The Pharmacy Museum of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum is one of those places that can surprise and interest both history lovers and simply curious visitors. The exhibition occupies several floors of an old townhouse on Floriańska Street, from the cellars up to the attic, so the visit unfolds like a story — from alchemical practices to a reconstructed 19th–20th-century pharmacy.
It’s a great option for a rainy day: the interiors are atmospheric and cozy, and the exhibits — from old apothecary jars and distillation equipment to archival prescriptions and memorabilia connected with figures such as Ignacy Łukasiewicz — give you plenty of topics for long, relaxed conversations. Typical visiting time is about 1.5 hours, which allows a comfortable, unhurried visit and many moments for shared discovery.
Keep in mind the museum is housed in a historical building and does not have an elevator — visitors with limited mobility should consider this when planning their visit.
Krakow has many indoor attractions that will save a spring trip from the rain. If you enjoyed the Pharmacy Museum, good complements include the National Museum, MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Rynek Underground with its reconstruction of the medieval Market Square, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine with its spectacular underground routes.
Cozy cafés and small restaurants in the Old Town and Kazimierz are another option for a long, lazy day — coffee, cake and a good conversation can work wonders. For more active couples, consider art-house cinemas, escape rooms, or interactive entertainment centers that offer fun regardless of the weather.
If you want something less typical, look for workshops: ceramics, cooking or perfume-making workshops are a lovely way to create a shared memory and a keepsake from your trip.
Start with a slow breakfast in one of the recommended cafés — a cozy place with fresh pastries and good coffee — then take a sheltered stroll through the Planty and toward Floriańska Street, so you can arrive at the Pharmacy Museum before noon, when exhibitions are usually less crowded.
After the museum, a light lunch in a well-reviewed restaurant is a good idea — choose a place offering regional dishes or modern interpretations of Polish cuisine, where you can eat calmly without long waits. In the afternoon you might visit the Rynek Underground or an art gallery; in the evening reserve a table at a restaurant with atmosphere, for example near the Market Square, and finish the day with an elegant dinner.
If the weather improves during the day, a walk through Kazimierz and a moment by the Vistula can add a romantic touch to your spring day — bring an umbrella and a warm jacket, but know that even with changeable weather you can still enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
Near the Old Town and Kazimierz there are several spots that regularly receive excellent reviews: bookish, cozy cafés, bakeries with great breakfasts, and restaurants serving both traditional cuisine and modern seasonal dishes. It’s worth choosing well-rated places and reserving a table for dinner on weekends.
Consider atmospheric cafés close to the Market Square, popular venues in Kazimierz with good coffee and desserts, and central restaurants offering creative, chef-driven menus. If you fancy something traditional, look for restaurants that serve Polish cuisine in an elegant style.
The Pharmacy Museum is located on Floriańska Street (Floriańska 25) and has a permanent exhibition spread across several floors — a typical visit takes about 1.5 hours. The museum is often closed on Mondays; opening hours differ on weekdays and weekends, and last admission is commonly allowed around 45 minutes before closing, so it’s best to check current hours before you leave.
Ticket prices are generally affordable: there are full-price, reduced and family tickets, and sometimes guided-group options. The museum does not always accept every city tourist card, so if you plan to use such cards, check the museum’s rules in advance.
If you plan to visit several popular sights on a rainy weekend, consider booking tickets in advance — especially for the Rynek Underground and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, both of which can be very busy.
Not checking opening hours and special closures is the most frequent mistake. Museums and exhibitions may have days off, special events or limited entries, so check official information before heading out.
Underestimating the time needed is another frequent error — people often expect a “quick visit” to take 30–40 minutes, while it’s better to allow at least an hour for most museums, especially if you want to stop at interesting exhibits.
A third mistake is having no plan for the rain — I recommend keeping a short list of covered alternatives (a museum, a café, a temporary exhibition) so you don’t waste time deciding on the street.
The Pharmacy Museum preserves items that illustrate both scientific and popular practices related to medicines — from herbs and essential oils to unusual objects connected with old prescriptions. The collection also includes memorabilia tied to historical figures who influenced pharmacy and city life.
The museum’s displays are arranged so that the visit begins in the cellar and ends in the attic, creating a theatrical experience that lets you feel the different eras of pharmacy practice.
How long does a visit to the Pharmacy Museum take? Usually about 1–1.5 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the exhibits.
Is the museum suitable for a date? Yes — it’s intimate, intriguing and a bit unusual, which gives you plenty to talk about and discover together.
Do I need to reserve a ticket? Not always, but on rainy weekends it’s wise to check availability and consider online tickets for popular attractions to avoid queues.
If you liked the idea of the Pharmacy Museum and other rainy-day attractions, share this article with friends — it will help them plan a spring trip to Krakow. I also encourage contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz if you want a personalized route around the city tailored to the weather, your interests and your pace. Details of the guide’s services are available through her contact channels.
Enjoy your visit — even if capricious spring weather tries to get in the way, Krakow has so many covered and atmospheric places that any day can become special.
