The May long weekend in Krakow isn't just walks around the Planty and coffees at the market — it's also the perfect time to visit places that can be overlooked during the busy summer season. The Archaeological Museum, with its main building at Senacka 3 and a branch in Nowa Huta–Branice, often organises special events, workshops and guided tours tailored to families and people looking for an active yet relaxed plan for the long weekend. It's worth taking advantage of the warmer days to combine sightseeing with a short walk around the area.
The museum has permanent exhibitions introducing the prehistory and the Middle Ages of Lesser Poland, as well as temporary displays that often surprise with fresh perspectives on history. The May programme usually includes extra attractions: lectures, workshops for children and adults, and evening events during initiatives like the Night of Museums.
If you're looking for a plan that combines learning, fun and comfort (without having to stand in a queue in tropical heat), a May-long-weekend visit to the museum is a sensible and rewarding option.
At the main building on Senacka 3 you'll find collections related to the prehistory and the Middle Ages of Lesser Poland: everyday objects, tools, craft artefacts and archaeological "gems" that help you understand what life here looked like centuries ago.
The Nowa Huta–Branice branch is housed in a historic late‑Renaissance manor. It's a place where educational workshops and local exhibitions often take place — check whether there is a special May programme (for example, demonstrations of historic recipes or outdoor activities for children).
The museum is involved in digital projects and makes materials available online (apps and virtual tours), which is useful if you want to plan your visit in advance or prepare children for the visit.
In May the museum often takes part in city‑wide cultural events — one example is the Night of Museums, usually held in mid‑May, which offers evening openings of exhibitions with lectures, workshops and demonstrations. During such museum nights organisers prepare themed programmes related to anniversaries or current exhibitions.
Besides the Night of Museums, during the May period you may find family workshops, archaeological activities for children, lectures on field research and short historical performances. Less often, but sometimes, there are bonfires or outdoor events at the Branice branch when the weather permits.
If you're interested in a specific event, check the museum calendar before you go — programmes are seasonal and often updated shortly before the May long weekend.
Check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's official site or call ahead — museums sometimes have special hours for events. The main building is located at Senacka 3 — in the city centre, so public transport is convenient.
If you plan to visit the Nowa Huta–Branice branch, allow extra time for travel. During event season it's worth buying tickets online when available; entrance to popular evening events (e.g. Night of Museums) may be limited.
The museum provides contact information — phone number and e‑mail — useful if you have questions about accessibility, group bookings or luggage.
The area around the Old Town and Kazimierz offers many highly rated places — after your visit you can cool off with a coffee or enjoy a traditional lunch. Recommended long‑standing spots include Cafe Camelot (cozy, atmospheric), Charlotte (bakery‑cafe at the square, good for a quick snack), and for lunch – the historic Wierzynek or the friendly bistro Pod Nosem. In Kazimierz consider Starka, known for good Polish cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere.
If you travel with family and want to sit outside, you’ll find small terraces and parks nearby — combining a museum visit with a light local meal makes for an ideal May‑long‑weekend afternoon. Remember to reserve a table on long‑weekend weekends, as popular places can be busy. (If you prefer recommendations for a specific neighbourhood or dietary needs, let us know and we’ll suggest options.)
Thinking the museum is only a "very quiet place" — in reality many institutions prepare interactive activities for families, so check the educational offer in advance.
Not planning your time — combining the main building and the Nowa Huta branch without buffer time may end in a rush. Plan a coffee break and rest between venues.
Underestimating the weather — some attractions (workshops, bonfire) are outdoors; if the weather is changeable, have an alternative plan or check whether the event will be moved indoors.
Do I need to reserve tickets? — For permanent exhibitions usually not, but for special events and workshops reservation or online tickets may be required.
Is the museum child‑friendly? — Yes. The museum regularly organises educational activities for children and families; check the workshop offer before you go.
Is the museum accessible for people with limited mobility? — The museum publishes accessibility information and offers options to ease visiting; it's best to contact them in advance to confirm details.
Where can I find the current programme for the May long weekend? — The most reliable information is in the museum events calendar and news on the institution's website — check before you travel as programmes are refreshed.
The museum contains objects that connect local stories with the everyday life of former residents — for many visitors the smallest functional details are the most fascinating, showing how similar and yet different life once was.
The Branice branch can surprise with the atmosphere of the place: a late‑Renaissance manor as the backdrop for archaeological exhibitions combines architectural history with studies of daily life — it's not a typical museum space, so the visit has an intimate, special feel.
At some exhibitions the museum prepares reconstructions of historic dishes — a great way to understand what people really ate in different eras.
Plan your route: main building in the morning, coffee break, then the Nowa Huta branch or a relaxed walk in the area. Check the events calendar and register for workshops if you want to take part actively.
Break the visit into blocks — shorter tours with breaks work better, especially with children. Book a table at a recommended restaurant for the evening to end the day on a pleasant culinary note.
If you enjoyed this trip and want to discover Krakow with a local guide, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details can be found on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Share this article with friends or on social media if you think someone could use an idea for a May‑long‑weekend in Krakow.
