Kazimierz is a place where memory and everyday life meet on cobbled streets, in synagogues and at the zapiekanka stalls on Plac Nowy. In two days you can see important religious monuments and cemeteries, and also feel the neighbourhood’s café and food atmosphere — without rushing, with coffee breaks and time for conversation. Walking lets you notice architectural details, matzevot (tombstones) built into walls, traces of old workshops and contemporary murals and galleries.
Visiting Kazimierz requires attentiveness and respect — it is not only a tourist attraction but also a space of remembrance. That’s why it’s worth spreading the visit over two days: one block for the historical sites (synagogues, cemeteries, museums) and another for the living side of the district (cafés, galleries, food stalls).
Morning: start at Szeroka Street — the heart of the old Jewish town. See the Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum), walk past the Wolf Popper (Bocian) and the Kupa Synagogue. Stroll slowly, read the information panels and observe façade details.
Before noon visit the Remuh Synagogue and the Old Remuh Cemetery — a place of calm and one of the oldest Jewish necropolises in Europe. Allow time for silence and reflection, dressing and behaving with appropriate modesty and respect.
In the afternoon head to Plac Nowy — try the local zapiekanka or choose one of the well-rated cafés and bistros tucked into the side streets. In the evening a walk around Plac Wolnica and the area near Skałka (the Crypt of the Distinguished) closes the first day.
Start the second day with synagogues less known to tourists: the Isaac Synagogue (Izaak) and the Tempel Synagogue. Pay attention to the variety of architectural styles and the different histories of the Jewish communities that used them.
In the afternoon consider crossing the Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) to the other side of the Vistula — to Podgórze — to see the former ghetto area and Schindler’s Factory. This gives a broader context to Krakow’s 20th-century history.
If you prefer a slower pace, dedicate the second day to museum displays (the Old Synagogue’s exhibition, municipal museums) and browsing antiquarian shops and galleries in Kazimierz. Leave time for a relaxed sit-down in your favourite café.
Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) — one of the oldest and most important Jewish buildings in Poland.
Remuh Synagogue and the Old Remuh Cemetery — a necropolis with gravestones dating back to the 16th century; a place that requires quiet and respect.
Isaac Synagogue, Kupa Synagogue, Tempel Synagogue — each has its own story and architectural style; look for inscriptions and carved portals.
Plac Nowy — the heart of the district’s contemporary life: market stalls, zapiekanki and numerous cafés; a great place to take a break.
Plac Wolnica and Skałka — the historic market of Kazimierz and Skałka with the Crypt of the Distinguished — good landmarks with interesting local stories.
Kazimierz is known for a wide range of cuisines: from Jewish and Middle Eastern to modern bistros. At Plac Nowy don’t miss the classic zapiekanki — a local fast food worth trying at least once.
Recommended and highly rated spots include well-known cafés and bookshops such as Massolit Books & Café, as well as restaurants on Szeroka serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Book a table for the evening — on weekends the best places fill up quickly.
If you want an evening meal with a local touch, choose a smaller, intimate restaurant on a side street. That way you avoid the biggest crowds and feel a more authentic neighbourhood atmosphere.
Opening hours: synagogues and museums have varying hours and may be closed on Friday evenings and Saturdays because of Shabbat — check in advance whether planned visits are possible.
Dress and behaviour: in sacred places dress modestly; when entering cemeteries remember to keep quiet and move carefully between graves.
Tickets and entries: some sites are museums with entrance fees; allow time for queues or buy tickets online where possible.
Getting around: Kazimierz is excellent for walking — comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are essential. If you have limited mobility, plan routes to avoid high curbs and rough cobbles.
For centuries Kazimierz was a separate town separated from Krakow — as a result it preserved a distinctive street layout and the history of a distinct community.
You can find matzevot embedded in walls and façades after World War II — small traces of history that often escape the eye of a hurrying tourist.
Plac Nowy is not only a place of entertainment — it’s a neighbourhood meeting space; many venues in the side streets have excellent reputations among locals and regulars.
Don’t try to fit all attractions into a single day — synagogues and cemeteries deserve silence and reflection, and it’s better not to rush them.
Don’t ignore closures due to Shabbat and holidays — check opening times before planning visits to active places of worship.
Avoid loud behaviour in cemeteries and houses of worship; visitors expect calm and respect.
Don’t leave valuables in a shoulder bag — in crowded places pay attention to pickpocketing; wearing your bag on the front is a simple precaution.
How much time do I need for a basic Kazimierz visit? — A compact loop covering the main points takes 2–3 hours; a two-day plan gives comfort and time for museums and breaks.
Can synagogues be visited on Saturday? — Some synagogues are closed for Shabbat; check which places and museums are open before you go.
Can Kazimierz be combined with Wawel or Podgórze? — Yes. The Father Bernatek Footbridge links Kazimierz with Podgórze; Wawel is within walking distance or a short public-transport ride from the city centre.
Do I need a guide? — A guide isn’t required, but a guided visit can provide deeper historical context and help interpret sites of memory.
If this guide was useful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan their visit well.
If you’d like to tour with a private guide, I invite you to consider services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and bookings are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guided visit is especially recommended for those who want a deeper and sensitive understanding of Kazimierz’s history.
