Kazimierz is a neighborhood that surprises at every turn: cobbled streets, intimate courtyards, synagogues with a quiet dignity and at the same time a food scene full of aromas - from hearty cholent to fresh hummus and falafel. It’s the perfect backdrop for a long weekend: a well-planned walk lets you feel the history and taste local flavors without rushing.
For many visitors, Kazimierz is above all a district where Jewish culture mixes with modern cafes and an active evening scene. Here you’ll find Plac Nowy with the legendary Okrąglak - a must for lovers of zapiekanki - and streets like Szeroka, Józefa and Miodowa full of eateries serving mezze and traditional Ashkenazi dishes.
If you’re coming for a long weekend, divide your time into shorter modules: a quick tasting walk, an afternoon of sights with coffee, or a longer evening program with dinner and music. Plan so that eating and sightseeing complement each other - that’s when Kazimierz shows its best side.
Short answer: because it’s compact, very varied and easy to explore on foot. Within a few streets you’ll find several synagogues, the Remuh cemetery, galleries, atmospheric cafes and food spots that satisfy many preferences - from vegans to lovers of meaty traditions.
A long weekend is a great chance to dive into the district’s history and also sit down for a longer meal in a recommended restaurant. Less hurry means better photos in the golden hour, more relaxed courtyard discoveries and the possibility to reserve an evening table.
Another advantage: Kazimierz connects well with other Krakow attractions. A short walk to Wawel, crossing the Bernatka footbridge to Podgórze or a trip to the Rynek Underground can easily be included in your weekend plan.
90-minute route (lunch): start at the Old Synagogue, walk along Szeroka Street, order quick mezze at one of the spots on Miodowa - hummus, falafel, small plates to share - and finish with a short coffee in a courtyard. Ideal when time is limited.
2-hour route (afternoon): visit the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, stroll down Izaaka and Wysoka streets, grab street food at Plac Nowy and enjoy dessert at a café on Józefa. This pace allows you to stop for architectural details and a few photo spots.
Evening route (approx. 3 hours): walk through the courtyards between Józefa and Meiselsa, have dinner of mezze and a main dish and, if you like, attend an intimate concert or live performance. In the evening Kazimierz changes - lights, music and smaller crowds create a special atmosphere.
If you’re after solid hummus and good mezze, one of the most recognizable spots is Hamsa Hummus & Happiness - a restaurant known for mezze in a relaxed atmosphere; it’s a great base for sharing plates and trying different flavors.
For those who want to taste classic Jewish cuisine in a more traditional setting, consider places along Szeroka Street, where restaurants serve dishes inspired by Ashkenazi cuisine - flavorful cholent, kugel or gefilte fish can be experienced here in their historical context.
You can’t skip Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak - it’s essential for street food lovers. The zapiekanki at Plac Nowy are part of Kazimierz’s evening culture; everyone has a favorite window, but the idea is the same: a simple, cheap and filling snack perfect between bars or as a quick stop on your route.
Kazimierz is full of small cafés hidden in gateways and courtyards. The best time for coffee is mid-afternoon between 14:00 and 16:00 - museums and interiors tend to be busier then, and a café break gives you a breath before more sightseeing.
Look for places with a simple menu: good coffee, herbal teas, sweet challah and cheesecakes. If you want something more local, try desserts inspired by Jewish cuisine, for example challah served with sweet toppings.
For travelers short on time, I recommend coffee to-go and a short walk through the courtyards - often that’s enough to feel most of the district’s atmosphere.
Kazimierz is a place of memory - in many spots silence and restraint are expected. In active synagogues dress modestly, silence your phone and take photos only where allowed. Respect prayers and people visiting the sites of worship.
At the Remuh cemetery and on other matzevot do not lean on gravestones. The tradition is to leave a small stone on a matzevah as an expression of remembrance rather than placing flowers in the way other cultures do. This simple gesture shows respect.
Also remember: do not enter places of worship if services are underway unless you are explicitly invited. If you want to learn more about symbols and customs - ask the guide or local staff; it’s a good way to deepen understanding without committing a faux pas.
Israeli cuisine and mezze work well for vegetarians and vegans - hummus, falafel, grilled vegetables, labneh and various dips are natural choices. Many venues are happy to suggest which items can be modified.
If you need gluten-free dishes, ask the server about the composition of pitas and sauces or possible substitutes (rice, salads instead of bread). In practice most well-reviewed places in Kazimierz can prepare a simple alternative.
With that knowledge you can confidently try local flavors without worrying about dietary compromises - just ask and request small modifications.
Not booking for the weekend - many smaller places fill up between 19:00-21:00. If you want a specific restaurant in the evening, call or reserve online in advance.
Thinking the whole district is a museum - Kazimierz is alive and working. When visiting eateries remember table culture: share mezze, don’t over-order and reserve a table for larger groups. This helps service and improves the experience.
Photographing without thought in places of worship - avoid taking photos during services and remember that cemeteries are places of remembrance. A simple correct move is to ask or wait to photograph outside of prayer times.
For centuries Kazimierz was a separate town founded by King Casimir - it’s not just a “former part of Krakow” but a place with its own history and traditions, something you’ll feel during a walk.
Small courtyards between tenement houses often hide local galleries and cafés - go through side gateways, not just the main streets. These are often the best spots for a quiet coffee and photos without crowds.
The zapiekanka at Plac Nowy has many masters - everyone recommends a different window. If you want to try a local ranking, sample a few variants and choose your favorite stall.
Do I need a reservation? On weekends and evenings - yes, especially if you’re aiming for popular restaurants. During the day you can often arrive spontaneously.
How much does a meal cost? Mezze usually range around 18–35 PLN per dish; main courses in casual places range from about 35 to 75 PLN. A zapiekanka at Plac Nowy is the cheapest, very local option for a quick bite.
How long does sightseeing take? A quick look at the main spots takes 1–2 hours; a relaxed exploration with breaks for food and photos takes 3–4 hours. For a long weekend I recommend splitting your time into two blocks: a morning walk and an evening food-focused part.
Is Kazimierz safe in the evening? Yes - Kazimierz is a tourist neighborhood and generally safe. As anywhere with nightlife - take basic precautions, watch your belongings and avoid poorly lit streets alone late at night.
If you found this article useful, share it on social media or send it to friends - it’s the best way to help them plan a long weekend in Krakow.
If you want to experience Kazimierz “with class” and gain more than a map - I recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Professional guiding combines historical storytelling with culinary flavors and helps with bookings and choosing small recommended places. For reservations and details visit the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
