This is one of the most common questions — the answer is: it depends. Many Kraków museums follow set rules for public holidays, but there are often exceptions and non-standard opening hours for specific holidays. As a rule, museums are closed on days like December 25 (Christmas) or January 1 (New Year’s Day), but on other holidays some branches may be open for limited hours. Before planning a visit it’s always worth checking the official information on the museum’s website or phoning their bookings office.
In practice this means that if you plan to visit during the Christmas–New Year period or a long weekend, check the opening hours of the exact branch — many institutions publish a list of days when they will be closed or operating reduced hours. You will often also find information about which exhibitions are available on a given day.
A reservation or online purchase usually gives you a confirmation email with a PDF attachment or a reservation number. Key items to check are: the institution and branch name, the date and time slot for entry, number of people, ticket type (full/reduced/family), the reservation number or the PDF ticket file, and instructions on how to present the ticket at the entrance. If a PDF is attached — save it on your phone or print it, and keep the confirmation email as backup.
Some events and modern booking systems generate a “reservation confirmation” and a separate document — the electronic ticket. A reservation confirmation can simply block a time slot; after payment you may receive the PDF ticket. Read emails carefully — sometimes you must buy the ticket at the desk after showing the reservation confirmation, and sometimes entry is allowed only with a paid PDF ticket.
Also check information about fees and concessions. Tickets and emails will usually show concession categories (student, senior, child) and the documents required to prove entitlement. If you buy through a museum booking system, you enter the reserver’s details — make sure the email address is correct because the ticket will be sent there.
Some museums use limited-entry slots and require booking a specific time; others sell tickets on-site until they run out. In practice: if an exhibition is popular or you visit during the tourist high season, it’s safer to reserve online or by phone. For special events (e.g., Night of Museums) many venues publish a booking calendar or sell symbolic on-site tickets.
Museum terms often state that an online purchase may result in receiving a PDF ticket or a QR code to show at entry. There are also situations where a reservation only holds a time slot and the actual ticket must be bought at the ticket office. Read messages about “reservation” versus “ticket” — they can mean different things depending on the institution.
Many venues offer discounts and free-entry days (for example selected Tuesdays or dedicated days), but rules for concessions and free days differ by museum — remember to bring documents proving eligibility for reduced fares.
St. Joseph's Church in Podgórze is an important place for the local community and a frequent stop on Podgórze walking routes. If you plan to go inside, check current mass times, opening hours and parish notices — many parishes publish small changes to schedules or announcements about special services that may restrict visiting times. Parishes often stream services and post community news, which can help with planning.
Respect the sacred space: dress appropriately, keep quiet during services and ask permission before photographing the interior. If you want to learn the church’s history and local stories, consider arranging a tour with a guide — a guided visit will include historical and architectural context and anecdotes about Podgórze.
Check official museum and parish pages before you go — you’ll find the latest opening hours, closure notices and detailed booking instructions there. Save the museum’s booking helpline on your phone if you have doubts about a ticket or reservation.
Prepare your phone with email access and an offline copy of your PDF ticket (saved file or screenshot). Mobile service can be unreliable inside historic buildings; having the ticket offline avoids stress. Bring documents for concessions (student ID, senior card, etc.).
Make sure you know how long before closing the last visitors are admitted — most museums state a final entry time (for example 20–40 minutes before closing). Plan your route so you don’t have to rush at the end.
Misreading a reservation confirmation as a full ticket — if the email mentions a “reservation” check whether you need to pay at the desk or if you already have an electronic ticket. To avoid mistakes, read the email carefully and note the wording “reservation confirmation” versus “electronic ticket (PDF)”.
Not checking holiday closures — before traveling during holiday periods check the museum’s announcement; some branches may be completely closed or open only for limited hours. Call the reservation line if you plan to visit on unusual dates.
Not having documents for concessions — many visitors forget their ID or proof for reduced fares. If you buy a concession ticket online, carry the relevant document in case of inspection.
After walking around it’s nice to recharge in well-reviewed places. Near the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find restaurants and cafés known for quality and atmosphere, for example Starka (Kazimierz) — traditional Polish dishes in a cozy setting; Café Camelot (near Wawel/Kanonicza) — an intimate spot for coffee and cake; Massolit Books & Café (Kazimierz) — a bookish café with character; and Pijalnia Czekolady E. Wedel on the Main Market Square — a quick pleasant spot for dessert.
If you are visiting Podgórze, consider stopping at a local café or bar — the district has many excellent places with good coffee and local treats. If you’d like, I can recommend more venues tailored to your preferences (vegetarian options, child-friendly, quick lunch).
Do I have to book tickets to all museums? Not always — some branches require timed reservations, others sell tickets on site. Check each museum’s policy before visiting.
What if I lose my electronic ticket? Contact the museum’s booking center; they can often resend the ticket to the email used for the reservation. Keep a record of card payment as it can help to verify the booking.
Can I attend a mass and then visit the church? Yes, but show respect during services — it’s best to plan interior visits outside liturgy times. If you want an in-depth story about history and architecture, arrange a guided tour.
At special events (for example Night of Museums) booking practices can differ — sometimes you reserve only an entry time and buy a symbolic ticket on site. This is common during large cultural events.
At the National Museum and other large institutions you can sometimes arrange group visits or special access outside standard hours — if your time is limited or you have particular needs, write or call the booking center. For larger groups it’s worth arranging a time in advance.
If you want to explore Kraków in an organized way with live commentary and stories rooted in the local context, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. I offer routes adapted to your time, interests and pace, including special Podgórze tours with a visit to St. Joseph's Church.
If this article was helpful — please share it with friends or on social media. I can prepare a personalized list of places to visit, menus tailored to allergies or a detailed day plan on request. Let me know!
