Kazimierz is one of the most fascinating and historically rich parts of Krakow. In roughly three hours you can visit its most important sites related to Jewish history, feel the atmosphere of the cobbled streets and stop for coffee or a snack. I prepared this guide so the pace is pleasant for people of average fitness, allows time for short visits inside selected synagogues and for photographs, and still fits into a morning or afternoon sightseeing block.
The walk is divided into logical points: start around Szeroka Street, pass the main synagogues and cemeteries, take a short break at Plac Nowy, and finish with a suggestion to extend the route toward Podgórze. The text includes approximate stop times, what to see inside, and practical notes about tickets, opening hours and how to adapt the route to the weather and your own rhythm.
The route focuses on monuments and places of memory connected to the life of Kazimierz’s Jewish community, but it does not ignore the district’s contemporary life — cafés, galleries and the local vibe that attracts both tourists and residents. If you want to enter several museums, add 30–60 minutes.
- Note: depending on the season and day of the week some synagogues have limited visiting hours; check availability before you go.
- You can adjust the walking pace and time spent inside: without interior visits the route is faster; with visits you can easily exceed the planned 3 hours.
Start: Szeroka Street - the historic center of the former Oppidum Judaeorum. This is a convenient starting point because Szeroka was once the main market of the Jewish town. After a brief introduction, continue to the points listed below in order:
1) Old Synagogue (Szeroka Street) - 20–30 min. - begin with an exterior look and, if you have time and the doors are open, visit the museum branch inside. The interior displays the prayer house fittings and an exhibition about the history of Krakow’s Jews. Walking the exhibition is a good way to understand the context for the rest of the route.
2) Wolf Popper Synagogue (“Na Górce”) and Popper Synagogue - 15–20 min. - walk the short side streets toward the sites of these former prayer houses. In this section pay attention to historic buildings and information plaques.
3) Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery (Szeroka 40) - 20–30 min. - Remuh is an intimate place of worship next to an old cemetery with historic matzevot, including the grave of the famous Rabbi Moses Isserles (the Remah). The cemetery is a place of memory and silence — spend a moment there and keep a respectful tone.
4) Izaaka Street and surroundings - 10–15 min. - walk toward the Izaak and Wysoka synagogues; here you’ll notice the mix of history and daily life: cafés, galleries and small craft shops.
5) Kupa, Tempel and Wysoka Synagogues - 25–35 min. - view the façades and, if time allows, enter one. The Tempel Synagogue often serves as a center for Jewish cultural events — check if there is an exhibition or event on the day of your visit.
6) Plac Nowy - 20–30 min. - the heart of contemporary Kazimierz: small bars, stalls with local snacks (the famous zapiekanki) and a lively atmosphere. This is a good spot for a coffee or a light meal break.
7) Plac Wolnica and end of the route - 10–15 min. - a short walk to the historic Kazimierz town hall and a summary of the visit. From here you can return to the Old Town center or extend your walk across the Father Bernatek footbridge toward Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory.
Approximate time: adding the above stages at a moderate pace with short interior visits gives about 3 hours. If you plan to visit several museums or have a longer meal, allow extra time.
From the 14th century until the late 18th century Kazimierz was a separate town, and from the 16th century a vibrant Jewish life developed there. Around Szeroka Street the community’s religious and administrative center concentrated — synagogues, a ritual bath, schools and cemeteries. The oldest preserved synagogues show Gothic and Renaissance elements; their history reflects the fortunes of the local community: periods of prosperity, persecution and the tragic destruction of World War II.
After the war the district was neglected for a long time, and from the 1990s it began to be rebuilt and commemorated — largely thanks to festivals, cultural institutions and conservation efforts. Today Kazimierz is a place where memorial sites meet the living contemporary culture of the city.
Knowing the basic chronology and the role of key locations (the Old Synagogue as a museum branch, Remuh as an active house of prayer with a cemetery dating back to the 16th century) helps you read what you see during the walk.
- Remembering tragic events does not conflict with the district’s vitality — both dimensions are integral to a full understanding of Kazimierz.
- Ways to deepen your visit: see museum exhibitions, join a Polish-language thematic tour, or use free audio materials available on municipal services.
Old Synagogue - the oldest preserved prayer house in Krakow; today it is a museum branch with an exhibition about the life and culture of Krakow’s Jews. Notice the stone aron ha-kodesh, interior elements and the history of reconstructions and architectural changes.
Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery - a place of worship and remembrance; the cemetery contains matzevot from several centuries and the grave of Rabbi Moses Isserles. Silence and respect are required here.
