Yes — it can be done comfortably and sensibly. The Museum of Photography in Kraków (MuFo) has a new, large headquarters at ul. Rakowicka 22A, where you can see the permanent and temporary exhibitions and use the bookshop and reading room. After a morning or late-morning visit to MuFo you can move to the city centre or the main station and reach the Wieliczka Salt Mine by train or bus in about one to two hours. Planning is made easier by the fact that both places are well connected and visitor-friendly.
For students this is a great combination: MuFo gives a quick encounter with contemporary photography and interesting exhibitions, while Wieliczka delivers a true "wow" experience — huge underground chambers, salt sculptures and a history worth seeing at least once.
8:30–10:00: breakfast near your dorm or in the centre; a quick coffee and something to go for those in a hurry.
10:00–12:00: MuFo Rakowicka — the main exhibition “What Does a Photograph Do?” or the temporary shows. Tuesdays often have free admission to the main exhibition; MuFo offers full and reduced tickets and an audio guide. If you are a larger group, check guided tour availability and reserve in advance.
12:15–13:15: lunch near Rakowicka or a quick bite in the centre. Recommended options: Bistro 11 Food & Wine (comfortable, seasonal menu near MuFo), Vegab (vegan kebabs — great and cheap), Phuong Dong (Asian bar with wallet-friendly prices).
13:30–14:00: travel to the Main Railway Station or walk (MuFo is close to the centre; reaching the station takes a dozen or so minutes).
14:15–14:45: SKA train (line SK1) to Wieliczka-Rynek-Kopalnia or bus line 304 — the trip takes about 25–40 minutes depending on the transport.
15:00–17:30: visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine — the tourist route usually lasts 2–3 hours. Remember the steady underground temperature (usually around 14–16°C) and wear comfortable shoes.
18:30: return to Kraków and an evening out in Kazimierz or the Old Town if you still have energy.
MuFo: tickets for the main exhibition and some events are paid (there are also reduced and group tickets). The museum has information points and ticket sales — often you can reserve entry via the website or by phone. MuFo organises guided tours and workshops, and some branches (MuFo Józefitów) are only visited at specific times with a guide.
Wieliczka: the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers full-price and reduced tickets — students up to a certain age (with a valid student ID) can get a discount. Prices vary seasonally and between individual and group tickets, so check the price list and buy tickets in advance, especially in the high season.
Booking ahead is a good way to avoid long queues and to schedule the mine tour so it does not clash with your visit to MuFo.
MuFo Rakowicka is located at ul. Rakowicka — tram and walking connections from the strict centre are quick. You can walk from MuFo to the Main Railway Station in about a dozen minutes, and public transport offers extra options.
The most convenient way to get to Wieliczka is by SKA train (SK1 from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka‑Rynek‑Kopalnia takes about 25 minutes) or by bus (for example line 304, around 40 minutes). By car from Kraków centre it's usually about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Underground the temperature is steady and lower than on the surface — bring a light jacket or sweater. Phones drain slower during intensive photographing, so if you plan many photos bring a powerbank.
Near MuFo and Rakowicka: Bistro 11 Food & Wine — a pleasant place with a seasonal menu, good for a relaxed lunch; prices moderate. For cheap and quick meals, Vegab (vegan kebab on ul. Starowiślna) is a student favourite — large portions at affordable prices.
If you love Asian food consider Phuong Dong — a chain of oriental bars known for generous dishes at low prices. It's a good option when you want to eat a lot without spending much.
To taste local atmosphere and try a variety of things, visit Stary Kleparz — a market with small stalls where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, bread and ready-to-eat dishes. It’s a great spot for an authentic, budget-friendly lunch.
In Wieliczka you'll also find restaurants and cafés along the tourist route — you can eat there after the tour if you plan a longer day. Keep in mind that places directly at attractions tend to be pricier.
MuFo often organises open days and themed events with reduced ticket prices — if you have a flexible schedule, check the museum calendar before your visit.
In Wieliczka the underground temperature is constant — about 14–16°C. Even in summer a light layer of clothing is useful.
Not all parts of MuFo are accessible without a guide; the Józefitów branch is mainly visited during guided tours — check opening hours and reservation rules.
If you travel in a larger group, ask about group tickets and supervisors — both MuFo and the Salt Mine often have special conditions for school and student groups.
Not reserving Wieliczka tickets in advance during the season — this ends with long queues or no availability for your chosen time. Buy tickets online or arrive early.
Wearing only summer clothes before entering the mine — it’s cool underground, so bring an extra layer.
Eating only at the most touristy places on the Main Market — prices are often higher and quality may vary. Better choose locally recommended restaurants or markets like Stary Kleparz.
Not checking MuFo opening hours and possible closed days — the museum has varied hours and events, so confirm your visit in advance.
Do students with a student card get discounts at MuFo and at Wieliczka? Wieliczka offers reduced tickets for youth and students up to a certain age (with a valid ID). MuFo has reduced tickets and some days with free admission to selected exhibitions — check the museum’s current rules before your visit.
How much time do you need for Wieliczka? The tourist route usually takes 2–3 hours depending on pace and interests. If you add travel and a lunch break, plan for half a day.
Are there places to eat at the mine? Yes — on the surface and near the attraction there are restaurants and cafés, but prices at the entrance can be higher than in the city centre.
How do I reach MuFo by public transport? MuFo Rakowicka has its own tram stop and is easily reachable from the centre. The Main Railway Station is a short walk away.
If this plan helped you, share the article with friends or on social media — it may save someone time and nerves when organising a trip.
If you prefer to visit with a guide and want a tour tailored to an Erasmus or student group — consider booking with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Contact details and offer information are available on the guide’s page.
