Krakow is a city alive with students — universities, cafés, cheaper food options and a rich cultural scene mean any budget can enjoy a great stay. Many cultural institutions offer special prices for young people and students; some museums even have symbolic fees for visitors up to 26 years old.
In summer remember that tourist numbers rise, so planning and booking in advance often saves hours in lines. Some museum branches require timed-entry reservations — you buy a ticket for a specific slot, so punctuality helps.
If you come to Krakow for Erasmus, you have an advantage: you know student life and can use local discounts, cheap bars and alternative places that students themselves often recommend.
Focus on the Old Town: the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), Floriańska Street and the winding side alleys. You can comfortably walk all this and soak up the city atmosphere.
If you want to visit a museum interior, pick one place — for example a branch of the National Museum, the Rynek underground, or a small thematic museum — one solid visit is better than many brief entries.
In the evening head to Kazimierz for dinner — this district has great food, a friendly vibe and good bars for a night out.
Day one: Old Town, a walk around the Planty park, visit one main museum or gallery, and take a coffee break in a popular café by the Market Square.
Day two: Kazimierz — synagogues, atmospheric streets, local museums and cafés. If you wish, add a short walk along the Vistula or a visit to a less touristy neighborhood to feel everyday Krakow life.
You don’t usually need transport between central highlights — most places are walkable. If you plan farther trips (Nowa Huta, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Ojców National Park) check tram and train timetables and student discounts on tickets.
Add to the standard sights: a contemporary art museum, a technical exhibition or a local culture center — this shows a different side of the city.
Plan one evening for spontaneous discovery: markets, food trucks, the flea market or a concert in a local club — these are often the best student experiences.
Spread attractions across the day: morning visits to less crowded sites, an afternoon break for food and evening strolls when the temperature cools down.
First check the basics: institution name, date and — if present — the time slot or entry time. If the ticket shows a specific slot, arrive on time; many places admit visitors only during assigned periods.
Note the ticket type: regular, reduced, family, group, pass. Reduced usually means you must show a valid student card or another document granting the discount.
Check refund and validity rules: many online tickets are tied to a specific date and time and are non-refundable if you miss your slot. The regulations often state how long before closing the last visitors are admitted.
An e-ticket will have a QR code or barcode — that is your entry pass. You can show it on your phone or printed. Staff will scan it at the entrance and the system will confirm validity; sometimes the ticket notes the maximum group size or access to an audio guide.
If the ticket is discounted, carry the original student ID (not a photo). Many places accept a student card with a current semester confirmation (hologram or stamp) or an ISIC card where partnerships apply.
An e-ticket with a QR works like a paper ticket — treat it as an important document. Usually you do not need to print it, but if you have poor mobile signal, a printout is a safer option.
Some events and exhibitions require an online reservation — the reservation may generate an email confirmation with a booking number, and final entry can require showing the paid ticket on site. In practice this means: reserve your slot, then complete purchase or confirm on arrival following the organizer’s instructions.
Check tickets for additional restrictions (for example limited capacity, accessibility info, or a no-flash-photography rule).
The basic document is a valid student ID card with current semester confirmation (stamp/hologram), which entitles you to discounts at many places. Also carry an identity document just in case.
An ISIC card is accepted in some museums and venues — check partners in advance. If you are over 26, some institutions may still honor student IDs but discount rules can vary — ask at the ticket desk.
Ask for student tickets at the ticket office or during online purchase — sometimes reduced options are described non-obviously and must be selected manually.
Check opening hours and last admission — many places close ticket sales 20–30 minutes before exhibition closing.
Reserve a slot online if possible — in summer this reduces queues.
Bring your original student ID (or ISIC), ID card, a charged phone and the e-ticket (or a printout).
Dress comfortably — museum routes often include walking over uneven floors and stairs; in hot weather bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your entry time — this gives time to pick up an audio guide or use the cloakroom.
Buying tickets at the last minute — summer queues and sold-out slots can ruin plans. Planning ahead saves time and stress.
Showing a photo of your student card instead of the original — during a check this may mean you lose the discount. Always carry the original.
Confusing reservation with a ticket — a reservation is not always a paid ticket; check whether you still need to pay or confirm upon entry.
Assuming “last admission” equals closing time — often last admission is earlier, after which no new visitors are allowed.
Cafés and places recommended by local students are great for a break between sightseeing. In the center look for cafés with good reviews and a relaxed atmosphere — many combine good coffee with a pleasant place to rest.
For cheaper options try milk bars (bar mleczny) and student-style eateries where portions are generous and prices friendly. Around Kazimierz and the Market you can find many places with off-peak promotions.
For accommodation: hostels and dorm offers fill up in season — book early. For a cozier stay check small guesthouses and well-rated apartments near the center.
Some museum branches offer days or hours of free admission — a great chance to see selected exhibitions without cost, but expect longer lines.
Museums sometimes hold free guided tours of exhibitions — check local event listings.
On hot days, a morning walk and an afternoon break in a café or park make sightseeing more pleasant than battling crowds at midday.
Can I enter a museum with luggage? Many institutions limit large backpacks and offer a cloakroom or storage for the visit.
Can I show a screenshot of my student card instead of the original? Usually not — it’s better to have the original, since regulations often require an original ID and student card.
What if I’m late for a reserved slot? Unfortunately, many venues consider a late arrival a lost reservation. Contact the museum in advance — sometimes they can reschedule, but it’s not guaranteed.
Do students always get cheaper tickets? Not always — many cultural institutions offer reduced tickets for students, but conditions depend on each venue’s rules. Check each place individually.
If this text helped you plan your trip, share it with your Erasmus flatmates or on social media — you’ll help others sightsee smarter and cheaper.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with personalized commentary and care, consider booking a private guided experience with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — the guide behind ZwiedzanieKrakowa. Contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
