Yes — it is possible to visit Schindler's Factory and Wawel on the same day, but it requires some planning. Schindler's Factory tells a difficult but essential story of Kraków during World War II; Wawel, on the other hand, is a multi-century centre of Polish history, art and religion. Visiting both gives you a varied picture of the city: from a modern museum exhibition to royal chambers and cathedral treasures.
If you prefer a relaxed pace and deeper understanding, consider spending half a day at each site. For visitors short on time — a morning visit to Schindler's Factory and an afternoon at Wawel is a tried-and-true plan.
The Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (a branch of the Museum of Kraków) is a permanent exhibition dedicated to life in Kraków under occupation. The display combines documents, photographs, multimedia and contemporary installations, so the visit can be emotionally intense.
Opening hours vary by season and special events, but in practice the museum usually operates roughly as follows: shortened Monday hours (morning / before noon), and longer hours from Tuesday to Sunday — typically around 9:00–19:00 in the warmer months (sometimes longer in high season). The last admission is generally about 1–1.5 hours before closing.
Tickets: the exhibition is visited in fixed time slots — a ticket is valid for the selected time window. On some Mondays a limited number of free tickets may be issued at the ticket office only; if you plan to visit on Monday, arrive early.
Visit time: allow about 60–90 minutes if you want to view the exhibition and multimedia calmly. It’s worth leaving an extra 15–30 minutes for the museum shop and a moment of reflection after the display.
Photography: photography is permitted in most spaces, but please turn off the flash. Some parts of the exhibition may have restrictions.
Wawel is a castle-and-cathedral complex with several separate routes: the Royal State Rooms, the Armoury and Treasury, Wawel Cathedral (with royal tombs and the Sigismund Bell), the Dragon’s Den and underground archaeological routes. Each route has a separate ticket, so decide in advance what you want to see.
Cathedral opening hours are seasonal: in the spring–summer season (generally April to September) visiting times are longer, while outside the season hours can be shorter; Sundays often open later for tourists (for example, visiting from midday). The Dragon’s Den and some underground routes have their own, often seasonal, hours and can be closed outside the main tourist period.
Entry limits: some routes have daily visitor limits — for that reason, book tickets ahead during peak hours. Even access to courtyards and parts of the exhibitions can be limited by capacity.
Visit time: plan at least 2–3 hours for Wawel if you want to see several main attractions and stroll around the hill.
Note about liturgies: the Cathedral is a place of worship — during religious ceremonies some areas may be restricted for tourists.
Relaxed option (full immersion): morning at Schindler's Factory (approx. 9:00–11:00), break for coffee and lunch, afternoon at Wawel (13:00–16:00) with a short walk around the courtyard and optional visit to the Cathedral.
Intensive option (for a shorter stay): Schindler's Factory in the first slot, quick transfer by public transport or taxi to Wawel, pick 1–2 routes (for example Royal State Rooms + Cathedral) and spend the rest of the time strolling around the Market Square and nearby streets.
To avoid crowds: choose early opening hours or late afternoon slots, avoid weekends in high season and days when conferences or mass events take place in the city.
Schindler's Factory: tickets are for specific time slots — don’t be late! Entry is usually allowed a few minutes before and shortly after the ticket time; longer delays may result in losing your reservation.
Wawel: each route uses a separate ticketing system; don’t buy a single ticket expecting to see everything. Decide which routes are a priority and reserve them in advance, especially in high season.
Pitfalls: buying tickets from unofficial sellers at inflated prices, failing to check current opening hours (sites may be closed for special events), arriving at the last minute and relying on available spots.
Tip: always check hours and ticket availability on the site’s official channels the day before your visit — it saves time and nerves.
Schindler's Factory is located on Lipowa Street — tram and bus access is straightforward, and the city’s tourist service points can help with ticket purchase and exchange. Wawel sits close to the Main Market Square — a walk from most Old Town points takes 10–20 minutes.
Parking in the centre can be difficult and expensive; if you travel by car, plan parking in advance and expect a short walk. Kraków’s public transport is well developed and often faster than hunting for a parking space in season.
Combined tickets: universal tickets covering both places are rare — you’ll more often find single-entry tickets or tourist offers from trusted vendors. If you plan to use audio guides, check language availability before purchase.
Schindler's Factory offers facilities for people with reduced mobility (lifts, adapted entrances) — however, movement can be limited in some multimedia zones. The exhibition deals with difficult topics, so it’s generally recommended for teenagers and older; if you come with younger children, prepare them in advance for the content.
Wawel: some underground routes and the Dragon’s Den have stairs and uneven surfaces — check specific routes for accessibility. The Cathedral is a place of worship, so remember appropriate clothing and quiet during services.
For families: plan shorter stages of the visit and breaks for play; there are parks and playgrounds nearby where children can rest.
Near Wawel and the Market Square you’ll find both regional restaurants and cosy cafés. For traditional Polish cuisine in a historic atmosphere consider established places such as Wierzynek or Pod Wawelem Kompania Piwna; for a relaxed café with good coffee and pastries try Cafe Camelot or small bakeries around the Old Town.
Around Lipowa (Schindler's Factory) there are several pleasant cafés ideal for a break after the exhibition. Choose venues with solid reviews and local recommendations — that usually means tasty food and friendly service.
If you’d like specific current names and a personalised list for your route and schedule, I can provide an up-to-date selection of the best-rated restaurants and cafés near both attractions.
Not booking tickets in advance — this leads to long queues or no access to chosen time slots.
Arriving at the last minute — many routes have limited capacity and entry may be closed for the day.
Assuming one ticket covers multiple attractions — at Wawel each route may require a separate ticket.
Not checking photo rules and silence in places of worship — this can end with a warning or a request to leave the area.
Solution: plan, book, arrive early and check official information the day before your visit.
Can I buy tickets on the day? Yes — but popular time slots may sell out; on some Mondays a limited quota of tickets may be issued at the ticket office on the day of visit.
How much time for each site? Schindler's Factory: 60–90 minutes. Wawel: at least 2–3 hours, depending on how many routes you choose.
Can I visit the Cathedral without a ticket? Access to some parts of the Cathedral may require a paid ticket — religious ceremonies also affect availability, so check the schedule.
Are the sites accessible for people with disabilities? Both places offer accessibility measures, but not all routes are fully accessible — contact the venue in advance if you have special needs.
Schindler's Factory is not only the story of one factory — it is also the story of Kraków’s residents during the war, presented in a modern museum form. For many visitors the exhibition is more moving than typical historical displays.
At Wawel, pay attention not only to the chambers and treasures but also to the spaces between the walls — new multimedia underground routes can surprise with form and content.
Tip: bring a light jacket or sweater for underground routes — temperatures can be lower than on the surface.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their trip to Kraków.
If you want to personalise a sightseeing plan, book trusted tickets or arrange a private guided tour, I recommend contacting Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide. Contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata will gladly help tailor the route to your expectations and schedule.
