The May holiday is a great time to visit Krakow — the city buzzes with life, many museums and institutions run special events, and parks and riverbanks invite you for walks. Keep in mind that May 1 and May 3 are statutory public holidays, and May 2 (Friday) often runs on a changed schedule. When planning visits, check opening hours in advance. Below you’ll find practical information about which places are usually open and how to build a good plan for May 1–4, 2025.
This guide includes: - key information about museum and gallery opening hours during the May holiday, - suggested walking routes (Old Town, Kazimierz, Vistula Boulevards), - practical advice about public transport, parking and reserving tables at restaurants. If you like, I can later prepare a short day-by-day plan for the holiday tailored to your interests.
title
Museums in Krakow often change opening hours during holidays — the most reliable information is on each institution’s website or ticket office. A few recurring points for the May 2025 long weekend:
- National Museum in Krakow (all branches): during the May weekend branches often run non-standard hours — for example some branches planned roughly 10:00–16:00 on May 1, normal hours on May 2, and shortened hours (around 10:00–16:00) on May 3. If you plan to visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Main Building or the Czartoryski Museum, consider buying tickets online or calling the ticket office.
- MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art): normally open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 11:00–19:00. MOCAK has announced being open during the May days, though entry and ticket sales may follow special rules (ticket office may close earlier).
- Museum of Krakow (including Oskar Schindler’s Factory): branches often follow Tue–Sun schedules and may work shortened hours on holidays; Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory limits daily entries, so book tickets in advance when possible.
If you have only one day: walk around the Main Market Square and the Old Town streets, pop into the Cloth Hall (part of the National Museum), have coffee at a Market café (for example Szara or Café Camelot) and finish with a short walk to Wawel Castle to enjoy the river view.
For a half-day: morning visit to MOCAK or Oskar Schindler’s Factory (book tickets), lunch in Kazimierz (see suggestions below), an afternoon stroll along the Vistula Boulevards and a stop in a charming café.
For a family day: pick one child-friendly museum, then head to a park or garden (Błonia meadow, Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden) and treat the kids to ice cream or snacks around Kazimierz.
Old Town and the Planty — a classic: Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (note: tourist visiting hours differ from Mass times — check before your visit), and the atmospheric side streets toward the former Jewish quarter.
Kazimierz — atmospheric cafés and historic synagogues: a perfect area for lunch or an evening walk. Kazimierz offers many restaurants with Polish and Jewish-influenced cuisine as well as cosy bars.
Vistula Boulevards and Wawel — for an afternoon stroll: enjoy the views along the river, cross the bridges and relax by the water. Wawel and its surroundings can be busy, so allow time for queues at popular entrances.
Public transport: schedules change during the May holiday. Generally, May 1 and May 3 run on a holiday timetable, while May 2 (Friday) often follows a Saturday schedule — with exceptions for certain lines. These changes mean less frequent service outside peak hours and possible reroutes during official events. Check timetables in an app or on the carrier’s website before you travel.
Parking: parking meters in central Krakow may be active during the holiday — official municipal notices have indicated that parking in paid zones is charged on May 1 and May 3 as on regular days. Assume central parking is paid and have a parking app or coins ready.
Practical tip: if possible, leave the car outside the center and use public transport or walk — traffic and limited parking can spoil a day’s plans.
Main Market area: Szara (Polish cuisine in an elegant setting), Café Camelot (artistic café with character), Szara Gęś (regional flavours).
Kazimierz: Starka (traditional, home-style Polish dishes in an atmospheric interior), Massolit Books & Café (bookshop-café with a relaxed atmosphere), Plac Nowy — stalls and bars serving quick, straightforward food; a great spot for fast local snacks and the neighbourhood vibe.
By Wawel: Pod Wawelem (large, family-sized portions and a tourist-friendly menu). If you’re after something more refined, consider fine-dining restaurants in the city centre — reserve a table in advance for evening holiday dining.
Buy tickets to popular museums online and choose a timed entry — during the May holiday many places limit daily entries or use timed tickets. Oskar Schindler’s Factory and certain temporary exhibitions often have entry limits.
For meals at popular restaurants, reserve a table in advance — places fill up during the May weekend.
When visiting churches and some historic interiors, remember that services restrict visiting times. Check Mass schedules for parishes if you plan to enter while a service may be taking place.
Will museums be open on May 1? - It depends on the institution. In 2025 some major institutions planned shortened hours (for example parts of the National Museum around 10:00–16:00), while others kept normal or slightly changed schedules. Best practice: plan visits with advance reservations.
What about public transport? - May 1 and May 3 usually follow a holiday timetable; May 2 often follows a Saturday schedule. Check timetables before you leave.
Is parking in the centre paid? - Official notices indicate parking in paid zones can be charged on May 1 and May 3 as on regular workdays; keep a parking app or coins ready.
How to avoid queues? - Use timed tickets, arrive early at the most popular spots, and reserve restaurant tables.
What about the weather? - May can be changeable — bring layered clothing, a small umbrella, or a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Safety: in crowded places be mindful of pickpocketing; keep documents and money close to your body.
A May holiday in Krakow is a great chance to combine classic sightseeing with relaxed moments in parks and cafés. Prioritise what matters to you: if you want to see popular exhibitions, buy tickets in advance; if you care most about atmosphere, leave more time for Kazimierz and the Vistula Boulevards. Make evening restaurant reservations and check transport timetables on the day — May 1–3, 2025 had some deviations from regular schedules.
If you’d like, I can prepare a detailed hourly plan for a specific holiday day (for example family-friendly, romantic, or a short and intense one).
Wishing you a wonderful May holiday — Krakow is beautiful all year round, and a well-planned long weekend gives you a chance to see the city and taste local flavours without rushing. Best regards — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide).
