The Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum is one of the most interesting, intimate attractions in the heart of Kraków — the exhibition runs from the cellars to the attic and tells the story of pharmacy in an engaging way. For large groups (30–60 people) the visit has two practical characteristics to remember: the interiors are historic, spread across several floors and narrow rooms, and a typical guided visit lasts around 1.5 hours. It’s a great history lesson, but it also requires a well thought-out break so participants can rest and eat without rushing.
A well planned break improves group comfort, allows time to discuss the most interesting exhibits with the guide, gather before the next program item and avoid crowding at entrances and narrow museum passages. Below you’ll find practical tips and proven suggestions for places to take a break nearby.
Check opening hours and last admission in advance — the museum has set visiting hours on weekdays and last entry is usually shortly before closing. An approximate visit time is about 1.5 hours.
Groups larger than a few people should be notified to the museum ahead of time — common practice is to confirm date and number of participants by phone or e‑mail. For groups of 30–60 people museums often ask to split into smaller subgroups during the guided tour because of room sizes and logistics.
The museum occupies several storeys and does not have a full elevator or complete facilities for limited mobility. If your group includes people with reduced mobility, ask the museum in advance about options for visiting or plan a shorter route and a more comfortable place for the break outside the building.
When booking for a group, agree payment rules — whether tickets will be bought individually on site or collected and paid for together, and whether the museum limits the number of people guided at once.
Book the visit and inform the museum of the exact number of participants at least several days in advance. For large groups it’s worth agreeing precise entry times and any subgrouping.
Allow extra time — if the visit is ~90 minutes, add 30–60 minutes for a coffee break or 60–90 minutes for a sit-down lunch. If the schedule is tight, a shorter coffee break is often better than a rushed meal.
Split the group into smaller teams during the tour (for example 2–3 subgroups), and for the break reserve a single room or several tables in the venue. This avoids queues and chaos at the cash register.
When booking the venue, arrange a group menu or a set menu — it shortens service time and reduces waiting. Inform the restaurant about allergies and preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free) at the time of booking.
Agree the payment method: one collective invoice for the organizer, deposit/prepayment, or individual bills. Tourist groups are often asked to provide a deposit.
On busy tourist days (weekends, holidays) book well in advance — popular venues near the Market Square may be reserved weeks ahead.
Restauracja Czapskich 1 — very close to the Market Square, known for quick service and group menus. The venue has rooms for several dozen people and offers affordable set lunches for tours. It’s a practical choice when you need a fast, filling meal.
Zielona Gęś (location near the Market) — offers the possibility of renting a separate room for groups of about 25–30 people; terms for larger groups are arranged individually. The venue accepts reservations with a deposit and prepares group menus.
ZaKładka Bistro de Cracovie — has several rooms, including a conference room that can hold roughly 20–40 people and more in banquet layouts. A good option for a break, a short lunch or a meeting with technical support (projector, Wi‑Fi).
Smakołyki — a restaurant near the Planty with a mezzanine and rooms that can accommodate groups from several dozen up to over a hundred people (depending on the room). They offer group and banquet menus; ask about rooms with a projector if you plan a short presentation.
Bistro Piast — a small bistro chain with the option to rent a room for events and flexible arrangements; if you need space for several dozen people this is one place to consider.
Practical note: most venues in the strict city centre require a deposit for group reservations and add service for larger groups. Always confirm the reservation time and meal delivery schedules so they match the visit plan.
If you only have a short break between the museum visit and the next program item, choose a café with fast service or a coffee‑break catering setup. Around the Market and Floriańska there are cafes offering large quantities of coffee and cakes to go and rooms that can be reserved for a short coffee service.
For a 30–45 minute break I recommend: coffee/tea + a cake or sandwich served buffet-style. This is the fastest way for everyone to eat without long waits. Ask the venue to set up a buffet area or several parallel service stations to shorten queues.
School/training option (group 30–40): 10:00 — meet at the entrance; 10:15–11:45 — Pharmacy Museum tour split into 2 subgroups; 12:00–13:00 — lunch in a reserved restaurant room (set menu, quick service); 13:15 — further program (Market Square, other sights).
Tourist option for adults (group 40–60): 11:30 — meeting; 11:45–13:15 — museum tour with a guide (split into 3 smaller groups, rotation); 13:30–15:00 — longer lunch in a venue with a private room or buffet; 15:15 — short walk around the Market Square and more attractions.
Failing to confirm bookings in advance — this is the most common mistake in season. Book the museum and the venue, and reconfirm the reservation 24–48 hours before arrival.
No plan A and B for weather or delays — if part of the program is outdoors, have an alternative like a café or room where you can quickly move activities.
Unclear payment rules — decide clearly who pays, whether the venue issues one invoice or guests pay individually. For large groups a single collective payment or fixed-price menu is the most convenient.
Poorly paced touring — rushing through the exhibition reduces comfort, while too many long stops block other groups. Divide the team into smaller subgroups and stick to agreed times.
Does the museum accept large groups of 30–60 people? Yes, but it usually requires prior notification and may ask to split the group into smaller subgroups because of room sizes and the nature of the exhibition.
Does the museum have an elevator and facilities for people with disabilities? In the historic building there isn’t a full elevator and complete accessibility; people with limited mobility should inform the museum before the visit and plan alternatives.
How much time for a break? For a quick coffee 30–45 minutes is enough. For a group lunch plan at least 60–90 minutes, especially if there is waiter service.
Do you need to pay a deposit for a restaurant reservation? Many central venues require a deposit, especially for 30+ people. The deposit is usually credited to the final bill.
To avoid crowds at the museum entrance, schedule your visit for Tuesday or outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon if the museum’s hours allow it).
Bring a handy case or a participant list with phone numbers — with groups of 30–60 it’s easy to lose someone in the dense flow of tourists in the city centre.
Consider ordering a short themed break at the venue (for example a chocolate tasting or regional coffee) — it adds appeal to the tour and doesn’t take much time.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or the group you plan to bring to Kraków — good preparation is half the success of a trip.
If you’d like, I can help with a detailed route plan and reservations as your private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and more practical tips can be found on the guide’s page. I will gladly tailor the plan to your needs and timing constraints.
