Did you know that in the very heart of Kraków you can play a pinball machine from the 1930s without needing to spend a whole day? If you have about 2 hours and want to stroll past a few sights and visit an interactive pinball museum, this plan is for you. I’ll show how to do it comfortably, what’s worth seeing along the way and where to eat well after the visit.
Start: Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) or the area near Wawel. The walk toward Wawel Hill is a beautiful introduction to a short sightseeing route.
Main attraction: the interactive Pinball Museum in a historic space near Wawel - perfect for about 45–90 minutes of play depending on your interest.
After the visit: a short walk to the Vistula riverbank or back to the Market Square for coffee and something sweet in one of the traditional cafes. You can comfortably fit the whole route and stops into two hours if you don’t plan long meals.
This is not just an exhibition — it’s an interactive place where most machines can be started and played at no extra cost. The collections include machines from different eras, from mechanical constructions to modern pinballs with screens.
The museum is often housed in historic cellars, which adds atmosphere — a combination of the history of technology and the charm of Kraków’s streets. It’s a great attraction for couples, families and anyone who enjoys hands-on, unusual experiences.
The Pinball Museum is located in Kraków’s Old Town area, close to Wawel, so the walk from the Market Square or the Castle takes just a few minutes depending on where you start.
Plan 45–90 minutes for the pinball space itself (many visitors stay longer if they get caught up in the pinball vibe). If you only want to see the exhibition and take a few photos, a shorter stop will do.
Check opening hours and any reservation rules — during high season or weekends there may be queues, so consider booking in advance.
For comfort, bring comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and stone steps around the monuments can tire you when walking quickly. Cellar spaces can be cooler, so a light extra layer is a good idea.
Payments: cards are increasingly accepted, but if you plan small purchases or souvenirs, it’s useful to have some cash.
After playing, I recommend heading for coffee or a traditional cake at one of the well-known cafés in the Old Town — these places offer reliable quality and a true Kraków atmosphere.
Good local options nearby include historic cafés and bakeries such as Café Noworolski in the Cloth Hall, Café Camelot, and Charlotte (all popular around the Market Square). If you prefer a river view, consider one of the venues along the Vistula boulevards or a relaxed spot like Forum Przestrzenie — great for unwinding after more intense sightseeing.
Collections in pinball museums often include very old machines — some date back to the interwar period, which is a real treat for technology lovers.
Many places combine museum function with entertainment: ticket price often includes playing most machines, so the visit is much more engaging than simply looking at exhibits behind glass.
Assuming 15 minutes will be enough — pinballs can be addictive; if you want to play properly, allow extra time. Treating it as a mere ‘tick-off’ point robs you of the fun.
Not booking or arriving at peak times without a plan — evenings and weekends in season can be busy. Check opening hours and reservation options.
Thinking it’s only for kids — the collections and mechanics of pinball interest adults as well, especially game and history enthusiasts.
Who is this attraction for? Families, couples, groups of friends and anyone curious about unusual interactive museums.
Can children play? Yes, but younger children should be supervised by adults; some machines may have age-related restrictions due to mechanics.
Do you need tokens to play? In most interactive pinball museums the ticket price includes access to the machines (often unlimited play during the chosen time slot), but check the rules of the specific venue before your visit.
If you’d like to explore Kraków more comfortably and learn more about the history of the places you pass, consider booking a short tour with a local guide. I’m Małgorzata Kasprowicz and I run private guided walks — contact details are available on my guide page.
Please share this article with friends or on social media — if you liked the plan, send it on so others can benefit. Have a great visit and many high scores on the pinball counter!
