Yes — if you plan your visit sensibly. Three hours is enough to stroll at a relaxed pace through the most beautiful corners of the Old Town, visit the Czartoryski Princes' Palace (MNK Czartoryski Museum), see Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine" and find a moment for coffee or a light snack. This tempo is ideal for a traveler who wants to combine art with a short walk and a taste of the city, without rushing or getting lost in crowds.
This article contains a practical timetable, key information to check before entering the museum, a few nearby dining recommendations and tips on how to avoid common mistakes during a short visit. You can use it as a ready-made walking itinerary prepared specifically for a visit to the MNK Czartoryski Museum.
00:00–00:20 - Start at the Main Market Square: a quick look at the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the historic tenement houses. This is the best place to get into the city’s atmosphere and take an orientation photo.
00:20–00:40 - Short walk via Św. Jana / Pijarska Street: reach the Czartoryski Palace (address: Pijarska 15). Enjoy the cobbled streets and notice a few architectural curiosities along the way.
00:40–02:10 - Visit to the MNK Czartoryski Museum: tour the permanent exhibition, see the "Lady with an Ermine" and selected rooms (visit time: 50–90 minutes, depending on interest).
02:10–02:40 - Coffee and a snack at a nearby cafe (for example Camelot) — a moment to rest and talk about what you’ve seen.
02:40–03:00 - Short return walk through the Planty or Grodzka Street, optional external view of Wawel and finish the route at the Main Market Square.
The museum displays a unique collection — inside the palace rooms you will find masterpieces of world painting and memorabilia connected to Polish history. The most famous painting is Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine", but it’s also worth spending time in the rooms with prints, historic crafts, military items and the collections of ancient and Far Eastern art.
I especially recommend pausing in the Renaissance room and in the rooms with national memorabilia — these tell the story of the collection and the Czartoryski family. The museum’s recent reorganization makes moving around more comfortable and creates a clear historical-artistic narrative; the glazed courtyard and new elevators have improved accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.
If your time is limited, decide in advance which rooms you most want to visit — the museum offers themed routes that help you focus on what interests you most.
Address and opening hours: MNK Czartoryski Museum, Pijarska 15. The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; last admission is usually one hour before closing. The museum may be closed on certain days for conservation work or special events, so check current notices before you go.
Tickets: MNK sells timed tickets for a specific day and hour. It’s worth buying tickets online in advance — especially during the tourist season and at weekends. The museum offers different ticket types (regular, reduced, family, special prices for youth). Tuesdays may include free admission to selected displays — a good chance to visit, but expect more visitors.
What you can bring: some branches restrict large bags and suitcases; at the Czartoryski Museum there is no option to leave large suitcases in a cloakroom, small backpacks are allowed. If you have large luggage, consider leaving it at your hotel or in station lockers.
Accessibility and facilities: recent renovations improved access to the displays — elevators and a glazed courtyard were introduced, and the museum provides educational paths and audio description. Ask at the ticket desk about audio guides or themed trails.
Virtual visiting: if you don’t have time or want to prepare, the museum offers virtual tours and online resources — useful for getting familiar with the exhibits before your visit.
Book your ticket in advance — this is the most common mistake. On-site queues can be long, and a timed ticket guarantees smooth entry and a more comfortable visit.
Don’t plan your visit for Monday — many museum branches, including the Czartoryski Museum, are closed that day. If you arrive on Monday you will miss the chance to see the collection.
Don’t try to fit too many attractions into one short visit. If you also want to see Wawel or other museums, plan those separately — three hours is a good time for one focused visit plus a short walk, but not for several large exhibitions.
Check the photography rules. In some rooms photographing is limited or forbidden, especially for sensitive exhibits. If you need photos for publication, check the formalities in advance.
Remember comfortable footwear and to check the weather — part of the walk is on historic cobbles and sidewalks can be icy in winter.
Camelot Cafe (Św. Tomasza Street) — a cozy cafe near the Market Square, perfect for coffee, cake and a short break after the museum. A great spot for dessert or a light breakfast before beginning the walk.
Szara (Main Market Square) — a well-regarded restaurant praised by culinary guides. If you fancy a more elegant meal after visiting, Szara is a safe choice.
Wierzynek — the historic restaurant on the Main Market Square, interesting for those who want to try traditional, ceremonial cuisine and feel the atmosphere of a place closely tied to Krakow’s history.
Quick tip: choose places close to the Market Square and Św. Jana Street to avoid losing time traveling. If you plan to eat at award-winning establishments, reserve a table in advance.
The Czartoryski collection recently underwent major modernization and an expansion of the displays; renovations increased exhibition space, added a glazed courtyard and improved accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.
The cost of modernization and preparing the new displays was substantial — the investment included conservation, adaptive works and multimedia elements, making the visiting experience more comfortable and attractive to a wide audience.
The museum offers themed paths and educational materials — if you travel with children or want more context for what you see, use the prepared worksheets and audio description.
Is the painting "Lady with an Ermine" always on display? The painting belongs to the Czartoryski collection and is normally part of the museum’s displays, but in exceptional cases (conservation work or loans to major international exhibitions) it may be temporarily unavailable. If the "Lady" is the main reason for your visit, check the museum’s announcements before you go.
Can I take photos in the museum? Photography rules vary by room and by object. Many museums allow non-flash photography, but some items may be off-limits. It’s safest to ask at the ticket desk or check the rules given with your ticket.
How long does the museum visit take? A standard visit at the MNK Czartoryski Museum lasts 50–90 minutes, depending on your pace and interests. If you plan to read labels in depth or join workshops, allow more time.
What to do with large luggage? There is no option to leave large suitcases in the palace cloakroom. Best to leave luggage at your hotel, at station storage or use nearby luggage lockers. Small backpacks are usually allowed.
If you want to experience Krakow through the lens of art, the Czartoryski Museum is an excellent starting point. When planning a 3-hour walk, remember to reserve tickets, wear comfortable shoes and allow a moment for coffee. These steps are enough to return home with images in your memory and a smile on your face.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on social media — it will help them better plan their visit to Krakow. If you’d like to explore the city with a local guide, you can use the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit!
