Is the MOCAK Museum in Krakow Really Worth a Visit?

Is the MOCAK Museum in Krakow Really Worth a Visit?

This post is all about the MOCAK Museum in Krakow.

mocak museum krakow

MOCAK

MOCAK is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow.

Opened in 2011, MOCAK prides itself on displaying pieces that have an emphasis on post-war avant-garde and conceptual art.

I know what you’re thinking.. Krakow is one of the most important and historical cities in Europe. Do you really want to spend your time in a contemporary art museum?

Honestly, YES! This was one of my favorite experiences in Krakow and I think it is well worth the visit.

Planning a trip to Krakow? Don’t forget your FREE printable so you don’t miss a thing! Also, check out my other blog post, 13 Important Things to do in Krakow.

things to do in Krakow

How to Plan Your Trip to MOCAK

The museum is right next to the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory.

So, it makes the perfect day for exploring both the contemporary art museum and the Oskar Schindler factory.

Set aside about 2-3 hours to explore each museum.

Hours

Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 7 pm

Friday 11 am – 8 pm

Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Monday – closed

Address

Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland

Tickets

You can book your tickets in person or online here.

mocak museum krakow
mocak museum krakow
mocak museum krakow

Art With an Edge on Humanity

What I really loved about the art at MOCAK is it seamlessly blended visual arts, the digital age, and feelings of humanity.

Along with the “digital art age” very much being a present theme, there was also a lot of focus on feminine art as well – specifically beauty of women aging.

mocak museum krakow
mocak museum krakow

MOCAK is Worth Your Time in Krakow

Overall I was engaged and inspired throughout my time in the MOCAK museum.

I appreciated the specific themes it strived to represent and the relevancy of connecting art with modern topics and the digital age.

things to do in Krakow MOCAK museum

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13 Important Things to do in Krakow That You Can’t Leave Without Doing

13 Important Things to do in Krakow That You Can’t Leave Without Doing

This post is all about the best things to do in Krakow Poland.

things to do in Krakow

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

Krakow is a step back in time.

With its rich history, preserved medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets, Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most majestic cities in Eastern Europe.

Poland is filled with many iconic landmarks, it’s hard to prioritize what to see. Krawkow especially is so rich in history, it can make a first-time visit overwhelming.

things to do in Krakow

Where to Stay in Krakow

Budget – Greg & Tom Beer Hostel (check out my review blog post here)

Moderate –Novotel Krakow Centrum

Luxury – Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków 

My Krakow Essentials

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Here are the best things to do in Krakow Poland


1. Walk around the main square – Rynek Główny

Rynek Główny is the main square of Krakow and it’s hard to miss!

The beautiful architecture forming the square is mesmerizing. It’s also the perfect chance to see if any events are taking place, like the Krakow Christmas market.

things to do in Krakow

2. St Mary’s Basilica

Located in the main square, St Mary’s Basilica is a stunning church with polish-gothic architecture.

things to do in Krakow

3. Take a Free Walking Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter

Learn about the old Jewish Quarter by taking a free walking tour with Walkative.

This tour will take you all around the old Jewish quarter where you will learn about many historic synagogues, the former Jewish ghetto, and heroes square.

things to do in Krakow

4. The Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square is a haunting and important site.

This is where you will find the Empty Chairs of Krakow memorial to remember those who left the Krakow ghetto and were never to return.

Also located in Heroes Square is the famous Eagle Pharmacy. The pharmacist is historically honored for hiding jews in the pharmacy who were marching from the ghetto to their death.

things to do in Krakow

5. Tworzywo Coffee Shop

Tworzywo Coffee Shop is conveniently located in heroes square. Sit down and have a cup of coffee and cake in one of the cutest coffee shops in the former jewish quarter.

6. MOCAK Art Museum

MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is truly one of the coolest modern art museums! I loved getting lost in all the creative exhibitions. Definitely prepare to spend a few hours here.

Check out my review of the MOCAK here.

things to do in Krakow MOCAK museum

7. Eat Traditional Polish Food

You can’t leave Krakow without trying delicious polish food!

Zapiekanka is a street food must try, which is Poland’s own version of a flatbread pizza. Also, be sure to eat traditional polish dumplings.

Gaska Goose Restaurant and Kuchnia U Doroty are both delicious restaurants to try polish food.

