Krakow is perfect for a trip with a friend: short distances between sights, lots of atmospheric cafés and bars, and easy access to museums, exhibitions and interesting events. In 2025 most institutions use e-tickets with QR codes and limited time slots, so good organization and quick ticket-reading can save you a lot of time. Start with a plan for the day, buy tickets online where possible, and keep the ticket visible on your screen or printed — having a backup (a screenshot) is often useful.
Do you speak English? "Yes" — great, but remember that many museum labels are in Polish; audio guides are often available in English too. If you plan something special (a dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant, a visit to a popular museum or a temporary exhibition), book in advance.
One-day plan for walks, culture and coffee: start the morning with coffee and breakfast on the Old Town or Plac Szczepański; then a short walk across the Main Market Square (Sukiennice, St. Mary’s Basilica) and on to Wawel if you have a timed ticket. In the afternoon head to Kazimierz — here you’ll find many cafés, galleries and atmospheric corners perfect for photos. In the evening have dinner at one of the recommended restaurants and optionally enjoy a rooftop bar or a cozy pub in Kazimierz.
Two-day plan for a more relaxed pace: the first day as above; dedicate the second day to less obvious attractions — the National Museum or a special exhibition, MOCAK or the Oskar Schindler’s Factory (if you’re interested in history), a walk along the Vistula boulevards and time for coffee at one of the city’s top cafés. Reserve the afternoon for shopping or visiting local galleries and designers.
Remember: routes are flexible — if the weather disappoints, a quick plan B is a good café, a museum with a temporary exhibition, or an afternoon workshop.
First look at the ticket header — you should see the institution’s name and the name of the exhibition or display. Right below it find the date and the time slot; this is the most important detail if you have a timed-entry ticket.
Find the QR code or barcode — this is what will be scanned at the entrance. The code can be on the phone screen or on a printout. Good practice: have the ticket unlocked and enlarged on your screen, and on sunny days reduce screen brightness or use a printout, because reflections can sometimes make scanning harder.
Check the entry information — city museums often have multiple entrances (main entrance, group entrance, entrance for visitors with online tickets). The ticket may indicate a specific gate or building; if there’s no such information, follow instructions on the museum website or ask at the ticket office.
Watch the ticket type: full-price, reduced, family, combined. For reduced tickets have a proof document ready (student ID, ISIC, ID showing age, etc.). For combined tickets check whether they must be exchanged at the ticket office for a wristband or an additional ticket.
Pay attention to extra details: whether the ticket covers a specific sector of an exhibition, whether it grants access to permanent, temporary or both displays. Sometimes a ticket includes the note "last entry" or information about mandatory group assembly time.
If the ticket was sent by email, keep both the link and the PDF. In an emergency — no internet or drained phone battery — a printout (even black-and-white) will save the day.
If the ticket says "reservation" or "booking confirmation," check whether this already entitles you to entry or if you need to exchange it at the ticket office for a physical ticket. Many institutions send an e-ticket with a code — that often suffices, but some exhibitions require extra verification on site.
At the gate show the QR code so it’s parallel to the scanner. If the scanner doesn’t react, ask staff for help — they will usually assist immediately and read the ticket number manually. Don’t try to appeal to the crowd — staff handle these issues routinely and faster than repeated independent scanning attempts.
If the scanner rejects the ticket due to an error, check the ticket time and your booking confirmation. Sometimes the problem is a timezone difference for international reservations or a typo in the name for a reduced ticket.
If you’re asked at the entrance to show personal details to compare with the ticket (e.g., a name on a personalized ticket), have your ID ready. For group bookings made under one reservation, check that all people are listed on the reservation.
Buy tickets online and choose a time — the simplest way to avoid lines. Tickets for popular exhibitions (especially weekends and evening hours) sell out early.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your chosen slot. That’s usually enough time for quick checks, leaving a large backpack in the cloakroom and getting to the group entrance. Being late may result in losing the right to enter during that time slot.
Check photography rules — some exhibitions prohibit photos, others allow photos without flash. If you plan to take many pictures, make sure your battery is charged and you have spare memory.
Small backpacks and bags are often required to be left in the cloakroom. Many museums have free or paid storage — this information should be clearly posted at the ticket office and on your ticket.
Can I enter earlier or later than the time on the ticket? Usually not. Timed tickets are generally strictly enforced, though some museums allow short delays; it’s best to ask staff in advance.
What if my phone dies and I don’t have a printed ticket? Ask staff for help — if your booking is linked to an email address they can often find your reservation and scan the ticket manually.
Do I need a document to get a reduced ticket? Yes — carry the appropriate document (student ID, proof of age, etc.). Not all discounts are given on the basis of a verbal statement.
Can I enter with a large suitcase? Usually not. Large luggage is not allowed in exhibition spaces; you need to leave it in storage or at your hotel.
Should I buy tickets on site? If you prefer spontaneity, buying on site is possible, but for popular exhibitions and weekends it’s better to have tickets in advance.
For a quick breakfast or brunch choose popular places that keep the city’s special atmosphere. If you want a classic experience — pick a bakery-café near the Market Square; Kazimierz offers interesting cafés and spots with local cuisine. For dinner you can reserve a table at one of the city’s highly-rated restaurants if you want an exceptional culinary experience — Krakow also has restaurants recognized by the Michelin guide.
Rather than a long list of addresses with many reviews, we recommend checking current recommendations before your trip and booking places that have the most recent positive feedback. During high season and in the evenings the best tables disappear quickly.
Not checking the entry time on the ticket — many visitors assume the ticket is valid all day. If it is a timed ticket, being late may mean losing entry.
Not having offline proof of reservation — rely on a screenshot and a printout as a plan B.
Buying last-minute tickets for very popular exhibitions — prices can rise or slots sell out. Book in advance and use morning slots when there are fewer people.
Not asking staff about entry conditions and available facilities — staff usually happily inform about cloakrooms, rest areas or availability of audio guides.
Many places speed up service if you show an online ticket — sometimes they prepare a special door for e-ticket holders that bypasses the regular queue.
Not all named tickets are strictly personalized — sometimes a name is only a registration detail, but it can also be checked at the entrance. It’s better to have ID at hand.
Some smaller exhibitions and private galleries offer free entry on specific days of the month or in certain mornings — check the museum’s website if you have extra time and want to save.
Make a "must see" and "maybe later" list — this helps match the pace to your mood and energy. Buy tickets online when possible and store them twice (screenshot + email). When planning meals pick places with high ratings and reserve evenings if you care about a specific venue.
If you enjoyed the article — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Krakow with a small, friendly private guide, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact and offer are available on the guide’s website. Good luck, enjoy your visit and take many beautiful photos with your friend!
