Jan Matejko’s House (Floriańska 41) is not only the birthplace and workplace of one of Poland’s most famous 19th-century painters — it’s also a biographical museum that lets you look behind the scenes of the artist’s work and everyday life. Touring the whole house comfortably takes 45–60 minutes; it’s a great starting point because from here it’s easy to reach other Old Town attractions by tram.
Practical note: The Jan Matejko House operates regular opening hours during most of the week (note — Mondays are sometimes closed), and on Tuesdays there are often free-admission days for permanent exhibitions, which can mean larger crowds. The ticket desk and information point are at the entrance; if you want a guided visit or a group tour, check availability and reserve in advance.
Address and contact to have handy: Floriańska 41, in the centre of the Old Town — right by the Florian Gate. If you plan to arrive by tram, several lines stop nearby, which makes it easy to include Matejko’s House in an all-day sightseeing loop.
This suggested list groups attractions that can mostly be visited conveniently using trams and short walks. The order minimizes travel time and gives a smooth sightseeing flow: 1) Jan Matejko’s House (start), 2) Main Market Square and Cloth Hall, 3) St. Mary’s Basilica and the view tower (time permitting), 4) Wawel and the royal cathedral, 5) Kazimierz — synagogues and atmospheric streets, 6) Podgórze and the Oskar Schindler site (Museum/ exhibition), 7) Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) or other nearby galleries, 8) Kościuszko Mound — a short stop with city panorama, 9) Nowa Huta — an architectural contrast with socialist-realist layouts (optionally the Matejko Manor in Krzesławice), 10) Planty/Barbican as a pleasant way to end the day and return to the centre.
This list isn’t rigid — swap items depending on opening hours, weather and your pace. Many of these spots are well connected by tram, and short walks between stops will let you discover lesser-known corners of the city.
Why these places: the Main Market Square and Cloth Hall are the heart of Kraków; Wawel is essential for history and the Vistula panorama; Kazimierz offers cozy coffee stops and great lunch options; Podgórze and the Schindler site are key for understanding 20th-century history; Kościuszko Mound and Nowa Huta show contrasting faces of Kraków.
07:30–09:00 - Start early to avoid the biggest crowds: quick breakfast in the centre (a café) and a stroll to Jan Matejko’s House; 09:00–10:00 - visit Jan Matejko’s House; 10:15–12:00 - Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, a short visit to St. Mary’s Church (or just a walk around the Square); 12:00–13:30 - Wawel and the cathedral (brief entry to the castle/exhibitions if tickets are available); 13:30–14:30 - lunch in Kazimierz; 14:30–16:30 - walk around Kazimierz and cross to Podgórze — Schindler’s Factory area / MOCAK; 16:30–18:00 - tram to Kościuszko Mound or Nowa Huta (depending on preference); 18:30 - return to the centre, dinner and an evening walk along the Planty or near the Market Square.
Remember: this is an intensive plan. If you want to visit more indoor exhibitions, consider skipping one point or spreading the program over two days.
If you plan to enter several museums, a day or 24/48-hour public transport ticket can be worthwhile — it keeps your schedule flexible and saves time buying single tickets.
Jan Matejko’s House — check current opening hours and prices before you go; the museum welcomes visitors most days, and on Tuesdays permanent exhibitions are often free of charge (which can make it busier). The ticket desk and information point handle admissions and group reservations.
Getting around by tram — many central tram stops are close to the listed attractions, making trams the most practical way to move during a busy sightseeing day. To save time buy period tickets (24/48 hours) or use a mobile ticketing app to avoid ticket machines. Also check which lines stop nearest each site; there are several tram stops around the Old Town and by Jan Matejko’s House.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a light backpack, a power bank, and an ID if you plan to use discounted tickets. In season bring an umbrella or light jacket — Kraków’s weather can be changeable.
During a full day of sightseeing plan for a good lunch break and a few short coffee or dessert stops. Here are several places well-liked by visitors and worth recommending:
Café Camelot — a cosy, often recommended café near the Old Town; Charlotte — a popular bakery and bistro with a genuine French vibe; Massolit Books & Cafe — a great spot for coffee and a moment with a book in Kazimierz; Starka (Kazimierz) — homely Polish food in a pleasant atmosphere; Szara (Market Square) or Pod Aniołami — for those wanting regional cuisine in the centre. In the evening consider one of the restaurants or bars in Kazimierz, where good food often meets live music.
Tip: choose places with good reviews and short waits — on weekends the centre gets busy, so reserving a table for lunch can save time.
Jan Matejko’s House is one of the oldest biographical museums in Poland — a visit offers a unique look at the artist’s studio and personal collection, not just his paintings.
If you hit Tuesday when some municipal museums have free permanent exhibitions, you can enter for free — but remember that many people will do the same, so interiors may be more crowded than usual.
The Matejko Manor in Krzesławice (outside the city centre) is open on selected days and has a different, more rustic character than the house on Floriańska — it’s a short, peaceful visit but check opening days in advance as they can be limited.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — the result will be superficial and exhausting. It’s better to choose 6–7 highlights and enjoy them without rushing.
Not checking opening hours before visiting — especially on Mondays and during seasonal hours. Museums or manors sometimes have reduced opening days or require group reservations.
Trying to travel only on foot without a tram plan — tram routes greatly shorten trips between distant points and save energy.
Is Jan Matejko’s House open on Mondays? - Usually city museums keep Mondays as a day off; confirm on the branch page or by calling the ticket desk before you go.
Is it better to use the tram rather than a taxi? - Trams in Kraków connect most tourist attractions and are often the fastest and most economical option for a one-day plan.
The Matejko Manor (Krzesławice) - opening days and hours are limited; if you really want to visit check availability and ticket info in advance.
Useful contact (Jan Matejko’s House) - the ticket desk and museum information handle visits and group bookings; check hours and reservation options before your visit.
If this plan helped you, share it with friends or on social media — maybe someone is planning a one-day trip to Kraków. If you prefer a calmer, personalized tour, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy discovering Kraków and have a wonderful, memorable day!
If you like, I can prepare a version with fewer stops for a slower pace, a family-friendly route, or a plan focused on contemporary art — tell me which option you prefer.
