Yes — but the key is good planning and a private guide. Keep in mind that Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is a place that requires reflection and time, while the Old Town with Wawel, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica is an area where it’s easy to lose yourself in walks and coffee breaks. A private route lets you balance an emotionally demanding visit to the Factory with a lighter, attractive walk through the city’s highlights. That way the day is full but not exhausting.
It’s best to start early — mornings are calmer and you can avoid tourist peaks (midday and late afternoon). If you want to see everything in one day, consider a 4–6 hour option with a guide who will set the pace to your expectations and can arrange or advise on museum tickets.
A private guide shows you not only “what” and “where”, but most importantly “why”: the history, context, anecdotes and local curiosities you won’t find in dry guidebooks. This matters especially in places with difficult histories, like Schindler’s Factory or the remains of the ghetto in Podgórze — a guide helps visitors approach these topics with tact and understanding.
A guide also saves time: they know the best entrances, suggest the optimal visiting order and can help with tickets or reservations at popular restaurants. If you’re traveling with family or people requiring special care (children, older visitors), a private tour offers the greatest comfort.
1. Start at Wawel — a short walk around the courtyards and a visit to the Cathedral (if time and tickets allow).
2. Walk the Royal Route along Grodzka Street to the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (from outside or enter the interior) and a short story about the bugle calls and the Market’s history.
3. Coffee/cake break at one of the recommended cafés near the square (15–30 min).
4. Walk to the Kazimierz district: synagogues, the Jewish cemetery (kirkut), atmospheric streets and stories about Kraków’s multicultural past.
5. Transfer or walk to Podgórze and visit Schindler’s Factory — the exhibition “Kraków — the time of occupation 1939–1945”. This stage requires at least 1–1.5 hours.
This version gives a solid overview of the most important places and lets you feel the atmosphere of each district without rushing. If you want more depth — extend the program to 6–8 hours and add, for example, the Underground Market or a longer Wawel visit.
This is not a typical museum with exhibits placed “on display.” The exhibition tells the story of Kraków during the occupation, combining documents, photos, reconstructions and multimedia installations. In practice this means the visit can be emotionally intense and needs time to process the content.
Tickets: it’s often worth buying them in advance because the museum is popular. Sometimes special rules are in place (e.g. a limited number of tickets sold at the box office), so it’s a good idea to check availability before your planned visit. A guide can help with purchase or advise on the best options.
Location and getting there: the Factory is in the Podgórze area — tram connections are convenient. A guide will point out the best routes and meeting points.
Special note: this place is commemorative in character — please maintain seriousness and respect for the stories told. Photography is usually allowed, but some exhibits or spaces may have restrictions.
Wawel and the Cathedral: a symbol of Polish history with a beautiful cathedral and the necropolis of Polish rulers. Even a short walk through the courtyards gives a sense of the site’s importance.
Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica: the heart of the city where history meets the present. The Cloth Hall offers a gallery view, and at the basilica you’ll hear the story of the bugle call and its sculptural masterpieces.
Planty and the defensive walls: the green belt surrounding the Old Town, ideal for a peaceful walk. St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican recall the city’s medieval fortifications.
Kazimierz: the former Jewish district full of synagogues, cafés and atmosphere. It’s a place where history intertwines with contemporary meeting spots.
Podgórze and memorial sites: an area with a difficult past, linked to the ghetto and the Płaszów camp — today an important element of the city’s memory culture, including Schindler’s Factory.
Kraków has a rich culinary offer; here are a few recommended places with a good reputation and tourist-friendly atmosphere: Cafe Camelot (Old Town) — a cozy café close to the Market, perfect for a coffee break; Szara (Market Square) — an elegant restaurant offering traditional cuisine with a modern twist; Pod Wawelem — a classic tavern serving hearty Polish portions; Starka (Kazimierz) — a place with traditional dishes and a pleasant atmosphere; Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) — a snug spot for dessert or coffee.
Tip: if you plan lunch at popular places near the Market or in Kazimierz, reserve a table in advance — especially on weekends. A guide can recommend alternatives along your route to avoid long waits.
For a short rest: choose a café with a garden or a cozy interior in Kazimierz — the atmosphere there is different from the busy Market and often more relaxing.
Getting around: central Kraków is well connected by trams and buses. Many attractions are explored on foot, but a tram ride or a short taxi can ease transfers between Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Time needed: plan realistically — even “short” stops can stretch due to photos and conversations. Expect at least 1–1.5 hours for Schindler’s Factory and 30–60 minutes for key points in the Old Town.
Accessibility: many places have limitations for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility; before your visit ask the guide about specific possibilities and alternative entrances.
Weather: sightseeing in Kraków happens in all kinds of weather, but bring a light raincoat and comfortable shoes — cobbled streets can be slippery after rain.
Trying to see too much in one day — it’s better to see less but more thoroughly. A private guide will help set a realistic plan.
Not planning a visit to Schindler’s Factory — lack of tickets and long queues happen often; buy tickets in advance or plan the visit with a guide who knows the best solutions.
Ignoring historical context — at memorial sites it’s important to behave respectfully; a guide will explain what’s appropriate and what to avoid (e.g. noisy behavior near places of remembrance).
Booking restaurants too late — top-rated places near the Market and in Kazimierz fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Does the guide arrange tickets to Schindler’s Factory? The guide will advise and can help with ticket purchase, but it’s good to confirm this service when booking the tour.
How long does a visit to Schindler’s Factory take? Usually 1–1.5 hours, depending on pace and interest; some guests prefer longer to calmly explore the exhibition.
Is the route suitable for children? Yes, but it’s worth agreeing with the guide in advance about how to present difficult topics — the guide can adapt the narrative for younger listeners.
How should I dress for the tour? Comfortable, in layers — in autumn and winter bring warm clothing, and in summer protect your head from the sun.
What about safety and leaving luggage? Small backpacks are accepted in most places; larger luggage is better left at your hotel or in storage. The guide will help plan a safe and convenient meeting point.
The Factory you visit is not only the story of one man — it’s also a tale of a city changed by wartime events and of the communities that lived here.
Beneath the Market you can find traces of medieval architecture in cellars and foundations — this idea led to the Underground Market, where you can see how the city grew over centuries.
Kazimierz is not a “dead” open-air museum — it’s a lively district full of cafés, galleries and places where contemporary culture meets history.
If you want to explore Kraków comfortably and with deeper understanding, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a licensed guide who knows the city and can tailor the program to your expectations.
Share this article with friends or on social media — maybe someone you know is planning a trip and will benefit from these practical tips. Enjoy a safe, informed and inspiring visit to Kraków!
