The Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University is a small but atmospheric institution housed in a historic tenement at Floriańska 25 - the displays occupy the cellar, ground floor, three upper floors and the attic. It’s a perfect place to slow down a little when touring the Main Market Square and to taste the history of medicine and apothecary crafts. After an intense look at the exhibits, sitting down for a good coffee is a great way to rest - the Old Town has both historic confectioneries and small specialty coffee roasters, so every break can become a little pleasure and a part of a local adventure.
The museum is intimate and deserves time for a careful visit (on average about 1.5 hours), so combining the visit with a coffee break makes for a practical and pleasant half-day plan.
Start: Main Market Square. A stroll around the Square is a must - see the Cloth Hall and pop into a café or confectionery if you want to start with coffee. Then head along Floriańska Street toward the Pharmacy Museum (Floriańska 25) - the building itself and the tenement interiors are part of the experience.
After visiting the museum, it’s worth returning toward the Market Square or taking a short walk toward Świętego Jana, Krupnicza or the Kazimierz area, where recommended cafés await. You can finish the route with a walk along the Vistula and a short visit to Wawel - if you plan to visit Wawel, allow more time and buy tickets accordingly.
In practice: plan your museum visit for morning or early afternoon opening hours and schedule the coffee break for mid-morning or afternoon - cafés usually have the best atmosphere and fresh pastries then.
Address: Floriańska 25, Kraków. The museum is located in a 14th-century tenement and exhibits are spread over several levels.
Opening hours can vary - generally the museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays; weekday and Saturday hours may differ, and the last admission is usually about 45 minutes before closing. Before your visit, check the current hours on the museum’s official site or call to confirm.
Tickets: there are standard, reduced and family tickets; rates differ for guided groups. The museum may not accept some tourist city cards, so plan to buy your ticket on-site or check available options in advance.
Accessibility: the exhibition is spread across several floors and there is no elevator - visitors with limited mobility should take this into account. Average visit time is around 1.5 hours.
What you will see: apothecary furniture in various styles (Baroque, Empire, Biedermeier), pharmacy vessels and majolica, old medicinal raw materials and tools - the collections also include unusual exhibits documenting historical pharmacy and medicine that often surprise visitors.
Słodki Wentzl (Main Market Square) - a classic confectionery with a long tradition, ideal if you want a historic atmosphere and traditional desserts. It’s a convenient place to sit with a view of the Square after your museum visit.
Cafe Camelot (Św. Tomasza 17) - atmospheric interior, perfect for those seeking a cozy break; good for a relaxed breakfast or coffee with cake.
Karma Coffee Roastery (near Krupnicza) - for specialty coffee lovers, serving coffee brewed by alternative methods; recommended if you want to try coffee from local roasters.
Massolit Books & Cafe - a bookshop-café for those who like to pair coffee with reading; a pleasant, intimate space, especially if you plan to sit longer and unwind.
Gossip Cafe (locations including Świętego Jana) - known for good coffee and homemade cakes; it has several locations so you can choose the most convenient one for your route.
If you want the most local coffee experience: look for places serving coffee from local roasters, choose alternative brewing methods and try local pastries.
The Old Town offers a wide range of prices and styles: from historic confectioneries with views of the Square to modern specialty coffee shops. When choosing, consider whether you prioritize the view and atmosphere (Market Square) or coffee quality and alternative brew methods (local roasters).
At peak times (weekend mornings) cafés by the Square and the most popular places can be crowded. If you value peace, visit in the early afternoon or choose smaller spots in side streets.
Payments: most cafés accept cards, but it’s always good to have some cash for smaller places that may prefer cash.
Arriving without checking opening hours - the Pharmacy Museum has closed days and limited hours; avoid disappointment by planning your visit in advance.
Assuming the museum is as large as the city’s main museums - it’s an intimate institution spread over several floors; give it about one and a half hours and don’t treat it as a 15-minute stop.
Looking for the best coffee only on the Market Square - many excellent cafés are on short side streets and in Kazimierz; it’s worth walking a few hundred meters away from the main promenade.
Not planning a break - after intensive sightseeing it’s good to breathe and sit in a café with a plan for the rest of your day instead of trying to do everything in one continuous rush.
In the collection you may find medicinal ingredients and exhibits whose origin and use surprise modern visitors - it’s a great starting point for discussing how medicine has changed over the centuries.
The exhibition stretches from Gothic cellars to the tenement’s attic, so moving between rooms feels a bit like a journey through time - pay attention not only to displays but also to architectural details of the building.
During the season the museum takes part in city events (for example Museum Night, Open Day of Kraków Museums) - these are good opportunities to visit the exhibition during special hours or at reduced prices.
Do I need to reserve a ticket? Not always - many visits occur without reservation, but for special events (temporary exhibitions, themed guided tours) check availability and consider booking a place in advance.
How much time should I allocate for the museum? About 1-1.5 hours for a relaxed viewing of most exhibits.
Can I leave a backpack at the museum? Rules for deposits and restrictions on large baggage usually apply - check the policy at the entrance.
Are there toilets nearby? Yes - around the Market Square and in nearby cafés you’ll find public and private restrooms, but it’s worth asking in a café if you need comfortable access.
If you have half a day: visit the Pharmacy Museum in the morning, then take a longer coffee break in one of the recommended cafés; after coffee you can continue exploring the Old Town or head for a short trip to Wawel.
If you have a full day: combine the museum and coffee with other highlights of the Old Town and Kazimierz - also allow time for a walk along the Vistula and a lunch break at a recommended restaurant.
Share this article with friends if you’re planning a trip to Kraków - it will help you plan a pleasant, unhurried visit. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s website.
