MOCAK — the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow — surprises both lovers of contemporary art and people who usually avoid galleries. Located in the Zabłocie area near Schindler’s Factory, it combines important temporary exhibitions with a permanent collection showcasing Polish and international contemporary art. A well-planned visit to MOCAK can become one of the most interesting highlights of your day — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This article gives a concrete day plan, approximate costs and tricks to keep your daily spend to about 100 PLN per person.
MOCAK offers different ticket types — full-price, reduced, family and combined tickets, as well as special events. Check current prices, promotions and free-entry days in advance — this can save a sizeable part of your budget for coffee or souvenirs.
This guide is written in a friendly tone for visitors who want to experience Krakow authentically without overspending. You’ll find a practical day plan, estimated prices, recommended value-for-money places and a list of common mistakes to avoid.
Sample day: breakfast + walk around Kazimierz, MOCAK visit in the afternoon, cheap lunch, coffee and dessert, return by tram or walk back to the center. Below is an approximate budget based on typical local prices for attractions and transport — you’ll see that 100 PLN is achievable with reasonable choices.
Approximate budget (example): street breakfast (obwarzanek + coffee) 12–20 PLN; MOCAK ticket 20–30 PLN (depending on ticket type and promotions); 24-hour public transport ticket 17 PLN or single tickets 4–8 PLN depending on trip duration; cheap lunch (zapiekanka, milk bar or a well-rated food stall) 15–35 PLN; coffee/dessert in a cafe 10–20 PLN. In short: choosing economical options (street breakfast, reduced or promotional MOCAK ticket, single transport tickets instead of full-day pass) can keep you under 100 PLN, or close to that with small compromises.
Ways to save: visit MOCAK on a day when there are discounts or free admission for certain exhibitions; use ticket apps (moBiLET, SkyCash, iMKA) or station machines for MPK tickets, often cheaper and more convenient than paying on board; choose an obwarzanek or a milk bar for breakfast instead of a restaurant at the Market Square — that quickly reduces costs.
Location and getting there: MOCAK is in Zabłocie, close to Schindler’s Factory — you can reach it easily by tram or a 20–30 minute walk from the city center. The address helps plan your route and transport connections.
Tickets and types: the museum sells normal, reduced, family, group and special tickets, plus combination tickets (for example when showing a Schindler’s Factory ticket). Prices and promotions change occasionally, so check the museum’s information before you go.
Opening days/hours and extra services: MOCAK runs temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and educational events — great if you want to enrich your visit. Look for audio guides, the museum mobile app and accessibility information. To avoid crowds, visit outside peak times (weekend afternoons are often busy).
Krakow’s public transport is extensive and fairly cheap. Basic options include timed tickets — 20-, 60- and 90-minute — and 24-, 48- and 72-hour tickets. If you plan several journeys in a day, consider a 24-hour ticket; for just one or two rides, 20- or 60-minute tickets are usually more economical. Ticket prices change from time to time, but the tariff system is straightforward and available in mobile apps or on the MPK/ZTP website.
Where to buy tickets: the easiest way is via mobile apps (iMKA, SkyCash, moBiLET) or ticket machines — both are quick and secure. Note: if an on-board machine is out of order, a driver may sell some ticket types in limited form, so it’s good to have a bit of change or use an app.
Alternatives: Krakow is very walkable — many attractions are close to each other, so walking saves money and gives a better feel for the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available but increase daily costs.
Breakfast and quick bites: the Krakow obwarzanek is the fastest and cheapest way to start the day — thin, filling and local. You’ll find stalls (and even vending machines) on the streets with low prices. Alternatively, a milk bar (bar mleczny) offers hearty, inexpensive breakfast options.
Cheap and tasty street food: zapiekanki on Kazimierz and around the Market have a wide price range — from a few PLN to several dozen PLN depending on the place. Choose well-rated stalls and you’ll pay about 10–25 PLN for a portion — a quick, budget-friendly lunch.
Cafes and desserts: if you want to splurge for coffee and cake, consider well-reviewed cafes such as Nowa Prowincja, Cafe Camelot or Charlotte, or other cafes near the Old Town. With reasonable choices (coffee + cake) you can stay within 15–25 PLN.
Value-for-money restaurants: for budget-friendly sit-down meals, look for places with good guest reviews and local recommendations — avoid highly touristy spots right on the Market Square where prices are higher. Kazimierz and the area near Wawel often have restaurants serving local dishes at fair prices.
If you plan to stay overnight in Krakow and want to keep a daily budget around 100 PLN, the simplest saving is on accommodation — consider hostels, guesthouses outside the Market, or booking well in advance. Prices rise in high season, so early booking and flexibility about location pay off.
Recommended areas: Zabłocie, Kazimierz and areas near the Main Station offer good transport links and often better prices. Important: check guest reviews and practical details (lift, check-in hours, cancellation policy). For longer stays, vacation rentals can sometimes be cheaper than a hotel.
If you prefer comfort and value your time, choose accommodation closer to the Old Town — you save on transport, but expect higher nightly rates.
A walk around Zabłocie and along the Vistula is a great complement to a MOCAK visit. The neighborhood has its own vibe — murals, small galleries, cafes and bars, and walking along the river boulevards offers a lovely city perspective.
Many of Krakow’s main sights can be seen from the outside for free: the Old Town, Wawel (courtyard), Kazimierz. Open-air events and fairs happen regularly and are a great way to experience local life without spending much.
If you like museums, watch for open days and special events — museums sometimes offer exhibitions for a symbolic fee or free entry on selected days of the month.
Not checking opening hours and prices before you go — museums and attractions update hours and fees seasonally. Always look at official information on the day you plan to visit instead of assuming “as usual.”
No transport plan — buying single tickets without thinking ahead can cost more than a 24-hour pass. Before you leave, estimate how many trips and which routes you’ll use.
Eating near the Market without checking reviews — a quick way to pay more and get lower quality. Walk a couple of streets away from main attractions for better value.
Not using museum promotions — many places have family, combined or free entry days. Good planning lets you see more for less.
Obwarzanek — the city’s symbol — is even sold in vending machines; price depends on location, but it’s still the cheapest and most Krakow-flavored snack. It’s a quick, filling breakfast while you explore.
Combining attractions — near MOCAK you’ll also find Schindler’s Factory and several other 20th-century historical sites; if you plan visits, check whether a combination ticket or a promotion makes sense. It’s a great way to see more for less.
Cafes and bars in Kazimierz often have more reasonable prices than cafes right at the Market, and the atmosphere is more authentic — take advantage of this if you want good food for less.
Can I get into MOCAK for under 30 PLN? Yes — the museum offers reduced, family and sometimes promotional or free-entry days. Check current information just before your visit.
Is 100 PLN enough for a full day in Krakow? Yes — if you choose budget options: street breakfast, sensible food choices, public transport and one paid attraction (for example MOCAK). If you want more dining comfort or private accommodation, increase the budget.
Is a 24-hour MPK ticket worth buying? It depends on your plan. If you expect several trips across the day, a 24-hour ticket can be cost-effective; for short walks and one or two rides, 20- or 60-minute tickets are cheaper.
Can I combine MOCAK with other nearby attractions? Yes — Zabłocie and Kazimierz offer many walkable sights. Look for combined ticket offers and promotions if you plan several places in one day.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other visitors plan their time and budget in Krakow. Every comment and share is valuable feedback.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city and can tailor the pace to your expectations — consider the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can help plan a visit that is both fascinating and economical. Information and bookings are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
