Can you see Krakow’s most interesting places and drop by MOCAK in two hours? The short answer is: yes — if you choose a sensible route and accept that a proper visit to a museum usually needs extra time. MOCAK (the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) sits a little off the historic city grid in an area with an industrial past, close to Oskar Schindler’s Factory. It’s an excellent complement to a walk that links the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze.
This article contains a list of 10 must-see spots, a practical walking route planned for roughly two hours (without long interior visits to museums), recommended cafés and restaurants, and tips to avoid common mistakes when you have only a short time to explore. At the end you’ll find a short FAQ and an invitation to contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for more personalised tours.
1. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – the city’s heart and the largest medieval square in Europe; a perfect place for your first taste of Krakow.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica – famous for Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call (hejnał) from the tower; it’s worth pausing outside to hear the melody and admire the Gothic façade details.
3. Wawel Hill (Castle and Cathedral) – royal views and a site of central importance to Polish history; a walk across the courtyards gives great satisfaction even without entering every chamber.
4. Kazimierz – a charming district with synagogues, cobbled streets and a wealth of atmospheric cafés and bars; here you’ll feel a quieter, more intimate side of Krakow.
5. Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) – the heart of Kazimierz, known for its zapiekanki (toasted open sandwiches) and a small market; a quick local snack stop is a must.
6. Schindler’s Factory Museum – a moving exhibition about Krakow during 1939–1945; it’s close to MOCAK and often paired with a Podgórze visit.
7. MOCAK – the Museum of Contemporary Art with collections of Polish and international modern art plus rotating temporary shows; a must for fans of contemporary forms of expression.
8. Vistula Boulevards – a riverside stroll complements the route, especially in good weather; the bridges and embankments offer great photo opportunities.
9. Planty Park – the green ring encircling the Old Town, ideal for a short rest between monuments.
10. Bunkier Sztuki and small galleries – around the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find alternative galleries and exhibition spaces worth visiting if time allows.
The suggested route begins and ends at the Main Market Square but you can adapt it to your starting point. Total walking time (without extended museum visits) is about two hours at a relaxed pace, with short stops for photos or a quick snack.
1) Main Market Square (start) – 15–20 minutes: a brief walk around the square to see the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica.
2) Grodzka Street – 10 minutes: follow the Royal Route toward Wawel, passing historic townhouses and churches.
3) Wawel – 15–20 minutes (courtyards and river views only): a short break for panoramic views of the city.
4) Walk along the Vistula and cross toward Kazimierz – 10–15 minutes: descend to the boulevards and head into Kazimierz.
5) Kazimierz and Nowy Square – 20–25 minutes: stop for a quick snack (zapiekanka) or coffee, stroll along Szeroka Street and glance at the synagogues.
6) Walk to Podgórze (Schindler’s Factory area) – 10–15 minutes: you can view the former factory grounds from outside.
7) MOCAK – 15–30 minutes (exterior visit and a quick look inside if time allows; plan at least 1 hour for a fuller visit): MOCAK sits near Schindler’s Factory and fits logically into a route that contrasts the city’s industrial past with contemporary art.
8) Return to the centre along the Vistula boulevards – 15–20 minutes: a riverside walk with photo stops and a chance to rest by the embankment.
Note: if you plan to enter Schindler’s Factory Museum or to explore MOCAK’s exhibitions in depth, add at least one or two extra hours. The quick exterior-focused route can fit into two hours.
MOCAK is a modern institution: exhibitions change seasonally and the museum runs both permanent and temporary shows plus educational programmes. Check current opening hours before your visit because exhibitions or events can affect access to some rooms.
Practical notes: the museum has a ticket desk and encourages online ticket purchases, especially at weekends and for popular temporary exhibitions. MOCAK offers accessibility features for visitors with reduced mobility, but check specifics (for example the availability of particular spaces or sign-language tours) before you travel.
If you only have a short visit in your schedule, a quick walk around the building and a look into the main galleries can give you a flavour; for a calm, attentive visit reserve more time.
Main Market Square: Charlotte (fresh bread and baked goods, good coffee) and Café Camelot (atmospheric, classic interior) are popular with visitors.
Kazimierz: Starka (traditional Polish dishes in a friendly setting) and Mleczarnia (a cosy spot for coffee or drinks) are great if you want local flavours or a relaxed break. Nowy Square is the place for a quick local snack — try the famous zapiekanki.
Podgórze and the area around MOCAK/Schindler’s Factory: you’ll find cafés and bars along the boulevards with river views and modern kitchens. Forum Przestrzenie is a popular spot with a view of the Vistula and is worth a visit in good weather.
As a general rule, choose places with good reviews and an established presence — they usually deliver consistent quality.
MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory are very close to one another, which makes it easy to combine reflections on Podgórze’s industrial past with encounters in contemporary art. That contrast between history and modernity is one of Krakow’s most interesting juxtapositions.
Planty Park — the green belt around the Old Town — occupies the former line of medieval defensive walls. Walking the Planty is literally walking over the traces of the city’s fortifications. Many visitors also enjoy small hidden gardens and quiet corners in the centre that are easy to miss without a local tip.
1) Trying to “see everything” in too short a time. Solution: pick a few priorities and schedule coffee and photo breaks. 2) Not booking tickets for popular museums — queues can seriously delay your plan. Solution: buy tickets online or arrive early. 3) Underestimating distances and walking time between districts — Krakow’s pedestrian attractions are spread along the Vistula. Solution: carry a simple map and a time estimate; don’t plan too many interior visits if you only have two hours. 4) Eating only in the most touristy places. Solution: look for cafés and restaurants with good reviews and a steady local presence — the cafés and restaurants recommended above are reliable choices.
Is two hours enough to see MOCAK? — To look around the building and get a quick impression from the outside and inside, yes; for a full, thoughtful visit to exhibitions it’s best to allow at least another 1–1.5 hours.
How do I check opening hours? — The most reliable source is the museum’s official information; check opening times and special events that may affect access before you go.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? — Most main pedestrian routes (the Market Square, Planty, the boulevards) are accessible and modern museums provide facilities, but check details for specific venues and entrances ahead of time.
If you liked this route, share the article with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a quick, smart visit to Krakow.
If you’d prefer a more comfortable or in-depth visit, consider a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide who organises personalised walks of Krakow — you can find more information and contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Enjoy your walk, discover exciting art, and savour a good coffee in one of the recommended places!
