Yes — it is possible if you plan the days smartly. In two days it’s worth choosing 2–4 “main places” (for example the Princes Czartoryski Museum with the Lady with an Ermine, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, the Rynek Underground or the National Museum in the Cloth Hall) and a few shorter stops that are attractive for children (Museum of Engineering and Technology, the Living Obwarzanek Museum, or family-friendly parks and creative spaces).
Two days is a perfect amount of time to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town, visit Wawel and spend an evening in Kazimierz — without running from museum to museum. The key is booking tickets in advance, choosing good visiting hours (mornings are usually quieter) and keeping a sensible pace for children (breaks for play and snacks).
Below you will find a ready two-day plan, practical advice about tickets and discounts, and suggestions for cafés and restaurants that are family-friendly and well reviewed.
Morning: Start near the Main Market Square — the Princes Czartoryski Museum is a great first stop. Allow 1–1.5 hours for the permanent exhibition (more if your family enjoys art). Buy timed tickets online to avoid queues.
Afternoon: Walk through the Main Market Square, make a short visit to the Cloth Hall or the Rynek Underground (if you choose the Underground, plan about 1–1.5 hours). Then head to Wawel — the courtyard and the Cathedral (some Wawel sections require advance reservation).
Evening: Relax in Kazimierz — there are many family-friendly cafés and restaurants there. Children often prefer less formal places with simple menus and dessert options. Book a table if you visit popular spots on a weekend.
Morning: Oskar Schindler’s Factory — a museum with strong emotional and multi-layered historical storytelling. The exhibition is multimedia; plan 1–1.5 hours and remember to reserve a ticket online. Free-admission days can be crowded and make family visits less comfortable.
Afternoon: If you’re traveling with children, consider the Museum of Engineering and Technology, a sculpture park or creative zones, or the Living Obwarzanek Museum — short, interactive breaks that let kids take part actively. Alternatively: a walk along the Vistula, a short seasonal boat trip, or a visit to a playground.
Evening: Keep dinner light, take a short walk and prepare for packing — it’s better to end the day calmly than to rush to one more attraction.
Buy tickets online for major attractions — it’s the most reliable way to secure a timed entry and avoid standing in line. In high season popular time slots can sell out weeks in advance.
Check family ticket options and discounts. Many institutions offer family tickets (for example 2+2 or 1+3) and reductions for holders of cards such as the Large Family Card or local city cards. Also check whether specific museum branches have free days — remember that free admission usually attracts large crowds.
Opening hours: most museums operate Tuesday–Sunday; some branches close on Mondays. Always check hours on the official website before your trip, as they can change seasonally.
Book a timed entry and leave a 30–60 minute buffer between visits for transport, a snack and restroom breaks — especially with small children.
If you plan more than one museum in a day, start with the most demanding (emotionally or timewise) and finish with something lighter.
Consider luggage storage or leaving large suitcases at your accommodation — not all museums accept big luggage in their cloakrooms.
Mind the weather: on rainy days plan more indoor activities and shorter outdoor walks.
Museum of Engineering and Technology — lots of hands-on exhibits, trams, cars and play zones for children.
Living Obwarzanek Museum — a short, fun lesson in a local culinary tradition with a chance to make your own obwarzanek (Kraków’s traditional ring bread).
Creative zones and weekend workshops in selected museums — many institutions run family workshops; check schedules before you arrive.
Rynek Underground — a great option for a rainy afternoon; an archaeological and multimedia exhibition that presents the city’s beginnings in an engaging way.
For coffee and breakfast: choose cafés near the Market Square with good coffee and fresh bread — they are perfect to start the day. Baking-focused cafés and bakeries are easy and child-friendly.
For lunch: pick restaurants with good ratings that offer simple children's dishes and relatively quick service — Polish cuisine places and spots with international menus are usually safe choices. Book a table for weekend evenings.
For dessert: pastry shops and ice-cream parlors in the center make a perfect break between museums — kids love artisanal ice cream and local cakes.
For something characteristic: Kazimierz has many cozy places serving Polish and Jewish-inspired dishes with a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Choose a hotel or apartment within a 15–20 minute walk of the Main Market Square if you want to make the most of 48 hours. This saves travel time and gives easy access to evening attractions.
For families an apartment with a kitchen or a room with an extra bed is usually more convenient — handy for quick breakfasts and calming the kids in the evening.
If you plan to visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Podgórze area, consider staying closer to Kazimierz or Dębniki to shorten the morning commute.
Trying to see too many places in a short time — it's better to choose fewer and take them in slowly; children handle shorter, more engaging stops better.
Not checking opening hours and closed days — verify official museum pages the day before departure.
Assuming free days are always a good idea — free admission draws crowds and can spoil the family experience; consider buying timed tickets on a regular day instead.
Not preparing for breaks and snacks — children need regular pauses; bring water and small snacks.
Some museums offer short curator-led tours or talks during the day — a great chance to learn more if you catch one of these events.
Many Krakow cultural institutions pilot creative zones and family workshops on weekends — check the schedule, you might find a child-friendly workshop included in the ticket price.
Some objects and paintings have their own local legends — their stories can be more interesting than the museum labels, so don’t hesitate to ask at the ticket desk or information point.
Should I buy tickets in advance? Definitely for the most popular attractions — it gives peace of mind and guarantees entry at a chosen time.
Are museums child-friendly? Many are — but levels of interactivity vary. Look for exhibitions marked “for families” or “family workshops.”
Are city cards and discounts worth it? If you plan to visit more than one museum, check local cards and family discounts. They can be cost-effective, especially for larger groups.
Where to leave large luggage? The safest option is the hotel or a luggage locker at the station; not all museums offer storage for big baggage.
Forty-eight hours in Krakow is enough to see the key museums, feel the city’s atmosphere and leave with lovely memories — provided you plan sensibly and buy tickets in advance.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a better family trip to Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a local who shows the city from a practical, family-focused perspective, consider arranging a private guide. For family-friendly guided options, look for services offered by local guides such as Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Wishing you a great trip and many beautiful discoveries in Krakow!
