Yes — you can feel the city’s atmosphere and see its main sights in one day if you have a sensible plan and clear priorities. One of the less obvious but very important layers of Krakow’s history is the building at Pomorska 2, today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. This place tells difficult but essential chapters of the 20th century: it housed first the German occupation services and later communist institutions. Visiting this tenement offers a different perspective on the city’s history than Wawel or the Market Square — it’s more intimate and moving. It’s worth fitting it between a walk through the Old Town and a visit to Kazimierz.
The Pomorska museum has a permanent exhibition about the fate of Krakow’s residents in 1939–1956, including preserved prison cells, rooms of documents and materials that show repression and everyday life under occupation and in the early postwar years. The visit provides historical context and helps better understand the city — and it doesn’t have to take the whole day: with good time planning you can combine it with the classic “Wawel — Market Square — Kazimierz” route and still enjoy a good meal.
If you only have one day, pick what matters most to you: sights, museums or food. This article suggests a practical route, concrete places to eat and tips — so the day will be intense but enjoyable.
08:30–10:00 - Wawel Hill: start at the Castle and the Cathedral; mornings are less crowded and it’s easier to take good photos. If you plan to enter the castle, check which exhibitions are open and buy tickets in advance.
10:15–11:30 - Walk the Royal Route toward the Market Square: Grodzka, Kanonicza, a short stop at St. Mary’s Basilica (you can listen to the hejnał), a moment by the Cloth Hall.
11:30–13:00 - Main Market Square and the Market Underground (optional): a quick lunch or coffee at a recommended place by the Square or on Grodzka. Avoid the cheapest souvenir stands if you look for quality.
13:15–14:00 - Planty / short transfer to the Museum at Pomorska 2: allow about 45–60 minutes for the permanent exhibition “People of Krakow in times of terror 1939–1945–1956” — it’s a strong, documentary show with well-documented material.
14:15–15:30 - Walk to Kazimierz: stroll over a mound or along the Vistula, depending on your mood. In Kazimierz you can try local specialties for a late lunch or early dinner.
16:00–18:00 - Kazimierz: synagogues, Plac Nowy, atmospheric cafés and charming streets. This is a pleasant way to end the day before returning to the Market Square or Wawel for an evening walk.
Remember to adjust the pace to the weather and your fitness. If you prefer a more museum-focused day, skip some walks and spend more time in chosen exhibitions.
The building at Pomorska 2 is part of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and preserves authentic interiors of the former security services’ headquarters from World War II and the early People’s Republic period. The most moving parts are the old cells and interrogation rooms, along with an exhibition documenting the lives of the city’s inhabitants. The visit is fact-based and emotionally demanding — it’s wise to plan a short rest after you leave.
Practically: keep in mind the exhibition is documentary and may include photos and testimonies about repression. The exhibit is relatively compact — for most visitors 45–60 minutes is enough to view it thoughtfully. Check opening hours and ticket prices before you go, since parts of the museum may have different hours or require prior reservation.
A noteworthy detail: for decades the name “Pomorska” in local memory meant places of repression; today the building serves as an important place of remembrance — not only locally but nationally. Visiting helps understand the everyday reality of Krakow residents in difficult 20th-century times.
If you’re looking for reliable, highly rated places near the tourist routes, here are a few options worth considering:
Miód Malina (Grodzka Street) - a restaurant with a steady reputation, serving Polish cuisine enriched with Mediterranean accents. A good place for a proper lunch after visiting Wawel; classic dishes, a pleasant interior and the option to reserve a table, which helps when your schedule is tight.
Starka (Kazimierz, ul. Józefa) - a Kazimierz legend known for homestyle Polish cooking and house liqueurs. Cozy atmosphere, ideal for an evening meal after exploring the neighborhood; it specializes in traditional dishes served in an old-Polish style.
Pod Aniołami (Grodzka Street) - historic interiors and traditional Polish cooking prepared with artisanal methods (marinated meats, grill). A spot for a special dinner near Wawel if you want to feel the atmosphere of old Krakow.
Pod Baranem (near Wawel) - a respected restaurant emphasizing traditional Polish cuisine in a slightly more elegant version; a good option for a formal dinner. Remember to reserve for evenings.
When choosing a restaurant: follow reviews, reserve a table especially on weekends, and ask about the daily or regional specials — that’s often the best way to get fresh, well-prepared dishes.
Buying tickets on the spot without checking hours — in high season some museums and underground attractions limit daily entries. It’s best to check times and, when possible, reserve tickets online.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — this is a basic mistake. Better choose 2–3 priorities (for example Wawel, the Market, Pomorska) and explore them calmly than rush through a long checklist.
Eating only at the Market Square in the first place you find — tourist traps are real. If you care about quality, choose places recommended in this article or ask locals for suggestions.
Not paying attention to a map or transport — Krakow is a very walkable city, but it’s useful to know a few tram and bus stops in case of bad weather or tired legs. Map and timetable apps make on-the-go planning much easier.
Dress appropriately for museums and memorial sites — these are spaces where it’s good to maintain a modest outfit and respectful behavior.
Is the Museum at Pomorska Street suitable for children? - The exhibition is factual and deals with heavy historical topics; it can be valuable for older children and teenagers, while for younger kids it may be better to consider alternatives or prepare a short explanation before entering.
How much time should I plan for Pomorska? - On average 45–60 minutes is enough to walk through the permanent exhibition calmly. If you want a guided tour or to attend an educational event, allow more time.
Do I need reservations at the recommended restaurants? - In the Old Town and Kazimierz it’s worth reserving, especially in the evening and on weekends. Places like Starka or Pod Aniołami accept reservations and have a limited number of tables.
How should I get around the city to save time? - Walk between nearby Old Town attractions, and use trams or short taxi/ride‑hail trips for longer distances.
Pomorska Street became, in local memory, synonymous with offices and places of repression from 1939–1950 — today the building works as a museum that remembers the past and educates new generations.
In many Krakow restaurants you’ll find classic dishes presented with slight variations — ask about the ‘special of the day’, because chefs often offer seasonal or regional takes on familiar meals.
The Planty park encircling the Old Town is the result of 19th-century city decisions — former fortifications were removed and replaced by a green belt that today is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a good day in Krakow. If you prefer calm, in-depth sightseeing with someone who knows the city and its stories “from the inside,” you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. I wish you a great day in Krakow with many memorable tastes and discoveries!
If you’d like, I can prepare a shortened printable version of this route or a map with marked points and opening hours. Just tell me what you prefer: more museums, more food, or a relaxed walking pace.
