Sometimes the weather doesn’t play along and forces a last-minute change of plans. But wind and rain don’t mean you have to spend the whole day in your hotel room. Krakow has plenty of attractions that don’t depend on the sunshine, so you can make the most of your trip whatever the forecast.
Don’t waste your time indoors waiting for the rain to stop. Whether you are into history, art or a bit of friendly competition, here are our ideas for a rainy day in Krakow.
Rynek Underground
This branch of the Museum of Krakow lies beneath the eastern part of the Main Market Square. Its permanent exhibition takes you through the city’s medieval past with multimedia displays, holograms of the old market buildings, an 11th-century cemetery, the remains of a burnt settlement, medieval paving and old merchants’ stalls. It is one of the best ways to understand Krakow’s history – and it is completely dry.
Schindler’s Factory
In 1937 an enamel and metalware factory was built in the Zabłocie district. During the Second World War it was owned by Oskar Schindler. Today the building houses one of Krakow’s most visited museums, with an exhibition on life in the city during the Nazi occupation. It is a powerful, moving experience that deals with difficult subjects and shows what people went through. Book your tickets in advance, especially at weekends.
MOCAK
MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art, stands on the site of the former Schindler factory complex, so it is easy to combine with a visit to Schindler’s Factory. It is one of Krakow’s most modern attractions, showing works by Polish and international artists that draw on the 20th-century avant-garde, from modernism to expressionism, performance and abstraction.
More museums
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to explore more of Krakow’s museums – from Wawel Royal Castle and the National Museum to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall. See our guide to the best museums in Krakow and to art galleries worth seeing.
Art-house cinemas
Krakow has big multiplexes such as Cinema City and Multikino, but if you are looking for somewhere smaller and more atmospheric, try Kino Pod Baranami on the Main Market Square or Kino Kijów. Alongside the latest releases, they often show more niche productions.
Escape rooms
Krakow has dozens of escape rooms with different themes and levels of difficulty – adventure, horror, thriller, history and fantasy. The aim is to get out of a locked room within an hour, using your wits, logic and teamwork. Most rooms are designed for 2 to 5 players, and many offer games in English.
A cosy afternoon at the hotel
If the rain really sets in, there is nothing wrong with a slow afternoon. At Grand Ascot Hotel you can warm up in our sauna, open 24 hours a day, and then enjoy dinner at our FOUR Restaurant – all without stepping outside.
Caught by a rainy weekend in Krakow? Now you know how to make the most of it. When the sun comes out again, see our plan for Krakow in 2 days.
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