Polonia Wax Museum (Floriańska Street 32) is a commercial attraction right in the heart of Krakow’s tourist center. Since 2016 it has drawn visitors with a collection of over a hundred figures — from popes and politicians to movie stars and fictional characters. It’s more for people looking for entertainment and fun photo opportunities than for fans of classical historical museums.
In practice: a regular ticket usually costs around 55–59 PLN (the museum sometimes runs promotions), and opening hours typically include evening times (often until 22:00–23:00, depending on the day). The museum is often the subject of memes and online conversations — some figures look very realistic, others less so, and that contrast is often part of the fun and the post-visit chatter.
If you’re traveling with family or want a short break from historic sights, a visit can be a pleasant change of pace. If you prefer a more serious exhibition experience, plan time for other institutions instead, but Polonia Wax Museum works well as a light interlude between the Main Market Square and Kazimierz.
Day 1: stroll around the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, see the Cloth Hall, and spend the evening near Floriańska Street. Day 2: Wawel Castle, a walk along the Vistula boulevards and Kazimierz - in the evening stop by the Wax Museum on Floriańska (easy to fit in as a short afternoon attraction). Day 3: Nowa Huta or a trip outside the city (optional), cozy cafés and dinner at a top restaurant. Day 4: a morning run (about 2 hours) through the city, last-minute shopping and goodbyes to Krakow.
This plan is flexible — below I’ll suggest how to arrange attractions comfortably and where to reserve time for coffee and good food. If you prefer a slower pace, skip a more distant attraction and spread the sightseeing out more comfortably.
Day 1 - Old Town: start at the Main Market Square — Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (go inside if you have tickets), and walk the Planty park that rings the old town. In the afternoon, sit down for coffee in one of the classic cafés (for example Camelot) and choose a light dinner for the evening.
Day 2 - Wawel and Kazimierz: in the morning tour Wawel (the cathedral and courtyards), then walk along the Vistula towards Kazimierz. In the afternoon visit Polonia Wax Museum on Floriańska — it’s a short, entertaining stop ideal for tired legs after a busy day of sightseeing. For dinner head to Kazimierz — I recommend places known for good reviews and local atmosphere.
Day 3 - alternatives: a themed museum, artisan shopping, or a trip outside the city (Ojców, Wieliczka). It’s also a great day to visit cafés and small art galleries. Day 4 - morning run that links the most beautiful parts of the city (route details below), then brunch and final souvenirs.
An idea for a morning run of about 2 hours: start at the Main Market Square, gently jog the Planty (a full lap of the Planty is about 3–4 km), then head down toward the Vistula boulevards and run along the river toward the pedestrian bridge (Father Bernatek Footbridge). Cross to Kazimierz, return along the Vistula passing Wawel, and finish at a nice café or back at the Market Square. The route is roughly 10–14 km depending on pace and shortcuts; for an average runner 2 hours allows a comfortable tempo with time for photos and short breaks.
Practical tips: bring a water bottle, wear running shoes suitable for cobblestones and uneven surfaces, watch for pedestrians near the Market and on bridges, and in hot weather start early. If you want extra elevation, add a short steep section to a mound (for example Krakus Mound) — that will increase both distance and time.
Recommended pace: recreational 6:00–7:30 min/km (depending on fitness). After the run treat yourself to breakfast at one of the recommended cafés or a relaxed brunch.
Address: Floriańska Street 32 — very close to the Main Market Square, so it’s easy to fit a visit between other activities. The exhibition is commercial and often open in the evenings — a convenient option on rainy or overcast days.
Tickets and visit length: regular tickets typically fall in the 55–59 PLN range, with occasional promotions and family offers. The visit usually takes no more than an hour; plan 40–90 minutes depending on how long you stop by individual figures.
What to look out for: the museum includes popes, athletes, actors and fictional characters. The exhibition sometimes rotates or moves pieces between locations (Krakow and Zakopane), so if you’re coming for a specific figure it’s worth checking in advance.
For families and photographers: photography is usually allowed and children often love the place. On busy weekend days there can be queues, so for a more intimate atmosphere choose an afternoon slot or late evening on a weekday.
Cafés and breakfasts: Camelot — a classic atmospheric café close to the Market; Charlotte — a bakery and bistro with great breakfast options; Massolit Books & Café — a lovely combination of bookstore and coffeehouse.
Highly rated restaurants: Wierzynek — a historic and elegant option for a special dinner; Starka (Kazimierz) — Polish cuisine in a friendly atmosphere; for modern cuisine check current reviews before booking, as the local scene changes with the seasons.
Accommodation: if you want to be close to the heart of the action, consider a hotel near the Market (boutique hotels or well-reviewed apartments); alternatively the Kazimierz district offers atmospheric guesthouses and easy access to evening attractions. Book ahead for weekends and holiday seasons.
Polonia Wax Museum gained extra popularity after appearing on a travel TV program, which brought a wave of international visitors. Online there are also many memes and debates about how closely some figures resemble their real-life counterparts — that makes the place as appealing as a photogenic detour as it is an exhibition.
The display sometimes rotates — some figures may be temporarily moved to another location, so if you’re travelling specifically to see a particular person it’s worth confirming beforehand. The museum also has a presence outside Krakow, which allows for comparing different displays.
Trying to “see everything” in a single day — Krakow is best enjoyed slowly. Tip: pick a realistic list of 3–4 priorities per day and leave time for coffee and rest.
Not checking opening hours and promotions — many attractions have different hours on weekends and online offers. Tip: buy tickets in advance if you’re after a specific timeslot or want to use discounts.
Assuming the Wax Museum is a traditional historical museum — it’s a commercial entertainment venue. Tip: treat the visit as a light interlude rather than a must-see.
Do I need to reserve tickets for Polonia Wax Museum? Not always, but booking online can sometimes get you a discount and help avoid queues.
How much time is needed to see the museum? Usually 40–90 minutes, depending on your pace and how many photos you take.
Is the place suitable for children? Yes — the exhibition is family-friendly and many exhibits are interactive from a photo perspective.
Is photography allowed? Usually yes, but always respect the museum rules and signs near exhibits.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other travelers plan their visit to Krakow. If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city inside out, consider booking a personalized tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guide makes the visit more personal and tailored to your interests.
Enjoy your stay in Krakow - may your four days be pleasant, flexible and full of tasty coffee breaks and unexpected discoveries!
