Yes — for a small, well-coordinated group of 2-6 people an optimal route through Kazimierz and the nearby area gives a full, moving introduction to the history and traces of Kraków’s Jewish community. Memories survive in the buildings, synagogues, cemeteries and museums, and a 2-3 hour walk allows you to see the most important points and sense the atmosphere of the place without rushing.
This guide offers a concrete route, practical tips (for example, days and hours when synagogues are closed), places for a break with good food, and a few surprising facts tourists often don’t know. At the end there is an FAQ section and a short list of common mistakes — and how to avoid them.
The easiest starting point is Szeroka Street — the historic heart of Jewish Kazimierz. For a small group I suggest 2-3 hours of walking with short stops at synagogues and the museum; if you want to visit the New Jewish Cemetery and enjoy a relaxed meal, plan 3-4 hours. The advantage of a small group is flexibility: you can stay longer at the Remuh cemetery or spend extra time in the Galicia Jewish Museum.
Keep in mind that many synagogues and institutions are closed on Saturdays (Shabbat) and on Jewish holidays — so it’s better to plan your walk on other days of the week. Also, before entering an active synagogue it’s good to have a head covering ready for men (kippa or cap).
Start: Szeroka Street — walk along the most important street of historic Kazimierz, where religious and commercial life was concentrated. Here you’ll feel the most intense atmosphere of the old district.
Old Synagogue (Szeroka 24) — the oldest preserved synagogue in Kraków, today part of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków; a short visit lets you see the architecture and exhibitions that tell about the life of the Jewish community before the war.
Remuh Synagogue and Old Cemetery (Szeroka 40) — a place with strong emotional significance: an active synagogue and an adjacent historic cemetery with matzevot and the grave of Rabbi Moses Isserles (Remu). On the cemetery you can also see the custom of placing small stones on graves.
Galicia Jewish Museum (Dajwór 18) — a small but important museum devoted to memory and culture of Galician Jews; exhibitions and documents that help understand the historical context. This is worth a visit if you want a deeper look at the community’s fate.
Tempel Synagogue (Miodowa 24) and Kupa Synagogue (Miodowa 27) — a walk down Miodowa shows differences in style: Tempel is known for stained glass windows, Kupa for archival details and its ties to craft communities.
New Jewish Cemetery (Miodowa 55) — if you have the time and energy, walk to the New cemetery to get a broader picture of a 19th–20th century necropolis, with many matzevot and a memorial to Holocaust victims.
Break: Plac Nowy — a good spot for a short coffee break or a legendary zapiekanka near the Okrąglak. For small groups it’s a convenient option for a quick meal and rest.
Old Synagogue — the visit includes an exhibition about the history of Kraków’s Jewish community; check the museum opening hours and ticket information before your visit.
Remuh Synagogue and Old Cemetery — this is the only place in Kraków where a historic site has an active prayer community next to it; the cemetery dates to the 16th century and features dense headstones with Hebrew inscriptions.
Galicia Jewish Museum — focused on memory and documentation; the displays are often intimate, so take some time to better understand Galicia’s history and the lives of its inhabitants.
Tempel Synagogue — unusual for Kraków because of its rich stained glass and the historically more liberal character of its community; stained glass is rare in Polish synagogues and worth noticing.
New Jewish Cemetery — established around 1800, it contains lapidarium elements and graves from the 19th and 20th centuries; near the gate there is also a memorial commemorating Holocaust victims.
Shabbat and holidays — most synagogues and some museums are closed on Saturday and on Jewish holidays, so check calendars and opening hours in advance. For a small group good days are Tuesday through Friday or early Sunday morning.
Head covering and dress — when entering an active synagogue, men should have a head covering; it’s useful to carry lightweight scarves or a kippa. Dress modestly and respectfully in memorial spaces.
Photos — photography is usually allowed in many places, but not always in prayer areas or during services; respect people at prayer and ask the site attendant if you are unsure.
