Kraków is a layered city: within a small area you find the medieval Main Market Square, the royal Wawel and the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. Walking between these places lets you see not only monuments but also traces of cultural coexistence, the tragic consequences of the 20th century and the city’s contemporary life.
A route linking the Market and Kazimierz provides contrast — the monumental character of the Main Market Square and the intimate, atmospheric streets of Szeroka, Józefa and Plac Nowy. It’s an ideal weekend plan for those who want to understand Kraków’s history while feeling its modern pulse.
Below you’ll find a suggested two-day itinerary, a list of the most important sites, practical tips (opening hours, tickets, how to avoid crowds) and recommendations on where to eat and what to see off the beaten path.
Start at the Main Market Square — ideally in the morning, before the biggest crowds arrive. See the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall underground. The Rynek Underground (Market Square Underground) reveals how city life looked from the Middle Ages: building foundations, the layout of former stalls and archaeological finds.
After strolling the Market, walk through the Planty park or along Grodzka Street to Wawel — a short stop at the castle fits well into the first day. If you prefer a gentler pace, stay longer on the Market and visit a local café, for example Café Camelot, for coffee and cake.
In the evening, cross a bridge toward Kazimierz and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants on Szeroka Street or near Plac Nowy. It’s a good moment to soak up the urban atmosphere and explore local menus.
Begin the day on Szeroka Street — the former market square of the Jewish town. Along Szeroka you’ll find the most significant traces of Jewish presence: the Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków), several synagogues, townhouses and numerous memorial plaques.
The Old Synagogue is a must-see. In the branch of the Historical Museum you can view judaica, liturgical objects and an exhibition that brings the life of Kazimierz’s Jewish community closer. Nearby are the Remah Synagogue and the Remah Cemetery — historic places of worship and rest, with tombstones dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Don’t forget to visit Plac Nowy — once a trading square, today a lively meeting place famous for its zapiekanki (Polish-style open baguette pizzas). Walk along Józefa Street and peek into courtyards that show everyday life in old Kazimierz. If you have more time, cross Bernatek Footbridge to the Podgórze side to see sites connected with the ghetto and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle.
Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków) – the oldest preserved monument of Jewish sacred architecture in Poland, with an exhibition of judaica.
Remah Synagogue and Remah Cemetery – an active house of prayer and a historic cemetery with graves from the 16th–19th centuries; fragments of old tombstones are built into the cemetery walls.
Plac Nowy – a former market square, now a hub of social life, gastronomy and the famous zapiekanki stalls.
Rynek Underground – archaeological excavations under the Main Market Square showing the medieval character of the Market.
Pharmacy Under the Eagle and the former ghetto area in Podgórze – places of remembrance for the tragic fate of the Jewish community during World War II.
Less obvious points: the house linked to Helena Rubinstein on Szeroka 14, intimate courtyards and portions of the medieval city walls visible along the route.
Many museum sites have seasonal hours and days off (for example some synagogues may be closed during Shabbat and Jewish holidays) — before planning visits check current opening hours directly with each museum or site.
If you plan to enter the Old Synagogue, the Remah Cemetery or the Rynek Underground, be prepared to buy tickets on site or to reserve online for the Underground. Don’t leave a visit to the Rynek Underground until the last minute, as availability can be limited.
When planning your visit, estimate time realistically: a relaxed visit to Kazimierz with entry to 2–3 sites takes about 3–4 hours. Combined sightseeing of the Old Town and Kazimierz on a weekend may require breaks for rest and meals.
Kazimierz and Jewish memorial sites are not only tourist attractions but spaces of memory and worship. Keep quiet in places of prayer and cemeteries, do not climb on graves, do not touch objects without permission, and photograph thoughtfully — especially interior spaces of houses of worship.
If you visit the Remah Synagogue during services or holidays, respect religious practices: places may be closed to visitors and photography can be restricted. When in doubt, ask staff or the site host.
Remember to dress appropriately when entering places of worship and that not all stories about the city are cheerful — listen and ask questions with empathy.
Kazimierz offers a wide culinary range: classic cafés and international kitchens. On the Old Town it’s nice to have coffee at Café Camelot, and in Kazimierz try Alchemia for atmosphere and local events, Mleczarnia for a cozy café vibe, and at Plac Nowy sample a zapiekanka from one of the stalls.
If you want dishes connected to Jewish or Israeli tradition, look for restaurants around Szeroka and Józefa that serve cuisine inspired by Jewish culinary traditions — a good way to complement the historical experience with local flavors.
For dinner it’s worth reserving a table, especially on weekends — Kazimierz can get busy and many restaurants fill up with both tourists and locals.
1) Confusing Kazimierz with the whole of “Jewish Kraków” — Kazimierz is important but it isn’t the only place connected to Kraków’s Jewish history. Explore Podgórze and the museums as well.
2) Arriving at the last minute to ticketed attractions (for example the Rynek Underground) — reserve ahead or arrive at opening time.
3) Inappropriate behaviour at sites of memory — remember silence, modest dress and respect for sacred spaces.
4) An overly tight schedule — give yourself time for breaks, coffee and simply to absorb the atmosphere.
Fragments of many old tombstones are embedded in the wall of the Remah Cemetery; not all could be preserved intact and some pieces were incorporated into the fence as testimony to history.
Many tenement houses on Szeroka and nearby streets remember the time when Kazimierz was a separate town — façades and courtyards can tell stories about former residents.
Helena Rubinstein, the famous cosmetics entrepreneur, was born in Kraków’s Kazimierz — her life is an interesting example of how local history connects to global stories.
Is one day enough? - One day lets you see the main highlights, but two days are more comfortable, especially if you want to enter museums and soak in Kazimierz’s atmosphere.
Do I need to reserve tickets for synagogues? - Many synagogues and museums sell tickets on site, but for certain attractions (for example the Rynek Underground) online reservation can be required or recommended.
Is Kazimierz safe after dark? - Kazimierz is a popular district both day and night. As in any large city, keep basic precautions, watch personal belongings and avoid poorly lit alleys late at night.
Visiting the Main Market Square and Kazimierz in the footsteps of Jewish Kraków is a perfect weekend idea — it combines key monuments, sites of memory and local atmosphere. Plan your route so you leave room for unhurried moments to feel the city’s space.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others discover Kraków. If you prefer to tour with someone who can tell more historical details and tailor the route to your interests, consider contacting the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; you can find her information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Enjoy your visit and take care as you discover Kraków!
