Kazimierz is only a 10–15 minute walk from Wawel and 18–25 minutes from the Main Market Square — that makes staying in this neighborhood a great compromise between the atmosphere of “old Kraków” and quick access to major attractions. If you want to wake up among atmospheric cafés and take short walks along cobbled streets, choose Kazimierz. If your priority is the shortest morning walk and a "postcard" view from the window, consider the Old Town near the Planty.
From my experience as a guide, many people don’t realize that Podgórze (on the other side of the Vistula) connects to Kazimierz by the Bernatka footbridge in about 8–12 minutes on foot — a good option if you prefer a quieter place to sleep outside the noisy centre. Grzegórzki and Krowodrza usually offer better transport logistics (trams, parking), especially if you plan to visit Nowa Huta or arrive by coach.
Atmosphere: Kazimierz is a unique mix of historical memory, galleries, small shops, cafés and nightlife. Walking streets like Szeroka, Józefa, Estery or Miodowa you’ll feel the authentic vibe of the district.
Convenience: Short walks to Wawel and the Market, easy tram connections to farther parts of the city, and proximity to the Schindler Factory and bridges to Podgórze. It’s ideal for visitors who want to explore on foot and have a base full of restaurants and cafés.
Culture and events: every year Kazimierz comes alive for the Festival of Jewish Culture — streets fill with concerts, themed walks and exhibitions. If you want to take part in local events, check the festival dates before booking.
Kazimierz - pros: atmosphere, restaurants, short walks to landmarks; cons: on Fridays and Saturdays the area around Plac Nowy can be loud, and some buildings have noise from ground-floor venues.
Old Town (near the Planty) - pros: direct access to the Market, postcard views and short morning walks; cons: higher prices, more difficult coach access and fewer large parking lots.
Podgórze - pros: quieter at night, easy coach access, pretty views along the Vistula; cons: a few extra minutes to walk to Kazimierz and the Market.
Grzegórzki / Rondo Mogilskie - pros: excellent tram connections, many hotels with good capacity; cons: fewer “postcard” streets.
Krowodrza / Aleje - pros: cheaper accommodation compared to the centre, convenient transport; cons: a bit further on foot to the main attractions.
Make sure breakfasts are served early — for busy days I recommend a breakfast service starting around 6:45 or the option of packed lunches.
Ask for a room facing the courtyard rather than the street — the simplest way to ensure quiet at night. If the property has a ground-floor restaurant, request a higher-floor room.
Check whether reception is open 24 hours and if there’s a short-stay spot for a coach or car (important for arrivals and departures).
For guests with limited mobility the essentials are: elevator, wide doors, a walk-in (no-threshold) shower and close proximity of the elevator to the dining room.
Kazimierz is ideal for couples, groups of friends, food lovers and those who enjoy evening cultural life. If you want to get up at dawn and have the shortest route to a Eucharist or events on the Market, consider staying by the Planty.
Families with small children often prefer the Planty area or a base with easier access to attractions (fewer winding staircases). School groups or coach tours often choose hotels in Grzegórzki, Krowodrza or suburbs with larger parking lots and more budget options.
Starka (Józefa 14) — known for homestyle Polish dishes, flavoured vodkas and a cosy interior; a great choice if you want traditional flavours done well.
Bottiglieria 1881 (Bocheńska 5) — high-end experience with a tasting-menu approach. Book well in advance; perfect for a special evening.
Mleczarnia (Beera Meiselsa 20), Singer (Estery 20), Cytat Café (Miodowa 23) — atmospheric cafés and pubs, great for coffee, a light breakfast or evening relaxation. Don’t forget to try the zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — a Kraków street-food classic.
Choose places with the best reviews — check ratings and reserve tables at popular spots, especially in the tourist season and during festivals.
Morning: start at Szeroka Street and the Old Synagogue — the historical heart of Jewish life in Kraków; continue to the Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery.
Noon: take a coffee break in one of the local cafés, stroll along Estery and Józefa streets, visit Plac Nowy and sample local snacks.
Afternoon: visit a museum or gallery, walk along the Vistula, optionally stop at the Schindler Factory (short ride or walk). Evening: dinner at one of the recommended restaurants — if you plan Bottiglieria 1881, reserve far ahead.
Booking at the last minute in high season — problem: no tables in top restaurants and higher prices. Solution: book accommodation and dinners weeks in advance; for groups follow a reservation timeline (60–45 days: inquiries; 30 days: contract and deposit; 14 days: confirmation; 7 days: rooming list).
Not asking about breakfast times — problem: delays to your sightseeing schedule. Solution: request breakfast from around 6:45 or ask for two shorter breakfast services.
Choosing a street-facing room without checking local events — problem: noise from weekend parties. Solution: request courtyard-facing rooms and get quiet-hours info written in the booking confirmation.
Do you need to reserve a table in Kazimierz restaurants? Yes — in popular places and in the evenings reservations are often necessary. Exceptions are small cafés or street stalls (e.g. Plac Nowy zapiekanki).
What’s the easiest way to get from the airport? Taxis or door-to-door transfers are fastest. There are also airport buses, and tram connections make getting around the city easy after arrival.
Is Kazimierz safe at night? Yes — it’s one of Kraków’s tourist districts. As everywhere, keep standard precautions: watch your belongings in crowded places and be mindful of pickpocketing in crowds.
Is it worth coming for the Festival of Jewish Culture? If you enjoy music, meetings and guided walks about Kazimierz’s history — absolutely. Check the festival dates before planning your trip.
For centuries Kazimierz was a separate town and it has kept many traces of its Jewish history — walking these streets is a journey through time, not just an "Instagram" stop.
Next to cosy cafés you’ll find culinary options from comfortable Polish restaurants to world-class dining — the choice is wide, so plan your evening reservations.
If you want to combine comfortable accommodation with a smooth sightseeing plan and avoid wandering around lost, consider booking a private walk. As a guide I offer Kazimierz tours tailored to your time and interests — contact details and tour information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If this guide was helpful, please share it on social media or send it to friends. I invite you to use the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are on the website. Thank you and see you on a walk through Kraków!
