Admission tickets and guided tours for all of these museums can be booked through our travel agency.
This is one of Krakow’s most impressive museums. As you move through the exhibition rooms, you gain a deep insight into life in German-occupied Krakow, including the Krakow ghetto. Numerous authentic objects and modern multimedia displays create a powerful and moving atmosphere.
Our tip: If a school trip allows time for only one museum, the Schindler Factory is our clear recommendation.
Please note: The rooms are relatively narrow, so we recommend smaller groups. Rather than one group of 24 people, it is better to arrange two groups of 12 with two guides.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Advance reservation is required.
The permanent exhibition uses photography to document the Jewish culture of western Galicia, from the Krakow region to the Polish-Ukrainian border, as well as efforts to preserve this heritage. Unfortunately, the exhibition is not updated regularly.
Our impression: This museum is aimed more at visitors who already have some background knowledge and is less suitable for younger people.
Duration: approximately 45 minutes
No reservation required.
The Judaica Museum is housed in Kazimierz’s oldest synagogue, dating from the 15th century. The Gothic interior alone makes the building worth visiting. The permanent exhibition explains Jewish festivals, rituals, family life and private life among Polish Jews and presents an impressive collection of Jewish ceremonial objects.
Our recommendation: Particularly suitable for groups interested in traditional Jewish culture.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
No reservation required.
Only four metres beneath the Main Market Square is an archaeological site covering almost 4,000 m2, accompanied by a multimedia exhibition. The museum combines impressive visual effects with archaeological finds and tells the story of Krakow’s European identity. The exhibition, however, provides relatively little structured knowledge and is more of an experience than an in-depth educational tour.
Our conclusion: An entertaining attraction, particularly in poor weather, that appeals especially to children and young people.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Reservation recommended, although admission may also be available without booking.
Maximum 30 people per group.
Collegium Maius, Krakow’s oldest university building, dating from the 15th century, offers a fascinating insight into the history of the university. Visitors see historic rooms such as the Libraria, Aula and Stuba Communis, as well as the professors’ living quarters. A particularly important feature is the valuable collection of early astronomical instruments from the time of Nicolaus Copernicus.
Our recommendation: An enriching programme element that complements an Old Town tour perfectly.
Duration: approximately 40 minutes
Advance reservation required.
Groups of up to 30 people.
Wawel Castle, once the residence of Polish kings, has had an eventful history, and relatively little original furnishing has survived. The large 16th-century tapestry collection is especially impressive.
Our assessment: The Renaissance courtyard is an absolute highlight and should not be missed. The interiors are less essential.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Reservation required.
Maximum 30 people per group.
Wawel Cathedral contains royal tombs, memorials to Polish national heroes, works of art, the mighty Sigismund Bell and the royal crypt. A one-hour visit provides a journey through a thousand years of Polish history.
Important: A good guide turns this tour into a vivid account of Polish history; a poor one may overwhelm visitors with unfamiliar names and countless dates.
Our advice: The cathedral is an absolute must, even with a less experienced guide.
Our tip: To avoid the largest crowds, visit when it opens at 9:00 a.m. or shortly before closing at 5:00 p.m.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
No reservation required.
St Mary’s Basilica is an outstanding attraction that should not be missed. Its interior is one of Europe’s finest sacred spaces and contains artworks ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau. The most important work is the high altar by Veit Stoss, the largest Gothic altarpiece in Europe.
Our tip 1: Allow the guide sufficient time to explain the high altar. Its story provides fascinating insights into perceptions of nature, humanity and society during the Gothic and Renaissance periods, as well as the cultural connections between Germany and Poland.
Our tip 2: Where possible, avoid the ceremonial opening of the altarpiece at noon, when the church is often crowded and a quiet guided visit becomes difficult.
Please note: Owing to restoration work that began in 2015, access to the high altar may be restricted.
