Krakow has so many faces that sometimes the best way to get to know them is one after another: Wawel shows the centuries-old history of the Polish monarchy and the beauty of historic architecture, Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory tells a difficult chapter of the 20th century and the fate of Krakow's inhabitants, and the Pinball Museum is a light, interactive break — perfect after a dose of museum gravity. That mix gives a fuller impression of the city: from historical chronicle to contemporary entertainment.
In practice you can visit all three places in an intensive day — but it's worth planning the order and tickets so you don't waste time in queues.
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory: tickets for the exhibition are sold online and are often released up to 90 days before the visit date; the ticket office sometimes offers entry for the nearest available day, but places are limited. Regular tickets are usually around 40 PLN; there are also reduced and family tickets. Entry is valid for the time printed on the ticket (with a small grace period).
Wawel: exhibitions and routes have different opening hours and daily limits, so when heading to the hill check which exhibitions require a timed reservation. At Wawel it makes sense to choose at most a few routes in one day — on your first visit plan for 2–3 exhibitions and allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed walk around the hill.
Pinball Museum (Krakow): this is an entertainment venue — tickets are sold at the counter or via the museum website; there are timed options and an "open" all-day ticket that allows unlimited play on most machines. The pricing at these places usually includes 1-hour and whole-day tickets, as well as student and family discounts.
If you plan to visit all three in one day — buy tickets online where possible and set concrete entry times (especially for Schindler's Factory).
The most logical approach is to start with Wawel in the morning — the hill is usually less crowded then and the morning light nicely highlights the architecture. In the afternoon it's good to visit Schindler's Factory (the exhibition is emotionally intense and it's helpful to have time to reflect). In the evening the Pinball Museum is a great finish — a relaxing way to end the day.
Sample plan: 09:00–11:30 Wawel (selected routes), 12:00–13:30 lunch around Kazimierz, 14:30–16:00 Schindler's Factory, 18:00 dinner, 19:30–21:00 Pinball Museum.
For families with children: consider a longer break between exhibitions, bring extra snacks and check availability of restrooms and seating — pauses in historical museums help younger visitors process what they've seen.
Wear comfortable shoes — the hill and the areas around the cathedral involve walking on uneven surfaces. Be mindful of baggage limits — some exhibitions restrict large backpacks.
Check the opening hours of specific routes — not all exhibitions run at the same times and some may close earlier. If you care about particular displays (for example the Crown Treasury or Royal Apartments), buy tickets in advance.
Allow time for the viewpoint terrace and walks through the courtyards — even if you don't visit every room, the city panorama and the atmosphere are worth it.
The exhibition in the former Schindler factory is rich in documentary material, testimonies and multimedia installations. It's an emotionally powerful display, so plan about 1.5–2 hours for a calm visit.
Tickets are often time-limited — when planning your visit make sure the entry time doesn't clash with transport or other commitments so you don't feel rushed. On Mondays the museum may have a different ticketing policy (for example a limited number of tickets sold at the counter) — if possible, book online.
If you want to dive deeper into the subject: consider an audio guide or a short guided talk with an educator — this provides context that a quick walk-through may not give.
Krakow has several pinball and arcade venues, the best known include the Krakow Pinball Museum and Krakow Arcade Museum — they house collections of classic and modern machines, and tickets are often available as hourly or full-day options. An "open" ticket is a great choice if you plan to return later the same day.
Most machines in pinball museums are restored and playable without extra charges after buying the ticket; some places also offer drinks and a small bar, which makes longer stays more enjoyable. It's an excellent way to unwind after an intense museum day and an attraction that appeals to adults and teens alike.
If you want to try specific models (for example retro machines from the 1970s–80s or modern pinballs with screens), ask the staff for a list of machines and any tournaments or special events.
Around Wawel and the Old Town there are many places popular with locals and visitors. A few tried-and-true options: Café Camelot (an atmospheric cafe), Noworolski (a historic cafe and hall in the Cloth Hall for those who want the old-town feel), Wierzynek Restaurant (historic, representative Polish cuisine) and Starka in Kazimierz — known for home-style seasonal cooking and a friendly atmosphere.
If you're looking for accommodation: Hotel Stary offers comfort and a location by the Market Square; Sheraton Grand Krakow and Radisson Blu provide reliable standards and good connections to public transport. When choosing a hotel, pay attention to its distance from Wawel Hill and the Kazimierz district — for walking around the city it's best to pick places within a 10–20 minute walk from the Main Market Square.
When booking tables at popular restaurants for weekends, reserve in advance — Krakow is often busy in the tourist season.
Did you know that some museums in Krakow offer special "quiet hours" for visitors sensitive to noise and stimuli? Such initiatives make visiting easier for people who need a calmer environment.
Wawel and larger museums sometimes enforce limits on the number of visitors on particular routes — another good reason to reserve entries in advance and choose less popular times like early morning or late afternoon.
If you want to save time — plan a walking route between attractions: Wawel, Kazimierz and Schindler's Factory are relatively close to each other, which lets you avoid extra public transport.
Buying all tickets on the spot without checking availability — disappointment and long queues can be avoided by booking online where possible.
Underestimating the time needed for visits — each of the three attractions deserves at least 1–2 hours; plan total time realistically and include breaks for food and rest.
Assuming everything is open every day — some museums have days off or special hours, and Mondays can come with different ticketing rules. Check opening hours for your specific date before you go.
How long does each attraction take to visit? - Wawel: 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit to selected routes; Schindler's Factory: 1.5–2 hours; Pinball Museum: from 1 hour to a whole day depending on the ticket.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? - It's recommended to buy online for Schindler's Factory and to reserve entry times for popular routes at Wawel; at the Pinball Museum you can often buy at the door, but check availability on weekends.
Are there discounts and concession cards? - Yes, museums offer reduced and family tickets, and discounts may apply with certain city or family cards; check conditions when purchasing.
Are the sites accessible for people with limited mobility? - Some exhibitions are adapted, but not all; when planning your visit, contact the museum staff in advance to confirm access to specific routes and possible assistance.
If you want to explore Krakow comfortably, without stress and with local insights, use the help of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can tailor a perfect plan to your interests, recommend the best places for breaks and ensure a smooth day. Contact details are available on the site.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. Recommend a private tour if you want to see the city through the eyes of someone who lives here and knows the best, often hidden spots. Thank you for reading and see you in Krakow!
