Yes — and it makes a lot of sense if you enjoy variety. The Polish Aviation Museum shows the technical and social side of flight, while Wawel Cathedral immerses you in Polish history and sacred art. The two attractions are a fair distance apart, so plan your logistics: start at the Aviation Museum in the morning (fewer queues, clearer exhibitions) and save the afternoon for Wawel and a walk through the Old Town. If you prefer the reverse order, check opening hours and traffic in the center. Another good idea is to split the visit across two days if you want to climb the tower or explore the crypts at a relaxed pace.
The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków has a permanent exhibition featuring aircraft, engines, propellers and historical reconstructions. The renewed exhibition space is impressive and spread over a large area, so allow at least 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit.
Opening hours are generally stable (commonly 09:00–17:00, closed on Mondays), though seasonal changes and special reduced-price days can occur — check current information before you go.
Ticket prices are family-friendly: a full-price ticket is a few dozen złoty (for example around 30 zł), reduced tickets around 18 zł, and there are family tickets and other concessions (seniors, large families, EURO26-type cards). The museum also publishes days when it is closed for holidays or special events.
The museum is easy to reach — it sits on a wide city avenue and offers free parking outside the entrance. Guided tours are available inside, and if you plan a longer visit check temporary exhibitions in advance. If you love aviation, bring extra time and a camera.
Wawel Cathedral is more than a church — it is a museum of national memory: royal tombs, chapels and historic interior elements. Entrance to the main worship space can be free during mass, but separate areas (royal crypts, the Sigismund Bell tower, the Cathedral Museum) often require tickets. Check current opening hours and ticket types because some parts have limited capacity and fixed entry times.
Opening hours change with the season; outside winter the cathedral is often open longer, and Sunday visiting hours can start later because of liturgies. The Sigismund Bell rings only on important occasions and is not part of the everyday tourist experience, so don’t plan your trip solely to hear it.
Keep in mind restrictions on luggage and the need for quiet in prayer areas. If you want to climb the tower or visit the crypts, book tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid long queues. Visitors with mobility limitations should check access arrangements before arrival.
Start: morning at the Aviation Museum — arrive at opening time, visit the hangars and permanent exhibitions, and use a guide if you want deeper historical context.
Midday: travel to the city center and have lunch near the Main Market — a chance to taste local specialties and rest before more sightseeing.
Afternoon: walk to Wawel, visit the Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum. Allow time for the castle courtyard and a short coffee break before returning to your hotel.
Alternative: visit one of the sites in the evening for a calmer Old Town atmosphere; Wawel at sunset is particularly picturesque.
Near the Market and Wawel I recommend well-rated places with reliable quality: Restaurant Wierzynek (historic atmosphere), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine), and cafés such as Café Camelot or Massolit — great for coffee and dessert after sightseeing.
For accommodation choose established hotels close to the Old Town: Hotel Stary (boutique), PURO Kraków Stare Miasto (modern and comfortable), Hotel Wentzl (historic, with views of the Market) and the Sheraton Grand for guests expecting a higher standard. Book in advance during the high season, especially for weekends and holidays.
If you prefer to stay closer to the Aviation Museum, look for hotels and apartments northwest of the center; tram or taxi connections are fast and parking is often easier to find than in the very center.
Not checking opening hours before you leave — many sites have closed days or altered hours in different seasons. Always check the institution’s website or call the day before.
Trying to see everything in one day without a plan — the Cathedral and Castle are separate complexes with many exhibitions and entry limits, and the Aviation Museum needs time. Prioritize and split the visit if you want a calm experience.
Bringing large backpacks or carry-on luggage without checking rules — Wawel may have restrictions on bag size and storage. Pack light or leave larger items at your hotel.
Do you need to buy Cathedral tickets in advance? - For some parts (crypts, the tower) it’s wise to buy tickets in advance because capacity is limited.
Is the Aviation Museum good for children? - Yes, exhibits are visually attractive and the spacious layout allows easy movement; there are family discounts and special entry options.
How much time to allow for Wawel? - At least 1.5–2 hours for the Cathedral and the main hill highlights; if you plan to visit several exhibitions and the tower, increase this to 3–4 hours.
Does the Sigismund Bell ring every day? - No, it rings for major ceremonies and is not part of the daily tourist program; check the schedule of religious events if you hope to hear it.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a great day in Kraków. If you want the most comfortable visit and more detailed information about places, routes and hidden curiosities, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized tours and contact details are available on the guide’s website.
Wishing you a wonderful visit to Kraków — may it be full of discoveries, good food and pleasant walks. If you like, I can prepare a shortened itinerary for a specific date including opening hours and transport.
