The Museum of Engineering and Technology in Krakow is a place that combines industrial history, plain curiosity and family-friendly attractions. It’s not just a room full of display cases: the museum operates in several branches (including the Zajezdnia at ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca, the Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiments and the Hangar in Czyżyny), so a visit can be really diverse and engaging for all ages.
In practice this means that during one weekend you can see both interactive and permanent exhibitions, play in an outdoor educational park and drop by a site connected to aviation history. Practical note: the main branch at ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca is usually open most days of the week, but opening times can vary — check them before your visit.
This program pairs nicely with a short, comfortable melex ride through Krakow’s historic districts — a great idea if you come for the weekend and want to make the most of every day.
I suggest a simple plan for a Saturday–Sunday trip: morning at the Zajezdnia (ul. Św. Wawrzyńca) for exhibitions and workshops, a light lunch at one of the cafés in Kazimierz, an afternoon melex ride to the Garden of Experiments or to the Hangar in Czyżyny, and in the evening dinner at one of the recommended restaurants followed by a walk along atmospheric streets.
With a melex it’s easy to combine several points without long transfers. In the morning, when it’s less crowded, start at the Zajezdnia and leave the afternoon for outdoor attractions at the Garden of Experiments (seasonal) or the aviation exhibition at the Hangar. Remember that the Garden of Experiments is seasonal, so adapt your plan in colder months.
If you want more time for workshops or the Brick Zone (for kids), plan at least 2–3 hours for museum activities. A melex can also serve as a convenient transfer between your hotel and the sites — especially practical when time is limited.
The Zajezdnia focuses on the history of urban transport, energy and everyday technology — expect to see historic trams, exhibits related to city engineering and interactive installations. The museum often hosts temporary thematic exhibitions that change seasonally.
The Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiments is several hectares of outdoor, hands-on stations for discovering physical laws (optics, acoustics, hydrostatics and mechanics) — an excellent option for families with children and curious minds. It was one of the first parks of this kind in Poland and is a place where learning meets play.
The Hangar in Czyżyny is a historic building from the former airfield, modernized to host exhibitions related to aviation and large technical exhibits. It’s an interesting alternative for those fascinated by aviation history and technical giants.
Melexes are a comfortable and eco-friendly option for short trips around the centre and between attractions. When booking a melex, ask about route length, number of stops and whether you can set the drop-off point (for example at the museum).
For weekends it’s worth reserving the ride in advance — popular time slots and limited vehicle capacity can make spontaneous bookings difficult. Melex is also a great idea for people with reduced mobility, but always check whether a particular vehicle offers the accessibility features you need.
Remember that melexes travel at a tourist pace through city streets — treat the ride as part of the relaxation and the city narrative, not as the fastest way to get somewhere.
Kazimierz is Krakow’s culinary centre — after a visit to the Zajezdnia or during a break between itinerary points I recommend spots popular with locals and visitors: Starka (ul. Józefa 14) for home-style Polish food and a wide selection of vodkas, Zazie Bistro (ul. Józefa 34) if you’re in the mood for French cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, Szara Kazimierz (ul. Szeroka 39) as an elegant option for a special evening and Plac Nowy 1 for a more casual, shareable dinner with a group.
For more adventurous tastes consider Karakter (ul. Brzozowa 17), known for bold culinary ideas. If you’re staying near the museum and prefer to stay close, Aparthotel Miodosytnia offers a pleasant café with a garden — ideal for breakfast before further sightseeing.
Book a table for the evening, especially on weekends — the biggest places in Kazimierz fill up fast. If you travel with children, choose venues with kid-friendly menus and stroller space.
If you want to be close to the museum and all Kazimierz attractions, a great choice is Aparthotel Miodosytnia (ul. Św. Wawrzyńca) — a small property with character and convenient access to sights and restaurants.
Another convenient option is a hotel in the Kazimierz area offering modern interiors and good connections to the rest of the city. Choose a location that allows a walk to the Zajezdnia and a quick melex ride to points outside the centre. Book in advance for the weekend, especially in the tourist season.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? Recommended — especially for workshops and special events. For standard exhibitions you can usually buy a ticket at the desk, but for popular weekend slots it’s safer to reserve online.
Is the museum accessible for people with reduced mobility? The museum declares accessibility measures, but when planning your visit it’s best to ask the staff about specific facilities (entrances, lifts, barrier-free routes).
Common visitor mistakes: 1) underestimating time — exhibitions and workshops take longer than expected; 2) not checking opening hours (the museum has days when it is closed); 3) skipping the outdoor section — in season the Garden of Experiments is definitely worth a visit, so have a plan B for bad weather.
The Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiments was one of the first parks of this type in Poland — it’s large, interactive and very hands-on, so be ready to play with the exhibits. The Hangar in Czyżyny is a historic interwar building that, after modernization, found new life as an exhibition space connected to aviation.
The museum also collects and shares objects related to the history of urban technology — tram enthusiasts, fans of industrial photography and vintage computers will find collections that often surprise with their form and scale.
When planning your weekend, check the current opening hours and any special events at the Museum of Engineering and Technology — programs change seasonally, and additional workshops are worth booking in advance. Melex is a great addition to your plan: quick, pleasant and atmospheric, but remember to reserve it early on weekends.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city inside out, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Best wishes and enjoy a great weekend in Krakow!
