The May holiday in Kraków is a time for celebrations, walks through the Old Town and much heavier tourist traffic — often noticeably busier than outside the high season. In practice this means longer queues at museums, crowded cafés and higher accommodation prices. If you plan to visit Krzysztofory — the headquarters of the Museum of Kraków with a permanent exhibition about the citys history — it is worth preparing for crowds and time limitations.
In recent years the number of visitors to Kraków has risen significantly, and popular attractions can be busy even outside peak season. Instead of improvising, use a few tried-and-true rules that will help you see the city more comfortably and enjoyably. Below you will find a list of the most common mistakes and practical tips on how to avoid them.
1) Not booking timed tickets in advance - Museums and popular exhibitions often have a limited number of visitors per time slot. Fix: buy tickets online ahead of time and choose off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon).
2) Arriving without a route plan for the Old Town - Crowds and roadworks can slow you down. Fix: plan a short route for each day, prioritizing the sights you really want to see (for example Krzysztofory, Wawel, a walk along the Vistulan Boulevards).
3) Assuming everything runs as usual on a holiday - During the May holiday some institutions and shops change their opening hours. Fix: check opening times for museums, churches and restaurants before you leave.
4) Eating at the first restaurant you find on the Market Square - The Main Market Square is full of tourist venues of mixed quality. Fix: pick well-reviewed local restaurants and cafés slightly off the main drag, or reserve a table in advance.
5) Not checking the weather and dressing inappropriately - May weather can surprise you. Fix: bring a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes; dress in layers.
6) Not knowing public transport rules - Riding without a ticket or breaking local rules can lead to fines. Fix: buy a ticket before boarding a tram or bus or use the city app; also check timetables.
7) Being careless with valuables and documents - Crowds make pickpocketing more likely. Fix: keep your wallet and documents in inner pockets, use a money belt or pouch under your clothing and never leave belongings unattended.
8) Ignoring less obvious attractions - Focusing only on the Market Square and Wawel means you miss many of Krakóws charms. Fix: visit Kazimierz, Schindlers Factory, historic townhouses and local markets to experience the city more authentically.
Krzysztofory (Krzysztofory Palace) houses the Museum of Krakóws exhibition “Kraków from the beginning to no end” — an accessible display that tells the citys story. To visit more calmly: buy an online ticket and choose a morning time slot, when there are usually fewer visitors.
Check whether special events or closures are scheduled during the May holiday. If you prefer peace and quiet, consider visiting on a weekday or late afternoon. Ask about combined tickets or themed routes, which can sometimes simplify visits to several museum branches.
For visitors with children, look for shorter themed routes or family activities offered by the museum. Also check information about accessibility for people with limited mobility and about cloakroom services where you can leave luggage.
It is worth choosing places with a solid reputation and reserving a table in advance, especially for a long weekend. A few well-regarded options: Cafe Camelot — a cozy café near the Market; Massolit Books & Café — a pleasant spot near Kazimierz; Wierzynek — a historic, representative restaurant on the Market Square for those seeking a memorable experience; Hamsa — Middle Eastern cuisine in Kazimierz; Szara — a reliable choice for traditional dishes with a modern twist near the Market Square.
If you want to try local snacks, visit markets and cafés on Józefa Street or Nowy Square in Kazimierz. Fresh pastries and good coffee are also found in popular bakeries and brunch spots — a great alternative to the crowded restaurants on the Market Square.
The May holiday is one of the periods when hotel and apartment availability drops quickly. Book ahead and read reviews — places near the Market Square are convenient but often more expensive and noisier in the evenings.
Well-reviewed options include small boutique hotels in the historic centre and hotels that offer quiet rooms with good transport connections. If you want a quieter stay, consider accommodation on the other side of the Vistula or in neighbouring districts with reliable tram connections.
Is the Kraków Tourist Card worth it? - For visitors planning many paid museum entries and attractions the card can pay off, but check exactly which places are included and whether Krzysztofory is covered on the dates you care about.
Where are public toilets and how much do they cost? - Public toilets are scattered and not always free. Plan breaks in cafés or large museums, which often have restrooms for visitors.
How do I cope with crowds? - Get up early, choose less popular hours, use side streets and parks; plan multi-hour breaks for meals outside the strict centre.
Is everything more expensive during the May holiday? - Accommodation and some services often rise in price. This especially affects last-minute bookings — booking in advance usually gives a better rate.
Krzysztofory features a permanent exhibition whose final scene is regularly changed — a creative way to show that Krakóws history is living and open to new interpretations.
Many restaurants and cafés outside the Market Square offer equally high quality at lower prices — step away from the main promenade to find charming places with local character.
A less obvious way to avoid crowds: choose a walk along the Vistulan Boulevards or a route through the Planty — these are often calmer alternatives to the busy Market Square, and the views are just as rewarding.
Thinking youll get in on the spot without a ticket — during the May holiday time slots can sell out. Fix: reserve online and arrive for your booked hour.
Not checking whether part of the exhibition is temporarily closed or undergoing technical breaks — check museum notices in advance.
Careless route planning that skips nearby attractions — plan your Krzysztofory visit together with a short walk around the Market Square and the Planty, rather than returning to the area several times in one day.
Respect sacred spaces and memorial sites — check photography rules in monuments and museums. In some places photography is restricted.
Avoid loud behaviour in the historic centre, especially in the evenings — many residents live near popular tourist routes.
Carry documents and money securely and avoid leaving things unattended even for a moment.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media to make their trip planning easier.
If you would like a personal private tour of Kraków, I invite you to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Guided visits make it easier to skip queues, learn local stories and plan your stay so the May holiday is pleasant and stress-free.
