If you see the phrase "mnk czapski" in a search, it's most likely a mistake or an abbreviation — in Krakow an important branch of the National Museum is the Princes Czartoryski Museum (often shortened to "MNK Czartoryskich"), while the name Pałac Czapskich refers to a different institution (Pałac Czapskich is in Warsaw). This article focuses on practical tips for visiting branches of the National Museum in Krakow and other frequently visited places during the May holiday, as well as the mistakes tourists most often make.
It's worth starting with a simple rule: the May holiday brings increased tourist traffic and non-standard opening hours. Before you head out, check up-to-date information about opening hours and ticket sales — this will save you disappointment and long waits.
Many visitors plan their route intuitively and then are surprised by museums' and attractions' altered schedules during the long weekend. At the May holiday museums often operate reduced hours or different rules than usual, and some branches may have temporarily changed entrances.
How to avoid it: always check the specific branch's page 2–3 days before your trip. If you plan to visit several places in one day, build your route starting with those that have limited entries or require reservations.
During the May holiday the most popular branches limit entries and sell timed tickets. Some exhibitions and museums require advance ticket purchase — not reserving in advance can mean long queues, no available slots, or having to change your plans.
How to avoid it: buy tickets online as soon as they become available. For popular exhibitions choose a morning or late-afternoon time — these are usually less crowded. For families and larger groups it's worth booking ahead to avoid standing in lines.
The May holiday is a mix of public holidays and workers' time off, so many shops and services operate in a limited mode or are closed. Some restaurants work as usual, others take the day off — it's worth checking in advance.
Practical tip: plan your meals ahead. If you want a specific restaurant near the Market Square or in Kazimierz, check its hours and reserve a table — this eliminates disappointment and long searches for a place to eat.
On a long weekend city parking can be difficult and expensive. On holiday days parking fees in city zones are not always suspended — normal rates often apply, so it's easy to forget to pay and receive a fine.
Solution: if possible, choose public transport or guarded parking lots outside the center. If you must come by car, check paid-parking rules on the city website in advance and have an app ready to pay for the zone.
Many tourists come for the May holiday, and popular institutions may have baggage checks, restrictions on backpack size, and temporary stops to ticket sales. Cash desks and cloakrooms are often closed earlier than galleries.
How to plan for this: leave buffer time between program points, arrive 20–30 minutes before your reserved time, and have tickets or reservation confirmations ready on your phone.
Not all museum branches accept large suitcases or luggage — sometimes only small cloakrooms are available or there is no option to leave big items. Not checking this before entering can result in being refused entry with a suitcase.
Practical tips: leave large luggage at your accommodation or in a left-luggage facility; if you arrive straight from the station, plan sightseeing after dropping your things in a safe place.
May can be capricious — from sunny, warm days to sudden showers and cooler evenings. Sightseeing also means walking on cobblestones, hills, and long distances.
Suggestion: bring a light rain jacket and comfortable, non-slip shoes. A small umbrella or a thin extra layer in your backpack can save the day.
Some museums have days or hours with free admission, but these rules vary and apply to specific branches or exhibitions. Promotions and open days can also have limited places or require registration.
Tip: if you want to use a free day, check the rules and any required registration in advance — free entry doesn't always mean no queues, but it helps plan your budget.
The Market Square, Wawel and the Cloth Hall are must-sees, but the May holiday is also a great time to discover less crowded places — parks, the Vistula boulevards, cozy cafés or small galleries. Tourists who cling tightly to a 'must-see' list often end the day tired and feeling they missed something authentic.
I suggest planning 1–2 lesser-known stops — a walk along the Vistula Boulevards, a break in one of the intimate cafés, a short visit to the botanical garden. That balances the crowds and makes the May holiday more enjoyable.
Morning start: arrive early — visit an exhibition with an advanced reservation (for example an MNK branch or another attractive show), taking advantage of the first entry. Mornings usually have fewer people and it's easier to enjoy a calm visit.
Afternoon: break for lunch in a reliable restaurant. I recommend classic cafés around the Market Square — places with good reputations that usually maintain high standards during the May holiday, such as Szara or Café Camelot — but always reserve a table if you plan popular hours.
Afternoon walk: the Vistula Boulevards, Wawel from the outside or less popular museum branches. Evening: dinner in Kazimierz or a quiet café — a good way to avoid the biggest crowds and feel a more local atmosphere.
Are museums open on May 1 and May 3? It depends on the institution — many branches operate with changed hours during the May holiday, so check the schedule of a specific museum before you go.
Is it worth booking tickets for MOCAK, Wawel or the Oskar Schindler's Factory? Yes — for the most popular exhibitions and museums with limited entries buy tickets in advance.
Do you pay for parking during the May holiday? Many city zones operate as usual and parking fees apply on May 1 and May 3 — check local rules and payment apps.
What to do if a museum is full? Have a plan B — visit a less crowded branch, choose a park walk, or reserve entry for another day or time.
Don't leave without checking opening hours and a branch's ticket policy. Don't assume you can buy a ticket on site — especially for the most popular exhibitions. Don't park without checking paid-parking zones — the May holiday can surprise you. Don't bring large luggage to a museum — some branches limit luggage storage. Don't forget comfortable shoes and a rain layer — May weather can be changeable.
If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting less popular exhibitions during lunch hours — when many people are eating, exhibitions can be much more pleasant. Check whether the museum offers a "last entry" — sometimes they allow a shorter, later visit without a full-ticket guarantee.
It's also worth using the city's green spaces — Błonia, Bednarski Park or the Vistula Boulevards are places where you can breathe and relax away from the Market crowds.
In Krakow's center there are well-rated places that keep a high level of service even during the season. For a quick coffee and cake choose trusted cafés by the Market Square, for a relaxed lunch look for restaurants with good reviews near the Main Square or Kazimierz. If you plan something special, reserve a table in advance.
If you want something local and recommended by residents, ask at your accommodation — hosts often know less touristy but excellent spots.
If you visit with children, choose branches with family programs or interactive exhibitions. Many museums offer discounts or special family prices — check ticket regulations. For people with reduced mobility contact the museum's access department in advance to confirm availability of lifts, ramps and toilets.
When planning a family day allow extra time for rest — parks and cafés with space for children can be a lifesaver during a long day of sightseeing.
The May holiday in Krakow is a wonderful opportunity to see the city, but it requires a bit of planning. The most important things: check hours, book tickets, plan alternatives and prioritize comfort during long walks.
If you like, share this article with friends or post it on social media — a simple plan and a few mindful choices can really save your May-long weekend.
And if you dream of a calm, tailor-made visit with a personal story about the city, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. With a guide you can avoid traps and see Krakow through a local's eyes.
