Did you know that in the centre of Kraków, not far from Wawel, there is a pinball machine from 1936 that you can actually play? It’s a perfect example of how Kraków’s heritage meets unexpected entertainment — and a visit like this makes a great short break between seeing the main sights.
If you have about two hours and want to combine a walk around Wawel Hill with an unusual short stop, start with a brief stroll around Wawel and then walk to Krakow Pinball Museum on Stradomska. A typical visit to the pinball museum lasts about 45–90 minutes, depending on how much you want to play and linger. Afterward, I suggest a short coffee break by the Vistula (Wisła) or a classic slice of cake at one of the nearby cafés.
This is an interactive venue with a collection of pinball machines and classic arcade games, housed in historic cellars. Inside you’ll find machines from different eras — from electromechanical models to modern pinball machines with screens. It’s not just looking at exhibits: most machines are available to play, which makes the visit engaging and fun for adults and children alike.
The museum has a pleasant retro atmosphere — the old cellars and dimmed lights amplify the feeling of time travel. It’s also a good rainy-day stop during your city visit.
There’s a small bar on site serving coffee, tea and soft drinks, so you can take a comfortable break without leaving the building.
Address: Stradomska 15, Kraków — a short walk from Wawel and the Main Market Square, easy to include in a classic walking route around the Old Town.
Typical opening hours: Mon–Thu 14:00–21:00, Fri 14:00–22:00, Sat 12:00–22:00, Sun 12:00–21:00 (hours can vary seasonally — check before you go).
Ticket options: usually one-hour tickets and full-day passes. Typical prices are about 50 PLN for 1 hour and 70 PLN for an all-day pass; reduced fares (e.g., for under 18s) are often available (around 40 PLN / 60 PLN). The full-day pass often allows you to leave and re-enter the same day, which is handy if you want to go for a meal outside and return later.
There are many well-rated cafés and bakeries around Wawel and the Old Town — perfect places to recharge after more intense sightseeing. Look for charming, historic cafés or popular local spots with good reviews.
If you prefer a view, walk down to the Vistula boulevards (bulwary nad Wisłą) and choose one of the riverside cafés — fresh air and a river panorama make for an excellent break. The Old Town also offers numerous small bistros and restaurants serving Polish dishes; at weekends consider booking a table in advance at popular places.
Tip: favour cafés with quick service if your time is limited, and avoid the busiest tourist traps if you want a quieter, more authentic experience.
This place is a great addition for families with children, couples looking for something different and groups of friends who want entertainment beyond traditional museums. Pinball machines and arcade games come with varying difficulty levels, so everyone can find something enjoyable.
If you come with young children, supervise them at the machines and check for any age restrictions on specific exhibits. Weekends and evenings are busier — for a calmer visit choose a weekday or an earlier hour on weekends.
For groups, check ticket packages, possible discounts and reservation options — this helps planning and reduces waiting time.
Thinking you only need 15 minutes — pinball can be addictive; plan at least 45 minutes if you want to play and soak up the atmosphere.
Not checking opening hours — a simple mistake that can ruin your plan. Always verify current hours before you leave, especially outside the high season.
No plan for food or drink — popular cafés can be crowded on weekends; if you care about a particular place, book in advance or choose a less touristy option.
Do I need to book? Usually there’s no obligation to reserve, but in high season and on weekends it’s sensible to check availability or book tickets in advance.
How much time do I need? Plan 45–90 minutes for a relaxed visit to the pinball museum; the whole trip including a short walk and coffee can fit into about 2 hours.
Is it suitable for children? Yes, but younger children should be supervised by adults. Some machines may have age recommendations due to mechanics.
If you’d like your walk around Wawel to be richer in historical context, consider booking a private guided tour — it’s an efficient way to see the highlights without spending time searching for information. On the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s website (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) you’ll find suggested routes and contact details for booking private walks.
I encourage combining classic sightseeing with unexpected stops like the Pinball Museum — contrasts like this stay in the memory and delight both children and adults.
If you enjoyed this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other visitors better plan their time in Kraków. The contact for guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com and is useful when planning an individual route.
