Did you know that Krakow’s popular attractions and crowded spots can turn a simple need into a small challenge? When planning a three-day stay, think not only about routes and tickets but also about where you can comfortably use the restroom, eat affordably, and save thanks to student discounts. This guide will help you combine culture — including a visit to the Ethnographic Museum — with everyday needs so your stay is comfortable and stress-free.
In this article you’ll find a practical three-day plan, tips on accessibility and toilets in museums and around the city, a list of student-friendly dining spots, and an FAQ with common mistakes and how to avoid them. If you’re on Erasmus or just visiting as a student — this guide is for you.
Day 1: Kazimierz — start with a walk through the streets of the former Jewish quarter, visit the Kazimierz Town Hall and the exhibitions at the Ethnographic Museum (the branch in the Town Hall at Plac Wolnica). In the evening enjoy local food — Kazimierz has many budget-friendly places.
Day 2: Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, and a short visit to a smaller gallery or museum. If you plan to visit many museums, consider a 2–3 day city pass — it often includes the Ethnographic Museum and other attractions.
Day 3: Alternatives and relaxation — stroll the Planty, walk the Vistula boulevards, visit Jordan Park or pop over to Nowa Huta. This is a good time to see less crowded spots and enjoy an affordable meal in a bar mleczny (traditional cafeteria) or a popular vegetarian place.
Remember to plan short breaks every 1.5–2 hours for rest and restroom stops — especially during intensive sightseeing.
The Ethnographic Museum has several locations — check where the exhibition you want to see is on: the main displays are often in the Kazimierz Town Hall at Plac Wolnica, while temporary shows may take place in the Dom Esterki on ul. Krakowska. The museum runs events and workshops, so check the current programme before you go.
The museum states it takes accessibility seriously: it prepares routes and supporting materials for visitors with different needs (including solutions for visitors with visual impairments, Polish Sign Language translations, and the possibility of assistance). That means a visit can be comfortable also for those who appreciate accessibility measures.
If you are a student — always bring your student ID or an ISIC card; many cultural institutions in Krakow offer discounts for young people or international student cards.
Public toilets in the city centre are available but not always open at the same hours. Popular locations along busy tourist routes include the Cloth Hall (Rynek Główny), the Planty (streets such as Sienna and Straszewskiego), Plac Szczepański and the Vistula boulevards. Some municipal facilities have extended hours in high season and are occasionally staffed — check current opening times when planning an evening out.
Museums usually have restrooms for visitors; some sites also provide facilities for people with disabilities. If in doubt, ask at the ticket desk — staff will often point you to the nearest WC and tell you about baby-changing tables or accessible toilets.
Small practical tricks: carry some small change (some paid toilets require a small fee), keep a charged phone with an offline map and have an app or city map marking WC points. When crowds are high, it’s better to plan a break in a less busy spot than to search for a restroom at the last minute.
Krakow is a university city, so you’ll find plenty of student-budget-friendly places. Visit bar mleczny cafeterias — traditional spots with hearty portions — and well-rated venues serving quick, filling meals. Recommended options include Vegab (vegan kebab, quick and affordable), popular bar mleczny locations around the city, and small Asian eateries near university areas.
If you’re looking for a café to work in with your laptop, choose places with good coffee and Wi‑Fi near campuses; many cafés offer off-peak promotions. When picking a place, follow local reviews and ratings — choosing spots recommended by residents is usually a good bet.
Budget tip: avoid “tourist menus” on very touristy streets — they’re often pricier. Walk a few hundred metres to eat where locals and students go.
Bring your valid student ID and, if you have one, an ISIC card. Many museums, cinemas and cultural institutions give discounts to students or people under 26. It’s often worth checking a 2–3 day tourist card — depending on the option it can cover entry to several attractions and save time at ticket desks.
Check seasonal promotions and free-admission days — some institutions organise open days or special ticket prices. Also ask in restaurants and cafés — some places offer a student discount on request or when you show your ID.
If you plan to use public transport often, buy an electronic ticket or a short-term pass — it will save time and money.
Relying only on tourist routes — this leads to crowds, queues and higher prices. Mix popular sights with lesser-known spots — you’ll feel the city’s atmosphere and discover interesting corners.
Ignoring opening hours of museums and toilets — always check times before you leave; some municipal WCs close earlier outside the high season.
Not carrying small change — not all public toilets are free, and some small cafés prefer cash. Keep a few złoty on you.
The Ethnographic Museum is not only “folk costumes” — it runs workshops, accessibility activities and sometimes exhibitions about contemporary cultural practices. Check the workshop calendar — you might find short craft classes or demonstrations of traditional techniques.
In the centre there are both free and paid toilets — their locations and hours are occasionally updated by the city, so it’s handy to have a map of municipal WCs. In the evenings, municipal toilets staffed at key points around the Market and the Planty are useful.
Students and Erasmus visitors quickly find their go-to cheap places — when you find a bar or café that fits your budget, save the address — you’ll return there during your stay.
Where is the nearest toilet in the centre? The quickest help is a map of municipal WCs or asking in a nearby shop or café — the most common spots are the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Planty and Plac Szczepański.
Does the Ethnographic Museum give student discounts? Yes — many cultural institutions in Krakow offer student reductions; always bring your student ID or ISIC card.
Are 3 days enough to visit the Ethnographic Museum and the main attractions? Yes — with good planning and a focus on priorities. Spread the pace so you have time to rest and enjoy meals in local places.
If this guide helped you plan a comfortable and pleasant stay in Krakow, share it with friends or on social media — it helps reach other Erasmus students and students planning a trip.
If you’d like to explore the city with a local guide and experience Krakow personally, you can book services with the local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. Touring with a guide brings convenience, local insights and saves time.
Good luck in Krakow — don’t forget comfortable shoes, your student ID and a little curiosity. Have a great trip!
