lapidarium with fragments of old sculptures that create an unexpected, quiet nook in the city centre.
Kraków has so-called “legal walls” — places where painting is allowed and which often start socially meaningful projects. They’re a chance to see works in different stages of creation.
Murals are often the result of cooperation between the city, galleries and local communities — for that reason they frequently carry themes tied to local memory or identity.
You can plan two days in Kraków so that you feel both the museum elegance of Czapski Palace and the street energy of murals in Kazimierz, Zabłocie and Podgórze. The key is pacing: pick one short route and one longer route each day, leaving room for coffee and spontaneous discoveries.
If you liked this plan — share it with friends or post it on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city inside out and can tailor the route to your expectations, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and happy shooting!
