Page 215 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  213

Admission Prices
Admission charges to museums
and galleries are modest but
may be increased substantially
for a temporary exhibition.
Reduced rates are available
for children, students and
senior citizens. Overseas
students should carry a
valid international student
card in order to qualify for
a discount (see p214).
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the
museums and galleries listed in Tourists in Market Square, with the Church of St Mary in the background
this guide are given individually Language
for each sight. Most state modestly: as well as the torso,
museums and galleries are Learning a anguage has under- upper arms and legs should
closed on Mondays and private gone something of a boom in be covered.
galleries of contemporary art recent years, and most young Smoking is banned in most
are generally closed on Sundays. Krakovians speak English and public places. Almost all
Opening times vary depending maybe one other world restaurants and cafés are
on the day of the week, but language as well. Older- completely smoke-free indoors,
late openings are normally generation Poles are a bit less although smoking is permitted
on Thursdays. forthcoming when it comes to outside at restaurants and cafés
Churches usually remain open foreign languages, although that have a pavement terrace or
from the first to the last service they will make an attempt to a garden. Only a handful of bars
without closing at midday, but communicate with the few and clubs have retained a self-
there are some variations. Food words they may have. contained indoor area where
stores are open 7am–7pm, but Some taxi companies use smoking is still allowed.
there are no strict rules about drivers who speak foreign
opening hours, which are at the languages, so you may, for Accessibility to
owner’s discretion. Other shops example, request an English-
tend to open between 10am speaking driver. Staff at Public Conveniences
and 7pm. For information on museums, hotels and restau- There are free-of-charge public
opening times of banks and rants generally speak English, conveniences in big shopping
bureaux de change see p218. and possibly also one other centres such as Galeria
Restaurants are open until major European language. In Krakowska, next to the main
11pm although there are many many cases staff in shops, post railway station, and Galeria
pubs and bars that serve food offices and banks communicate Kazimierz on ul. Podgórska near
and stay open until the early in Polish only, especially out- the Kazimierz Quarter. Pay-to-use
hours. Twenty-four-hour bars side the city centre. It is worth toilets are scattered throughout
serving cheap drinks and making an effort to learn a few the centre and can be found in
snacks are popular with the words and phrases in Polish; the the Cloth Hall, on the Planty by
locals and easy to find. Phrase Book is a useful place to Sienna and Reformacka streets,
start (see pp257–8). and at the parking area by the
Wawel. All restaurants, bars and
cafés have facilities. Most of
Etiquette and Smoking these are free to use if you are a
There are nearly 100 Roman customer, although one or two
Catholic churches in Krakow restaurants do charge.
and masses take place at all
times of day throughout the
week. Sightseeing is allowed Taxes and Tipping
when there are no services It is common to give a tip in
taking places but visitors should cafés and restaurants with
refrain from making noise and waiting staff, although there
use cameras discreetly. In some are no strict rules as to how
churches, signs banning much this should be. Adding
photography are clearly visible 10 per cent to the bill or
Visitors enjoying a drink at one of the street on the door. When visiting places rounding it up to a suitable
cafés in the Market Square of worship, it is polite to dress number is considered polite.