Did you know that the International Cultural Centre (MCK) is located directly on the Main Market Square and regularly organises special hours for visitors who prefer quieter visits, as well as events with extra accessibility support? It's a great place to see temporary exhibitions and then explore the city centre along a route adapted for wheelchair users or for anyone who wants to avoid stairs.
In this article I’ll walk you through how to plan a comfortable and interesting afternoon in Kraków’s old town: what to see at the MCK Gallery, which tickets to consider, how to map a no-stairs route, and which cafés, restaurants and accommodations are worth considering.
MCK is known for interesting temporary exhibitions and cultural events — from contemporary art to presentations of European culture. Its location directly on the Main Market Square makes it easy to combine a gallery visit with other nearby highlights in the city centre.
In practice the MCK offers a number of visitor-friendly facilities: regular opening hours (usually Tuesday to Sunday), reduced-price tickets and promotional offers on selected days, plus specific days and times aimed at visitors who prefer a quieter experience.
It’s worth checking current exhibitions before you visit — MCK changes displays frequently, so the day and time of your visit can influence what you’ll see.
Ticket prices at Kraków’s public institutions vary: there are usually standard and reduced tickets, and many venues have special conditions for students, seniors and people with disabilities. Check in advance which groups are eligible for discounted entry or symbolic-price tickets.
At the MCK you can often find discounts for specific groups and lower prices for special events. Buying tickets online is a good idea for popular exhibitions, and be ready to present documents that confirm your eligibility for discounts (ID, student cards, etc.).
If you plan to visit several museums, look into city cards, museum passes or free-entry days — these can save you both time and money.
MCK states that the building is prepared for accessibility: there is a small ramp to the entrance, lifts inside the building, and hearing loops, while staff can provide information and assistance to visitors who need it.
At the same time, in some historic parts of the building there may be minor barriers, such as small steps or platforms in selected rooms. If you need a fully barrier-free route, contact the accessibility coordinator or send an email requesting details and possible assistance before your arrival.
MCK also organises events with sensory-friendly arrangements and offers the possibility to register for assistance (for example, accompaniment from the nearest public transport stop). This is a practical solution when you want to enter the gallery without unnecessary waiting or to have support on arrival.
Planning a no-stairs route in Kraków’s compact city centre means choosing wide pavements, crossings with ramps and avoiding narrow, stepped passages through courtyards or tenement buildings. I suggest a simple route: Main Market Square (MCK Gallery) — stroll along the Cloth Hall/west side of the Market — Grodzka Street (watch for short uneven spots and sections of cobblestones) — continue toward Wawel using the flattest paths along the river boulevards.
In practice it’s helpful to pick the shortest crossings with the fewest thresholds, avoid small cobbled stretches if you prefer a perfectly flat surface, and plan breaks at comfortable stops (cafés with step-free access, accessible toilets).
If you need a completely step-free route, contact the institutions you plan to visit (museums, galleries) in advance to confirm accessibility details and ask for route advice or possible assistance.
Museums in the centre offer a variety of themes and often provide aids for visitors with special needs. Depending on your interests you can choose historical exhibitions, iconography or contemporary art — many venues allow arranging a dedicated time for visitors with limited mobility.
Some branches of national and city museums offer rentable audio guides (sometimes free for people with disabilities) and special wheelchair-accessible routes. Always check opening hours — several institutions are closed on Mondays.
If you plan to visit multiple places in one day, look for information on luggage storage, accessible toilets and the possibility to reserve entry quickly.
Around the Market Square and in Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés and restaurants with consistently good reviews. If you’re looking for atmospheric cafés with easy access, consider classics such as Café Camelot — a charming spot close to the Market — and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz, known for its cosy atmosphere and courtyard garden.
Restaurants with good ratings include places serving regional cuisine and modern interpretations of Polish dishes; choose venues with reviews that note the quality of service and accessible entrances (for example, no steps at the door or the option to reserve a table near a ramp).
For accommodation, seek hotels that advertise verified facilities for guests with reduced mobility — hotels on or very near the Market often offer rooms reachable by lift and easy access to reception.
Not checking opening hours before you go — many institutions are closed on Mondays or have shorter hours outside the high season. Verify the current schedule before your visit.
Assuming every historic building has a lift — even when a venue declares accessibility, individual rooms may have steps or platforms. It’s better to contact staff ahead of time and ask for details about the touring route.
Not reserving for popular exhibitions — this can mean long waits or no entry at your chosen time. Buy tickets online or reserve a spot when possible.
Bring a small kit with helpful items: a bottle of water, a light raincoat (the weather can change), comfortable shoes suitable for cobbles and any documents that entitle you to discounts.
If you need assistance or detailed accessibility information — email the accessibility coordinator at the venue or call. Institutions often respond quickly and can help you plan the route step by step.
If you’d like a personalised guided tour of Kraków tailored to your needs, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Is the MCK Gallery accessible for wheelchair users? Yes — MCK has a ramp, lifts and hearing loops, though there may be small steps in a few places inside the building; if you need a totally barrier-free route, notify the staff in advance.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? For popular exhibitions and during the tourist season it’s recommended to buy tickets online or reserve in advance. Some days also have discounted prices or special hours.
Where should I report the need for assistance? The easiest way is to email the accessibility department of the chosen institution or call them — many places offer help starting from the nearest public transport stop.
I hope this guide helps you plan a comfortable and engaging visit to the MCK Gallery and the nearby area without unnecessary obstacles. If you find the article useful, please share it with friends or on social media so others can benefit from these practical tips.
If you need a tailored walking experience in Kraków, I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact and details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a great trip and wonderful encounters with art!
