Did you know that the ticketing rules for Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and some branches of the Museum of Krakow have recently changed? It’s worth planning your visit in advance — from 2026 many online tickets will be personalized and sales windows will be limited. This guide will help you choose the 10 most important attractions in Krakow, explain how to buy tickets, and share practical tricks to avoid queues and stress.
Krakow is a city where history meets modern exhibitions — from the royal Wawel through the Cloth Hall and the rich collections of the National Museum, to the moving displays at Schindler’s Factory. Below you’ll find a list of places to plan into your stay, plus tips on tickets, opening hours and common tourist mistakes. (At the end there are FAQ and dining and accommodation recommendations.)
1. Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral — the heart of the old Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: the castle, the royal chambers, the cathedral and the Sigismund Bell are a must-see. Plan at least half a day if you want to explore the castle complex and museum displays.
2. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the Market is the vibrant center of the city: the Cloth Hall houses galleries and a branch of the National Museum with excellent collections of Polish art; a stroll around the Square is also a great chance for coffee and people-watching.
3. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Schindler’s Factory) — a moving exhibition about Krakow under occupation: the display presents the fate of the city and its inhabitants during 1939–1945; from 2026 new online ticket rules came into force (including personalized tickets and sales limits).
4. National Museum in Krakow — multiple branches across the city: Main Building, the Cloth Hall, the Czartoryski Museum and others; the National Museum regularly hosts major temporary exhibitions and ticket prices vary by branch and exhibition type.
5. Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter: synagogues, atmospheric cafés and galleries, important memorial sites and lively restaurants in the evenings.
6. Wieliczka Salt Mine — near Krakow and a UNESCO World Heritage site: visiting the salt chambers and St. Kinga’s Chapel is a unique experience; plan your tickets well in advance.
7. MOCAK and contemporary art — the Museum of Contemporary Art near Schindler’s Factory, featuring strong exhibitions and an educational program.
8. The Planty, St. Florian’s Gate and the Royal Route — walk historic defensive fragments of the city and enjoy pleasant alleys around the Old Town.
9. Nowa Huta — a unique socialist-realist district, interesting for a themed trip with local historical and architectural context.
10. Auschwitz-Birkenau and memorial sites (day trip from Krakow) — an important and solemn place of remembrance; requires planning for a full-day excursion and often prior reservation of entry and a guide.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is a branch of the Museum of Krakow with a modern, multimedia exhibition about life in Krakow during the occupation. The exhibition consists of multiple themed spaces that use reconstructions of parts of the city and multimedia elements, making the visit both educational and emotionally engaging.
Important administrative changes: the Museum of Krakow announced on October 3, 2025 new ticketing rules; some measures take effect from early 2026 (including personalized online tickets, online sales available 90 days before the visit date, and purchase limits in online and box-office transactions). Keep this in mind when planning your visit and check current regulations before buying.
Why buy tickets in advance: the exhibition is one of the most popular in the city; during the season and at weekends timed tickets sell out quickly. To avoid queues and stress — reserve your slot in advance through the museum’s official ticketing system.
The National Museum is a distributed institution with several branches (including the Main Building, the Cloth Hall and the Czartoryski Museum). Each branch has its own ticket prices and admission rules: there are normal, reduced and family tickets, as well as special seasonal offers and passes. Check the exact rates for the chosen exhibition before purchasing.
Practical tip: the National Museum often offers favorable prices for youth (special rates for school-age visitors and students) — don’t forget to bring the appropriate ID to qualify for a reduced ticket. For large temporary exhibitions, take advantage of online presales that allow you to choose an entry time and speed up access to the show.
Book tickets via the National Museum’s official ticketing site or directly at the branches’ sales points — this is the most reliable way to be sure of your entry time.
1. Check the institution’s official website before buying — opening hours, closed days and reservation rules can change (especially for temporary exhibitions).
2. Buy online when possible — it lets you reserve a specific entry time and avoid queues. Note: for some sites (for example Schindler’s Factory) there are limits on the number of tickets per transaction and a requirement to provide personal data when buying online.
3. Pay attention to the ticket type — standard, reduced, family, group; many museums also have special prices for youth and students (you must show documents to prove eligibility at the entrance).
4. Plan realistic visiting times — short attractions (45–90 min) can be combined, but Wawel, Wieliczka or day trips (Auschwitz) require several hours or a full day.
5. Check refund and change policies — some museums (including the Museum of Krakow) have introduced the possibility of returning online-purchased tickets within specified terms and conditions.
Not booking tickets in advance — this leads to standing in lines or not being able to enter at your chosen time. Solution: reserve online, especially in season and on weekends.
Assuming hours and rules are fixed — museums update opening hours and regulations (e.g. free-entry days, opening hours). Solution: always check the official site of the venue on the same day or the day before your visit.
Lack of documents for reduced tickets — students and young people often assume discounts are applied automatically. Solution: carry your ID or another document proving entitlement.
Inappropriate sightseeing pace — trying to see “everything” in one day leads to exhaustion. Solution: pick a few key points and leave time for breaks and a meal.
Recommended restaurants and cafés (well-rated, good for various budgets): Szara (near the Market Square), Wierzynek (for those seeking a historic atmosphere), Cafe Camelot (Kazimierz, great for coffee and cake), Starka (Kazimierz, Polish cuisine with character), Pod Wawelem (traditional, hearty portions). These places are often recommended by visitors and local rankings — reserving a table in season is advised.
Well-rated hotels in central Krakow: Hotel Stary (luxury in a historic interior), Sheraton Grand Kraków (close to the Main Railway Station and the Old Town), PURO Kraków Stare Miasto (modern, conveniently located). Choose a location near the Market or public transport if you plan intensive sightseeing.
Schindler’s Factory now functions as a place of remembrance and education — its exhibition style combines reconstructions, multimedia and archival material, making the visit feel more “cinematic” than a traditional museum walk.
Many museums in Krakow (various branches) offer very favorable tickets for school youth and students — in some cases entry for young people can be symbolic due to special tariffs or promotions.
Nowa Huta, although associated with socialist realism, is today an attractive themed destination with unique architecture and an interesting industrial history.
Is it worth booking tickets well in advance? Yes — especially for popular exhibitions and during the high season. Some online tickets appear for sale several months ahead (for example 90 days) — check the museum’s site.
Are there free-entry days? Some museums introduce free or promotional days; these rules change frequently, so check the venue’s official news before your visit.
Do children and people with disabilities have special arrangements? Most large museums have facilities (elevators, ramps) and reduced fares for children and youth — if in doubt, contact the museum staff before your visit.
Can I take photos? Photography rules vary by exhibition — some displays prohibit flash or photography altogether; always check signs in the gallery or ask staff.
Plan your route by location — group attractions near the Market into one day and leave further sites (Wieliczka, Auschwitz) for separate full-day trips.
Bring water and comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and longer walks are normal in Krakow.
For larger exhibitions, reserve at least 60–90 minutes; Wawel and out-of-town trips require more time.
Check the weather and have a plan B — many attractions are indoors, but walks in Kazimierz or the Planty depend on the weather.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others better plan their visit to Krakow.
If you want to tour with a private guide, I recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and her offer are available on the official zwiedzaniekrakowa website. A private guide can help tailor the route to your interests, avoid common pitfalls and add historical context you may not always find in guidebooks.
I wish you a great visit to Krakow — unhurried, curious and with time for a good coffee along the way!
