Yes — if you want to understand the historical context, see places connected to the occupation period, and hear the stories of the people who lived here. Schindler's Factory is more than a museum — it's a starting point for a wider story about Krakow between 1939 and 1945. A licensed guide helps connect facts with personal stories and leads you through the neighbourhood of the former ghetto, where many traces of the past are still visible in the cityscape.
Touring with a licensed guide makes the time more engaging and meaningful — instead of wandering exhibition rooms reading panels, you'll hear stories that give meaning to exhibits and places. For many visitors, the guide is what makes the visit moving and memorable. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Krakow guide.
If you want to avoid queues, the best strategy is to reserve museum tickets in advance and book your guided tour ahead of time. We schedule guided visits in advance — that saves time and spares you from waiting in line at the ticket office.
On the tour I will show you not only the permanent exhibition at Schindler's Factory, but also fragments of the former ghetto and memorial sites in the Podgórze and Kazimierz areas. The route is designed to combine museum interiors with urban space — this helps you better feel the city's history and its inhabitants.
A typical "Ghetto and Schindler's Factory" tour lasts 2 or 4 hours depending on your expectations and pace. Practically, 2 hours is a solid minimum; 4 hours gives plenty of comfort, time for questions, and room to visit additional sites.
- Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory - the permanent exhibition tells the story of Krakow during the occupation 1939–1945. The display links the fate of the city with the lives of its residents, showing the realities of life under occupation.
- Sites of the former ghetto and the streets of Podgórze - fragments of buildings, memorial sites and points that help understand how the city was divided and what everyday life looked like for its inhabitants.
- Stories about people - both well-known figures and ordinary residents. We remember individuals, decisions and dramas that shaped Krakow's fate during the war.
- Local context - I explain administrative structures, occupier policies, economic and cultural life, and how war changed the urban fabric. The route is not just dates — it is people and places.
During the walk we'll stop at places that are easy to miss when visiting on your own: commemorative plaques, short stretches of street with special meaning, small sacred interiors and remnants of former institutions. That way you'll see a bigger picture than from a single exhibition alone.
- Opening hours at Schindler's Factory vary by season — typically the museum is open from early morning to evening; the last entry is often set about 90 minutes before closing. It's always worth checking current opening times and ticket availability before you arrive.
- Booking museum tickets online and reserving a guided tour slot is the quickest way to avoid queues. I help clients with ticket purchases and advise on the best visiting times.
- Meeting point is agreed individually, but a popular and convenient start is the Main Market Square near the Adam Mickiewicz monument. It's central and easy to reach on foot or by public transport.
- Tour length: 2 or 4 hours. 2 hours — a short, intensive route; 4 hours — a more relaxed version with extra stops and more details.
- Tour languages: Polish and English. If you need another language, ask and I will try to help arrange it.
- Payments: I accept bank transfer and cash after the tour. Exact details are arranged during booking.
- Audio guides and headset sets are available for larger groups — they improve audibility and comfort during the visit.
- Book tickets and the guided tour in advance — this is the most reliable way to avoid queues.
- Choose early morning or late afternoon slots — midday tends to be busiest.
- Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer a quieter visit — Tuesdays through Thursdays are often less crowded.
- For larger groups, use headset systems — they speed up movement and allow the guide to speak without interruptions.
- If your time is limited, plan a 2-hour route and tell the guide what matters most to you — we’ll focus on the exhibition or the outdoor walk, depending on your priorities.
- Routes are adapted to the age of participants — for children I use more accessible language, anecdotes and curiosities to keep interest alive. A school class can have a special educational program.
- For families with small children it's worth planning a shorter route or breaks — some rooms are not accessible with strollers or are hard to reach, so ask about details before booking.
- For school groups, early organisation of tickets and museum permission for entry at specific times is often required — I help coordinate these formalities.
Visiting with children can be moving — it's important to adjust pace and the way stories are told. I present histories honestly but sensitively to the children's age.
For teachers — I can prepare a program aligned with the curriculum or a set of discussion topics to use before and after the visit.
- The museum and part of the route are accessible to people with limited mobility, but not all fragments of the historical fabric are barrier-free. If you need full accessibility, tell me when booking and I will check possibilities and plan a comfortable route.
- During the visit we observe rules of safety and show respect for memorial sites — this is a route on a serious topic, so please keep a calm demeanour and ask questions at appropriate moments.
- In case of bad weather the route can be modified to spend more time indoors. I always have a plan B so the tour can take place regardless of rain.
If you have questions about safety rules or specific exhibition restrictions, ask when booking. I will help prepare your group.
If you need translation services or support for deaf visitors, notify me in advance and I will try to organise assistance where possible.
Do I have to buy the museum ticket myself? - It's best to reserve a ticket online before arrival; if you prefer, I can help purchase tickets when you book the tour.
Will the guide enter all the rooms with us? - Yes, the guide holds the licence and permissions to lead tours at Schindler's Factory; some rooms may have capacity limits — in that case we stagger entries so the group can visit comfortably.
How much does a tour cost? - Prices depend on tour length and group size; exact terms are discussed during booking. The website has indicative rates and occasional promotions.
Is the tour suitable for seniors? - Yes, I adjust pace so it is comfortable; if there are mobility needs, please inform me when booking.
How early should I arrive at the meeting point? - I recommend arriving 10–20 minutes beforehand to gather and enter calmly.
- Dress comfortably — there will be walking in the city and visits to museum rooms; on cooler days bring an extra layer as exhibition halls can be chilly.
- Come with an open mind — the subject can be difficult and moving; allow time for reflection and questions.
- Take notes or photos of memorial sites if you plan to document the visit — remember the museum rules on photography in certain rooms.
- If you'd like to visit more historical places after the tour, ask me for suggestions; I can advise how to plan the rest of your day.
Booking contact: by phone +48 501 962 037 or by email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. During booking we'll select the best date, duration and scope of the tour.
Visiting Schindler's Factory and the surroundings of the former ghetto is an experience that blends knowledge, emotion and urban space. As your guide, I will bring to life the stories behind exhibits and buildings, answer your questions and help you understand how the war changed Krakow's face.
If you want to visit without queues and in a well-planned way — book in advance and get in touch with me. Together we will choose the pace and scope so your time in Krakow is valuable and stress-free.
I look forward to walking with you — with history by the hand, with humour where appropriate, and with respect where memory requires it. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Krakow guide.
Wishing you a calm and safe visit — see you in Krakow!
