Kazimierz is one of Krakow’s most atmospheric districts — cobbled streets, cafés and a rich multicultural history. It’s only a short walk from the Market Square, where the International Cultural Centre Gallery (MCK) is located. It’s a great combination: a morning stroll and coffee in Kazimierz, an afternoon exhibition, and then dinner at a recommended restaurant. MCK hosts temporary exhibitions focused on European and Central European themes that often surprise with strong curatorial quality and educational value.
The MCK Gallery is a place where art and history meet an international context — a good alternative to crowded, purely “tourist” attractions and an excellent spot to better understand the culture of the region.
This guide gives you a clear walking route, practical information about opening hours and tickets, visiting rules, and recommended places for coffee and dinner nearby. At the end there is a short FAQ and a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes when planning this kind of day.
If you start from Plac Nowy — Kazimierz’s popular center — the walk to Market Square 25 takes about 10–20 minutes, typically around 15 minutes at a relaxed pace using the most direct routes. Time depends on your exact starting point in Kazimierz, walking speed and how crowded the streets are (summer can be busy).
That makes a visit to MCK easy to fit into a one-day plan: you can begin in Kazimierz, walk through the Old Town, visit the Gallery and finish at the Market Square, or return to Kazimierz for dinner.
If you prefer not to walk, there are short tram rides or taxis available, but many sights between Kazimierz and the Market are along the walking route, so it’s worth going on foot.
The simplest and most scenic route runs through the historic street layout: from Plac Nowy head north through Kazimierz’s lanes, then cross towards the Old Town and continue to the Market Square. The walk lets you see monuments, small galleries and cafés along the way.
If you want to avoid crowds on main streets, take Kazimierz’s side streets, which hide local shops, antiquarian bookstores and cozy cafés. Add an extra 5–10 minutes if you plan to stop for photos or a short coffee break.
For slower walkers: choose a route with comfortable pavements and avoid steep climbs. The MCK has accessibility features for visitors with limited mobility, including a ramp at the entrance.
The MCK Gallery focuses on temporary exhibitions with international and Central European themes — you’ll find photography, installations and curated artistic overviews. Each exhibition presents differently, so it’s worth checking the current program in advance.
Exhibitions are usually designed to take visitors 30 minutes to an hour, though enthusiasts may stay longer. The Gallery also runs guided tours (sometimes without prior reservation) and workshops that can enrich your visit.
The interior is adapted for comfortable viewing: there is a free cloakroom, a bookstore and the Gallery library. Note the rules for exhibitions — photography may be restricted at times, and for some displays large backpacks must be left in the cloakroom.
Opening hours at the MCK Gallery vary by exhibition, but the gallery is generally open Tuesday through Sunday — always check the current schedule before your visit. Ticket prices usually include standard and reduced fares; some exhibitions offer discounts for youth, students and seniors.
Rules at the Gallery: some exhibitions prohibit photography; ticketed displays may limit the number of visitors at once; certain events or guided tours may require registration. The cloakroom is typically free — remember to leave large bags, umbrellas or big backpacks there.
If you need a specific date or want to join a guided tour or workshop, check the Gallery’s website or contact the institution by email before you go.
MCK welcomes visitors with guide dogs, has a ramp at the entrance and induction loops at some service points. Quiet hours for visitors sensitive to sensory stimuli are sometimes arranged for selected exhibitions. Families with children may find special hours and workshops available.
Also keep in mind any sanitary restrictions or special rules for specific shows — some displays forbid food and drinks and do not allow tripods. Check current guidelines especially if you arrive with a larger group.
If you need assistance from a public transport stop, the Gallery may offer support after prior notification.
Kazimierz is full of excellent places — from small cafés to well-rated restaurants. If you start your day in Kazimierz, look for spots serving local breakfasts and good coffee; after visiting MCK consider restaurants near the Market Square or return to Kazimierz for dinner.
In Kazimierz you’ll find popular and highly recommended venues regularly mentioned in culinary guides; the neighborhood offers diverse flavors — traditional Polish cuisine, Asian bistros or modern places with creative menus. Booking a table is recommended in the evening and on weekends, especially in the high season.
If you prefer choices based on local ratings, pick cafés or restaurants with the best reviews in their category (coffee shops, bistros, regional restaurants) and remember that the most popular places can get crowded.
When planning a quick walk and gallery visit, tourists often: 1) don’t check exhibition opening hours (the gallery can be closed on Mondays); 2) underestimate time for queues or capacity limits; 3) fail to leave large backpacks in the cloakroom when required; 4) don’t reserve spots for special tours or workshops. To avoid these issues always check current information on the institution’s site and arrive a little earlier.
Another frequent mistake is trying to see “everything” in a short time. It’s better to choose one exhibition to explore and then enjoy a relaxed meal or coffee than to rush.
In summer remember the crowds: plan to avoid the busiest hours or opt for morning visits.
MCK is not only about exhibitions — the institution often organizes workshops, panel discussions and events for different age groups. Sometimes programs are aimed at families and visitors sensitive to sensory stimuli (for example dedicated quiet hours).
Some exhibitions include a bookstore with specialist literature and catalogues — a good place to buy publications related to the show. The cloakroom at MCK is usually free, which is convenient if you are visiting with large luggage.
The Gallery is located in the heart of the Old Town, so after your visit you have other attractions at hand: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and many cafés and craft shops.
Can I leave my backpack at the Gallery? - Yes, for most exhibitions you use the cloakroom where large bags should be left. This service is usually free.
Is the Gallery open on Monday? - Many exhibitions are open Tuesday through Sunday; Mondays may be a day off — check current hours before your visit.
How much is the ticket? - Prices depend on the exhibition; the Gallery applies standard and reduced rates and sometimes offers discounts for youth and students. Check the Gallery’s website prior to visiting.
Can I take photos? - Photography rules depend on the exhibition; some displays allow photos without a tripod, others prohibit photography entirely.
Sample plan: morning — breakfast and a walk around Kazimierz, a quick coffee at Plac Nowy; before noon — stroll toward the Old Town; about an hour at the MCK Gallery for the current exhibition; afternoon — walk around the Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall or a souvenir shop; evening — dinner back in Kazimierz or at one of the Market Square restaurants.
If you would like a personalized route and expert commentary - consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and service information are available on the guide’s page. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - it’s great to help others plan a successful day in Krakow!
