Did you know that Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is located in the Zabłocie district — historically part of Podgórze — and not directly on the Old Town? This matters when planning your visit: allow about 20–30 minutes to walk from the Main Market Square or take a short tram ride. In this article you'll find a list of 10 attractions, practical parking tips near the Old Town and concrete advice on avoiding the biggest tourist pitfalls.
Krakow is a city where history meets modern life — Wawel and the trumpeter’s call, atmospheric cafes in Kazimierz, and the post-industrial Zabłocie with Schindler's Factory and MOCAK. This guide will help you plan your time, reach the sites and make the most of your stay.
1. Wawel Royal Castle — a symbol of Polish history, with royal chambers, the cathedral and riverside promenades; a perfect spot for morning visits and scenic photos.
2. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the largest medieval market square in Europe; the Cloth Hall is a must for souvenir shopping and a short visit to the upstairs gallery.
3. St. Mary’s Basilica and the hejnał — home of the famous Veit Stoss altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call; consider climbing the tower for great city views.
4. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — a moving museum devoted to wartime Krakow; the exhibition combines artifacts, witness accounts and multimedia presentations.
5. Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter, now full of synagogues, cozy cafes and bars; in the evening it buzzes with cultural and culinary life.
6. MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art located next to Schindler’s Factory; a good complement for contemporary art lovers.
7. The Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate and the Royal Route — a recommended starting point for a walk through the Old Town.
8. Planty Park and walking the Old Town streets — the green belt around the center is ideal for a relaxing stroll between landmarks.
9. Wieliczka Salt Mine — outside the city but one of the most-visited attractions; great as a half-day or full-day trip.
10. The Wawel Dragon and the riverside boulevards — the legendary dragon sculpture that breathes fire, and a riverside walk especially beautiful at sunset.
The museum's address is 4 Lipowa Street — Zabłocie/Podgórze district. The offices of the former factory are the authentic place connected to Oskar Schindler's story.
Buy tickets online in advance when possible — in high season (spring–summer, long weekends) tickets sell out quickly. Check whether the museum offers free admission days (sometimes on specific weekdays), but places may be limited.
The museum offers accessibility features — part of the exhibition is reachable by elevator; still, it’s a good idea to confirm details before your visit, especially for groups with children or guests with reduced mobility.
Parking in central Krakow needs a plan — the Old Town is covered by paid parking zones (P1/P2 depending on the street). Free parking close to the Market Square is rare, so consider alternatives: tram, taxi or leaving the car in a designated parking lot.
Convenient options near Schindler's Factory and in the Zabłocie area: parking near Lipowa Street (closest to the museum), municipal parking around Stare Podgórze and larger 24-hour parking lots nearby. Many of these are generally cheaper than parking directly in the Old Town zone.
If you plan to park in the Old Town: pay for your stay in the correct zone (via parking machines or mobile apps) and note the zone operating hours. Another good strategy is to park outside the center and take a tram — public transport in Krakow is convenient and often faster than hunting for an inner-city space.
Suggested half-day plan: start in the Old Town in the morning (Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s), have lunch around Kazimierz, then head to Zabłocie for an afternoon visit to Schindler's Factory (the walk from the Market Square takes about 25–35 minutes).
If you prefer public transport, trams to the Zabłocie or Plac Bohaterów Getta stops run frequently — the trip from the Market Square takes just a few minutes. Allow plenty of time for the factory: the exhibition typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
In the evening return to Kazimierz for dinner — a lovely way to finish the day, enjoying the neighborhood’s atmosphere and dining options.
Wierzynek Restaurant — a classic spot with centuries of tradition, suitable for a formal dinner and regional cuisine in a historic setting.
Starka (Kazimierz) — appreciated for homestyle Polish flavors and a cozy atmosphere; recommended for regional dishes and a shot of homemade liqueur.
Café Camelot and Charlotte — well-known cafés near the Market Square, perfect for a coffee and dessert break; Charlotte is famous for its baked goods and French-style breakfasts.
Alchemia and other atmospheric bars in Kazimierz — great for an evening drink and live music. If you want to eat near Schindler's Factory, choose one of the cafes and restaurants in Zabłocie or toward Kazimierz — there are more highly rated places appearing in that area.
Trying to find a free parking space right by the Market Square — it’s better to expect to pay or use public transport. If you’re short on time, parking farther out and taking a quick tram often saves stress and money.
Not booking tickets to Schindler's Factory in advance during the season — this leads to long queues or sold-out time slots. Buy tickets online and check opening hours before you go.
Treating Schindler's Factory as a 'movie souvenir' without understanding the historical context — the museum is a place of remembrance and calls for a thoughtful approach; read a short historical summary before your visit to better understand the exhibition.
The building of Schindler's Factory is not exactly the production hall seen in the film — the workshop areas were repurposed and the museum occupies mainly the original administrative building.
Special events and temporary exhibitions are sometimes held in Krakow's historic venues — check the MOCAK and museum programs before your trip, as you might catch an interesting show or lecture that enriches your visit.
At certain times the museum offers free admission on selected days — a great opportunity, but places are limited, so plan an alternative in case tickets are unavailable.
Is Schindler's Factory suitable for children? Yes, children can visit, but the subject matter can be heavy; suitability depends on the child’s age and sensitivity.
How much time should I set aside to visit Schindler's Factory? Plan at least 60–90 minutes; history enthusiasts may stay longer.
Do I need to reserve parking? In high season it's better to reserve a spot or arrive early. If you prefer to avoid driving in the center, consider park-and-ride and take a tram.
How do I pay for parking in Krakow? In the center you can use parking meters or mobile apps — it’s useful to have a common parking app installed and check which zone you’re in.
Always check the parking zone signs — zones can differ between neighboring streets and have specific operating hours.
Keep museum tickets and booking confirmations on your phone — this is the quickest way to confirm entry and avoid misunderstandings.
To avoid crowds, visit popular sites early in the morning or late afternoon; many attractions look especially beautiful at sunset, and Kazimierz has a particularly atmospheric evening vibe.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it’s a great way to help others plan a stress-free trip to Krakow.
If you'd like to explore Krakow with a local private guide, check the offer by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) on the guide’s page. Private guiding is an excellent way to get historical context and local stories tailored to your interests.
Enjoy your time in Krakow — I wish you inspiring views, great food and hassle-free parking!
