Krakow is a city where you can step from medieval castles to cosy cafés in just a few minutes — so planning your day matters. The busiest spots (Wawel, the Main Market Square, Collegium Maius) are best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the weekend peak. Keep in mind that museum opening hours can be seasonal and different for individual exhibitions; it’s always worth checking current hours before you go and reserving a ticket if possible.
If your time is limited, set priorities: Wawel and its cathedral are a must, Collegium Maius is a treat for lovers of the history of science, and a walk around the Market Square and Floriańska Street will give you the city’s atmosphere. Bring comfortable shoes — cobbles and long queues can take their toll.
1. Wawel Royal Castle — the heart of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: cathedral, royal chambers and courtyards. In summer some parts of the Castle stay open longer and special exhibitions may have separate opening times.
2. Wawel Cathedral — the site of coronations and the burial place of many Polish rulers; access to the cathedral and the Cathedral Museum can have different hours than the rest of the Castle.
3. Collegium Maius (Jagiellonian University Museum) — the oldest academic building in Poland, the university’s treasury and the famous Jagiellonian Globe; tours usually run in small groups and can be limited on weekends.
4. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the city’s main square with a historic trading centre, many cafés and the Town Hall Tower with panoramic views.
5. St. Mary’s Basilica and the bugle call (hejnał) — a Gothic gem with the altarpiece by Veit Stoss; remember the short, moving tradition of the hejnał.
6. Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter full of cafés, synagogues, murals and atmospheric streets; perfect for an afternoon walk and dinner.
7. Oskar Schindler’s Factory — an important exhibition about Krakow during World War II (book tickets in advance).
8. Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound — great places to get a panorama of the city and a break from the crowds.
9. Planty — a green belt encircling the Old Town, ideal for a calm stroll between sights.
10. Small museums and special exhibitions — from university collections to intimate galleries; leave room for at least one temporary show.
Collegium Maius is a must for anyone interested in the history of science and the university. Exhibitions include the treasury, historic scientific instruments and the famous Jagiellonian Globe.
Visiting hours vary by season: in the winter–spring period the museum is usually open on weekdays (morning and early afternoon); in summer hours are often extended and weekends can be limited or have restricted access. Entrances to the exhibitions are often organised in small groups every few minutes — for this reason booking or arriving early is recommended.
Tickets: standard prices are modest and there are often concession rates; some days or hours may offer free admission. Interactive or temporary exhibitions can have separate prices. School groups and larger organised visits normally require advance booking.
The Castle on Wawel Hill and its courtyard are usually accessible every day, but exact hours for the royal chambers, exhibitions and the cathedral change seasonally. In summer most exhibitions open earlier and close later; outside the high season hours are shorter.
Wawel Cathedral operates independently and has its own visiting hours: in the spring–summer season visiting hours are usually longer, while in autumn–winter times can be reduced; religious services and state or church ceremonies may restrict access for visitors on certain days.
Tickets for different parts of Wawel (royal chambers, treasury, temporary exhibitions) are often sold separately or in combined packages; guided entries are scheduled at specific times. It’s best to reserve tickets online or buy them in advance, especially during peak season.
Krakow offers a wide range of dining options for every budget. Near the Market Square you might enjoy cafés such as Cafe Camelot or Charlotte — great for a coffee break. In Kazimierz look for small spots with authentic atmosphere and food. On Wawel Hill there is Trattoria Wawel and a café/shop where you can grab a quick bite after visiting the courtyard.
If you want to try Polish cuisine, seek restaurants serving pierogi (dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup); for the evening consider places with local beers and seasonal dishes. It’s worth booking a table for dinner in popular places, especially at weekends.
Some recommendations (different styles): traditional restaurants near the Old Town, craft coffee shops on the Small Market (Mały Rynek), cosy bistros in Kazimierz and cafés along the Planty — all good for a break between museums.
The Jagiellonian Globe in Collegium Maius is one of the earliest known globes to include the name “America” — a small historical “wow” that often escapes hurried visitors.
The Jagiellonian University collections hold items connected to famous alumni and donors — the displays include awards and mementos given to the university by outstanding figures in culture and science.
Beyond the royal chambers, Wawel hides many layers of memory and symbolism: tombs of notable Poles, architectural details and places linked to legends — take some time to discover them.
1) Not checking opening hours before you go — you may arrive and find an entrance closed. Solution: check the venue’s hours the same day or reserve tickets online.
2) Trying to “do it all” in one day — Krakow’s attractions are densely packed; rather than rushing, pick 3–4 places and enjoy them at a calm pace.
3) Buying souvenirs at the first shop on the Market Square without comparing prices — it pays to walk a few streets and compare.
4) Wearing uncomfortable shoes — cobbled streets and long walks call for comfortable footwear.
- If you plan to visit Collegium Maius and Wawel on the same day, allow at least 1–2 hours for each site (Wawel can take half a day if you want to see multiple exhibitions and the cathedral).
- Entrances to Collegium Maius are often in small groups and may be limited on weekends — call ahead or check the museum’s website to confirm availability.
- Large groups and school trips require advance booking; individual visitors should try to arrive for the first entry of the day or buy tickets in advance.
Can you access Collegium Maius courtyard outside exhibition hours? - The courtyard is often open until dusk, but access to the exhibition halls is limited to museum opening hours.
Is Wawel Cathedral always open to tourists? - The cathedral follows separate visiting hours and can be closed during religious ceremonies; plan with a margin of time.
Do I have to buy separate tickets for each exhibition at Wawel? - Often yes — individual exhibitions and chambers may require separate tickets, though combined passes are sometimes available.
Krakow offers plenty to discover: from historical finds at Collegium Maius and the royal path to Wawel, to café stops at the Market Square and in Kazimierz. Invest a little time in planning and booking where possible — you’ll see more and enjoy it more.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with a personal guide and a local narrative, consider touring with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details can be found on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Krakow!
