Yes — it’s a very sensible idea. Krzysztofory Palace on the Main Market Square and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in the Podgórze district tell different chapters of Krakow’s history: Krzysztofory presents a long, urban story about the development of culture and everyday life, while Schindler’s Factory delivers a powerful, often moving account of the occupation, residents’ fates and rescue efforts. Visiting both gives you a broad picture of the city — from its customs and crafts to the painful but important chapters of the 20th century.
It’s also worth remembering the locations are relatively close — the walk between the Market Square and Zabłocie is a chance to see contemporary Krakow and to stop for a good coffee or a meal after sightseeing. Planning both visits on the same day provides a coherent historical and cultural context and helps you make the most of your time in the city.
What to see: at Krzysztofory Palace (Krzysztofory Palace, Main Market Square 35) you’ll find a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of Krakow, including objects related to art, craft and everyday urban life. The branch also frequently hosts temporary themed exhibitions (for example seasonal displays), presentations of Krakow nativity scenes and historic collections.
Hours and tickets: the branch is usually open Tuesday to Sunday roughly 10:00–18:00; last entry for individual visitors is earlier (check on the day of your visit). Standard full-price and reduced tickets are available at the ticket office and online; the Museum of Krakow publishes ticket prices and allows purchases on its website and at the Visitor Service Centre on the Market Square. Special rates apply for families and groups.
Accessibility and practicalities: the building has an elevator, there are facilities for families with small children, and visitors with reduced mobility can reach most spaces. If you want a guided tour for a group, plan in advance — guided visits of the permanent exhibition are possible for an additional fee.
Why visit: Schindler’s Factory is a branch of the Museum of Krakow whose permanent exhibition tells the story of Krakow in 1939–1945. The exhibition is multimedia, well prepared and often emotionally demanding — excellent for understanding the wartime context and the experiences of the city’s inhabitants.
Memory Route: the so-called "Memory Route" links three points: Schindler’s Enamel Factory, the Pharmacy under the Eagle and Pomorska Street. A combined ticket usually allows visiting the linked sites within a specified time and gives a fuller picture of the fate of Krakow’s Jewish community and actions during the occupation.
Tickets and booking: Schindler’s Factory uses a timed-entry ticket system — especially in tourist season entrances are limited. It’s safest to buy tickets online through the official Museum of Krakow ticketing system, where you can also arrange combined tickets and guide services. On some days the permanent exhibition is made available free of charge (for example selected Mondays), but these free days have specific rules for ticket collection at the desk and places are limited — if you plan to use a free day, be prepared that advance reservations may not be possible.
Practical visiting tips: there is no facility to leave large luggage at the site — it’s better to leave bags at your hotel or use a city luggage storage. Photography with flash and filming may be restricted. The exhibition can be difficult for younger children — consider the ages and sensitivity of people accompanying you.
How much time to allow: reserve about 1–1.5 hours for Krzysztofory and at least 1–2 hours for Schindler’s Factory (including time for reflection and optional visits to Memory Route points). If you plan both visits the same day, leave time for a meal and a short mental break — especially after Schindler’s Museum.
Order and logistics: a sensible sequence is to start at the Market Square (Krzysztofory), stroll through the Old Town and make your way to Zabłocie, where Schindler’s Factory is located. The walk from the Market Square to Zabłocie takes roughly 15–25 minutes depending on pace and stops. Alternatively, take a tram or bus — stops are close to both places.
Small tips: come early to avoid crowds at Schindler’s Factory — weekday mornings are best. Visit Krzysztofory on days with special exhibitions when part of the displays is refreshed or short lectures and presentations are organized.
The Old Town and Kazimierz offer many great options — if you want trusted, highly rated places, consider: Wentzl (beautiful views of the Market Square and classic cuisine), Wierzynek (historic, elegant classic), Pod Nosem (good Polish food with local character), MAZI (modern dining in Podgórze, well-regarded by critics), Zazie Bistro (French cuisine in Kazimierz) and Restauracja Starka (known for good food and atmosphere).
Cafes and quick breaks: for coffee after Krzysztofory try historic spots like Noworolski or Jama Michalika — both have long traditions and unique atmospheres. Around Zabłocie and Podgórze you’ll also find many small independent cafes serving specialty coffee and cakes.
Reservations and budget: in high season reserve a table in advance, especially for dinner at popular Market Square restaurants. If you want great quality at a reasonable price, ask your server for a recommendation — they often point to current menu highlights.
Thinking "I’ll buy tickets on the spot" — for Schindler’s Factory this is a risk. In season timed-entry and limited capacity mean tickets sell out fast. Tip: buy online in advance or arrive very early on free-entry days.
Not checking opening days and hours — museums close or change hours for holidays; check official information just before your trip.
Ignoring the emotional nature of the Schindler exhibition — the displays can be hard for children and sensitive visitors. Plan according to participants’ ages and allow time to rest after the visit.
Bringing oversized bags and luggage — lack of storage at the exhibition can ruin the visit. Leave luggage at your hotel or in a city storage facility.
The Memory Route is more than one exhibition — the linked sites together tell a richer story about Krakow during the occupation, and combined tickets are sometimes flexible for a short time after visiting the main exhibition.
Krzysztofory Palace often acts as a family-friendly venue: there are solutions that make visits easier with small children, and some educational programs are run specifically for families.
Exhibitions at these sites are updated seasonally — even if you’ve visited before, parts of the displays and narratives may be different on a return visit.
Do I have to buy a ticket online? It’s best to do so — especially for Schindler’s Factory. Krzysztofory tickets are also available at the box office, but if you plan a weekend visit reserve ahead.
Is the visit accessible for wheelchairs? Both sites offer accessibility features — Krzysztofory has an elevator and Schindler’s Factory has facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. Contact the venue in advance if you have special needs.
How much do tickets cost? Prices vary — Krzysztofory publishes its price list on the museum website (for example full-price, reduced and family tickets). Schindler’s Factory uses timed-entry tickets; prices and combined-offer rules change depending on ticket type. Check the official Museum of Krakow site for the latest rates.
Share this article with friends you’re planning a Krakow trip with — let them benefit from practical tips and recommendations. If you want a calm, personalized visit tailored to your interests, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available via the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. That way you’ll gain a better arrangement of time, stories matched to your interests and “behind-the-scenes” pointers that often escape independent visitors.
Wishing you a great visit to Krakow — may it be full of interesting discoveries, tasty breaks and stress-free planning!
