If you’re wondering how to best explore Kazimierz, Nowa Huta and the traces of Jewish Krakow — you’ve come to the right place. My tours combine reliable history with anecdotes, practical tips and routes tailored to the time you have. Everything in a friendly atmosphere, without pedantry but with passion.
Quick facts at a glance: - The “Krakow Kazimierz” route usually lasts about 2 hours and covers the most important synagogues, Szeroka Street, the cemetery by the Remuh Synagogue and stories about Jewish culture in the city. - The “Nowa Huta” route is about 3 hours: Central Square, Nowa Huta Cultural Centre, the Wanda and Willowe housing estates, Aleja Róż, the Stylowa restaurant, the Nowa Huta Cross, Teatr Ludowy, the monastery in Mogiła and the site of the former steelworks. - There is the option to enter the air-raid shelters under parts of Nowa Huta (if you choose this, the tour can be extended by about an hour). - For large groups, headset sets (audio-guide) are available — a small fee per set ensures comfortable audibility in crowded places.
Kazimierz is rich in history, architecture and culture. The route I plan shows the essence of this district in about 120 minutes. Along the way we’ll cover monuments, everyday customs and culinary traces of the former Jewish community.
Main highlights of the route: - Szeroka Street – the former center of the Jewish town, with many important sites and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. - Old Synagogue (museum) – a short talk about rituals and daily life. - Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent Jewish cemetery – a place full of symbolism, where I’ll explain burial customs and the meaning of placing stones on gravestones. - Izaak Synagogue and Tempel Synagogue – discussion of architecture, function and founding history. - Corners from film and literature – places that appeared in cinema, including scenes connected with Schindler’s List.
Practical note: during the tour it may be necessary to buy entrance tickets to some sites; for example, admission to the Remuh Synagogue requires a small fee. It’s good to have small change for tickets and souvenirs. If you want, I can help buy tickets and plan the route to minimize waiting time.
Note: the route is flexible and I adapt it to the group’s interests — more religious history, more architecture, or more stories and anecdotes — the choice is yours.
Nowa Huta is a very different Krakow — a 20th-century district that tells the story of the Polish People’s Republic, socialist realist urban planning and the everyday life of hundreds of thousands. A typical tour lasts about 3 hours and combines walking with short rides by public transport or coach.
Main highlights of the route: - Central Square (named after Reagan) – the heart of the urban plan. - Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (NCK) – an example of adapting urban space for culture. - Wanda and Willowe estates – the first housing estates; I’ll point out differences in building styles. - The “Swedish” and “French” blocks and Aleja Róż – places with interesting local stories. - Stylowa Restaurant – an iconic place with the atmosphere of those years. - The Nowa Huta Cross and the history of the struggle to build a church. - Teatr Ludowy and the Cistercian monastery in Mogiła. - The site of the former Sendzimir steelworks – a talk about the industrial heritage.
Additionally: there is the option to go down into the air-raid shelters under part of the district — this is an add-on that will extend the tour by about an hour and give it an “underground” dimension. If you want this option, let me know when booking.
Practicalities: the route mixes walking and short transfers; I recommend comfortable shoes and a bottle of water. We usually start in central Krakow and reach Nowa Huta by public transport or car depending on arrangements.
Exploring traces of Jewish Krakow is not only about seeing synagogues and cemeteries — it’s an attempt to understand daily life, the language (Yiddish), cuisine and traditions that for centuries shaped the city’s landscape.
We will cover: - The symbolism of gravestones and the custom of leaving stones on graves. - Differences between synagogues: purpose, style and founding history. - Everyday life: markets, crafts, kosher cuisine and holidays. - Trauma and memory: how occupation looked and the local sites of remembrance.
Interior visits: some synagogues charge an admission fee; prices are modest, but it’s good to carry small change. As a guide I’ll help plan visits so you make the most of your time and see the most valuable sites.
Sensitivity: I tell this history with respect and sensitivity — questions are welcome, and if you wish we will address difficult topics and remembrance of the Jewish community in Krakow.
Opening hours of museums, synagogues and other sites may change — therefore: - It’s best to check specific opening times before you go. - In many places the tourist season means longer opening hours, and off-season shorter ones.
What to be prepared for: - Small admission fees for some synagogues (for example one site charges modest reduced and regular tickets). - Headset sets (audio-guides) are available for a small fee for larger groups — this improves listening comfort during the walk. - Weather: tours run regardless of weather; in case of heavy rain the route can be adjusted to spend more time indoors.
Meeting point and start: we arrange the meeting place individually after booking; often we begin at the Main Market Square (Adam Mickiewicz monument) or another location convenient for the group. If you have time constraints, tell me in advance — I will plan the route to cover the most important points.
Phone and contact for bookings: +48 501 962 037 (please call or send SMS) and email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Prices may vary depending on season and route length, but the following guide can help you plan your budget: - Short routes (2 hours) — standard price for a small group. - Longer routes (3–4 hours) — higher rate due to time and preparation. - Larger groups are charged per person. - Additionally: seasonal promotions and optional costs (entrances, headset sets).
When booking I will provide detailed pricing tailored to group size, tour language and route length. Tours can be conducted in Polish and in English.
Organizational notes: for larger groups it’s worth booking in advance and planning logistics to avoid queues.
How long is the “Krakow Kazimierz” tour? - Typically 2 hours. How long is the “Nowa Huta” tour? - Typically 3 hours.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, I guide in Polish and in English.
How do I book a tour? - The quickest way is by phone (+48 501 962 037) or email (kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com). After booking we’ll agree on a meeting place and start time and discuss route details.
Are entrance tickets included in the price? - The price covers the guiding service. Tickets to museums and synagogues are usually extra; I will help with ticket purchase and inform you about current costs.
What if it rains? - Tours take place regardless of weather; I can modify the route to spend more time indoors.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes, I adapt the narration to the age of the listeners; on request I prepare elements that engage the youngest participants.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbled streets of Kazimierz and a longer walk in Nowa Huta require comfort. - Bring a bottle of water and small change for tickets or souvenirs. - If you have mobility limitations — tell me when booking and I will prepare an accessible and comfortable route. - Want photos without crowds? The best times are early morning or late afternoon. - If you care about seeing interiors and entering synagogues, it’s worth booking outside peak season or arranging visits in advance.
I invite you to discover Krakow together — with humor, attention to detail and respect for history. If you want, I will design a route tailored to your interests — just write or call.