Tempel Synagogue - an example of later synagogue architecture; it is often used for cultural and educational activities, so check current events before your visit.
Kupa Synagogue - once belonging to the Kupa brotherhood; its façade and urban context show how closely important communal buildings stood to one another.
Szeroka Street - the historic center of the Jewish town; this is where the most important institutions were concentrated, and today the street is full of small venues, galleries and information points for visitors.
Plac Nowy - once a market square, now a meeting place and food hub; try local snacks and rest on a bench while watching district life.
Opening hours and tickets - some synagogues and museum branches have limited visiting hours. If you plan to enter the Old Synagogue, Remuh or other museum sites, check opening times and ticket prices in advance; during the tourist season queues can lengthen your visit.
Dress and behavior - places of worship and cemeteries require a respectful demeanor. Dress appropriately, keep quiet and be mindful when photographing; photography may be restricted inside some interiors.
Getting there and starting the route - it’s most convenient to begin around Szeroka Street or Plac Nowy; the area is well connected and within easy walking distance from the Main Market Square. If you come by car, expect limited parking.
Time and pace - three hours is optimal for a basic visit with short interior stops. If you want to enter several museums, reserve extra time or split the route into two visits.
Accessibility - old cobbles and uneven pavements can make movement difficult for people with limited mobility. If you need a fully accessible route, contact the tourist information point for alternative options.
Plac Nowy is the natural place for a short break — the area offers both quick snack stalls and cafés serving good coffee and desserts. On the side streets of Kazimierz you will also find restaurants with Jewish-inspired dishes, small bistros and places with local character.
If you prefer a calmer meal, choose one of the cafés on Izaaka Street or near Plac Wolnica — it’s usually easier to find a free table and a moment away from the busiest tourist spots.
Remember to bring a bottle of water and a light snack in case of delays or temporary closures of some sites.
- On weekends and in the evenings some venues are very crowded; if you have a specific place in mind, consider booking a table.
- To try local flavors, look for places that offer traditional Jewish dishes or regional cuisine from the Małopolska area.
Short version (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) - view the Old Synagogue and Remuh from the outside, walk Szeroka and make a short stop at Plac Nowy. Good for limited time.
Extension to Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory - after finishing at Plac Wolnica cross the footbridge over the Vistula; Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the Ghetto Heroes Square are a natural thematic continuation (adds about 1–1.5 hrs).
Evening walk - Kazimierz takes on a different face in the evening: illuminated synagogues, music and café life. Avoid visiting cemeteries after dark; they are places of memory and should be visited during the day.
Thematic variants - film-themed walks, culinary walks or architecture-focused tours of the synagogues are options for visitors who want to delve deeper. Local organizations and guides regularly offer such approaches.
- If you like, I can tailor the route to your interests: more religious history, architecture, culinary stops or wartime context.
Kazimierz is a safe tourist district, but as in any city center be cautious in crowds and watch out for petty pickpocketing. Keep documents and money secure and have your phone handy in case you need to make a quick call.
Ethics when visiting places of memory - remember you are visiting houses of worship and cemeteries; show respect for symbols, praying people and burial places. Avoid loud conversations and inappropriate photo behavior.
If you encounter a group in prayer or a religious ceremony, give them space and do not disturb — this is part of everyday life for active communities.
- Pay attention to signage and notices at sites — they often explain visiting rules and photography regulations.
- If you are unsure about appropriate behavior in a particular place, follow the example of locals or ask a cultural institution staff member.
Comfortable shoes - cobbled, uneven surfaces require comfortable footwear.
ID and cash/card - not all small places accept cards, though most tourist venues do.
A water bottle and a light snack - useful in hot weather or during intensive sightseeing.
A phone with a charged battery - handy for photos, maps and last-minute plan changes.
An offline map or a printed route - useful if you lose signal while navigating the maze of small streets.
- Wear a light backpack or bag that’s comfortable to carry for a 3-hour walk.
A three-hour walk through the Jewish Kazimierz is a great introduction to the history, culture and contemporary life of this part of Krakow. After this route you will know the main landmarks, understand the history of the key synagogues and cemeteries, and feel the district’s atmosphere that blends memory with living culture.
If you wish, I can prepare a personalized version of the route: shorter, longer, with more museum visits, a culinary variant or with emphasis on the wartime context. Tell me how much time you have and what interests you, and I will create a schedule tailored to your needs.
- Enjoy the walk and show respect for the places of memory.
- If you want a printable version or a GPX file of the route, I can generate it based on this plan.
- Practical information provided by tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz).