8. Explore Old Town

Colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Need I say more? Old town Krakow feels like a fairytale.

things to do in Krakow

9. Take an Auschwitz Tour

A chilling experience back in time. While this tour is hard to stomach, I personally think it’s essential to educate ourselves on such a dark period of history.

I had a great experience with the Auschwitz guided tour I took, which you can find linked below.

Auschwitz things to do in Krakow Poland

10. Wawel Castle

The spectacular Wawel Castle was once the royal residence. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

Wawel Castle things to do in Krakow

11. Harris Piano Jazz Bar

If you’re looking for a night out with quality cocktails and live music, check out Harris Piano Jazz Bar. It’s located right in the middle of old town near the square.

things to do in Krakow at night

12. Oskar Schindler Factory

If you’ve seen the movie (or even if you haven’t!) be sure to take a tour through the Oskar Schindler museum. Go at your own pace or book a guided tour (and skip the LONG line).

The museum is technically called the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and focuses more on the city during the Nazi occupation. However since it was the real Oskar Schindler factory, it has included bits of him as well.

things to do in Krakow Schindlers factory tour

13. St. Florian’s Gate & Barbakan

What was once a fortified outpost connected to the walls of the city and surrounded by a moat is now a historic gateway into Old Town Krakow.

st florians gate things to do in krakow
Krakow Poland things to do in Krakow
things to do in Krakow Poland

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Is Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel the Coolest Hostel in Krakow?

Is Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel the Coolest Hostel in Krakow?

This post is all about staying at Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel in Krakow, Poland.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been backpacking for a long time now, which means my standards for hostels are HIGH.

Typically, my top priorities when booking a hostel are comfort, fun, and cleanliness.

When I was traveling for 5-months around eastern Europe, I heard repeatedly how Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel in Krakow was a backpacker favorite.

So, I decided to check it out myself.

greg and tom beer house hostel poland

Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel in Krakow

First of all, let’s establish that there are three different Greg & Tom Hostels in Krakow.

The Greg & Tom Hostel

Greg & Tom Party Hostel

Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel

While this review is specifically over my stay at the Greg and Tom Beer House location, I’ve heard all three hostels are similar and super great!

Shop My Hostel Essentials

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Don’t Forget Your FREE Krakow Printable

things to do in Krakow

Location

Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel is in a prime location for exploring Krakow. Located right in the center of old town Krakow, it’s walking distance to everything you’ll want to do in the city.

greg and tom beer house hostel

The hostel can be found on Google Maps under the name of ‘Beer House’.

The exact address is Florianska 43, 31-09 Krakow, Poland.

Where to Book

Book your stay by clicking the button below or here on hostelworld.

Rooms & Prices

Prices may vary according to season, but I paid about $18 USD a night for a 6-bed mixed dorm.

Additionally, they offer 4-bed, 10-bed, and 12-bed mixed dorms. Unfortunately, they don’t offer female-only dorms.

The price includes complimentary breakfast AND dinner. I definitely took advantage of the free meals, mostly because they were so delicious!

It was by far the best food I’ve ever had at a hostel.

Tour Add Ons

The hostel does offer a variety of tours you can book for your stay.

Some of the tours book up weeks in advance, especially the tour to Auschwitz. Be sure to communicate with the hostel when you want to book your tour.

The Auschwitz tours are around 160 PLN and include transportation, a professional guide, and entrance to the museum.

Zakopane tours include return bus ticket to Zakopane, thermal pools, and Morskie Oko.

The Hostel Pub Crawl costs 60 PLN and includes games, 1hour of unlimited drinks, welcome shots, and free entrance to various clubs.

You will also meet many good friends on the pub crawl, it’s a must-do!

The Vibes

Greg and Tom promote themselves as a party hostel and they even send you an email after booking to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.

greg and tom beer house hostel

I was thankful for their forwardness because I don’t typically book party hostels.

However, I was so surprised at how clean and tame they kept things around the hostel. A lot of the party happens outside of the hostel and I appreciated those boundaries. I had a great balance of party and good sleep!

Also, there is 24-hour reception in case you ever have any issues.

The vibes overall were amazing and I made so many good friends out at the pub crawl or even staying in to eat the hostel dinner. There are so many opportunities for socialization!

hostels in krakow polland
hostels in Krakow Poland

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