If you're interested not only in Kraków's "stone" history but also in how living traditions, customs and crafts shape the city's spirit — yes, it's worth it. The Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre explains where local customs come from, what their roots are and how they are passed down from generation to generation. It’s a great complement to a walk through the Old Town or Kazimierz because it helps you understand why Kraków looks and sounds the way you discover it.
If you arrive as a student or an Erasmus participant, a visit gives context for further exploration and helps you find less obvious places that might not appear in the first tourist guidebook you open.
The Centre is located at ul. Szpitalna 21 — a convenient spot close to the Old Town, so you can easily combine the exhibition with a short walk around the area.
Keep in mind that some exhibitions and workshops are seasonal or require booking — check opening hours and announcements before you go.
The Centre operates as a branch of the Museum of Kraków and offers exhibition visits as well as workshops and events connected with local traditions (for example lace workshops, stories about szopka nativity cribs and Kraków legends).
If you plan a group visit, the museum can arrange guided tours together with admission tickets — that's a convenient option when organising a themed trip.
Address and contact: ul. Szpitalna 21 — check the Museum of Kraków site for current hours, reservations and any temporary changes to the branch's activity.
Sometimes the branch may be temporarily closed for organisational work or special events — it’s a good idea to check the news page or call / email to confirm and reserve a spot.
Start at the Intangible Heritage Interpretation Centre (Szpitalna Street) — a quick visit to the exhibition and possibly a short workshop that roots you in the local cultural context.
Then walk toward Wawel — stop at the main points along the Royal Road and chat about traditions linked to the castle and the coronation of kings.
Descend toward Kazimierz — I recommend visiting Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy and Józefa Street: places full of history, street food and cafés, ideal for students looking for quick and affordable bites.
Coffee and study break: Massolit Books & Café or Cheder Café are great spots to rest with a laptop or a book.
In the evening you can stay in Kazimierz — bars and small concerts create a lively student atmosphere, but remember to reserve a table in popular venues.
The route is flexible — the guide can adjust pace, historical details and eating stops to your budget and interests.
Plac Nowy — quick and cheap street-food options: zapiekanki (Polish open-faced baguette pizzas), food trucks and budget burgers. A classic student choice.
Hamsa (ul. Szeroka) — Middle Eastern food, mezze perfect for sharing in a group; prices friendly for Kazimierz and big on flavour.
Skate Burger and Warsztat — popular with students for filling burgers at reasonable prices; a good post-lecture lunch option.
Vegab and Krowarzywo — fast vegan options with good reputations; great if you want an affordable plant-based meal.
Milk bars and lunch bars (local "bar mleczny" or lunch bar) — daily set meals at low prices, ideal when your budget is tight.
Massolit Books & Café, Cheder Café, Ona Coffee Bar, Senna — cafés recommended by students for studying and meetups; they usually have good Wi‑Fi and a friendly atmosphere.
If you’re looking for small restaurants with high ratings — check reviews, but you’ll find many well-rated places in Kazimierz and the centre; book a table for the evening.
Look for lunch menus or a "dish of the day" — many restaurants offer a midday set at an attractive price (often the best option between classes).
Plan breaks between lessons: weekday afternoons are usually quieter than weekends, and it's easier to get a table without waiting.
Group orders and sharing plates — in places serving mezze or larger portions this lets you try more and pay less.
Use local cafés as study spots instead of expensive coworking spaces — many have friendly prices and a focused atmosphere.
Traditions such as the Lajkonik procession or the art of szopka have deep roots and are actively maintained by local communities — they are living customs, not just tourist attractions.
Many museums and cultural institutions run workshops that let you try historical craft techniques — sometimes for a symbolic fee or as part of a themed ticket.
A tip for the curious: some city traditions combine religious elements, agrarian rites and urban legends — viewing them through the lens of intangible heritage reveals new layers of the city's story.
Not checking hours and booking in advance — especially for popular museums and special exhibitions; buy tickets ahead or call if you plan to come with a larger group.
Forgetting a student ID — students often leave their card at home and lose the chance for discounted tickets; carry your ID with you.
Confusing free-entry days with a calm day — free days attract crowds, so choose another date if you want to avoid queues.
Being disrespectful in places of worship and memory — respect silence and rules in synagogues, cemeteries and memorial museums.
Do students get discounts? Yes — many places offer reduced-price tickets for students; sometimes the cutoff is an age limit (for example up to 26), so carry your student card or ID.
Do I need to book a guided tour at the Interpretation Centre? It’s advisable for larger groups or if you want to join workshops; museums often offer tour services combined with tickets.
How do I get to the Interpretation Centre? The Centre is in the city centre and is within easy walking distance from the Old Town; trams and buses run nearby and most dorms have quick connections.
What should I bring? Student ID, comfortable shoes, a small backpack and a raincoat just in case — Kraków’s weather can change.
If you want to get to know Kraków in a way that helps you understand its traditions, taste local food and see places students like — I’ll gladly help plan a route tailored to your budget and time.
This article was created to ease the first steps of Erasmus students and newcomers: if you liked it, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others find the best spots.
If you’d like a more personalised private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, information and the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
