Collegium Maius is one of the oldest and most atmospheric buildings in central Krakow — closely tied to the history of the Jagiellonian University and the studies of Nicolaus Copernicus. Its courtyard, the mix of Renaissance and Gothic details, and the collection of historical scientific instruments create an atmosphere you won’t get in a standard museum.
It’s practical to begin your day at Collegium Maius because it sits right by the Main Market Square and gives you a smooth route on foot to other Old Town attractions and to Wawel.
Exhibitions at Collegium Maius are often shown as guided tours or group entries at set times, so the duration and accessibility depend on the format you choose. Prices and entry rules vary by season and ticket type, so check the latest info shortly before your visit.
Some days or hours may be limited or closed (for example certain weekends) and there are occasional special free time slots on selected weekdays. If possible, plan a weekday visit and arrive for the first guided tour to avoid crowds and queues.
The permanent display includes historic astronomical and scientific instruments, academic insignia and other university‑related collections. One highlight often mentioned is the so‑called Jagiellonian Globe — an early globe that shows knowledge of the New World spreading in Europe.
Beyond the exhibition rooms, don’t miss the arcade‑lined courtyard (famous for its atmosphere) and the small Professors’ Garden, if it’s open.
Wawel Hill and the area around the cathedral are accessible even if you don’t buy tickets for the castle interiors or special paid exhibitions. In practice you can walk around the hill, admire the outer façades, enjoy the terrace and the Vistula views without entering paid exhibitions.
There are also free entries to selected parts of Wawel available via free tickets issued at the Promotion and Information Center ticket desk. Because daily limits apply and the desk has set opening hours, it’s best to come early if you want free tickets for several people.
Free individual entries usually require picking up tickets at the ticket desk — tickets are issued for specific time slots and daily limits apply. In practice, one person can often collect tickets for several people (some notices mention a limit of up to 5 people per collector).
Group visits and school lessons typically need prior reservation. On Sundays the staff sometimes say visits may be available only to individual tourists with no group reservation option — keep that in mind when planning a tour.
Quick half‑day plan: start at Collegium Maius, walk to the Main Market Square (a short stroll), then head toward Wawel. This order helps you avoid backtracking and saves time.
Full‑day plan: Collegium Maius in the morning, a short coffee break near the Market, viewing the outside parts of Wawel and the cathedral, lunch by the Vistula boulevards or around Podzamcze, then an afternoon walk through the Planty gardens.
The best time to sightsee is early morning on weekdays or late afternoon outside peak hours. Weekends and high season produce the longest lines — especially for popular paid exhibitions.
If you plan to enter paid exhibitions, consider buying tickets online or arriving before the ticket desk opens. If you prefer the “Wawel without museums” option, get to the Promotion and Information Center early to collect free tickets for your desired time slot.
Between Collegium Maius, the Market and Wawel there are many good cafés and restaurants. Recommended spots include Café Camelot (a charming café on Świętego Tomasza Street), Milkbar Tomasza (quick, traditional dishes), Starka (a reliable place for Polish cuisine near the Market), and several well‑reviewed restaurants along Podzamcze and beneath Wawel.
For accommodation, choose hotels or guesthouses within the Old Town or on Kazimierz — these locations are the most convenient if you want to make the most of walking and sightseeing time.
The Jagiellonian Globe in the university’s collection is notable: on some early globes you can see representations of the New World, showing how quickly geographic knowledge spread after the great discoveries.
Collegium Maius gathered both scientific and personal memorabilia over centuries — collections sometimes include very personal objects that tell the stories of particular professors and students.
Assuming Wawel and the cathedral are fully free for everyone — many interiors and exhibitions are paid or require reservations. Before skipping a visit, check which parts are available without a ticket.
Arriving at peak times without reservations or without willingness to queue — if you’re short on time, plan outside the busiest hours or buy tickets in advance where possible.
Do I have to buy tickets for Collegium Maius? - Not always, but many visits are organized as guided tours or at set group times, so buying a ticket online or arriving before a tour starts gives the most certainty.
Can I get into Wawel without paid tickets? - Yes, the hill and the cathedral grounds are accessible, and some areas have free tickets available at the ticket desk; however limits and pickup rules apply, so arrive early or have a backup plan.
Can I take photos? - Photography is usually allowed in most outdoor spaces and in the courtyard, but there are restrictions inside exhibition halls and during certain presentations (e.g. no flash).
Wear comfortable shoes, prepare for changeable weather and carry small cash for souvenirs or coffee. Check in advance whether the exhibitions you want are open that day and whether entry limits apply.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a private guided tour of Krakow, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — tour details and booking information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
