Wawel is a must-see on any visit to Kraków, but just around the corner — in Kazimierz — the Ethnographic Museum awaits with a collection that presents Polish folk culture, from rural interiors to craft workshops. Pairing the two sites gives you a different picture of the city: on one hand the state and royal history, on the other everyday life, customs and the materials that shaped Polish identity. It’s a great way to spend a day off the usual route and avoid crowds focused only on the Market Square.
The Ethnographic Museum operates in several locations (for example in the Kazimierz town hall and on Krakowska Street), and runs workshops and temporary exhibitions, so every visit can feel different — especially in summer when the events calendar is usually busy.
Combining a visit to Wawel with a short walk to Kazimierz lets you change perspective: after grand rooms and castle walls, you move on to objects, colors and stories of ordinary people — an ideal complement to sightseeing.
1. Start early at Wawel — ideally before midday, as tourists arrive. A short tour of the representative rooms and a walk around the courtyards is enough to feel the hill’s atmosphere.
2. From Wawel Hill walk down Grodzka Street toward Kazimierz. Along the way pay attention to lesser-known details of tenement houses and small chapels that often go unnoticed in the crowd.
3. In Kazimierz head for Plac Wolnica — one of the Ethnographic Museum’s locations with an exhibition showcasing “Polish folk culture.” Allow 1.5–2 hours for the museum to comfortably see the permanent displays and possibly a temporary show.
4. After the museum, take a short coffee or light-meal break nearby. Kazimierz offers many atmospheric cafés and small restaurants — a good spot to rest before an afternoon walk.
5. Spend the afternoon exploring Kazimierz’s lesser-known corners: the streets around Plac Nowy, historic Jewish tenements, and the riverfront boulevards along the Vistula — perfect for sunset and evening relaxation.
The Ethnographic Museum holds one of the richest collections of its kind in Poland: regional costumes, crafts, and the interiors of traditional homes. The permanent exhibition allows you to follow annual and family rituals and learn about the workshops of past craftsmen.
Also pay attention to temporary exhibitions — they often use unusual formats that combine tradition with contemporary interpretation. In summer the museum frequently runs family workshops and educational activities. The Kazimierz town hall and Esterka House are locations where parts of the displays and events take place — check the program, as themed tours and family activities are common in the summer season.
For lovers of detail: look closely at materials, fabric-decoration techniques and small everyday objects — these tell the most about customs and aesthetics of former communities.
Check opening hours and the events calendar — in summer venues add extra workshops and extended programs. The Ethnographic Museum usually works across multiple sites and runs weekend events, so plan in advance what you want to see.
Tickets: buy online where possible — it saves queueing time. Reservations for Wawel and popular exhibitions are useful, especially on weekends and during the summer season.
Avoiding the biggest crowds: at Wawel it’s best to arrive early or later in the day; in city museums it’s more comfortable outside peak hours (early morning or mid-afternoon). Bring water, comfortable shoes and a light layer — summer can be hot, but museum halls are often air-conditioned or pleasantly cool.
Kazimierz is a culinary delight — choose places with good reviews and local character. Recommended options include Hamsa (Mediterranean–Middle Eastern cuisine) — great for sharing plates and light dishes; Starka — a restaurant with Polish and regional dishes; and the cozy cafés around Plac Nowy and Szeroka Street where you can catch your breath between attractions.
For a quick local experience try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy — a simple, tasty and inexpensive snack, though it’s best to pick stalls recommended by locals. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, look for a café with a garden near the Vistula boulevards.
Accommodation: if you plan to stay overnight, consider lodging in Kazimierz or the city center — both areas let you walk between Wawel and the museums without needing transport.
Surprise: the Ethnographic Museum’s collections include objects not only from Poland but also from other parts of Europe and beyond — a reminder that material culture is part of wider networks of exchange and inspiration.
Mistakes to avoid: 1) Trying to “see everything” in one day — choose a few priorities and go at a calm pace. 2) Skipping breaks for rest and food — summer can be tiring. 3) Overlooking temporary exhibitions and workshops — that’s often where the most original experiences happen.
How to avoid them: plan a route with breaks, reserve tickets where possible, and check museum programs before your visit — summer offers can be broader than at other times.
Is the Ethnographic Museum suitable for children? Yes — the museum runs family activities and educational workshops; many displays interest younger visitors, especially when combined with hands-on activities.
Do I need to book for Wawel and the museums? It’s recommended to check in advance and book if you plan to visit specific exhibition routes or take part in workshops; places can be limited in the summer season.
Are there discounts or combined offers? Many museums offer reduced or family tickets and special open days — follow museum announcements before your arrival.
If you want to see Kraków differently than most tourists, combine classic sights with smaller museums and walks through neighborhoods. One or two days are enough to experience the contrast between Wawel’s royal representation and the colorful, everyday culture shown at the Ethnographic Museum.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them discover a less obvious side of Kraków. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). We wish you a wonderful summer and inspiring discoveries!
