You can discover Kraków slowly and in pieces, but if you have only one day, it’s worth focusing on places with the greatest historical weight and the most beautiful interiors. Collegium Novum of the Jagiellonian University is an example of historic architecture and richly decorated university halls with paintings by Jan Matejko, and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory tells the story of the city during World War II. This plan lets you see both places without rushing from museum to museum and leaves time for ticketing and short breaks.
Start near the Main Market Square so you can walk to Collegium Novum (24 Gołębia Street). A walk through the Planty park or the narrow streets of the Old Town helps you soak up the city center atmosphere and is often faster than public transport. Allow about 60–90 minutes for this area — to view the façade, peek into the courtyard, and, if possible, enter the main hall or a chosen lecture room.
After visiting the Market area, head toward Kazimierz or toward Lipowa Street depending on the time of day and your Schindler’s Factory ticket reservation.
Collegium Novum is a working university building, so public access to interiors is limited. Keep in mind that entry to the main hall and representative rooms usually happens during organized tours, university events, or open days. You can always view the façade and courtyard on your own.
If you want to see the interiors: check the Jagiellonian University event schedule, look for information about open days, or ask about the possibility of entering the main hall through local cultural services when arranging your visit. Entering the hall allows you to see, among other things, paintings by Jan Matejko and rich neo-Gothic decorations.
Practical tip: in the morning between about 9:00 and 11:00 there is the highest chance that administrative offices are handling formal matters — it’s better to visit in gaps between events. If you care about photos, avoid times when university ceremonies are taking place.
Schindler’s Factory is today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and one of the city’s most popular attractions, so tickets often sell out on peak days. In recent years ticketing rules for in-person and online sales have changed — there are limits on the number of tickets available at the box office and some online sales operate within specific time windows.
In practice, this means it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance when possible and check the rules for collecting tickets at the museum box office. On some Mondays the museum offers limited free admission, but those tickets usually must be collected in person on the day and are few in number.
Remember the exhibition is emotionally intense — if you travel with children, plan the visit and talk with them before entering. A typical visit takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Online tickets are sometimes released with a limit and at specific times — check availability and the start times of ticket sales. In some periods there are limits on how many tickets one person can buy at the box office (keep this in mind if you plan to buy for a group).
If tickets are sold out: consider trying Monday morning (when a small quota is sometimes available at the box office) or plan your visit outside the summer high season. Another option is to choose less busy afternoon slots or shift your visit to another day.
Avoid buying “tickets” from auctions or resale sites — prices can be inflated and fraud risk increases. Always check refund rules and entry conditions.
After a morning stroll around the Market or after visiting Schindler’s Factory, plan a break for a good meal. Near the Main Market Square popular, consistently good options include Szara Gęś (at the square), Café Camelot (Świętego Tomasza Street) and Massolit Books & Café — great for a light lunch and coffee.
In the Kazimierz and Schindler’s Factory area you’ll find friendly restaurants and bars with local flavors: Starka (classic Kraków dishes) or Forum Przestrzenie, where you can relax by the Vistula. Always choose places with many reviews and high ratings — that’s usually the best guarantee of quality.
If you want something special, consider booking a table at Wierzynek for the evening — a historic choice for those who want to feel an old Kraków atmosphere.
From the Old Town to Schindler’s Factory (Lipowa Street) you can walk in 20–30 minutes via Karmelicka or the main streets and then toward Podgórze/Kazimierz (if you prefer a shorter route, take a tram or taxi). Because of narrow streets and pedestrian zones, walking is often quicker than driving.
If you want to save time: trams in the center run frequently and can speed your trip between the Market and the edges of Kazimierz. When using public transport, have a city card or mobile ticket ready.
Suggested day plan: morning around the Market and Collegium Novum, lunch, afternoon visit to Schindler’s Factory, evening in Kazimierz or return to the Market for dinner.
Although Collegium Novum looks like an old building from earlier centuries, it is the result of reconstruction and adaptation — many decorations and paintings are tied to Kraków’s rich academic tradition. The main hall also contains rectors’ portraits and works by notable painters, which often surprise visitors by their scale and detail.
Schindler’s Factory offers not only an exhibition about people’s fate during the war but also multimedia and narrative elements that present Kraków’s history from many perspectives — which makes the visit emotionally powerful.
Few people know that in the area of western Kazimierz and Lipowa you can find small shops with souvenirs made by local creators — a great place to buy an original gift instead of a mass-produced Market souvenir.
Buying tickets at the last minute — especially for Schindler’s Factory — risks missing entry. Book ahead when possible or have a plan B.
Confusing opening hours and special days — some museum branches have days with free entry, but these usually come with limited tickets that must be collected at the box office on the day. Check hours just before your trip.
Ignoring access limits inside Collegium Novum — it is a university building, so you cannot always enter every room. Respect people working and studying in the building.
Can I enter Collegium Novum without reservation? Yes — you can view the façade and courtyard without a reservation, but entry to the main hall and representative rooms is usually possible only during events, open days, or by prior arrangement.
How long does a visit to Schindler’s Factory take? Usually 1.5–2 hours, depending on pace and interest.
Can Schindler’s Factory tickets be refunded? Refund rules depend on the type of ticket and place of purchase; check conditions at the time of purchase.
Is the exhibition at Schindler’s Factory suitable for children? The content can be difficult for younger children — consider age and emotional maturity before entering.
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot around the city and inside exhibitions.
Carry a water bottle and some cash — not every tourist spot is equally ready for card payments.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit outside the high season or choose early morning hours.
Finally: if you like detailed, intimate tours of Kraków and would like personal help planning an efficient one-day visit, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz); her contact details are shown on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Share this article with friends or on social media if you find it helpful.
