Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved building of the Jagiellonian University and one of those spots in Kraków that immediately transport you into history — arcaded courtyard, a 16th-century well and an atmosphere you can feel even without entering the museum. For many visitors a stroll through the courtyard is a short but very "Kraków" lesson in history: Nicolaus Copernicus studied here, and the walls hold collections of scientific instruments and historic globes.
The courtyard is easy to reach from the Main Market Square and is worth seeing even if you don't plan a long museum visit — the arcades and architectural details are great for photos and, above all, give a sense of the city's academic tradition. Note that access to the courtyard is usually allowed until dusk, so you can time your visit to fit a walk around the Old Town.
If you want to see the museum exhibition — check opening hours and guided-tour options. The museum also offers shorter tours and interactive displays suitable for families with children, so allow a bit more time if you're interested in the university's history and scientific exhibits.
At the Jagiellonian University Museum (Collegium Maius) you'll find medieval scientific instruments, a collection of drawings and portraits, rectoral insignia and the famous early-16th-century globe — an object that for many visitors is a highlight of the visit. The museum interiors have been reconstructed to convey the atmosphere of the old university: lecture halls, professors' rooms and the linking arcades.
After touring the exhibits, take another look at the courtyard and, if time allows, pop into the small café or gift shop located by the museum — it's a nice spot to rest and compare travel notes.
If longer themed tours interest you (for example, scientific instruments), check whether the museum runs extended guided tours — they are sometimes scheduled at specific times and may require reservation.
Address: 15 Jagiellońska Street — the area is in the heart of the Old Town, so it's just a few minutes on foot from the Main Market Square.
Hours and tickets: the museum operates on set hours and there can be days or times with free entry or extended visiting hours. If you plan to visit in high season or at the weekend — consider booking tickets in advance or checking current hours online.
Facilities: exhibitions include interactive elements and are family-friendly; step inside the displays if you're curious about the history of science, and use the courtyard as a quiet break from the Market's hustle.
From Collegium Maius you can go a few different ways depending on your mood: - a short walk to the Main Market Square — just minutes away and a great option if you want to combine the visit with lunch at one of the restaurants by the Market; - a stroll along the Planty Park toward the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate — a pleasant green stretch in the city centre; - head towards Kleparz to try local produce at the market if you fancy a quick snack.
On the way it's worth stopping at Collegium Novum to see the rectorate building and the lecture hall decorated with paintings by Jan Matejko — part of Kraków's university trail. You can finish the walk in the Professors' Garden (if open) — a peaceful place for a short break.
If you prefer something less touristy, go a few streets away from the main squares — you'll often find cafés and bars with local crowds and more reasonable prices.
Around the Market and the University you'll find a wide choice of restaurants, from traditional Polish cuisine to fine dining and vegan bistros. Here are a few reliable categories and examples of places that often get good reviews:
Classic Kraków (if you want to try regional dishes): Pod Baranem — traditional, seasonal Polish dishes served in an elegant but friendly setting; a recognizable spot recommended by both locals and visitors.
Fine dining and special-occasion spots: Bottiglieria 1881 — for those seeking a refined dinner; reservations are recommended. Nearby there are also high-standard hotel restaurants, for example at Hotel Copernicus, with quality food and a pleasant interior.
Affordable lunches and home-style cooking: in the city centre you'll also find places serving hearty, reasonably priced lunches — milk bars, bistros with Polish dishes and restaurants with daily set menus. These are good options when you want a quick, tasty meal without long waits.
Vegan and alternatives: Kraków has a developed vegan scene — places such as Veganic, Demeter and Krowarzywo (burgers) offer good options for plant-based diets. Check menus ahead of time, as some spots change offerings seasonally.
If you want a "right now" recommendation, choose a place that fits your mood: - for a classic, festive lunch: Pod Baranem — well-prepared Polish cuisine and an elegant atmosphere; - for a special dinner: Bottiglieria 1881 — high-end cuisine, booking required; - for a cheap and quick lunch: a local bistro or milk bar with a daily set menu, offering filling soups and main dishes; - for vegans and vegetarians: contemporary restaurants with creative plant-based dishes — check the current menu and reviews before you go; - for a quick Kraków-style snack: the famous zapiekanki at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz are a fast, inexpensive option after a long walk.
Each type of place has its advantages: some focus on tradition and local produce, others on seasonality and fine dining, and others on good price and quick service. Choose according to your mood and budget.
Remember: during the tourist season restaurants by the Market can be the most expensive and busiest — to avoid queues and inflated prices, look for places 2–3 blocks away from the centre.
1) Confusing the most prominent-looking restaurants with the best food — places right on the Market can be more expensive and less authentic. Fix: walk two intersections away or ask locals for recommendations. 2) Not booking for weekends — especially evenings and popular spots. Fix: reserve in advance or arrive earlier (around 12:00–13:00 for lunch). 3) Assuming the courtyard and museum always open at the same hours — seasonal hours and holidays happen. Fix: check current hours on the museum's website before you go. 4) Looking only for the absolute cheapest option on the Market — often it's better to head to side streets where there are more local choices and better value for money. 5) Skipping vegan/veggie options — Kraków has a good plant-based offer; ask the server about daily specials and recommendations.
One of the Collegium Maius clocks plays a melody at set hours every day — a pleasant detail that busy tourists sometimes miss.
The Jagiellonian globe in the museum's collection is one of the earliest European globes showing a newly discovered continent — it's not only a historic object but also a witness to changing knowledge in early geography and science.
Small academic events and temporary exhibitions often take place in the university area — if your visit coincides, you may find special displays or open lectures available to visitors.
Is the courtyard free? - Usually access to the courtyard itself is possible, but entry to museum exhibitions is paid; there are sometimes days with free admission under specific conditions. Check current rules before your visit.
Do I need to reserve a table at the recommended restaurants? - For weekend lunches and popular places it's wise to reserve. For weekday lunches you can often walk in without a reservation.
How long does it take to visit Collegium Maius? - A short visit typically takes 30–60 minutes; if you plan themed exhibitions or a guided tour, allow 1–2 hours.
Are there options for families with children? - Yes, the museum and some exhibits include interactive elements and shorter tours suitable for children.
The courtyard of the Jagiellonian University is a must-see for anyone who wants to feel Kraków's academic atmosphere — the walk and the arcades are a pleasant, quick attraction, and afterwards it's worth sitting down for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants that match your budget and food preferences.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or post it on social media — it will help others plan a great day in Kraków. If you'd like to explore with a private guide and discover Kraków "from the inside," you can use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit and bon appétit!
