Did you know that the Princes Czartoryski Museum houses Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine" — one of the few paintings by the master on display in Poland? That alone is a great reason to plan a visit to the museum during your stay in Krakow in 2025. At the same time, keep a few practical visiting rules in mind to make your visit smoother and avoid disappointments.
Location and a few practical facts: the museum is located at Pijarska 15, in a historic palace. The exhibition combines several parts (the Palace, the Small Monastery building, the Gallery of Ancient Art) and presents some of the most valuable collections in Poland.
Hours and tickets: the museum is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically during morning and afternoon hours (most often 10:00–18:00), and it may be closed on Mondays. Tickets are sold for a specific day and time (timed entry) — booking online is a safe way to secure your spot, especially in the tourist season.
Days and restrictions: Tuesday is often a free-admission day for permanent displays — a good opportunity but also a time of highest visitor traffic. The museum has limits for baggage storage: the cloakroom does not accept large suitcases, so it’s best to leave big bags at your hotel or use luggage storage at the station/airport before coming to the museum.
Last entry and visiting time: check the last-entry time printed on tickets — guests are usually admitted up to about an hour before closing, and to see the collection properly you should allow at least 60–90 minutes.
Buy a timed ticket in advance — on weekends and Tuesdays (free day) queues and entry limits can be significant.
Arrive a little earlier: security checks and picking up an audio guide can take a few extra minutes.
Combine your route: the museum is close to the Old Town and Wawel — you can plan a walk or short neighbouring activities the same day, but consider splitting attractions into two blocks if you don’t like rushing.
Observe the rules: some rooms may have photography restrictions, and displays can be temporarily closed for conservation or special exhibitions — it’s always worth checking museum updates before you arrive.
Your choice of neighbourhood affects how fast you can see sights and the evening atmosphere. Here’s a short guide to the most popular areas:
Old Town - the biggest advantage is being within arm’s reach of the Market Square, St. Mary’s and main sights; the downside is higher prices and more noise at weekends.
Kazimierz - a great choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with good dining and nightlife; charming streets, cafés and bars make it ideal for longer evenings. If you want quiet, choose rooms facing an inner courtyard.
Grzegórzki / Rondo Mogilskie - a practical base with excellent tram connections to all parts of the city; good for business travellers or when you value fast transport.
Podgórze - a bit calmer, with atmospheric corners and easy access to the Vistula riverbank; a good option if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Nowa Huta - cheaper accommodation options and a different, distinctive atmosphere; optimal if you plan to visit that part of the city or are on a tighter budget.
Walking time to main attractions: look for a place 8–20 minutes on foot from the Planty park or with good tram access if you want to minimize morning transfers.
Breakfast and serving hours: for groups and people on a tight schedule, it’s convenient to pick a place that serves breakfast early (for example from 7:00).
Parking and coaches: if you arrive by car or coach, check for short-stay drop-off options at the property and the availability of paid parking.
Examples of property types to consider: a boutique hotel in the Old Town or Kazimierz for comfort and atmosphere; a chain hotel near Rondo Mogilskie for logistics; well-rated apartments near the Planty for families or groups.
Krakow offers a huge gastronomic scene — from traditional restaurants to modern specialty cafés. In Kazimierz you’ll find atmospheric spots recommended by locals and visitors alike, and downtown has several places serving classic Polish cuisine.
A few cafés and places that are popular in 2025 and worth considering: Ona Coffee Bar (Kazimierz) — known for its vibe and good coffee; Ranny Ptaszek — a popular breakfast spot; Megiddo Cafe — a café connected to local district history. If you’re looking for roasters and freshly roasted coffee, the city has several well-regarded roasteries and specialty coffee bars.
Restaurants: choose places with good reviews and book a table for the evening — popular restaurants in Kazimierz and the Old Town often fill up. For traditional Polish cuisine in an elegant setting, consider historic central restaurants; for street food and a quick local snack head to Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
Tuesdays can be free in some museum branches — a great opportunity, but expect crowds and consider arriving earlier or choosing a less popular time.
The museum cloakroom does not accept large suitcases — a common reason tourists have to return to their hotel; better to leave luggage at your accommodation or use city luggage storage.
Krakow is very walkable — many sights can be comfortably explored on foot, but trams and buses are fast and cheap if you want to save energy.
Not booking museum tickets in advance — solution: buy an online timed ticket for a specific hour.
Bringing large suitcases into small museums and churches — solution: arrange luggage storage or choose accommodation that allows leaving bags before check-in.
Choosing accommodation facing the loudest streets or bars in Kazimierz without checking reviews — solution: read reviews and ask for a courtyard-facing room if you need quiet.
How to get from the airport? From John Paul II Kraków–Balice Airport the cheapest option is public transport (suburban buses and train), and taxis or door-to-door transfers are convenient if you travel with heavy luggage.
Should I buy a ticket to the Czartoryski Museum in advance? Highly recommended — timed tickets help avoid queues and sold-out slots.
Can I take photos inside the museum? Many rooms have photography restrictions — check rules on site; often photos without flash are allowed.
What are the opening hours? The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, but hours can change for special exhibitions or conservation work — check updates before your visit.
When planning Krakow, leave room for spontaneous discoveries: small galleries, intimate cafés and side streets often stay in memory the longest. If you like practical, tried-and-true tips and want to explore the city with someone who will show hidden details — consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better stay in Krakow. Have a great trip!
