Kazimierz is one of the most atmospheric parts of Kraków - narrow cobbled streets, old synagogues, quiet courtyards and lively squares with delicious street food. It’s a place where history sits next to everyday life, so a walk here can be both interesting and relaxed.
For children and teens Kazimierz offers plenty of attractions: short, engaging stories, places to discover (gates, courtyards, statues) and tastes that are easy to like - for example the famous zapiekanka from Plac Nowy or an obwarzanek krakowski.
This guide will help you plan a weekend walk of about 2–3 hours (ideal for families), but you’ll also find a 4-hour option and practical tips - parking, tickets and simple game ideas for the youngest.
Start: Szeroka Street - this is the heart of old Jewish Kazimierz. Here you can easily feel the historical atmosphere of the district and see handsome tenement houses and spots that are great for short anecdotes for children.
The Old Synagogue - one of the oldest preserved Jewish monuments in Poland. It’s a good moment to simply explain what a synagogue is and why it mattered to the community.
Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery - intimate, moving places. The cemetery holds stories and inscriptions; for younger children I recommend short, sensory stories rather than long lectures.
Miodowa Street and the Tempel Synagogue - they show different styles and functions of synagogues, and the walk between them is also a good chance to stop for a snack.
Izaak Synagogue and Wysoka Street - interesting architectural points that are easy to spot on the walk.
Plac Nowy - the perfect place for a break. Try a zapiekanka or another local treat and watch the neighbourhood life.
Optional: a short walk to the Bernatka footbridge (Kładka Bernatka), from where you can cross to Podgórze - a pleasant extension if you have extra time.
Time: 2–3 hours. A relaxed pace with short breaks for play and food.
1) Start at Szeroka (10–15 minutes) - introduce the area with a short story: who lived here and what the Jewish quarter was like.
2) The Old Synagogue (15–20 minutes) - a brief story about prayer, gatherings and important objects. Questions for kids: "What do you think people do in a building like this?"
3) Remuh and the cemetery (15–20 minutes) - a moment of quiet and reflection; talk about plaques, dates and what can be read from gravestones.
4) Walk to the Tempel and to Izaak and Wysoka synagogues (30–40 minutes) - during the walk plan a short game: search for original façade details (e.g. a star, a sculpture, an old house number).
5) Plac Nowy - break for food and play (30–45 minutes). This is also a place where children can watch city life and see how lively the square gets at the weekend.
6) Finish: a short loop through side streets and return. If you have energy, walk to the Bernatka footbridge and look at the Vistula River.
Mini missions: prepare a short checklist of things to 'discover' - e.g. "find the oldest plaque, count the steps by a tenement, locate a mural". Kids like collecting points.
Stories and riddles: instead of long facts, tell short, colorful stories (e.g. anecdotes about Kraków craftsmen, local legends) and ask riddles connected to the place.
Quick sketches: a short break with paper and crayons - draw your favourite gate or synagogue. It helps remember the place and keeps younger kids engaged.
Photo challenge for teens: who can take the best photo of an architectural detail or the 'most atmospheric' courtyard?
Best time: morning (8:30–10:30) or afternoon (after 14:00) - there are fewer crowds and the walk is more pleasant. On weekends Plac Nowy can be busier, so choose an earlier time for a break if you prefer calm.
Getting there: Kazimierz is close to the Old Town and well connected by trams and buses. Many people walk from the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) which takes about 15–20 minutes.
Parking: if you arrive by car, allow extra time - good options include areas near Plac Wolnica or paid garages in the centre. Have 2–3 backup options, as spaces can fill quickly on weekends.
Toilets and breaks: plan at least one longer break on the square or in a café. For families with small children, cafés with seating and a changing table are more convenient.
Weather: in summer bring water and sunscreen; in winter warm shoes and layers - cobbles can be slippery when frozen.
If you want to book a tour with a licensed guide from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com in Polish, approximate prices for small groups (1–35 people) start at about 300–350 PLN for 2 hours, 400–450 PLN for 3 hours and 500–550 PLN for 4 hours. Prices may change seasonally or during promotions.
For larger groups pricing is calculated individually per person. If you need headphone sets (audio guide), they are usually available for a small fee per person.
I recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends, holidays and festival periods, to secure the date and a route tailored to your family’s needs.
Kazimierz is a residential neighbourhood - respect residents' privacy, don’t enter private courtyards without permission and avoid loud behaviour in the evening.
At cemeteries and memorial sites keep silence and appropriate behaviour; it’s good to briefly explain to children beforehand why these places are important.
Keep children close at busy crossroads and crowded spots like Plac Nowy - basic city caution keeps everyone safe.
Is the walk in Kazimierz suitable for small children? Yes - if the pace is relaxed, with breaks and playful elements. A shorter route of 1–1.5 hours can also work well for little ones.
How long does a basic visit take? Typically 2–3 hours are enough for the main points and a break. If you want to explore deeper, plan about 4 hours.
Is the route accessible with a stroller? Much of Kazimierz has cobbles and narrow passages - strollers manage, but plan the route to include easier passages.
Do you need tickets for synagogues? Some places have paid entry or limited capacity - if you plan to visit interiors during the day, check opening hours and visiting options.
Are guided tours offered in Polish? Yes - tours are available in Polish (and in other languages on request).
Don’t over-schedule - Kazimierz is best enjoyed when you have time to stop, observe and make small discoveries.
For families: bring a small snack pack and a bottle of water - breaks in the square taste especially good.
If you’d like me to guide your family: I’ll adapt the pace and content to the children’s ages, include games and simple educational tasks, and make sure the walk is interesting for everyone.
Kazimierz is an ideal place for a family weekend - it combines history with great food, has a friendly atmosphere and lots of corners to discover. Whether you have only a few hours or a full day, there’s something for everyone.
If you’d like a guided walk led by a guide who knows this area inside out and can present it in an accessible way for both younger and older visitors - I’m happy to help plan a route to suit your needs.
