Before you enter the Czartoryski Palace (Pijarska 15) — it’s worth planning a short break to freshen up. The museum does have restrooms, but they are not always located in every part of the exhibition and sometimes are on a different level or in a separate building (for example in the part known as the Arsenal). If you have a small child, a stroller, or use a wheelchair, pay attention to accessibility features: some areas have adapted toilets and baby changing facilities. The most reliable source of information about locations and accessibility is the museum information desk at the ticket office — ask staff as soon as you arrive.
Remember that some historic museum buildings have narrow staircases and constraints of historic architecture, so restrooms may be located off the main route or reachable only by elevator. If you need an accessible toilet, ask a museum employee for directions — some parts of the complex (e.g., the building called the Arsenal) are better adapted.
If you plan a longer visit and want to avoid stress, use the restroom right after buying your ticket or before you begin the route — in practice this is the simplest way not to interrupt your visit later.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum is part of the National Museum in Kraków — opening hours, timed ticket sales and cloakroom rules apply. The museum is usually closed on Mondays; from Tuesday to Sunday it opens in the morning and afternoon (check current opening hours before your visit).
The cloakroom does not accept large suitcases — only small backpacks and handbags are allowed. If you arrive with large luggage, plan to leave it at your hotel or in a city luggage storage facility. The cloakroom restrictions protect the collections and reflect the spatial limits of historic interiors.
Tickets are often sold for a specific time, so arrive a little early — last admission is usually some time before closing, so plan a restroom break before starting the route.
The museum provides information about visitor facilities — some branches have elevators, toilets for wheelchair users and wheelchair loan services. If in doubt, ask at the information desk by the ticket office — staff will point out the nearest restroom and help you use an elevator or an alternative route.
For visitors with visual impairments there are descriptions and apps to help navigate the exhibition; in some adapted toilets there are extra markings and alarm systems (for example a pull cord to call for assistance). If you need particular facilities (a changing table, an accessible toilet), report this on arrival — the museum often has adapted toilets or can direct you to the nearest available solution.
If you prefer to preview the routes, the museum offers virtual paths — a useful way to plan your visit and check the layout of rooms before you come.
If you discover a restroom on the route is temporarily closed or occupied, you have safe options: ask staff for the nearest visitor restroom, visit a nearby café or restaurant (it’s polite to buy at least a drink), or use the city toilets around Market Square and the Planty. In peak season queues can be long, so try to plan your break before entering.
Around the Czartoryski Museum (Old Town) there are several well-reviewed places where you can quickly use a restroom and sit for a coffee or a simple meal — a convenient option for families with small children or groups on a tight schedule. Recommended places include historic cafés and restaurants around the Market Square, hotel bars on Pijarska Street and classic cafés in the Old Town. Choosing venues with good reviews increases the chance of clean, public restrooms.
If you or your companions need frequent access to a restroom (for example when traveling with small children), save a small map or a screenshot of nearby public toilets — the Planty and Market Square area have several restroom points.
Assuming that a historic palace has restrooms in every room — that’s not always the case. Instead, ask at the ticket office where the nearest WC is and whether an accessible toilet is available.
Trying to leave large luggage in the museum cloakroom — this usually won’t be possible. Leave big suitcases in hotel storage or a dedicated luggage facility.
Expecting a neighboring café to always let you use the toilet without buying anything — most cafés will help visitors, but it’s courteous to make a small purchase.
If you want to pair your museum visit with coffee or lunch, consider trusted places in the Old Town. Many have high ratings and are visitor-friendly: Noworolski (the café in the Cloth Hall) — a Kraków classic; Jama Michalika — a historic café with a unique atmosphere; and on or near Pijarska Street you’ll find hotel restaurants and small cafés that welcome guests after a visit. Choosing venues with good reviews increases the chances of clean, public restrooms.
For families with children: check before entering whether the venue provides a changing table; many popular cafés around the Market try to offer such conveniences. If you prefer a quiet place after sightseeing, pick a cozy side-street café rather than a busy spot right on the Market.
If you’d like a traditional meal after the museum, consider the recommended restaurants around Wawel and the Market Square — a pleasant end to a cultural day.
Do I have to pay for the museum toilet? Usually restrooms for museum visitors are free; however, some city toilets around the Market Square may charge a fee.
Are toilets available for visitors with mobility impairments? Yes — some parts of the museum (including adapted branches) have accessible toilets. If you need assistance, report it at the information desk.
Is there a baby-changing table? Some adapted restrooms may have a changing table; ask at the entrance or at the information desk.
What if the toilet is closed for cleaning? Ask staff for the nearest alternative — personnel often direct visitors to another point or suggest a nearby café.
The museum provides virtual routes — you can view part of the exhibition online before arriving, which helps plan breaks and choose the best route.
In historic museum complexes some toilets include extra facilities for visitors who are blind or visually impaired and have alarm systems — this is part of ongoing accessibility work. If you need such solutions, mention it at the ticket office and staff will point you to the appropriate restroom.
During the tourist season many visitors use free-entry days (for example Tuesday in some branches), increasing restroom usage — if you prefer a quieter visit, choose less popular times or days.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — it will help those planning a visit to the Old Town. If you want to get to know Kraków more deeply, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and full offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy your visit — a short coffee and restroom break is the best way to fully focus on the works of art!
If you like, I can prepare a small map marking restrooms, cafés and family-friendly places around the Czartoryski Museum — tell me your route and I’ll make it tailored to your trip.
