Yes - an intense, well-planned day lets you visit Kraków's main sights and see Apteka Pod Orłem. Expect a walking pace, shortened visits inside museums and focus on a few 'must-see' spots instead of trying to do everything. It's best to start early, travel on foot between the city's heart (Main Market, Wawel) and Kazimierz, and book tickets for museums in advance where possible. Apteka Pod Orłem is a branch of the Museum of Kraków and is worth including especially if you are interested in Kraków's World War II history and the memory of the place.
08:30–09:30 - start by Kraków Main Station or on the Planty, short walk to the Main Market Square and your first glimpse of the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary's Basilica (enter if you want to see Veit Stoss's altar).
09:30–11:00 - stroll around the Market Square, explore inner corners and drop into a café for a short break.
11:00–13:00 - Wawel: castle courtyard and Cathedral (if you plan to visit the crypts or climb the tower, add more time).
13:00–14:00 - lunch near Wawel or while entering Kazimierz - choose a well-rated spot and rest a little.
14:00–15:30 - Kazimierz: Apteka Pod Orłem (Plac Bohaterów Getta 18) - visit the exhibition about the pharmacy's history and Tadeusz Pankiewicz.
15:30–17:00 - walk around Kazimierz: synagogues, atmospheric cafés and murals; if you have energy, continue to Podgórze and Oskar Schindler's Factory (book ahead if you want to go inside).
17:00–19:00 - relaxed evening: dinner at a recommended restaurant, walk along the Vistula or return to the Market Square to see the city by night.
Location and character: Apteka Pod Orłem is located at Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 and is a branch of the Museum of Kraków. It's a small but important exhibition dedicated to Tadeusz Pankiewicz's pharmacy, which operated on the territory of the Kraków ghetto and became a place of remembrance.
Hours and admission: opening hours can change - check current times and entry rules before your visit. Museums may have free admission days in and out of season, so check updates on the museum's site or by phone. The last admission usually takes place about 30 minutes before closing.
Historical significance: the pharmacy is connected to Tadeusz Pankiewicz and the memory of the ghetto's residents; the exhibition is intimate but moving, so allow at least an hour. It is also part of the Memory Route that includes places related to World War II in Kraków.
Book tickets online when possible - especially for popular sites (Wawel, special exhibitions, Schindler's Factory).
Check opening days and hours - some branches have irregular opening days or free admission days.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking - central districts of Kraków are compact but the route from Wawel to Kazimierz and on to Podgórze takes time on foot.
Plan breaks and meals away from the busiest Market streets - side streets often offer better quality and fairer prices.
Breakfast or coffee: cafés like Charlotte or Café Camelot are good choices for a morning meal in the centre - pleasant atmosphere and reliable reviews.
Lunch in Kazimierz: choose well-rated places serving Polish and Jewish-inspired cuisine - the district has many atmospheric restaurants and bars, ideal for a longer rest after sightseeing.
Dinner near Wawel or the Market for the evening: traditional places such as Wierzynek or Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa are popular and have long traditions; booking ahead for the evening can be helpful.
Apteka Pod Orłem is not just display cases with medicines - it's the story of how an ordinary workplace became a space of human drama and solidarity. The pharmacy was a center of help for neighbors from the ghetto.
While walking the Planty or along the Vistula, look out for small details - memorial plaques, sculptures and lesser-known monuments often hide local stories that guides don't always mention.
Shorter routes: if you have less time, skip one indoor museum and instead take a few moments to walk through former craftsmen and merchant districts to feel the local rhythm of the city.
Trying to see 'everything' in one day - instead pick a few highlights and explore them calmly; it's better to return later than to leave with nothing remembered.
Not checking museum opening hours - plan flexibly and have a Plan B in case a site is closed. Apteka Pod Orłem can be closed on certain weekdays - confirm before your visit.
Eating and drinking only at the Market Square - prices can be higher and quality does not always match; side streets and Kazimierz offer more authenticity.
How much time do you need for Apteka Pod Orłem? - Plan about 45–90 minutes depending on how much you read the exhibits and whether you join a guided talk.
Is it worth booking tickets to other museums on the same day? - Yes, if you want to be sure of entry; otherwise keep a flexible plan and set priorities.
How best to get between attractions? - The Old Town and Kazimierz are very walkable. For longer distances consider a tram or a short taxi ride.
If you like this plan, share it with friends or on your social media - it will help them plan a short, valuable stay in Kraków. If you prefer a calmer visit with deeper historical context, consider arranging a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the guide's website. Have comfortable shoes and a wonderful day in Kraków!
If you need, I can prepare a personalized plan for a specific date, taking into account opening hours and your food preferences.
