MNK Czartoryski Museum – Home to a Leonardo da Vinci Masterpiece
Address: Pijarska 15, 31-015 Kraków
Tickets: No need to book in advance, available on-site
Tour: Private museum tour with us
Official website: mnk.pl
The Czartoryski Museum isn’t just one of the best museums in Kraków – many consider it the most beautiful in all of Poland.
After a 10-year renovation, the museum reopened with stunning collections that guide you through the history of Poland. You’ll find royal treasures such as weapons, saddles, and personal belongings of kings, queens, and noble families.
The European art collection is world-class, with highlights including Rembrandt’s “Landscape with the Good Samaritan” and one of the most valuable Leonardo da Vinci paintings in existence: “Lady with an Ermine.”
You can see the museum in about an hour, but it’s even more rewarding if you explore the stories behind the art. For a deeper experience, we offer an exclusive private guided tour here.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – WWII History Comes Alive
Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków
Tickets: Reservation highly recommended (closed on Mondays)
Official website: muzeumkrakowa.pl
The most visited museum in Kraków is Schindler’s Factory – famous worldwide because of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List.
Many visitors expect the museum to focus on Oskar Schindler himself, but it is much broader than that. Instead, it is in our opinion the most powerful World War II museum in Poland, bringing the history of Nazi-occupied Kraków to life.
You’ll walk across swastika-tiled floors representing the years when Kraków became the capital of the General Government, and through narrow alleyways surrounded by ghetto walls while hearing whispers of Hebrew voices behind them. This isn’t a dry collection of weapons and documents – it’s an immersive experience that lets you feel what life was like during WWII in Kraków.
Because it’s very popular, book your tickets well in advance. While we think exploring it on your own works best, you can also join excellent guided tours via GetYourGuide.
👉 Want to go even deeper into WWII history? Check out our Hidden Kraków Bike Tour, where you’ll hear stories of hope, tragedy, and resilience that shaped the city and its people.
Wawel Cathedral – Where Polish Kings Were Crowned
Address: Wawel, 31-001 Kraków
Tickets: Available on-site, no need to book online
Official website: katedra-wawelska.pl
Is it an architectural mismatch or a living chronicle of Polish history? Either way, Wawel Cathedral is one of Kraków’s most impressive landmarks.
As we often say during our Complete Kraków Bike Tour, Polish history sometimes feels like Game of Thrones: dragons, wars, rival dynasties, and countless kings battling for the throne. Inside the cathedral, you’ll see it all reflected in art and architecture.
Here, Polish, Swedish, Italian, and Saxon kings were crowned – many of them later building their own lavish chapels in Renaissance, Baroque, or Gothic styles. You’ll also walk past royal tombs, saints, and bishops.
Don’t miss the Sigismund Tower, which offers one of the best panoramic views over the city – it’s included in your ticket.
An audio tour is available, but we actually recommend simply taking your time and soaking in the atmosphere rather than memorizing names and dates.
MOCAK – Kraków’s Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków
Tickets: Available on-site, no need to book in advance
Official website: mocak.pl
If you’ve had your fill of medieval castles and WWII history, head over to MOCAK, Kraków’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Since opening in 2011, MOCAK has become the city’s creative hub for cutting-edge international art.
Here, you’ll find bold and thought-provoking works from the past 20 years, often connected to themes of daily life, ethics, and social change. The museum offers both permanent exhibitions and seasonal highlights.
Even More Museums!
Kraków has dozens of museums, and you could easily spend weeks exploring them all. Whether you’re into art, history, or quirky hidden gems, the city has something for every taste.
Interested in more WWII history? Don’t miss our blog on the best WWII museums and memorials in Kraków.
