Collegium Maius is the oldest university building in Poland, full of scientific instruments, unique objects and academic memorabilia. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is a powerful, moving story about Krakow during World War II. Visiting both sites gives you a striking contrast — from learned, medieval tradition to the city’s more recent history, which leaves a strong impression on visitors. It’s a great half-day or full-day pairing if you want to understand different faces of Krakow.
In this text you’ll find practical information about tickets and opening hours, a suggested route, tips on where to eat and the common mistakes to avoid right away.
Collegium Maius (Jagiellońska 15) usually operates as an exhibition with guided-entry slots - admissions are organized at set intervals. Tickets for individual visitors are usually inexpensive and often available at the museum ticket office; it’s a good idea to check the university museum’s website before your visit, because hours and the entry format (including last admission) can change seasonally.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Lipowa 4) is part of the Museum of Krakow and is one of the city’s most visited exhibitions. In recent years there have been changes to ticket sales: online reservations are released for specific future dates (tickets appear when the museum makes them available) and buying a ticket at the ticket office may be possible only for the next available slot on the same day. The museum also publishes rules on named tickets and online sales — check the current regulations before you go.
Practical rule: if you plan to visit Schindler’s Factory in season or at the weekend — buy your ticket online in advance. For Collegium Maius it is sometimes enough to show up at the ticket office, but for larger groups or during high season it’s worth booking ahead.
If the ticket system uses named tickets, remember to bring an identity document — museums may ask to see it at the entrance.
Suggested comfortable route: start in the Old Town, visit Collegium Maius in the morning (about 30–60 minutes), then take a short walk through the Main Market Square and along the Royal Route or through Old Town streets toward Bernatek Footbridge. Crossing the Vistula to Podgórze takes roughly 20–30 minutes on foot; if you prefer to save time, take a tram or bus.
In Podgórze allow 1.5–2 hours for Schindler’s Factory and any linked Memory Route exhibitions. After the visit you can continue to Kazimierz (a few minutes’ walk from the Factory) and have lunch in one of the district’s popular restaurants.
An alternative for busy travellers: split the visits across two days — Collegium Maius and the Old Town one day, Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz on another. That way you can enjoy each area without rushing.
Collegium Maius: a short guided visit usually takes about 30 minutes; if you want to study the instruments, the treasury and the professors’ garden in detail, plan 45–60 minutes.
Schindler’s Factory: a full visit to the permanent exhibition typically takes 1.5–2 hours. The exhibition is multimedia and immersive, so allow time for reflection and a calm walk through the rooms.
Add time for walking between sites, photos and a coffee break — realistically plan a 4–5 hour block including time for a meal.
Walking from Collegium Maius to Schindler’s Factory is a pleasant route through the centre and along the river; it takes about 20–30 minutes depending on pace and where you cross the bridge. It’s a great option if you want to feel the city and see a few streets on the way.
If you prefer public transport, trams and buses connect the Market/Old Town with Podgórze. You can buy city transport tickets at ticket machines, via mobile apps or in kiosks. A taxi or ride-hailing trip will shorten travel time to a few minutes, which helps if you want to save energy before the next attraction.
For visitors with reduced mobility: Schindler’s Factory provides accessibility features (elevator and other facilities). When planning, check accessibility information on museum websites or ask by phone.
The Old Town and the area around Collegium Maius have many well-rated places. I recommend cafes like Cafe Camelot — an intimate interior and good coffee after exploring the Old Town. For a proper traditional dinner consider Pod Aniołami or Szara, both long-established and well regarded.
In Kazimierz, right next to Schindler’s Factory, you’ll find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés. If you enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine, Hamsa is popular and highly rated. For lovers of modern cuisine look for places that feature regularly in guides and have strong online reviews.
If you need a family-friendly spot or a quick lunch, choose places with ratings of 4+ on popular food apps. It’s wise to reserve a table for weekend lunchtimes, especially in Kazimierz.
Among other treasures, Collegium Maius holds the so-called Jagiellonian Globe — one of the oldest globes showing the newly discovered America. It’s an object that connects local history with the broader history of science.
In the Collegium Maius courtyard there’s a mechanical clock that plays melodies several times a day — a pleasant, little-known detail many tourists miss.
Schindler’s Factory is part of a wider Memory Route that includes sites such as the Pharmacy Under the Eagle and fragments of Pomorska Street. It’s not only a building with exhibits but a broad narrative about Krakow’s wartime community.
Not booking Schindler’s Factory tickets in advance — in season this often means there are no available entries. Buy online as soon as dates are released.
Trying to cram too many attractions into too short a time — when visiting Collegium Maius and Schindler’s Factory in one block, plan realistically the minimum time for each site; otherwise you’ll feel rushed.
Failing to check entry rules — if named tickets are in force, remember your ID and the exact time window printed on the ticket. Read museum notices before your visit.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? If you plan to visit Schindler’s Factory on a weekend or in high season, yes — buy online. For Collegium Maius you can often purchase at the ticket office, but check current rules.
How much do tickets cost? Prices change and differ between sites. Some museums update tariffs and online-sales rules, so check the current price lists on the institutions’ pages before buying.
Can I take photos? Photography without flash is allowed in most rooms, but rules vary by exhibit. Look for signs on site.
Are there discounts and family tickets? Yes — museums offer reduced and family tickets and special offers for groups and schools. Details are in current regulations of each branch.
When planning, allow extra time for unexpected situations: queues, ticket checks and a coffee break. The best experience comes from a calm pace and moments for reflection.
If you want more than the average visitor, consider a guided tour that provides historical context and local anecdotes. For private guiding or a personalised route, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and a contact form are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa site.
Share this article with friends if you found it helpful — it will help them better plan their visit to Krakow. If you have questions or would like a customised route, get in touch with Małgorzata Kasprowicz through her site.
