Krakow is a city of contrasts: right next to historic castles and the lively Market Square you'll find modern science centres, artistic spaces in Zabłocie and places that remind us of Podgórze’s difficult past. This guide will help you plan a route to see the top attractions, visit WOMAI, learn about a part of the ghetto’s history and finish the day in one of Krakow’s best cafés. Read on — I’ll give practical tips and ideas for an afternoon you’ll remember.
I recommend planning a few points on the map in the right order so you don’t waste time backtracking. Also pay attention to opening hours of museums and cafés — many change seasonally and for holidays.
If you want to sightsee intensively, it’s worth having a city card or knowing the tram connections: the city is compact, but distances between districts like the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze are best covered by public transport or on foot to feel the atmosphere of the streets and the Vistula riverbanks.
1. WOMAI – Centre of Science and Senses: interactive exhibitions and sensory experiences, ideal for a family afternoon.
2. Wawel and the Royal Castle – a must for lovers of history and architecture.
3. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – the heart of the city, markets, cafés and the characteristic bugle call from St. Mary’s Church tower.
4. Schindler’s Factory – an important place for 20th-century history and the stories of Podgórze residents.
5. Ghetto Heroes Square in Podgórze – a memorial space with the symbolic ‘empty chairs’.
6. MOCAK – Museum of Contemporary Art in Zabłocie.
7. Kazimierz – the former Jewish quarter with atmospheric streets and eateries.
8. Rynek Underground Museum – archaeology and multimedia exhibitions beneath the Market Square.
9. Vistula riverbanks and Zabłocie – walks, street art and cafés by the river.
10. Planty and Błonia – green areas perfect for resting between sightseeing.
The WOMAI Centre of Science and Senses is a great option for families, couples and curious visitors. Light-based exhibits and experiences in darkness show science from the perspective of the senses — here you can touch, experiment and take part in interactive demonstrations.
Practical: come with a reservation, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to calmly go through the exhibitions and take part in shows. For families with children this is a great place for an afternoon programme that combines play with learning.
Good ideas: combine a WOMAI visit with a walk around the city centre — Pawia Street and its surroundings are a convenient starting point for further sightseeing. If your time is limited, pick one exhibition path and book your ticket in advance.
Podgórze is a district with a strong identity: it was the site of the Krakow ghetto during World War II and today combines sites of memory with revitalised industrial areas. A walk through Podgórze is a history lesson and an opportunity to understand how memory and the present coexist in the city’s space.
Be sure to see Ghetto Heroes Square — the installation of empty metal chairs is a powerful symbol of remembrance. Nearby stands Schindler’s Factory, now a museum that tells the story of the occupation and the lives of Krakow’s residents.
Pay attention to commemorative places: small plaques, former tenement houses and archives. While visiting, keep silence and show respect at memorial sites; this is not the time for loud, staged selfies.
Zabłocie is an example of successful transformation of industrial space into a centre of art and creative life. MOCAK offers contemporary art exhibitions, and around it you’ll find galleries, studios and cafés — perfect for a relaxed afternoon after sightseeing.
Practical: check MOCAK’s current exhibitions before you go. The area often hosts cultural events and design markets that are worth including in your plan. A walk around the former factory grounds has a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset.
If you enjoy photography and an industrial vibe, Zabłocie will be an interesting part of the day. Also look out for smaller galleries and concept stores that often hide local gems.
Krakow has a rich café culture: from atmospheric, historic interiors in the Old Town to modern specialty cafés in Podgórze and Zabłocie. For visitors I recommend choosing places with good reviews and local character.
A few tried-and-true names to consider: Massolit Books & Cafe (a great spot for book and coffee lovers), Cafe Camelot (atmospheric interiors just off the Market Square), Charlotte (fresh bakery goods and a French vibe). In Podgórze and Zabłocie the number of small independent cafés and bakeries is growing — spend your afternoon popping into a few places and choose the one with the best atmosphere.
If you care about specialty coffee and a quiet place to work or read, look for cafés that list their beans and brewing methods. For families, choose cafés with child-friendly space; for those wanting local flavours — pick places serving desserts and baked goods from local bakeries.
Family option: WOMAI in the early afternoon, then a walk along the Vistula riverbanks and coffee in a child-friendly café. In the evening take a gentle walk through the Planty or have dinner in one of Kazimierz’s restaurants.
History option: Wawel and the Rynek Underground in the morning, afternoon at Schindler’s Factory and a walk through Podgórze, ending with a visit to Ghetto Heroes Square. In the evening enjoy a quiet coffee or dinner in Zabłocie.
Art option: MOCAK and galleries in Zabłocie, an afternoon walk by the Vistula, coffee in a riverside café with an industrial view, and finish with a visit to a boutique gallery in Kazimierz.
Not booking tickets in advance for popular museums. Places like Schindler’s Factory or the Rynek Underground often have limited entries and queues, especially in high season.
Planning too many sights for one day. Krakow offers a lot, but it’s better to see less calmly than rush from place to place.
Ignoring opening hours of cafés and museums on holidays. Check current hours before you go, as many places change schedules or close on certain days.
Taking photos without tact at memorial sites. At places of remembrance keep quiet and respectful — avoid loud poses and flashy photo sessions.
Transport: tram and bus routes connect the main attractions. Walking between the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze is pleasant, but sometimes it’s more convenient and faster to take a tram.
Tickets: check online options and buy in advance for popular museums and attractions. It’s often worth checking discounts for families and students.
Children and accessibility: WOMAI and some museums offer family programmes and educational activities. If you travel with someone with limited mobility, check accessibility and entrance arrangements in advance.
Weather: Krakow afternoons can be changeable. Bring a light coat or umbrella for walks, and in summer a water bottle and comfortable shoes are essential.
Is it worth visiting WOMAI with small children? - Yes, if they enjoy sensory exploration and short activities. For very young children choose shorter sessions or workshops prepared specifically for the little ones.
How much time is needed to see Podgórze? - It depends on what you want to see. A standard walk including Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler’s Factory takes about 2 to 4 hours.
Are cafés along the Vistula open in the evening? - Many venues by the river stay open late, especially in season. However opening hours can change off-season, so it’s worth checking in advance.
How to avoid queues at Wawel and museums? - Choose early opening hours, buy tickets online and consider visiting outside weekends. Also compare smaller museums and less popular times to avoid crowds.
More and more places in Krakow combine cultural activity with social initiatives: cafés and food outlets run by organisations that support local communities or people with disabilities are appearing around the city.
Revitalised industrial areas in Zabłocie and Podgórze hide small galleries and artists’ studios that don’t always appear in main guidebooks but can surprise with original exhibitions and handmade products.
The restaurant scene changes often: some favourite places close or move, while new ones open, often run by young baristas and bakers. It’s best to check current recommendations locally or ask residents.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on your social profiles — a simple recommendation can make planning a special afternoon in Krakow easier for someone else.
If you want to explore Krakow with a local, personalised programme, remember that zwiedzaniekrakowa.com offers private tours led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Contact details and service information are available on the site — I encourage you to use the offer if you want to get to know the city from the best side. Thank you and enjoy your time in Krakow!
