How to see Podgórze by tram in 2 hours? This is the question many visitors with limited time ask when they want to feel the authentic atmosphere of Kraków’s south bank of the Vistula. The route below mixes short tram rides with easy walks — you’ll see Rynek Podgórski, parts of the former ghetto, and, if you wish, a quick look at MOCAK or Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
The plan is designed for comfort: minimal walking between points, a clear “what to do at each minute” approach and several practical tips that will save you time and help you avoid common tourist traps.
Important: track works and temporary tram route changes happen often in Kraków. Check current schedules before you go (in an app or on stop displays) — even with detours the route is doable and makes for a pleasant short walk around Podgórze.
Rynek Podgórski is the heart of the former independent town of Podgórze, which remained separate from Kraków until it was incorporated into the city in 1915. The square has an unusual trapezoid shape — an intentional urban trick to visually enlarge a relatively small space.
Dominant features on the square include the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Church with a tower modeled on the St. Mary’s tower, the representative New Town Hall (Rynek Podgórski 1) and several old inns and townhouses with interesting facades. Nearby is Bednarski Park, a former quarry revitalized into a scenic park.
Rynek Podgórski has a local, neighborhood feel — more intimate than the tourist-heavy Main Market Square, with cozy cafés and several very good restaurants close by. It’s a great place to experience everyday Kraków off the main trail.
Time: about 2 hours - roughly one third of the route is tram rides, two thirds are short walks and sightseeing. Start: Kazimierz (around Starowiślna Street / Plac Wolnica) or the Main Market Square - both options work well.
Compact suggested itinerary: - Board a tram near Starowiślna (or any convenient stop heading toward Podgórze). - Get off at the 'Korona' stop (closest to Rynek Podgórski) or 'Plac Bohaterów Getta' (if you want to go straight to the memorial and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle). - Walk to Rynek Podgórski - see St. Joseph’s Church, the New Town Hall and the charming townhouses. - Take a short walk to Plac Bohaterów Getta - the site of the former ghetto memorial and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle. - If time allows: a quick look at MOCAK or just the exterior of Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Zabłocie. - Return by tram or walk back via the Father Bernatek Footbridge to Kazimierz.
Approximate times and distances: tram ride from Kazimierz to Korona/Plac Bohaterów Getta - 5–15 minutes; walk from Korona to Rynek Podgórski - 5–10 minutes; a short loop around the square - 20–30 minutes; Plac Bohaterów Getta and the Pharmacy - 10–20 minutes. MOCAK or Schindler’s Factory need more time (usually 60–90 minutes), so choose one for a quick visit.
After you leave the tram, head first to Rynek Podgórski — it’s the best opening to the route: historic townhouses, traces of local trade and the neighborhood atmosphere. If you have a moment, step inside St. Joseph’s Church — the interior and altars are worth a look.
On the northeast frontage you’ll see the New Town Hall — a mid-19th-century building with a richly decorated facade. Also watch for old inns with names like 'Pod Jeleniem' or 'Pod Czarnym Orłem' — these traditional names are part of the local architectural identity.
From the square, a comfortable 10–12 minute walk takes you to Plac Bohaterów Getta — a place of memory that deserves a respectful visit. The famous Pharmacy Under the Eagle operated in the building at Plac Bohaterów Getta 18 and today is part of the Museum of Kraków’s Memory Route.
If you’re in the mood for contemporary art or a quick item to tick off your list, MOCAK (Lipowa Street) sits close to Plac Bohaterów Getta. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Lipowa) is an important memorial site — interior visits usually take longer and require a timed ticket.
Short answer: you can glance at courtyards and outdoor exhibits, but a full visit to MOCAK or Schindler’s Factory typically takes at least 60–90 minutes each. If you only have two hours, choose one or plan a separate afternoon for museum visits.
Practical tip: if you want to enter Schindler’s Factory, check ticket availability in advance and book a specific time slot. MOCAK usually has fixed opening hours and some temporary exhibitions require advance tickets — if you’re short on time, a walk around the buildings and a few photos still give valuable impressions of Zabłocie.
Quick alternative: skip the museum interiors and enjoy a coffee in a nearby café — then plan the museum visit for another day.
Trams are the most convenient way to reach Podgórze from the center and from Kazimierz. Key stops in the area include 'Korona' (near Kalwaryjska), 'Plac Bohaterów Getta' and 'Zabłocie' (closer to MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory).
Remember to check service updates — the city regularly carries out track repairs that may cause temporary replacement buses or tram detours. The fastest way to verify this is with a timetable app or by checking the stop displays.
Practical hints - pay attention which side to get off (stops can have platforms on different sides of intersections) and have your ticket ready before boarding. If you’re unsure about a route change, ask fellow passengers or the driver/controller for help.
Buy and validate your ticket before or immediately after boarding — ticket machines and validation work both on trams and at many stops. Tickets are available from machines at stops, kiosks or via mobile apps — using an app often saves time.
If you arrive by car, consider Park & Ride lots at tram termini — leave your car there and ride the tram into the center without the stress of paid parking zones.
Money-saving tip - if you plan several short rides in a day, check whether a time ticket (for example a 24-hour pass) is more economical than multiple single tickets.
Assuming the tram stops directly on the square - in practice you need to get off at Korona or Plac Bohaterów Getta and walk a few minutes. Check where your stop is before disembarking, as stop names can be similar.
Not checking museum opening hours and entry limits - Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK have varying hours and limited entries. If you want to go inside, reserve tickets in advance.
Parking near Rynek Podgórski - parking is limited and the paid parking zone covers the area. It’s usually better to park at a P+R lot and take the tram in.
MAZI - a restaurant at Rynek Podgórski 9 - recommended for relaxed, informal meals; the menu changes and it’s worth checking local reviews and reserving a table on weekends.
Cafés and small bars - the area has several cozy cafés (including local roasteries) perfect for coffee and a quick dessert before continuing your walk.
For non-Polish cuisine - Podgórze also hosts places serving Indian, Italian and Japanese food. Several spots around Zabłocie and Kalwaryjska offer tasty snacks and lunches, ideal for a short stop on the route.
Bednarski Park was created on the site of an old quarry - it’s a fine example of successful regeneration of industrial land, with scenic terraces and viewpoints over the city.
Plac Bohaterów Getta is not just a memorial - the artistic installations and symbols (for example rows of 'chairs') recall possessions left by displaced residents; it’s worth pausing and reflecting.
Rynek Podgórski has a slightly 'Lviv-like' character in its street layout and townhouses - locals joke that a walk through Podgórze feels like a short trip to earlier times or to smaller Galician towns.
Does the tram stop directly on Rynek Podgórski? - There is no stop on the market surface. The nearest stops are 'Korona' and 'Plac Bohaterów Getta' - both are a few minutes’ walk from the square.
Can I fully visit MOCAK or Schindler’s Factory in two hours? - A full visit usually takes 60–90 minutes, so it’s better to choose one or treat museum entry as a separate outing.
Where do I buy tram tickets? - At machines at stops, in kiosks or via mobile apps; always validate your ticket before any inspection.
Podgórze and Rynek Podgórski make an excellent 2-hour outing combining tram rides, a pleasant walk and local flavors. The route is flexible - you can adapt it to your pace and interests, and trams save walking time between points.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media to help others discover Podgórze in a practical way. If you prefer to explore with someone who knows these places well, guided services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz are available - contact details are listed on the guide’s website. Have a great trip and many pleasant discoveries!
Practical extra tips: carry a small umbrella (weather changes quickly in Kraków), wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and keep a charged phone with a transit app for live tram updates.
