Did you know that Krakow has an unusual centre dedicated to the world of the senses — and that visits there are always led by a guide? WOMAI (Centre of Science and Senses) is an excellent option for a rainy day, a family outing or an engaging lesson in empathy. In this article I’ll explain how to plan a guided visit, which nearby places to consider for a meal afterwards, and what practical things to know to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
WOMAI offers interactive spaces focused on perception: the exhibitions “Towards the Light” and “Towards the Dark” let you experience different sensory phenomena and understand how the world works beyond stereotypical ways of seeing. Visits are led by a guide who explains the exhibits and accompanies the group — this is a core part of the experience, so don’t expect to explore on your own.
Visit length depends on the chosen path and activities — typically from around 1 hour up to 3–4 hours if you add workshops or demonstrations. It’s a great place for children, adults and school groups; many activities are designed to teach through play and experiments.
Remember to book in advance — tickets and group time slots are limited. WOMAI organises guided sessions at specific times, so planning ahead will save stress.
Centre address: ul. Pawia 34 in Krakow. Bookings and information about available times are normally published by the centre, but it’s a good idea to check by phone or e-mail before you arrive.
Visits are always guided — if you’re joining a tour organised with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, coordinate the visit times so you don’t waste time waiting between parts of your route.
WOMAI is ideal for bad weather — all attractions are indoors and climate-controlled. For families there are play zones and age-appropriate activities.
Sample plan: meet your guide in the morning, enjoy a short historical walk in the nearby area (Planty, the Old Town area), visit WOMAI in the afternoon, then have lunch or dinner at one of the well-rated nearby restaurants. This combination mixes a sensory experience with classic Krakow flavours.
If your time is limited, consider visiting WOMAI before the busiest tourist hours — morning sessions are often quieter, and afterwards it’s easier to find a free table for a meal.
When touring with older people or small children, inform the guide in advance — many parts of the exhibition can be adapted in pace and presentation.
If you’d like to stay close to WOMAI, check cafés and restaurants on and near ul. Pawia — here you’ll find friendly cafés and contemporary kitchens offering lunch menus. There’s a larger restaurant near Pawia 3 that often receives good reviews — consider booking, especially at weekends.
For a classic Krakow meal I recommend spots loved by locals: Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine in atmospheric cellars), Kogel Mogel (a modern take on tradition) and ZAZIE Bistro — known for good French-influenced dishes and reasonable prices. All three enjoy strong reputations and it’s wise to reserve for evening service.
Fans of sushi or Asian cuisine should explore places on Kazimierz, while plant-based diners will appreciate vegan and vegetarian options such as Krowarzywo and other well-rated vegan restaurants in the city.
If you want something quick and local — Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is a street-food hub; here you can try zapiekanki and other casual local treats in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you encounter the “Towards the Dark” exhibition, be prepared for an experience in complete darkness led by a guide — it’s not a self-guided maze but a safe, guided and often eye-opening (or rather, non-visual) experience.
Many city centre restaurants offer a daily set menu (lunch) which is a great way to eat well at a good price — ask about lunch offers, especially Tuesday to Friday.
A common mistake is arriving at WOMAI outside of guided session times — booking and syncing your visit with the guide’s schedule will save time.
To avoid crowds and high prices around the Main Market Square, choose side streets or Kazimierz for meals — you’ll often eat better for less.
Not booking in advance — WOMAI tickets and tables at popular restaurants can be limited, especially on weekends and in the high season.
Mismatching visit times — when planning, leave buffer time between stops so you can enjoy exhibits and your meal without rushing.
Eating only by the Main Market — poor value for money. Walk a few hundred metres from the main route to find better and more authentic places.
Not informing about dietary needs — if someone in your group has allergies or special dietary requirements, tell the restaurant and the guide in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Can you visit WOMAI without a guide? No - visits are guided and that’s part of the experience.
How long does a standard visit last? Usually between 1 and 3–4 hours, depending on chosen attractions and workshops.
Is WOMAI suitable for children? Yes - there are dedicated zones and activities for younger visitors.
Should I reserve a table after the visit? On popular routes and at weekends it’s advisable to reserve in advance, especially for top-rated restaurants.
I hope this practical guide helps you plan a great visit to WOMAI and pick a tasty place to eat in Krakow. If you’d like to personalise the route, adjust the pace or add a culinary stop tailored to your group’s preferences — contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her contact information is available on her guide profile.
If this text was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your sightseeing and bon appétit!
