Is a walk through Krakow just point A to point B? Definitely not — especially if you add a visit to the National Museum to your route. A guide will not only show you the most interesting corners of the Old Town and tell anecdotes about the architecture, but will also help plan museum visits so you make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary expense on tickets.
A guided walk can be combined with visits to several branches of the National Museum (for example: Main Building, Sukiennice, Wyspiański branch) — the guide will help select exhibitions and plan the route so you don’t waste time on unnecessary back-and-forth. If you plan to visit multiple branches, it’s worth asking the guide in advance about the optimal order.
If you choose an in-museum tour, pay attention to available languages and the tour length: a standard guided tour usually lasts 60–90 minutes, and museums offer tours in Polish and selected foreign languages. Reservations for guided tours are often made through the museum’s reservation centre.
The most reliable way is to buy online through the museum’s official ticketing system — tickets purchased online usually allow you to skip the ticket office queue and enter the galleries directly. Keep in mind that not all ticket types are sold online, so in some cases you may still need to visit a ticket desk at a branch.
Check whether the chosen exhibition is open on the day you plan to visit and whether there are local restrictions (for example, limited entries for a temporary exhibition). Tickets bought online are often valid for a defined period (for example, a few months for permanent exhibitions) or until the end of a temporary exhibition — check the conditions before purchase.
Ticket prices vary by branch and by type of exhibition. Permanent displays in some branches tend to be cheaper (for example, tickets in a lower range depending on the gallery), while temporary exhibitions often have separate pricing — keep that in mind when budgeting. Many branches also offer free-entry days — check which days apply to which venues when planning.
The route starts at the Main Market Square — passing through the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) gives a great introduction to the history of trade and Krakow’s urban culture. From there I suggest heading toward the Planty and Aleja 3 Maja, where the Main Building of the National Museum is located — a perfect spot for a longer stop to see collections of Polish art.
After visiting the Main Building it’s worth continuing the walk toward Wawel and then to Kazimierz if you have more time — both areas have their own character and offer a different atmosphere. If you prefer a shorter route, return through the Planty, stopping for coffee or a light meal at one of the cafés on Grodzka Street or near the Market Square.
Plan your time so the museum visit doesn’t clash with lunch rush at popular restaurants — high visitor volume can lengthen waiting times for tables at the best places.
The Main Building of the National Museum has regular opening days (typically Tuesday–Sunday) and specific cut-off times for admitting the last visitors to exhibitions; check the museum’s current hours before you go. The museum provides contact information and a reservation centre where you can book guided tours and group entries.
Many branches offer audio guides in multiple languages — rental usually costs a small fee, but an audio guide can be a great choice if you prefer to explore an exhibition at your own pace. Some services or accessibility options may be available free of charge for visitors with disabilities.
Getting to the Main Building is easy by public transport — there are tram and bus stops nearby, and an underground paid parking lot in front of the building. If you prefer walking, the area between the Market Square and Aleja 3 Maja is a pleasant stroll through the historic Planty.
A few tried-and-true spots worth a break: Cafe Camelot (a cosy café near the Market Square), Charlotte (a boulangerie with bread and breakfast fare), Massolit Books & Cafe (a great place for coffee and a book in Kazimierz) and Zazie Bistro (a well-regarded restaurant in Krakow). All have good reputations and work well for a short rest after sightseeing.
If you prefer something traditional, consider Wierzynek — the historic restaurant on the Market Square, often chosen by visitors seeking classic Polish flavors. Keep in mind these places can be busy, so booking a table in advance is a good idea.
Not buying tickets online — during the high season queues at ticket desks can be long. Buying online helps you avoid standing in line and gets you into the exhibition faster.
Not checking opening hours and free-entry days — some branches have different opening schedules or special days with reduced or free admission; check current information for each branch before your visit.
Planning to see several branches without allowing time for walks and breaks — this can make the visit tiring and rushed. It’s better to plan a shorter route first and add another branch later if you have time.
Is it worth booking a guided tour? Yes, if you want to learn the context behind works and hear anecdotes that aren’t on the exhibit labels. A guide also helps you plan your visiting time more effectively.
How long is an online ticket valid? Typically an online ticket is open-dated and valid for a specified period (for example, a few months for permanent exhibitions) or until the end of a temporary exhibition — check the terms at purchase.
Are there free-entry days at the museums? Yes — some branches have free-entry days (check which ones and when). Remember that free days usually attract larger crowds.
Can I take photos? In most branches, amateur photography of permanent displays is allowed without additional lighting or tripods, but rules can vary for temporary exhibitions — check the regulations of the specific branch.
If you plan to visit several exhibitions in one day, consider a pass or check whether the museum offers combined tickets — this can save you money and simplify logistics.
Bring a light jacket or thin sweater — exhibition rooms can be air-conditioned and may feel cooler than outside.
To avoid crowds, choose early morning or late afternoon on weekdays — these are generally the quietest times for walking and viewing exhibits.
If you’re planning a walk through Krakow that includes the National Museum and want everything to run smoothly — book tickets and any guided tours in advance, check branch opening hours and leave a little time for coffee or lunch.
If you need help personalizing an itinerary or prefer a small-group atmosphere, feel free to get in touch — private tours are offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact details available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
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