Yes — but it’s worth planning day by day and booking the most important tickets in advance. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and the Museum of Engineering and Technology are two distinct, very interesting destinations within Kraków; Zakopane lies about 2–2.5 hours’ drive from Kraków and works well as a day trip or an overnight trip into the Tatra Mountains. Below you’ll find exact addresses, practical ticket tips and a sample plan to simplify logistics and help you avoid queues.
If you only have one weekend, I recommend prioritizing tickets to Schindler’s Factory (very limited availability in high season) and planning one longer trip outside the city (to Zakopane) instead of trying to cram everything into a single day. That way you’ll comfortably see the highlights without wasting time in lines.
Address: ul. Lipowa 4, Podgórze (Kraków). This is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków presenting the exhibition "Kraków — time of occupation 1939–1945" and the story of the factory and the people Oskar Schindler saved.
Tickets and reservations: the safest option is to buy tickets online — individual tickets are usually released 90 days before the visit. Entry is arranged in timed slots, so arrive 10–15 minutes early. The ticket office may sell tickets for the nearest available slot, but in season there is a high risk of no availability.
Prices and changes: current prices and sales rules can change — usually there are regular, reduced and family tickets; the museum announces tariff and sales rule changes in advance, so check opening information before you arrive.
Practical tips: bring documents for any concessions and your booking confirmation if you bought online. Keep in mind that entries operate in strict time windows — being late may invalidate your ticket. Weekdays outside of peak season have shorter lines; Mondays can be special (check opening hours).
Contact and organisational notes: the museum runs a Visitor Service Centre — if you organise a group or a school visit, write in advance to the museum’s contact addresses.
Main address: ul. Świętego Wawrzyńca 15 (plus several branches and associated spaces, e.g. the Garden of Experiments). It’s a great place for families, technology lovers and anyone curious about how trams, printing presses and everyday historical devices worked.
Opening hours and tickets: the museum usually operates Tuesday–Sunday; tickets are available online or at the box office. There are regular, reduced and family tickets; MIT also runs paid workshops and interactive zones with separate fees (for example, a Building-Block Zone for children).
Highlights: the collection of historic trams and the simulator, permanent exhibitions about the city and technology, and interactive zones for kids. If you’re interested in historical technology, allow at least 1.5–2 hours.
Reservations and discounts: the museum accepts various concession cards (Karta Krakowska, Large Family Card, etc.). For groups or workshops it’s worth reserving by email or phone.
Practical tip: if you travel with children, check the workshop schedule and the Building-Block Zone — many activities require advance booking.
The most popular and often most convenient option is the bus (about 2–2.5 hours). Buses depart from the Main Railway Station area and nearby stops; both public carriers and private companies run services, and in high season departures can be every few dozen minutes. Book tickets in advance for peak times.
Train and combined options: rail travel is scenic but usually longer and may require transfers — consider it if you enjoy the views and aren’t aiming for the fastest arrival.
Car or private transfer: a personal car or private transfer offers the greatest flexibility (driving time without jams is about 1.5–2 hours). On weekends and in high season the main road (the Zakopianka) can be congested — allow extra time.
What to see in Zakopane (briefly): Krupówki (the main promenade), Gubałówka (views, funicular), Morskie Oko (requires time and good fitness — a popular full-day excursion), the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch (buy tickets online — very busy).
Practical plan: depart Kraków early morning, have coffee in Zakopane and a quick walk along Krupówki/Gubałówka, then an afternoon hike or cable car ride to your chosen viewpoint and return in the evening. If you plan to go to Morskie Oko, consider staying overnight because the walk there takes a long time.
Day 1 — Kraków: morning — Museum of Engineering and Technology (2 hours); midday — lunch and a stroll around the Old Town; afternoon — visit Schindler’s Factory (preferably an evening slot outside the busiest hours). This order helps you avoid crowds and keeps a relaxed pace.
Day 2 — Zakopane: depart very early (around 7:00–8:00), arrive before noon, walk Krupówki and take the funicular to Gubałówka (or opt for a hike), optionally take the cable car to Kasprowy or walk in one of the valley trails (e.g. Strążyska Valley). Return to Kraków in the evening.
Alternative: if you have only one day, choose either an intensive Kraków day (both museums) or a trip to Zakopane — both are excellent, but trying to do everything in one day is tiring.
In Kraków, choose restaurants with good reviews — for local flavours look for karczma-style places and establishments serving regional dishes; for modern bistro fare check current review listings. A few reliably praised spots include Massolit Books & Cafe (a lovely café before sightseeing), classic restaurants around the Main Market Square and local gastropubs — check ratings before booking.
In Podgórze (near Schindler’s Factory) there are several pleasant cafés and restaurants — convenient for a coffee break before or after a museum visit.
In Zakopane, pick accommodation with good reviews and easy access to the main attractions; if you plan mountain hikes, check parking availability and early transport options. In high season, book lodging well in advance.
Buying Schindler’s Factory tickets at the last minute — often leads to no availability. Solution: buy online as soon as tickets are released (usually 90 days ahead) or plan your visit early.
Not checking timed entry windows — many exhibitions operate in timed slots; arrive 10–15 minutes earlier rather than at the last minute.
Trying to “do it all” in one day — when combining Kraków and Zakopane, decide what’s a priority. It’s better to see fewer things calmly than to rush between sites.
Buying tickets via resellers at inflated prices — use the museums’ official pages or trusted booking platforms.
Do I have to buy a ticket to Schindler’s Factory in advance? — Yes, especially in high season. Online tickets typically appear about 90 days before the visit date.
Is the Museum of Engineering and Technology good for children? — Yes, MIT has interactive exhibits and workshop zones for kids; booking is recommended for workshops.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Zakopane from Kraków? — Bus services (public and private carriers) usually offer the best price/time ratio; tickets can be cheaper off-season if purchased in advance.
Are there age restrictions at Schindler’s Factory? — There are no specific age limits, but the exhibition deals with serious historical subjects — consider the maturity of younger visitors.
Schindler’s Factory is not just the place from one famous film — it tells a broad story of occupied Kraków, everyday life and complex individual fates. The exhibition mixes artifacts, documents and film materials, creating a strong narrative experience.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology often runs themed workshops — if you travel with children, check the workshop calendar. These activities greatly increase the value of the visit and help structure your time.
High season in the Tatras and in Kraków (summer holidays, winter school breaks, long weekends) requires advance bookings — this applies to both popular museum tickets and transport to Zakopane as well as accommodation.
1) Decide which places are your priority (Schindler’s Factory, MIT, Zakopane). 2) Buy Schindler’s Factory tickets in advance when they become available. 3) Reserve transport to Zakopane if you plan a day trip (bus/transfer). 4) Check opening hours and any price changes on the museums’ official pages before you travel.
If you’d like help planning a route, booking group tickets, or arranging a guided visit, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) is available — contact details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — enjoy your visits and have stress-free travels!
