Kraków has some of the richest museum collections in Poland — from the grand galleries in the Sukiennice to small, focused museums. A well-planned visit saves time and money and helps you avoid common tourist frustrations: long queues, sold-out tickets, or outdated opening hours.
In the text below I gathered practical information and tips — both about the most important institutions and about who and when can expect discounts or free entry. I aim to help you plan a day so you can see as much as possible without overspending.
The National Museum in Kraków (MNK) is organised into many branches and ticket prices vary by exhibition — there are separate rates for places like the Sukiennice, the Czartoryski Princes’ Museum, and most permanent-collection branches. Typical categories include full-price, reduced, family, and special youth tickets for ages 7–26.
Discounts are granted on presentation of the appropriate documents — students, pupils, seniors above a specified age, visitors with disabilities (often with a carer), teachers and selected professional groups; the museum’s regulations explain the details. If you plan to use a concession, bring a valid ID or document proving eligibility.
Buying tickets online saves time — many branches allow timed reservations. This is especially important in high season and at weekends, when spots (especially for the Sukiennice and Oskar Schindler’s Factory) sell out fast.
1. Sukiennice — Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art: monumental rooms and the largest collection of Polish 19th-century painting. A perfect place to learn about the “golden age” of Polish art. Note: Sukiennice tickets are priced separately.
2. Main Building of the National Museum: rich holdings of Polish and European art, temporary exhibitions and permanent displays — allow at least 1.5–2 hours.
3. Czartoryski Princes’ Museum: a collection of great historical importance; tickets to this branch follow separate pricing rules (check before you go).
4. Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Museum of the History of the City of Kraków): a moving, often crowded site — buy tickets in advance if possible.
5. Manggha Museum (Japanese art and culture): an intimate venue with interesting temporary shows and events; on selected days admission may be free — check the schedule.
6. Walery Rzewuski Museum of the History of Photography (MuFo): a must for photography and photo-technology enthusiasts.
7. Jagiellonian University Museum of Pharmacy and the ‘Under the Eagle’ Pharmacy: small, atmospheric museums in the city centre — great short stops between larger attractions.
8. Rynek Undercity (Market Square Underground) and the City History Museum — routes that show the city’s development since medieval times.
9. Kościuszko Mound and the Kościuszko Museum — nice views and historical curiosities; some dates offer free access at certain times of the year.
10. Less obvious, thematic museums — from the Obwarzanek Museum to the Stained Glass Museum; check local events and open days.
Many Kraków institutions have designated “free days” or reduced-fee days — this is common in the city, especially outside peak tourist season. The best way to find free days is to check individual museum websites or the city’s official cultural calendar.
Often free entry applies to permanent exhibitions rather than temporary shows; sometimes the free day covers a specific branch rather than an entire institution. Always check which exhibitions are included in the promotion before you leave.
If you have a flexible schedule — choose a midweek visit (Monday–Thursday) — crowds are smaller then and some museums offer free or cheaper admission on weekdays.
1) Not checking opening hours and exhibition details — many visitors arrive hoping to see a particular object that is on loan or part of a temporary show. Always check current information on the museum’s site.
2) Buying tickets through third-party resellers — external offers can be much more expensive; it’s best to buy directly from the museum website or the box office. If tickets are sold out online, set alerts or try arriving at opening time.
3) Arriving at a popular site on a weekend without a reservation — queues can be long in high season. Consider early opening hours or visiting less-crowded museums in the afternoon.
4) Forgetting documents for concessions — prepare your student card, ID showing your age, or documents confirming disability.
After intensive sightseeing it’s nice to relax in trusted spots: Cafe Camelot (atmospheric interior, close to the Market Square), Mleczarnia (a café with an artistic vibe), Restauracja Szara or Szara Gęś (well-reviewed, in the heart of the Old Town), and Pod Wawelem if you want a hearty traditional Polish meal. I recommend checking reviews and reserving a table on weekend evenings.
If you need coffee during a short afternoon break — choose cafés with 4+ reviews; that’s usually a good sign of fresh coffee and a pleasant pause before more exploring.
- Buy tickets in advance for the most popular places (Sukiennice, National Museum branches, Oskar Schindler’s Factory), and set reminders if ticket sales are limited.
- Use trams or walk to move around the centre — the area is compact and many museums are within a short walk of the Market Square.
- Book morning visits if you want to avoid crowds and view exhibits calmly; plan roughly 1–2 hours for larger museums and 30–60 minutes for small venues.
- If you’re travelling with family, look into family tickets — they can be economical and convenient when entering with children.
Is entry to all branches of the National Museum paid? - No: ticket policies vary by branch and exhibition; some shows and branches have separate prices, and young people aged 7–26 are often covered by a special tariff.
Where is it easiest to find free-entry days? - Many institutions announce free days on their own websites and on the city’s official cultural pages; follow museum announcements and cultural event listings.
What to do if tickets for a popular museum are sold out? - Check the museum’s official box office (tickets are sometimes returned), arrive early in the morning, or consider visiting other, less busy museums that day.
- Not all the most memorable museums are large: some small collections (for example those tied to crafts or local cuisine) can leave a stronger impression than big galleries.
- Many intimate branches of the National Museum are housed in historic townhouses — besides the exhibits you also get to see the building’s interiors.
- Look out for accompanying events: curator-led tours, workshops and openings often add a fresh perspective to a standard visit.
Kraków offers many possibilities: from major galleries to intimate themed museums. When planning a visit, the most important things are to check the specific museum’s page (hours, tickets, concession rules), buy tickets where possible, and choose flexible times — midweek and morning slots are the best way to avoid queues.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków comfortably and your way, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you and enjoy discovering Kraków!
