The history of Jewish Krakow is an important and moving thread of the citys past — a story of centuries-old culture, neighborhood life and the difficult experiences of the 20th century. For children and teenagers a walk through Kazimierz and Podgórze can be both engaging and educational if you choose a route and pace suited to their age.
Exploring with a focus on "traces" means combining places of memory - synagogues, cemeteries, monuments - with everyday attractions: small museums, hands-on workshops, ice-cream breaks and playgrounds. That way history becomes understandable and the outing enjoyable for everyone.
In this guide youll find two ready-made routes (a shorter and a longer one), practical tips on logistics and behavior at sites of memory, suggestions for places to rest and a list of common mistakes families make and how to avoid them.
Start: Plac Nowy - a convenient meeting point and a quick beginning. The square is famous for the Okrąglak and zapiekanki, and is surrounded by cafés and small souvenir shops.
The walk follows Szeroka Street toward the Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) - here you can see a short exhibition about the history of the Jewish community. Next, visit the Remuh Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery - a place that often makes a strong impression but can be visited calmly in a short, gentle pace.
Finish with a short break for ice cream or coffee nearby (for example Massolit Books & Cafe) and a light meal. The route is short, does not require long distances and is suitable for a stroller or older preschoolers.
Start: the Natural History Museum area or near the Old Town - easy to reach and with parking nearby - from there head to Kazimierz.
Key points: the Old Synagogue (Museum branch), the Remuh Synagogue with its cemetery, the Tempel Synagogue and the Isaac Synagogue. After visiting synagogues you can go to Plac Nowy for a local bite, then cross the Dębnicki Bridge or the Bernatka Footbridge toward Podgórze. In Podgórze visit the Ghetto Heroes Square and the Memorial (see the Podgórze section below for more).
If children are older, consider adding a visit to the Oskar Schindlers Factory museum - the exhibition shows the city during the war and the factorys role. The longer route mixes places of memory with entertainment and food stops, so plan breaks every 45–90 minutes.
Old Synagogue (Szeroka Street) - the oldest preserved synagogue in Krakow and a branch of the Historical Museum. A short exhibition provides historical context and can be explained in simple language to children.
Remuh Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery - a site of great historical value; the gravestones and symbolism offer an opportunity to talk about memory, tradition and respect. Remember to behave quietly and dress appropriately.
Tempel Synagogue, Isaac Synagogue and the Popper Synagogue - each has its own history and character. Tempel stands out for its interesting architecture, while the Popper building today often serves cultural and commercial functions; such places show the variety of the districts former life.
Oskar Schindlers Factory museum (Podgórze) - the exhibition is more suitable for older children and teenagers due to difficult topics, but it helps to understand the wartime context of Krakow.
Podgórze is where the Krakow ghetto was created. Ghetto Heroes Square with the distinctive "Empty Chairs" monument is a powerful place of memory that can be visited after a walk through Kazimierz.
For families: plan this part as a short, reflective visit - tell the story calmly and avoid too many details for the youngest children. Nearby there are pleasant riverside areas along the Vistula that are good for resting.
If you plan to visit Oskar Schindlers Factory, allow enough time for the exhibition and adapt the visit to the childrens ages.
Kazimierz offers a wide range of places - from small cafés and ice-cream shops to restaurants serving Jewish and vegetarian fare. Noted local options include Massolit Books & Cafe (a cafe and bookshop, good for a family break) and the traditional restaurant Ariel, as well as popular cafés and ice-cream shops around Plac Nowy.
Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak are great for a quick meal - zapiekanki are a street-food classic, and youll find small eateries and bars nearby. For families choose places with simple menus and childrens options.
If youre staying longer, plan one longer sit-down break at a well-reviewed restaurant and shorter coffee and ice-cream stops between attractions.
Synagogues and museums: some sites require tickets and have limited visitor numbers - check opening hours before you go and consider booking tickets in advance. Museums often offer discounts for children and families.
Strollers and route usability: Kazimierz includes cobbled sections and narrow streets - short routes are more stroller-friendly; for longer routes consider a carrier for the youngest children or comfortable shoes and regular breaks.
Behavior at places of memory: when entering cemeteries and synagogues, keep quiet, do not touch tombstones and dress modestly (for example cover shoulders). Explain to children the importance of respect before you enter.
Trying to do too much in one day - attempting to see too many places in a short time. Solution: choose either the short or the long route and schedule breaks every 45–90 minutes.
Ignoring childrens needs - a long walk without engaging breaks can end in tears. Solution: add play, short tasks (for example looking for symbols on facades), ice cream or a mini-quiz about the place.
Lack of respect at places of memory - taking joking photos, loud behavior or walking on graves. Solution: remind the family beforehand that these are places of remembrance and that quiet, restrained behavior is appropriate.
Are the routes safe for children? Yes - both Kazimierz and Podgórze are safe neighborhoods for family walks. Pay attention to traffic when crossing major intersections and bridges.
How much time for each synagogue? A short visit with children is about 20–40 minutes depending on the exhibition and interest. Plan at least 1.5–2 hours for Oskar Schindlers Factory museum.
Is there a special dress code? There is no strict dress code, but at places of memory it is best to dress modestly - cover shoulders and avoid flashy outfits. In synagogues women often are expected to have knees and shoulders covered.
In Kazimierz for centuries both Jewish and Christian communities lived close to one another: in some places you can find a church and a synagogue side by side. This shows how complex and rich everyday life in the old city once was.
Not all synagogues look the same - the Tempel was built with more "modern" religious forms in mind, while Remuh and the Old Synagogue have older, more austere interiors. It is a good lesson that many traditions can exist within one community.
Plac Nowy is not only about zapiekanki - it used to host markets and crafts; information boards today explain how street life changed over time.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media - recommendations make it easier for other families to enjoy Krakow.
If youd like a tailored visit, consider booking a private guide - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can adapt the route to childrens ages, your familys interests and a pace that suits you. Contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
Wishing you inspiring walks, curious questions from the children and safe, respectful discoveries in the heart of Krakow.
