Yes — although the city was not a battlefield during World War II, its streets, institutions and museums preserve deep traces of occupation, repression and resistance. For student groups, especially Erasmus participants, such a tour can be an intense history lesson full of powerful images and important context. A female guide helps shape the route so it’s understandable, empathetic and suited to the pace of a young group.
Visiting wartime sites is not just a list of places — it’s a story about people, decisions and consequences. It’s worth approaching with preparation: a short introduction, a clear warning about potentially difficult content and time for questions along the way. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz knows how to combine reliable facts with storytelling that engages students and opens space for discussion.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Lipowa Street) — a place that became a symbol of the fate of Kraków’s Jewish community; today it is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków with an exhibition about life in the city during the occupation. It’s a must-see, but remember tickets and entry limits.
Ghetto Heroes’ Square and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle — central memorial sites in Podgórze: the pharmacy run by Tadeusz Pankiewicz is one of the few preserved testimonies of everyday life in the ghetto and it’s worth telling the story of the people who tried to help their neighbors.
Pomorska Street (the former Gestapo headquarters) — a place of memory with a museum exhibit documenting repression and the occupier’s terror. This is a difficult stop on the tour but essential for understanding the mechanisms of occupation.
Płaszów forced labor and extermination camp — remembrance of the victims, remaining traces of the site and a place for quiet reflection; for many visitors this is a moment that requires silence and respect.
Collegium Novum and the arrests of professors in November 1939 — Kraków as a scholarly center and the dramatic consequences of the Nazi purges against the city’s intellectuals.
Less obvious points: traces of looted artwork, changes to the urban fabric under the General Government and the history of Wawel as the seat of the Governor-General Hans Frank — these threads help explain the political dimension of the occupation.
Erasmus students value dynamism, interaction and international context. A good format is 90–120 minutes of narration with 2–3 museum stops or a short break every 45–60 minutes.
Use mixed techniques: short anecdotes, archival photos (shown by the guide), questions to the group and photography tasks — these keep attention and engage participants from different countries.
Ask in advance about the group’s English level; the guide can run the tour in Polish with short English summaries, or deliver the whole tour bilingually depending on needs.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory and other museum branches often use timed tickets and have limited ticket sales at the box office; it’s best to book entries in advance, especially for larger groups. The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków offers a combined “Routes of Remembrance” option linking several sites (Schindler, Pharmacy Under the Eagle, Pomorska) into one visit.
Museums such as the Home Army Museum and other historical institutions have varying ticket prices and days with free admission; discounts or special guided formats often apply to school and student groups. Always check the museum’s information before visiting.
Transport in the city: most stops are reachable by public transport (trams and buses) or on foot if the group prefers walking. For larger groups it’s often more convenient to plan short tram rides than long walks between distant points.
Short 2-hour option: a walk in Podgórze — Schindler’s Factory + Ghetto Heroes’ Square with the Pharmacy Under the Eagle; ideal for groups that want an intense introduction and don’t have time for a full museum day.
Full-day option (about 6–7 hours): morning at Schindler’s Factory and exhibitions, afternoon at Pomorska and Płaszów, finish at Collegium Novum with the story of the arrested professors and the occupation’s context.
For academically minded groups: add a visit to the Home Army Museum and schedule a short film screening or archival presentation as a discussion point.
Kazimierz is full of friendly cafés and bars that make good stops for groups: Café Camelot and Mleczarnia are often praised for atmosphere and positive reviews. On the Main Market Square consider Restaurant Szara if the group wants something more upscale after an intense day of touring.
For budget-conscious groups recommend eateries near the universities and in Kazimierz where you can eat quickly and cheaply while still experiencing local character. It’s good to have a few alternative options in case popular places have long queues.
If you plan an outdoor break — the boulevards along the Vistula are an inexpensive and scenic spot for a short picnic or a post-tour conversation.
Clearly communicate that some places and stories are emotionally charged. Let participants know they may take a short break or skip a segment of the route if they need time. Such tact and flexibility increase the group’s comfort.
Use concrete examples and testimonies but avoid sensationalism. Ask reflective questions: what does historical memory mean for today’s residents? What lessons does the younger generation take away?
Respect is essential: places of memory demand quiet and appropriate behavior. Warn participants in advance about not taking loud selfies in sites where that would be considered disrespectful.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — it’s better to plan shorter, high–quality segments than an overloaded route that leaves participants tired and overwhelmed.
Not booking museum tickets in advance — this leads to long lines or denied entry; for large groups reservations are essential.
Lack of language preparation — if part of the group doesn’t understand Polish, ask the guide for short English summaries or organize the tour in a bilingual version.
Before the war Schindler’s factory produced enamelware and tin products — its industrial character was what later allowed it to become the “factory that saved” workers.
During the occupation Kraków functioned as the capital of the General Government, which affected the city’s administrative and symbolic role in the occupier’s politics.
The Pharmacy Under the Eagle was one of the few places in the ghetto where certain forms of help could be organized; today it stands as an important testimony to everyday courage and solidarity.
How long is a typical WWII-themed tour? - Formats can be short (1.5–2 hours), half-day (3–4 hours) or full-day (6–7 hours), depending on how many museums are included and the group’s pace.
Are tickets required? - For popular exhibitions (for example Oskar Schindler’s Factory) it’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially for groups. Many institutions offer group tickets and student discounts.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Many museums have facilities for accessibility, but some historic outdoor sites may be harder to navigate. Report mobility needs in advance so the guide can adapt the itinerary.
Plan a short briefing before you set out: historical context, the tone of the narration and rules of conduct at memorial sites. Ask participants to wear comfortable shoes, bring water bottles and power banks if needed.
After the tour leave time for conversation — discussions and questions afterwards are often the most valuable part of the visit. It’s also a good moment for restaurant recommendations and practical tips.
If you liked the route and would like a private guided tour, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Share the article with friends or your Erasmus group so more people can see Kraków as it really is.
