Krakow is a city where history meets everyday life — and often literally. A walk around Kazimierz gives you the feel of a lively, original neighborhood; the Jan Matejko House (Floriańska Street 41) lets you peek into the private world of one of Poland’s most important 19th-century painters; and Wawel is a must for anyone who wants to sense the city’s royal scale of history. Combining these three stops makes for a convenient plan: Kazimierz in the morning, the Jan Matejko House before noon near the Main Market, and Wawel with the Royal Route in the afternoon.
This plan works well both for visitors with one intense day in Krakow and for those who prefer to spread their sightseeing across two days while keeping flexibility for coffee or lunch breaks. You’ll avoid rushing and notice details that are often missed when moving quickly from one attraction to another.
The Jan Matejko House is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow, located at Floriańska 41. The exhibition is biographical in nature — it shows the artist’s studio, collections, sketches and smaller compositions, and the props Matejko gathered throughout his life.
The collection includes several thousand items: paintings, drawings, photographs, and objects from a decorative arts collection, textiles, militaria and family memorabilia. In display cases you’ll find preparatory sketches, portraits and documents that reveal the artist’s life and ties to Krakow.
This place is especially recommended for visitors who like to see the creative process up close: from sketch to finished painting. Because the exhibition rooms are small, you can feel the intimacy of the studio and spot details that get lost on large canvases.
Typical opening hours for the Jan Matejko House: usually Tuesday 10:00–18:00, Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; closed on Mondays. Last entry is generally allowed about 20 minutes before closing.
Typical ticket prices for permanent exhibitions: standard ticket around 18 PLN, reduced around 14 PLN, family ticket around 36 PLN; young people aged 7–26 often have a symbolic or very low-price ticket. Prices and rules can change, so always check the current price list and the option to buy tickets online on the National Museum website before you go.
Buy tickets online if you can, especially in high season — it saves queuing time and guarantees entry at your chosen hour. Also check notices about temporary closures or renovation work, since museums sometimes close parts of the exhibition for maintenance.
Morning — Kazimierz (2–3 hours): start at Plac Nowy and stroll around Szeroka Street, pop into local cafés and galleries. This is a great time for a relaxed discovery of the neighborhood’s atmosphere and for picking up small souvenirs.
Before noon — walk toward the Main Market and Floriańska Street: the Jan Matejko House is nearby, an ideal stop after a Kazimierz walk. Allow about 45–60 minutes to visit — enough time to see the permanent exhibition and the studio.
Afternoon — Wawel (2–3 hours): follow the Royal Route (Grodzka Street) to Wawel. Plan more time for Wawel: the Castle, the Cathedral, the treasury and the Vistula panoramas. Remember that some parts of Wawel require separate tickets and reservations, so plan these in advance.
Near Kazimierz I recommend Restauracja Starka (around Plac Nowy) — a place with traditional Polish cuisine in a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
On the route to Wawel, consider stopping at Restauracja Pod Aniołami (Grodzka Street) — a well-established restaurant in historic cellars serving classic Polish dishes in a charming interior.
For coffee or dessert, Cafe Camelot (Św. Tomasza Street) is a cozy spot near the Market and the Jan Matejko House. In high season it’s a good idea to make reservations at restaurants, especially for evening meals.
The Jan Matejko House hides unexpected objects: besides paintings and sketches you’ll find items from collections of decorative arts, militaria, textiles, books and photographs — objects Matejko used as props while preparing his historical compositions.
Matejko was active in monument protection and conservation, and he worked to preserve many of Krakow’s historic sites — that’s part of his connection to places like Wawel. The museum displays keepsakes that document this activity and his ties to local history.
Few expect to find tools linked to conservation or fragments of old furnishings in the collection — today these are read as valuable historical sources.
Trying to see everything in three hours — Krakow rewards a slower pace. It’s better to focus on a few places and explore them carefully.
Not checking opening hours and technical breaks — museums have different schedules; Monday is often a day off, and temporary exhibitions or renovation works can limit access. Check the museum’s site before leaving your hotel.
Not reserving Wawel or other popular attractions — if you want to enter specific rooms or join a guided slot in the cathedral, reserve your tickets in advance.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? - I strongly recommend buying online, especially in tourist season.
How much time for the Jan Matejko House? - 45–60 minutes is enough for a calm visit to the permanent exhibition.
Is Tuesday free? - The National Museum occasionally announces free-entry days for permanent exhibitions; practices change, so check current information before your visit.
Is it worth combining this with the Main Market? - Yes, the Jan Matejko House is very close to the Market, so a stroll through the Old Town naturally complements the museum visit.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better trip to Krakow. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit, wear comfortable shoes and save room for a delicious lunch after a day full of discoveries!
