Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine is one of the most photographed works in Poland — but remember the Czartoryski Museum is much more than a single masterpiece. The collection includes painting, sculpture, militaria, applied arts and artifacts from distant cultures, all presented in comfortable palace rooms.
If you plan to spend a full day in Krakow, a visit to MNK Czartoryski Museum is an excellent starting point: it's close to the Old Town and can be easily combined with lunch, a walk along the Vistula and a trip to Wawel.
We especially recommend booking your ticket in advance — entries are for specific time slots and the most popular times sell out quickly.
The museum operates with tickets for a specific day and time; the last entry is usually about one hour before closing. It's a good idea to check current opening hours before you arrive.
Tuesdays often feature free admission to the permanent exhibitions, but even then places can be limited and reservations may be required in some cases.
The cloakroom does not accept large suitcases — you can leave small items and a small backpack. For comfort while touring, come with light luggage.
The museum also offers digital paths and online materials — useful if you want to prepare beforehand or revisit parts of the collection after your visit.
If you prefer guided visits, the museum organizes official tours and lecture cycles — check availability and reservation rules before you go.
9:30–11:00 - coffee and a relaxed walk to the museum. Choose a café near the Old Town to start your day calmly and arrive on time for your scheduled entry.
11:00–12:30 - visit MNK Czartoryski Museum. Spend time not only with the Lady with an Ermine but also in the painting rooms and the applied arts galleries.
12:30–14:00 - lunch near the Market Square or on the way to Wawel. If you want traditional Polish flavors, consider restaurants in the center; for a lighter lunch, choose a popular café or bistro.
14:00–15:30 - Wawel and a walk along the Vistula. After the museum, take a short route to Wawel and stroll the Vistula boulevards.
15:30–17:00 - coffee or dessert break and time for lesser-known corners of the Old Town — small alleys, local galleries and shops with handcrafted goods.
17:00–19:00 - dinner and an evening walk through the Planty or, if you have energy, a longer evening in Kazimierz.
Between the Czartoryski Palace and Wawel there are many well-rated restaurants and cafés. Choose places known for fresh ingredients and good reviews — that’s usually the best guarantee of a tasty meal.
For a quick dessert or coffee, try a well-regarded café in the Old Town; for a more formal dinner, consider restaurants serving local cuisine with strong reputations. Popular local options to consider include Charlotte (bakery and bistro), Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish dishes near Wawel), Massolit Books & Café (for bookish atmosphere and coffee) and Mleczarnia (in Kazimierz) — these are suggestions, so check opening hours and reserve if needed.
If you want a truly Krakow experience, try Polish dishes in places known for quality and service — evening reservations are often advised, especially on weekends.
The Lady with an Ermine is often treated as a symbol — yet the Czartoryski collection hides many other gems that can surprise lovers of both painting and everyday history or militaria.
The museum provides accessible digital trails and multimedia materials — a great option if you want to return to details after your visit.
Short themed tours or lectures sometimes take place at the museum — check the current events calendar, as these can enrich your visit.
Arriving without a ticket on popular dates — tickets for specific days and times can sell out; buy in advance online to avoid disappointment.
Rushing straight to the most famous painting — if you run immediately to the 'Lady', you might miss other exceptional rooms and the stories behind the collection.
Bringing large suitcases or heavy backpacks — the cloakroom may not accept large baggage, so leave big items at your hotel or in a luggage storage.
How much time should I set aside? Usually 60–90 minutes is enough for a comfortable visit to the permanent exhibition, but if you love details you can plan for two hours.
Do I need to reserve? Many tickets are sold for specific times — buy your ticket online to be sure of entry.
Is there a free day? Tuesdays often offer free access to the permanent exhibitions — check the rules for exemptions and seat availability.
Can I take photos? Photography rules vary by room and exhibit — check the information on site and respect any restrictions.
To avoid crowds, choose a morning or late-afternoon slot and leave time to stroll the neighborhood — Krakow reveals itself best when you're not rushing from one point to the next.
Share this plan with friends, book your visit in advance and remember: the most important thing is to enjoy the art and the city's atmosphere.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with personal care and local stories, consider a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Share this article with friends or on social media if you found it useful — enjoy your visit!
