Did you know that in Kraków you can easily step back into classic video games and then stroll to the Main Market Square? Kraków Arcade Museum is an interactive museum with a collection of classic arcade machines that you can play — a great diversion for families with children and adults alike. This text will help you plan your visit so you don’t waste time driving around looking for a free parking space, and so you can comfortably combine the attraction with the main sights of the Old Town.
The museum is an interactive space with a collection of classic arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s; after buying a ticket you can try the machines. The address usually given by the organizers is Centralna 41a, making it a great idea for a family afternoon or a corporate get-together — the museum often runs events and accepts group visits by prior arrangement.
Check opening hours and reservation rules before you arrive, especially when you travel in a larger group, because groups usually require reservations or special offers. The museum gladly hosts private events, tournaments and birthdays, which makes it an interesting alternative to standard tourist attractions.
The Old Town in Kraków is a paid-parking zone with traffic restrictions — in high season it’s hard to find a spot without prior planning. Deciding where to park in advance will save you time and nerves and will let you enjoy a comfortable walk with your guide while visiting several points in one day.
If you arrive by car and plan to spend a few hours in the centre, consider underground car parks or parking at larger shopping centres — they often offer quick and secure access to the Main Square and convenient public transport connections to other points, including the Arcade Museum.
Parking at the Museum (al. Mickiewicza 18) - a large municipal car park with regulated hourly fees, often chosen by tourists planning to explore the Old Town. This is a convenient solution if you want to park fairly close to the main attractions and then walk comfortably with a guide.
Galeria Krakowska - parking under and next to the mall is a practical option for those who prefer to keep the car under control and start sightseeing from the Main Train Station or walk directly to the Market Square. Prices and hourly calculations can be favourable for shorter stays, and the location is very close to the centre.
Underground car parks near museum expositions and at Wawel/Plac na Groblach - these are useful if you plan to visit Wawel Castle and want to avoid the most congested traffic zones. Your choice depends on which places you want to visit first.
The Arcade Museum is located a little farther from the Main Market Square than typical tourist spots, so the best approach is to park in convenient central locations and reach the museum by public transport or a short drive, avoiding the most crowded Old Town streets.
Sample plan: park at Galeria Krakowska or at the car park by the Museum, walk with your guide through the Old Town — the Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica — and after sightseeing head to the Arcade Museum. This way you avoid constantly moving the car and gain time for relaxed exploring.
If you prefer to visit the Arcade Museum first, check parking options in the museum area and contact the museum in advance to confirm space availability and possible group arrangements.
Before you arrive, check which paid-parking zone applies where you want to leave the car — zones and hourly rates vary. Often it pays off to park a bit further and walk or take a tram rather than spend time searching for a spot in the very centre.
If you plan a longer stay, consider a daily pass or an all-day parking option at one of the larger malls — it can be cheaper and more convenient than continuously paying for short stays. Also remember spaces for people with disabilities and restrictions for buses and heavy vehicles.
For larger groups or event bookings at the Arcade Museum — contact the museum ahead of time. Groups of more than a dozen people commonly require reservation and special entry conditions.
If you’re strolling around the Old Town, choose places with solid reputations and tradition. Recommended venues around the Market include Wierzynek — for an elegant, historic meal — and Pod Aniołami for lovers of traditional Polish cuisine.
For a quick coffee or breakfast, bakeries and cafés such as Charlotte and Cafe Camelot are popular for atmosphere and quality. In Kazimierz, if you want a cosy evening place, consider Starka or Hamsa — both are often praised for local character and menu.
If you plan a family outing after the Arcade Museum, you’ll find child-friendly places nearby with menus adapted to younger guests — check reviews and opening hours in advance, especially off-season.
Assuming “I’ll surely find parking by the Market” — in season this is a myth. Plan parking in advance and pick one of the recommended spots instead of wasting time circling around.
Not checking Arcade Museum hours and rules — the museum has its own policies for groups and events and may have seasonal opening hours. Booking ahead saves disappointment.
Underestimating walking distances — Kraków is best discovered on foot, so if your parking is a little further away, treat the walk as part of the sightseeing. Wear comfortable shoes and plan the route with your guide.
Check parking fees and the availability of daily passes if you plan a longer stay. Have a parking payment app or small change for a meter — not all places accept every payment method.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a map or a phone with GPS, and the contact number for guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) if you plan a guided tour. Good daily planning will improve the comfort of the whole trip.
How much time to allocate for the Arcade Museum? - Usually 1–2 hours are enough for a good experience, but you can stay longer if you want to test more machines or attend an event.
Do I need to reserve tickets? - For individual visits you can often buy a ticket on site, but reservations are recommended for groups and events. Check museum rules before you go.
What’s the best way to get from the centre to the Arcade Museum? - You can drive or use public transport; the museum isn’t located right on the Market, so plan 10–30 minutes for travel or walking depending on your starting point.
Do tickets include playtime? - Most ticket types allow free play on the exhibited machines, but verify the exact offer when buying your ticket.
Check the Arcade Museum opening hours and group reservation rules.
Decide where to park — options close to the Market include the museum car park or Galeria Krakowska; consider a daily pass for a longer stay.
Plan your sightseeing route with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz so you can combine the Old Town tour with a museum visit and a meal at recommended places.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media — every tip helps others planning a trip to Kraków. If you want a comfortable, story-filled and practical guided tour, use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details of the offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’ll gladly help plan a route tailored to your expectations!
