Pomorska Street is one of those places in Krakow that first arouses curiosity and then leaves a deep impression — it is a place of remembrance of the city's fate during the war and the postwar period. Visiting the branch of the Museum of Krakow at Pomorska allows you to enter authentic cells and read prisoners' inscriptions that still make a strong impact today.
Half a day gives you enough time to calmly combine a museum visit with a short walk around the Old Town and a symbolic, picturesque horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s an ideal option for people who want to feel the city's atmosphere without rushing — an educational exhibition followed by a moment of rest with coffee or a good meal.
If you’re traveling with family or short on time, this plan offers a balanced mix: learning an important layer of Krakow’s history and enjoying a classic tourist experience that often stays in the memory.
Start: Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) or the area around Wawel — from here it’s easy to walk or take public transport toward Pomorska.
Walk to the Pomorska Street Museum (Pomorska St. 2) — visit the permanent exhibition about Krakow in 1939–1956; the preserved cells and prisoners’ writings are especially moving.
After the museum, take a short walk toward the Planty park or return to the Market Square — here you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride (weather and time permitting) or find a relaxed spot for coffee and lunch.
Alternative: instead of a carriage, walk to Kazimierz or the Oskar Schindler Factory (if you want to broaden the historical perspective). This half-day plan leaves time to relax and talk about what you saw.
The museum is not a "pretty exhibition" but a powerful, documentary testimony of wartime and postwar repression. The display combines photographs, documents, prisoners’ belongings and authentic cells where inscriptions and drawings have been preserved.
Interiors are intimate — the exhibition encourages reflection and may not be suitable for very young children. Museum staff often willingly explain the background of the show and answer questions, which helps if you want to understand the context of the materials on display.
Practical: depending on the season the branch has set opening hours and admission fees; it’s a good idea to check current information before your visit. Bear in mind that interiors and cellars can be cooler than outside — a light jacket comes in handy.
Carriages are a classic element of Krakow’s tourist offer — short rides around the Market Square, Wawel and the Planty can be very picturesque, especially in good weather. They’re also a pleasant way to rest after intensive sightseeing.
Before you get in, ask about the approximate duration, price and route — rates vary, and agreeing terms clearly is appreciated. If you want a calm, photographic ride, choose a shorter route outside peak tourist hours.
Pay attention to the animals' comfort and driving conditions — pick drivers who take good care of their horses. In high season carriages can be busy in the afternoon and evening, so to avoid queues plan a morning or early-afternoon ride.
After Pomorska it’s nice to stop for coffee or a light meal near the Market Square or in Kazimierz — these are nearby, reliable areas with many options. Recommended names include Cafe Camelot (for coffee and sweets), traditional Polish restaurants around the Market Square and popular cafés in Kazimierz if you want to extend your walk.
If you need a more substantial meal after sightseeing — choose places with good recent reviews and short waiting times. In season it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, especially at weekends.
For those wanting local specialties: look for restaurants praised for pierogi, grilled dishes and desserts with local touches. Prefer places that welcome tourists and have staff who can help in English if you don’t speak Polish.
Don’t treat a visit to Pomorska as light entertainment — this is a place of memory, so respect the atmosphere and keep quiet in the cellars and cells.
Don’t plan too many attractions in a short time: Pomorska requires time for reflection, while a carriage ride is an experience to be enjoyed without rushing. Schedule a break for coffee or lunch.
Check opening hours before you go — some museum branches have closed days or seasonal hours. Wear comfortable shoes — part of the route includes walking on cobbled streets and through the Planty.
Is Pomorska suitable for children? - The exhibition is serious and at times graphic; assess your child’s maturity before entering; for younger kids shorter visits or alternative attractions may be better.
How much time is needed? - A relaxed visit to the exhibition usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on interest. Add time for walking and a possible carriage ride.
Do I need to buy tickets online? - In high season or for larger groups, reservations may be useful; individual visitors often buy tickets on site. Check current prices and rules before arrival.
The name “Pomorska” for many Krakow residents of the 1940s generation became synonymous with a place of terror — a short but emotionally powerful piece of the city’s history.
Authentic prisoners' inscriptions remain in the cellars — one reason the Pomorska visit gives a feeling of direct contact with history: difficult, but necessary for understanding the city’s past.
After the visit, look for quieter corners of the Planty — right beside the Market Square bustle you can find benches and tucked-away spots perfect for discussing what you’ve seen.
Check opening hours and any days the museum may be closed so you don’t arrive at locked doors.
If a carriage ride matters to you, verify the weather and the horses’ condition to avoid disappointment. Consider the alternative — a short walk through the Planty is equally picturesque.
When planning, consider the group’s pace — if you travel with older people or children, allow extra time for rest and breaks.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their stay in Krakow better.
If you’d like to explore with an experienced private guide, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and booking information are available on the guide’s website; a private tour helps you better understand the context of places like Pomorska and tailor the route to your interests.