Silence and respect — cemeteries and places of memory are not entertainment attractions; keep conversations moderate, do not walk on graves and avoid touching matzevot without a clear reason.
Weather and surfaces — narrow streets and uneven pavements; comfortable shoes are recommended. In rain a small group has an advantage — it’s easier to manage umbrellas and move without crowds.
Plac Nowy — for a quick local experience try the zapiekanki near the Okrąglak; it’s a classic, cheap and fast snack between stops on the route.
Zazie Bistro (ul. Józefa) — a popular bistro with good reviews; a great place for lunch after sightseeing, especially if you prefer a calmer restaurant where you can reserve a table.
Mleczarnia (cafés in Kazimierz) — an ideal spot for coffee and dessert in an atmospheric interior or garden; often recommended by both tourists and locals.
Ariel Restaurant — a place combining a restaurant with a gallery and klezmer music; if you want to listen to music in the evening and try dishes inspired by Jewish culture, it’s a good choice to reserve for a small group.
Important: when choosing a place go by current reviews and book tables on weekends, especially if your group is 4-6 people.
Kazimierz has many small hotels, guesthouses and apartments in old townhouses, offering an intimate historic-district experience. For a group of 2-6 people it’s worth looking for an apartment or two rooms close to Szeroka Street — most attractions will then be within easy walking distance.
If you prefer quiet, choose accommodation on Kazimierz side streets or a bit further in Podgórze; short taxis or trams provide easy access to the center. When choosing check reviews and photos, especially if authenticity of interiors and comfort matter to you.
On Szeroka Street there used to be several synagogues standing side by side — today many of those buildings have different functions, but the street layout still tells that story.
On some matzevot in the cemeteries you will see small stones instead of flowers — this Jewish tradition uses stones as a symbol of lasting memory and as a practical way to leave a sign on a grave.
Many Kazimierz buildings recall multicultural coexistence: tenement houses were multiethnic, with Jewish merchants, craftsmen and German neighbors — that’s why you’ll find an architectural and onomastic mix in older houses.
Not all synagogues in Kazimierz serve as worship spaces today; some have been adapted as museums, cultural centers or public venues, which can surprise visitors expecting only active temples.
Planning a visit on Saturday — many places are closed, and access to the active Remuh synagogue may be limited; check opening hours and local holidays before you go.
Disrespect at the cemetery — walking on grave slabs, loud conversations or ignoring people at prayer. Always keep an appropriate distance and calm.
Rushing the route — Kazimierz is a place to pause: it’s better to plan a shorter, calmer itinerary than to “tick off” points in a hurry.
Not preparing for weather and surfaces — uncomfortable shoes and no plan B for rain make the walk harder; carry a raincoat and comfortable footwear.
Do we need to book entries to synagogues? - It’s a good idea to check opening hours and book or pre-check tickets for the Old Synagogue and the Galicia Jewish Museum, especially in the high season; Remuh is an active synagogue so access to the interior can be limited during services.
Can we enter the cemeteries? - Yes, both the Old Cemetery by Remuh and the New Jewish Cemetery are open to visitors, but proper conduct is required and walking on grave slabs is forbidden.
Do you recommend a guide? - For small groups a guide adds a lot of value: stories, context and answers to questions. If you would like a private guided tour tailored to a small group, you can contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Parts of the route run along narrow and uneven pavements, and some interiors may have restricted access. If you need assistance, report it in advance so accessible options can be planned.
Kazimierz and the traces of Jewish Kraków are a space that connects history, everyday life and memory. For small groups it’s ideal for a deeper, reflective visit — without crowds it’s easier to notice details, connections and listen to personal stories. A walk along Szeroka, the cemeteries and the Galicia Jewish Museum forms the core of the experience, and a break with a zapiekanka or in an atmospheric café completes the outing.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a good visit to Kraków. If you want a private tour tailored to a small group, contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you and enjoy an inspiring walk among the traces of Jewish Kraków!
