Yes — if you plan a few things ahead. Major attractions (Wawel, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, larger museums) have limited capacity and time‑slot tickets sell out quickly in high season. Simple rules: buy tickets online where possible, choose morning slots outside peak hours, and pay attention to the ticket type (family, reduced, group). For most families, time‑based public transport tickets (24/48/72 hours) and mobile apps that let you buy tickets in seconds are the most practical option.
Kraków is very walkable — many attractions lie close to the Main Market Square, but some places require a tram or bus ride. With a sensible plan you can combine indoor visits (museums, royal chambers) with downtime on a playground, coffee or lunch in a recommended café or restaurant.
1. Wawel and the Cathedral — the heart of Polish history; plan at least half a day, account for tickets to the royal chambers and crypts, and leave time for the terrace and a walk around the hill. Entries to certain chambers are often limited to specific time slots.
2. Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — stroll the square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, browse stalls and the Cloth Hall Museum; there are many cafés nearby for a break. Buy museum tickets online or arrive early for the best chance of entry.
3. Oskar Schindler’s Factory — a moving exhibition about occupied Kraków; this is one of the attractions where booking well in advance is recommended. Note that visiting and ticketing rules have changed in recent years, so check the museum’s current policies before purchasing.
4. Wieliczka Salt Mine — a unique underground experience just outside Kraków; the guided tour takes a few hours and tickets sell out in season. Family‑friendly routes and guides tailored to children are available.
5. MOCAK and contemporary museums — a great option when you want a break from history and to see modern art; exhibitions can be appealing to teenagers as well.
6. Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter full of atmospheric cafés, synagogues and small galleries; perfect for an afternoon walk and dinner.
7. Planty, St. Florian’s Gate and the Royal Route — a walking route connecting the Old Town’s highlights, a good alternative to the often crowded Market Square during peak hours.
8. Nowa Huta — an unusual socialist‑realist district interesting for its history and architecture; consider a short guided tour for local context.
9. Zoo and child‑friendly venues — the Zoo, amusement parks and interactive museums are great for younger kids; reserve popular weekend attractions in advance.
10. Day trips (Auschwitz‑Birkenau, Zakopane, Ojców) — these require planning: reserve transport and tickets ahead of time and remember some sites need emotional and time preparation.
Buy tickets online and choose a specific entry time — this is the most reliable way to avoid queues at ticket desks. Many museums and attractions allow reservations weeks or months ahead.
Choose morning slots or late afternoons — crowds concentrate roughly between 11:00 and 15:00. For families with small children, mornings are often the calmest.
Check rules about named tickets and purchase limits — in recent years some institutions have introduced extra restrictions (e.g., limits per transaction or requirements to provide personal data), so read the terms before buying.
Where possible, use combined tickets or passes — sometimes a multi‑attraction package or season pass is more economical, especially for longer stays.
Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network, and most central attractions are walkable. If you plan trips outside the city center or stay further from the Market, time‑based tickets (24/48/72 hours or weekly) are usually worth it.
You can buy tickets at ticket machines, from drivers on selected lines, at kiosks and via mobile apps. The fastest and most convenient solutions are apps such as Jakdojade, SkyCash, moBiLET and iMKA — they accept cards and BLIK and store a QR code for inspection.
Watch for special family tickets: for example, there are weekend family tickets covering one or two parents with children up to 16 — a handy option for an intensive weekend.
When planning transfers for longer trips (e.g., to Wieliczka or the airport), check train and bus connections and whether you can buy those tickets in the same app as your city tickets.
Jakdojade — route planning and city ticket purchases (including time‑based and single tickets); great for quickly finding connections and checking schedules.
SkyCash, moBiLET, iMKA — alternative ticket apps worth having as backup if one service has issues.
Official museum websites and ticket systems — always check the institution’s website before buying. If a museum sells tickets only through its own system, that’s the most reliable place to get accurate information about limits and availability.
Plan short visiting blocks (45–90 minutes) interspersed with play or meal breaks — small children get tired faster, so it’s better to see less and enjoy it more.
Choose attractions with family facilities: larger museums usually offer cloakrooms, changing tables and stroller access (check availability of lifts and accessible entrances).
Bring snacks and a water bottle — breaks in Planty or at cafés are invaluable. Have a plan B for rainy weather — many attractions have indoor exhibits perfect for a wet day.
Interactive workshops (e.g., baking a local obwarzanek) or play areas can be highlights for kids — reserve places and check age limits to avoid disappointment.
Restaurants and cafés to consider: Szara (by the Market) — good for a nicer lunch; Wierzynek — a historic spot for those looking for special atmosphere; Cafe Camelot (Kazimierz) — perfect for coffee and cake; Starka (Kazimierz) — traditional local cuisine; Pod Wawelem — popular for hearty, family‑friendly meals. Book tables in season.
Well‑rated hotels in the center: Hotel Stary — luxury in a historic setting; Sheraton Grand Kraków — excellent location by the Main Railway Station; PURO Kraków Stare Miasto — modern and comfortable. Choose accommodation close to the Market or near good public transport if you plan heavy sightseeing.
To save time, pick a place to stay near the Market Square or the Main Station — it’s easier to step out in the morning without long commutes.
Less obvious fact: some museums have introduced named tickets and online sales limits, so buying late can mean encountering purchase limits or data requirements.
Common mistake: trying to “see everything” in a single day. Solution: pick 2–3 main sights per day and leave time to rest.
Another mistake: relying only on on‑site ticket desks. Solution: buy online when possible — it usually saves the most time.
Plan 1 — classic (at an easy pace): morning at Wawel (2–3 hours), walk the Royal Route to the Market, lunch, afternoon in Kazimierz and dinner.
Plan 2 — mixed pace: morning at MOCAK or Oskar Schindler’s Factory (with a reservation), lunch, afternoon at the Salt Mine (if you have a full day) or alternatively the Zoo and a children’s play park.
Plan 3 — short weekend: day 1 — Market, Cloth Hall, Wawel; day 2 — Nowa Huta or an out‑of‑town trip (Wieliczka/Zakopane) — remember to reserve transport and tickets.
Is it worth buying tickets well in advance? Yes — especially for popular attractions and during high season. Some places open sales far ahead and limited slots sell out quickly.
Which ticket apps do you recommend? Jakdojade, SkyCash, moBiLET and iMKA are the most commonly recommended city ticket apps. They offer various payment methods and show a QR ticket for inspectors.
Are there family public transport tickets? Yes — for example, weekend family tickets that cover a parent/guardian and children up to 16. Check the current terms before purchase.
Do museums offer discounts for children and youth? Yes — many institutions have reduced fares for children, pupils and students; remember to carry proof of entitlement for reductions.
If you liked this guide, please share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan a better trip to Kraków.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city and can tailor the route to your family’s needs, I warmly recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find information about guided tours on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. With a personal guide, sightseeing can be more comfortable, full of local stories and free of unnecessary stress.
Good luck and enjoy your visit — Kraków has so much to offer that even a short stay can leave unforgettable memories.
