Is it possible to visit both Wawel and Schindler's Factory in a single day? Yes - but it's worth planning it wisely. Both attractions are among the most visited in Krakow: Wawel draws visitors with the history of Poland's rulers and its impressive architecture, while Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory offers a moving exhibition about life in the occupied city. This article gives you practical information on buying tickets, the latest ticketing rules, and tips to save time and nerves.
Let's start with the essentials: where to buy tickets, what the recent sales rules mean in practice, how to plan the route between Wawel and the Factory, and what to do if time slots are sold out. Everything is written in a simple, friendly tone so you can plan your Krakow day right away.
Wawel is a symbol of Poland's history: the royal castle, the cathedral with the tombs of kings, and spaces full of art and legends. Visiting Wawel gives context for understanding the city's past and Krakow's role in the country's history.
Schindler's Factory tells a very different, difficult chapter of 20th-century history. The exhibition "Krakow - the time of occupation 1939–1945" is presented in a narrative, multimedia way - a walk through reconstructed fragments of the city, documents, personal belongings and exhibition solutions that help to understand the fate of inhabitants during the war.
Together these two sites create a powerful, complementary picture of Krakow: from royal halls to testimony of everyday life under occupation. For many visitors it's an essential part of the itinerary.
Location and the exhibition: the Factory (Lipowa 4, Zabłocie district) houses an exhibition about Krakow in 1939–1945. The visit includes Schindler's office, reconstructed fragments of the urban fabric and numerous multimedia materials - the exhibition is widely praised for its scenography and narrative.
New ticketing rules (important for planning): in 2024–2025 changes were introduced to regulations and the sales system. In practice this means: group and individual tickets appear in the online system a set time before the visit (so it pays to check the official ticketing system regularly), the Factory's ticket office sells tickets in-person only on the day of the visit (for the next available date), and there are limits on in-person purchases (for example, a maximum number of tickets per person per day). The museum also rolled out additional organisational changes in 2025 to streamline sales.
Where to buy tickets: the safest option is the official ticketing system of the Museum of Krakow. Avoid offers from private resellers who may repackage time slots or inflate prices - this is a common source of frustration for visitors.
Free and reduced days: city museums sometimes offer free-entry days (for example certain Mondays or other designated days). If you're watching your budget, check the Museum of Krakow schedule before your trip.
Practical visit time: plan 60–90 minutes for the exhibition. If you want to study the topic more deeply, allow extra time for reading and watching multimedia content.
Accessibility and practicalities: the entrance is at the building on Lipowa Street; you can reach Zabłocie by tram to stops like Plac Bohaterow Getta or Zabłocie. Expect a bag check and get your ticket according to the museum's instructions - if you reserve online, follow the pick-up procedures noted at booking.
Wawel is not a single "ticketed" experience - the castle comprises several routes and venues: the royal private chambers, the cathedral (with separate areas like the bell tower and crypt), and the treasury and armory. Sometimes entries are issued as separate tickets or as timed routes with limited places.
Buying tickets: during the high season it's best to buy tickets in advance on the official Wawel website. Many visitors purchase timed tickets online to avoid queues.
Best time to visit: early morning (right after opening) or late afternoon are usually less crowded. Wawel attracts crowds especially on weekends and in summer - plan ahead.
Special tips: if you want to climb the bell tower (near the Zygmunt Bell) or visit the crypt, check for separate requirements (there can be age or health restrictions). Photography rules vary by interior - follow the museum regulations and staff instructions.
Visit duration: a quick visit (courtyard and a brief look at rooms) takes 45–60 minutes; a full tour of internal routes can last 2–3 hours.
Distance and travel time: you can walk from Wawel to Schindler's Factory in about 30–40 minutes depending on pace and route (for example via Kazimierz or along the Vistula). A tram or taxi reduces travel time to around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
Sample plan (example): 09:00 - Wawel (enter one of the routes), 11:00 - walk through Kazimierz, quick lunch in a café, 13:30 - arrive at Schindler's Factory for your reserved time slot. This kind of plan is comfortable and leaves time for breaks.
Avoiding schedule clashes: reserve both tickets in advance and leave a time buffer between them (minimum 60–90 minutes for walking and breaks). If one of your tickets is timed, set an alarm to remind you when to leave the previous site.
Plan B: if Schindler's Factory tickets are sold out, consider visiting other nearby museums (other branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow), strolling around Kazimierz, exploring the Market Square and Cloth Hall, or booking entry to the Rynek Underground instead of the Factory.
Kazimierz and the area around Wawel are full of places to eat and relax. For a taste of local cuisine try traditional Polish dishes, or for something quick sample the famous zapiekanki at Plac Nowy.
Some popular suggestions: atmospheric cafes and eateries in Kazimierz such as Café Camelot and Mleczarnia are well liked by visitors; near Wawel you'll find restaurants serving Polish and international dishes - check current reviews before going.
Local tips: in Zabłocie near the Factory there are several modern cafés and small restaurants perfect for a quick snack after the exhibition. Ask staff about the "dish of the day" to get a local flavour at a good price.
Seasonal note: in summer popular places can be very busy - if possible make reservations.
Buying tickets from resellers or auction sites - many visitors encounter overpriced or repackaged offers. Always check the museum's official ticketing system.
Last-minute planning in high season - lack of available slots and long queues are common. Book ahead, or if you can't, arrive very early or choose weekdays outside the weekend peak.
Underestimating travel time between attractions - Wawel and the Factory are not next to each other; leave time to get between them, rest and queue if needed.
Not checking closure days and free-entry dates - some museum branches have free days or altered opening hours on holidays. Check schedules before leaving.
Is it worth buying tickets on site? If you arrive spontaneously outside the high season, you may get tickets at the ticket office, but in peak season availability is unlikely - it's best to reserve online.
Is photography allowed? Rules vary by exhibition and interior - in many parts of Schindler's Factory and at Wawel photography without flash is allowed, but follow signs and staff instructions.
Are these visits suitable for children? Schindler's Factory deals with heavy historical topics - consider the child's age and sensitivity. Wawel is a classic family attraction, although some routes can be long.
What if tickets are sold out? Check official cancellations and availability (sometimes slots reappear), try buying tickets at the Factory's ticket office on the day for the next available date, or switch to nearby attractions (Kazimierz, the Market Square, or other branches of the Historical Museum).
Schindler's Factory is located in the original administrative building of the former factory; the production halls in Zabłocie are occupied by MOCAK - a good example of industrial spaces finding new cultural uses.
Many visitors don't realise you can break up the day with a walk along the Vistula riverbank with views of Wawel, or a short stop in Zabłocie's cafés and galleries - a perfect way to rest between exhibitions.
If you plan an intensive day, pack a small water bottle, a light snack and a powerbank. While there are cafés in the centre and Kazimierz, a quick rest on a bench by the river can save your schedule.
Wawel and Schindler's Factory are two different but equally important lessons about Krakow - royal splendour and the memory of dramatic 20th-century times. Planning visits in advance, using official ticket channels and leaving time for transfers will make your visit much more pleasant.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media so others can benefit from these practical tips. If you prefer to explore Krakow with someone who knows the city and tells it in an engaging way, consider a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a great visit and many inspiring discoveries in Krakow!
