Jan Matejko lived and worked in the tenement at 41 Floriańska Street — today the Jan Matejko House is a branch of the National Museum in Kraków and preserves thousands of the artist’s mementos, from paintings to photographs and letters. It’s an excellent place to understand the context behind many famous paintings you’ll later see in other city museums.
This article gives a practical two-day walking plan with tips on where to eat, how to save time and what to avoid so you bring home great memories of Kraków rather than tired feet. If you like, at the end there is an FAQ and contact information for private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Start in the morning at the Main Market Square: see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), stroll around the Square and pop into St. Mary’s Basilica — the tower with its trumpeter (hejnał) is impressive, and the mix of the square and narrow streets creates Kraków’s unique atmosphere.
Head to the Jan Matejko House at 41 Floriańska Street — a visit usually takes about 45–90 minutes depending on how long you spend with the exhibits and temporary displays. Keep in mind the museum has opening-day rules — often closed on Mondays, and Tuesday is sometimes a free-entry day for permanent exhibitions.
After visiting the Matejko House, visit the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) if you want to continue with Matejko and his contemporaries, or sit for a while at one of the cafés around the Square to rest. In the evening I suggest a walk through the Planty park and dinner at one of the recommended restaurants near the Square.
On the second day walk to Kazimierz, the former Jewish district full of atmospheric cafés, galleries and synagogues. A stroll through Kazimierz’s main square and Szeroka Street will take a few hours, and there are plenty of chances to try local treats along the way.
Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory if you’re interested in 20th‑century history — it connects the city’s past with its more recent stories. If you prefer a quieter program, visit the Skałka abbey and walk along the Vistula riverbanks.
In the evening Kazimierz has great dinner spots — choose a restaurant with good reviews serving regional dishes or modern interpretations. After dinner, walk the Vistula boulevards to see Wawel Castle at sunset.
This is a biographical museum where you’ll see the artist’s studio, family rooms and dozens of paintings and sketches. The collections are rich and illustrate Matejko’s whole life — from early sketches to finished historical compositions.
Opening hours and ticket prices can change, but the museum is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesday is often a free-entry day for permanent exhibitions. Visitors are typically admitted until about 20 minutes before closing. It’s worth buying tickets online or reserving in advance, especially in the high season.
Amateur photography is usually allowed without tripods and extra lighting; if you plan to film or stage a photo session with equipment, check the museum regulations first.
The route covering the Market Square, Wawel, the Jan Matejko House and part of Kazimierz is comfortably walkable over two days — plan one to two hours for each main stop, adding time for breaks, meals and museum entries.
On foot: from the Market Square to Wawel is about a 10–15 minute walk at a relaxed pace; from the Square to Kazimierz you’ll reach it in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on the route. Don’t plan for too many long stretches without rest — cobbled streets and steps can be tiring, especially in hot weather.
Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and an umbrella (Kraków’s weather can be changeable). If you want to avoid crowds, choose the Planty or smaller side streets instead of the shortest but most crowded routes.
Around the Market Square and Kazimierz you’ll find many highly regarded places — for traditional Polish cuisine consider restaurants such as Pod Aniołami, Szara Restaurant near the Square, or Starka in Kazimierz. For a café break I recommend Cafe Camelot or one of the small cafés hidden in the courtyards of the Old Town.
If you prefer something more modern, Kazimierz has many bistros and places serving creative cuisine with local ingredients. Always choose places with current good reviews and reserve a table for weekend evenings.
For accommodation, to make walking easy choose a hotel or guesthouse within the Old Town or right by Kazimierz — this shortens transfers and makes evening walks more enjoyable.
Planning an overly intense itinerary — you can’t see everything in two days, so plan realistically; focus on a few places and give them time.
Not checking museum and exhibition hours — some branches have irregular hours or closed days; check the museum’s official site and free-entry schedules before you go.
Neglecting reservations for restaurants and tickets to popular museums — in season it’s wise to book ahead to avoid queues and disappointment.
Jan Matejko didn’t just paint — he also collected military items, textiles and everyday objects; in the Matejko House you’ll see these unusual collections that show how broad his interests were.
Not all Matejko’s most famous large works are in his house — many major compositions are in other museum branches or galleries, so the Jan Matejko House offers an intimate look at the artist’s life and workshop.
Many spots in the center have more than one story — while walking you may find small plaques, squares and nooks that tell lesser-known tales of the city. It’s worth occasionally leaving the main route.
Do I have to buy a ticket to the Jan Matejko House in advance? - Not always necessary, but in high season or for groups it’s better to reserve or buy tickets online.
Is the Jan Matejko House accessible for visitors with limited mobility? - It’s a historic tenement, so access to some floors may be difficult; check accessibility information on the museum’s site before your trip.
Is photography allowed? - Amateur photography is usually allowed without tripods and extra lighting; commercial shoots require museum permission.
How can I save time in museums? - Arrive early in the morning or in the last hour before closing, avoid weekend afternoons and spread museum visits across the two days.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on your social profiles — we’d be happy if it helped you plan a great trip to Kraków.
If you want to explore with a guide, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find more information and contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This is often the best way to learn the stories, anecdotes and hidden places that guides and artists know best.
Good luck on your walks and enjoy discovering Kraków — don’t forget comfortable shoes, an open mind and a healthy appetite!
