If you enjoy history, technology and good food, combine a walk through the city center with a visit to the Polish Aviation Museum — an unusual day that leaves great memories and won’t wreck a student budget. The museum offers a large exhibition area with impressive aircraft both outdoors and in hangars, and the rest of the day is easy to plan so you can drop into a few tried-and-true, budget-friendly places to eat.
This article suggests a simple, flexible route, how to get there, what to see in the museum, where to eat well and cheaply (places popular with students and Erasmus visitors), and practical tips often missing from short guides. At the end you’ll find an FAQ and tips to avoid the most common mistakes.
Option 1 — intensive day: start in the morning at the Main Market Square, walk to Wawel Castle (about 45–60 minutes on foot with stops for photos), then head toward Kazimierz for lunch. In the afternoon take a tram or bus to the Polish Aviation Museum (Czyżyny district). Plan 2–3 hours for the museum to comfortably see the hangars and outdoor displays.
Option 2 — spread out and relaxed: visit the Old Town and Wawel in the morning, spend the afternoon in Kazimierz with a coffee and snack break. Reserve the next day for the Polish Aviation Museum and nearby spots (for example Czyżyński Park) — a good choice if you prefer a slower pace and want more local food options.
Time to allow: for the Polish Aviation Museum count on at least 90–120 minutes. If you’re interested in technical details and the history of individual exhibits, allow 3 hours. Travel from the center by tram or bus takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Address and essential practical info: the museum is located at al. Jana Pawła II 39 in Krakow. It’s large — the collection includes hundreds of aviation exhibits: aircraft, gliders, helicopters, engines and thematic displays.
Opening hours and tickets: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday during daytime hours; the ticket desk stops sales and admits the last visitors about 45 minutes before closing. The main mistake to avoid is going on Monday — the museum is closed that day.
What to see: start with the indoor hangar exhibitions (passenger and military aircraft models), then go outside where the largest exhibits stand. For fans of World War II and interwar history there are unique pieces and temporary exhibitions — check current news before you go, as special exhibits or events sometimes appear (the museum also organizes seasonal exhibitions and events).
Accessibility and contacts: the museum publishes information about holiday closures and provides phone and email contact on its site. If you plan a larger group or want a guided tour, it’s best to write or call ahead.
Getting there: the museum is well connected to the city center — the easiest way is by tram or bus to the stop with a similar name (Muzeum Lotnictwa) or by taxi/ride-share. If you drive, pay attention to parking zones and check availability before arrival.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (outdoor area and hangars), a jacket if you plan to spend time outside near exhibits, a camera, and some cash or a card for small purchases — the museum shop has souvenirs and sometimes it’s worth buying a guide or map. Also check whether there are special events that day which might increase visitor numbers.
Who it’s for: the museum appeals to families, history and technology enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an alternative to the crowded Market Square. It’s also a great meeting place with friends — the atmosphere is more relaxed than in city art museums.
Krakow has many options, but if you want tasty and inexpensive food, here are places that combine quality and reasonable prices and are popular with locals and students:
Kolanko No 6 — a cozy spot with homestyle and vegetarian-leaning dishes and set lunches at student-friendly prices; a modern take on Polish flavors.
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy — a great choice for quick, cheap and filling pierogi; many varieties and solid portions.
Beer House — daily lunch specials at very reasonable prices; a wide selection of dishes and beers, good for meeting friends after sightseeing.
Kuchnia u Doroty — classic homestyle meals at low prices; a ‘home-cooked’ atmosphere, generous portions and a daily menu.
Vegab — a popular vegan kebab spot, quick and affordable for eating on the go while walking around the city.
Bistro 27 and Primo — simple, tasty meals and lunch sets at fair prices; good for a quick, satisfying meal.
Milk Bar (selected locations) — if you want a taste of PRL-era atmosphere and the cheapest possible lunch, choose a milk bar; a meal often costs very little and is very filling.
Additionally: around Kazimierz and the Old Town you’ll find many cafes and burger places (for example Skate Burger) that sometimes offer discounts or student portions — it’s worth asking at the counter about any available discounts.
How much to allocate: for an economical day including meals at the places described and a museum ticket, budget roughly 60–120 PLN per person (depending on whether you choose a milk bar or a restaurant lunch).
Saving tips: choose daily lunch specials, look for milk bars and street food stands. If you’re a student or Erasmus participant, always carry your student ID — some places (museums, cafes, certain restaurants) may offer discounts.
Splitting costs: when traveling in a group consider sharing a taxi for part of the trip or ordering larger portions to share — it often works out cheaper and is a fun way to try more dishes.
Arriving on Monday to the Polish Aviation Museum — the museum is closed that day, so check the weekday before you plan the visit.
Eating only at the Market Square — tourist traps are pricier and often lower quality; it’s better to walk a few blocks away or try places recommended by locals.
Underestimating time — the museum and outdoor area can take more time than expected; plan a coffee break and allow about 2–3 hours for the museum at a relaxed pace.
Not asking museum staff questions — if you’re interested in specific exhibits, temporary shows or guided tours, staff are happy to help and point out highlights.
The museum’s collection includes hundreds of exhibits from gliders to heavier machines — it’s not just a few planes on the grass but an organized exhibition with hangars and themed displays.
Temporary exhibitions and events happen regularly — check current announcements before your visit, because unique exhibits or openings may be available.
Krakow, as a university city, has an excellent network of inexpensive eateries; local students know where to get a filling meal for very little money and in a nice atmosphere — don’t hesitate to ask students for recommendations on the spot.
Does the Polish Aviation Museum offer student discounts? Yes — many museums offer student discounts on tickets; always carry a valid student ID and check the current price list before entering.
Do I need to book a ticket in advance? For standard visits, advance booking is usually not necessary, but if you plan a group visit or want to attend a special event, book ahead.
How much time is needed to see the museum? Minimum 90–120 minutes to see main exhibits and take photos. For enthusiasts of technology, 3+ hours is recommended.
Are there toilets and a souvenir shop? Yes — the museum has visitor facilities including a museum shop where you can buy books and small souvenirs.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on social media — you’ll help other Erasmus students and visitors discover great places in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with someone who will show you the city ‘from the inside’ and tailor the route to your interests, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized tours and can adapt the itinerary to your preferences. Contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s site. Enjoy your visit and bon appétit!
Carry a small umbrella or light rain jacket — Krakow weather can change suddenly.
Buy transport tickets from machines, kiosks or via the public transport app before boarding trams or buses to avoid fines.
Check opening hours on the day of your visit — seasonal changes or special events can affect hours.
Is the museum accessible? The museum provides visitor facilities and information about accessibility; some parts of the site are adapted, but if you have specific needs it’s best to contact the museum in advance.
Can I come with a large group? For larger groups or guided tours, contact the museum ahead of time to arrange availability and possible group rates.
