Is it possible to feel the atmosphere of Kraków in 72 hours and still visit the National Museum — Jan Matejko's House? Yes, if you plan your days deliberately and use the convenient public transport. This plan is designed to combine art, a walk through the historic center, time for a good coffee and a proper lunch.
In short: day one is Old Town and Wawel, day two focuses on the National Museum and Jan Matejko's House with tram connections and relaxed exploration of the area, and day three is more laid-back: cafés, lesser-known galleries and discovering districts like Kazimierz or Podgórze.
Start your morning at the Main Market Square: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and if you feel like it — a quick climb up the Town Hall Tower for a panorama. Walking the Royal Route leads straight to Wawel, where it’s worth booking entry to the Cathedral and the Royal Chambers in advance.
If you plan to visit the interiors at Wawel, leave at least 2 hours for it. In the afternoon relax in one of the recommended cafés around the Square — for example Camelot Cafe — a atmospheric spot perfect for dessert and coffee.
Dedicate the second day to the National Museum in Kraków and Jan Matejko’s House — a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Polish art and to see the interior of one of Poland’s most important painters. Jan Matejko’s House is located at Floriańska 41 and delights with original furniture and the artist’s personal mementos.
Getting there by tram from the city center is very convenient. Stops around the Market and on streets leading to Floriańska are served by many tram lines, so you can transfer quickly from one point to another. Check timetables and routes ahead of time to plan optimal connections.
Pay attention to opening hours: the National Museum usually has regular days and hours for exhibitions (Monday is often a closed day, Tuesday can be a day with free admission to permanent exhibitions), and the last visitors are admitted a short time before closing. I recommend checking the exact hours of the branch you plan to visit before you go.
If you prefer guided commentary, the MNK offers guided tours and audio guides. Buy tickets for permanent and temporary exhibitions in advance, especially during high season.
Reserve the last day for a walk through Kazimierz, where you’ll find interesting synagogues, atmospheric streets and contemporary art galleries. Alternatively choose Podgórze for its industrial vibe and famous murals.
It’s also a good moment for small craft shopping, visiting local galleries or returning to a favorite café. If you have an evening flight, plan breaks and travel time to the station or airport.
In Kraków you can buy public-transport tickets at machines, via mobile apps and at selected sales points. For visitors the most convenient are time-based tickets — 24/48/72 hours — because they allow unlimited transfers and are very practical for intensive sightseeing.
Remember to validate your ticket when you board the tram or activate it in the app before starting your trip. There are ticket machines on some trams and buses, but the safest option is to buy beforehand or use the app.
Trams will take you close to all main attractions. Use an MPK map app or timetable to quickly check which lines stop nearest Floriańska, the Market or Wawel. During peak hours allow extra time for walking from the stop to the museum.
If you want a good meal in the center: Camelot Cafe is a classic for coffee and cake in a charming interior, Miód Malina serves hearty Polish-Italian dishes close to the Royal Route, and Restauracja Pod Wawelem is a trusted choice when you’re looking for traditional dishes near Wawel.
When choosing a restaurant, pick places with good reviews and reserve a table on weekends and during the tourist season. If you fancy something special — ask for local recommendations on the spot; many boutique places have limited seating and seasonal menus.
If you plan to stay overnight, it’s worth choosing accommodation within the Old Town or near tram stops — you’ll save time and gain convenience. For families, apartments with a kitchenette work well; for couples, atmospheric boutique hotels near the Market are a great option.
Jan Matejko’s House is not only about paintings — many pieces of furniture, drawings and the artist’s personal items remain in their original arrangement, so the visit gives a real sense of stepping into the painter’s private space.
Tuesdays can be free-admission days for some branches of the National Museum — this is a great opportunity, but remember that popular time slots can be very busy.
In many museums the last visitors are admitted just 15–20 minutes before closing — don’t expect to arrive right before closing and see everything at your leisure.
Trying to see too many places in one day — it’s better to see fewer and pay attention; this lets you really feel the atmosphere instead of rushing from map point to map point.
Not checking opening hours and closed days — remember some branches are closed on Mondays, and some exhibitions run on different schedules.
Not having an active MPK ticket during a control — buy or activate your ticket in advance; fines can be steep and spoil your trip mood.
Is Jan Matejko’s House open every day? Usually the branch has breaks and closed days (for example Mondays); check current opening hours before you go.
Is Tuesday a free day? Some permanent MNK exhibitions offer free admission on Tuesdays — this practice can change, so verify current information before visiting.
How do I buy MPK tickets? The easiest way is via mobile apps or machines at stops; 24/48/72-hour time tickets are available and convenient for tourists.
You can make a 3-day visit to Kraków pleasant and relaxing if you plan breaks and choose a few priorities instead of a wish list. Jan Matejko’s art, walks around the Market and a moment in an atmospheric café will stay with you for a long time.
If you need help planning an itinerary tailored to your interests — feel free to contact me, Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site you’ll find my contact details and the full offer of private guided tours.
If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Recommend a three-day plan to companions, and if you wish, consider booking private guiding services — contact details are available on the guide’s site.
