Kazimierz is where history meets modern life: synagogues and old cemeteries sit next to cafés, galleries and bars, and the atmosphere invites strolls, meetups and long evening conversations. The district is compact, so even short breaks between classes are enough to walk the main spots and feel the vibe of Kraków.
There are also practical benefits for students: many places offer student-friendly prices, and several good cafés are suitable for studying or remote work. Kazimierz is close to the Old Town and well connected by public transport, which makes quick trips to classes, cultural events or student parties easy.
Szeroka Street – the heart of historic Jewish Kazimierz: here you’ll find the Old Synagogue (now a museum) and many townhouses with fascinating histories.
Remuh Synagogue and the Remuh cemetery – an active synagogue and an old Jewish cemetery, a place charged with historical and emotional significance; approach with respect and quiet.
Wolf Popper (Small) Synagogue and the High Synagogue – unique buildings that show the diversity of Jewish architecture in Kraków.
Plac Nowy – an informal meeting place: in summer it hosts a famous street-food market with zapiekanki and other stalls; at night the area is lively and full of venues.
Józefa Street – full of galleries, small shops and friendly bars; a popular spot among young artists and students.
Start: Plac Nowy – begin with a quick snack (zapiekanka or burger), then head toward Szeroka.
Szeroka – visit the Old Synagogue, Remuh and the cemetery, allow time for a short, reflective visit.
Józefa and the side streets – galleries, street art, photo stops and quick shopping in local boutiques.
Coffee and study: Massolit Books & Café or Cheder – ideal spots for a break with a laptop or books.
Bonus option: in the evening check out Alchemia or other bars for jazz/live music if you want to feel Kazimierz’s student nightlife.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum houses one of Poland’s most valuable collections: the best-known work is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine,” but the collection also includes works by masters such as Rembrandt, plus decorative arts and military artifacts.
Location and logistics: the museum is in a historic palace on Pijarska Street. It’s close to the Old Town, so popping in during an afternoon is very convenient.
Tickets and discounts: tickets are often sold for a specific date and time — it’s wise to buy online in advance to avoid queues. Youth and student discounts are usually available (in many places the age limit is up to 26), and reduced fees can be very small in practice. Tuesdays are sometimes free-entry days — remember that museums can be crowded then.
Practical restrictions: last admission is usually 30–40 minutes before closing. Cloakroom space is limited — large suitcases may be a problem. In some rooms photography and touching exhibits are prohibited.
Hamsa (Szeroka Street) – a popular spot for Middle Eastern cuisine; great for groups and for sharing mezze plates.
Skate Burger and Warsztat – student-favorite spots: tasty, filling and affordable (burger + beer at a reasonable price).
Plac Nowy – a street-food zone: classic zapiekanki and food trucks, a quick and cheap option between classes.
Mleczarnia and small cafés in Kazimierz – perfect for a light breakfast or an inexpensive coffee; cozy interiors make them great for meeting friends.
If you want reliable choices with many good reviews — pick places with a strong number of ratings and consider booking for evenings, especially on weekends.
Cheder Café – a comfortable spot with decent Wi‑Fi, laptop-friendly and often recommended by students for work.
Massolit Books & Café – a bookstore with a café: quiet atmosphere, many English-language books, good for longer study sessions.
Ona Coffee Bar, Senna and other specialty cafés in Kazimierz – excellent if you value great coffee and interior aesthetics; some have power outlets and longer opening hours.
At the Czartoryski Museum you’ll see more than paintings — the collection also includes rare historical memorabilia and military items that tell Poland’s history in unexpected ways.
Kazimierz is not only a Jewish quarter — it’s also a reborn arts scene with many independent galleries, especially along Józefa Street.
Plac Nowy has its own cultural double life — a daytime market and street food hub, and a nighttime area of bars and live music; everyone can find something to enjoy.
Arriving at the Czartoryski Museum without a reservation during busy times — tickets are time-specific, so plan ahead.
Assuming “Tuesday = quiet” — if a museum offers free Tuesdays, it can be busier than usual. To avoid crowds, choose an afternoon on another weekday and book early.
Forgetting ID for discounts — if you’re eligible for reduced admission (student or youth), bring the supporting document; without it, discounts may not be granted.
Being disrespectful in places of worship and memory — synagogues and cemeteries require silence and respect; men may be asked to cover their heads.
How to buy a ticket to the Czartoryski Museum? Best to reserve online for a specific date and time; on-site tickets are sometimes available but buying ahead is recommended on busy days.
Do students get discounts? Yes — many reduced offers cover youth and students (check the required ID). In some cases the age limit is 26.
When is it quietest? Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends and free-Tuesday days.
Getting around: Kazimierz is easy to explore on foot. From most dorms and campus areas, trams or buses get you there quickly; many routes cross the Grunwaldzki Bridge and lead toward the Old Town.
Bring a document proving your age/student status — even if you don’t expect to use discounts, you may find reduced fees when visiting several places.
If you’re in a group of friends — consider group tickets or booking together to pick convenient entry times.
Plan your Kazimierz evenings in advance: the best bars and restaurants in the district fill up fast, especially on weekends and during student events.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media to help other Erasmus students discover the best of Kazimierz.
If you want a more personalized route, a private guided tour of Kazimierz or a visit with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — consider booking a private tour. Contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy exploring Kraków and have fun, but please show respect at sites of memory!
