Kazimierz is a place that combines history, intimate streets and a truly urban atmosphere. This guide will help you plan a sensible stroll through the Jewish quarter, suggest roughly when to visit the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the synagogues, and point out where in Kazimierz you can rest with a coffee when you’re travelling with children.
I write this as a local guide — short routes, practical tips and family-friendly suggestions. I won’t describe other guides or third-party offers — I want you to leave this text with a clear plan for a pleasant day in Krakow.
A quick note about time and estimates: museums’ and synagogues’ opening hours can change seasonally and during holidays. I give typical timeframes, but it’s always worth checking current hours before you go.
Ready? Let’s go!
Short summary — what you’ll find below: a suggested 2–3 hour route through Kazimierz, practical opening hours for the Cloth Hall and synagogues, a list of child-friendly places and logistical tips (stroller, toilets, best times of day).
Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery: the heart of historic Jewish Kazimierz. The Old Synagogue now functions as a museum branch, and next to it is the Remuh Cemetery — an important and moving place of remembrance.
Tempel, Izaak (Izaaka) and High (Wysoka) Synagogues: different styles and histories — it’s worth seeing their façades and interiors (when open) and hearing the local stories about patrons and founders.
Plac Nowy and Okrąglak: a lively food atmosphere and street food — a perfect spot for a break with kids (zapiekanki and other simple snacks).
Galleries and museums: the Galicia Jewish Museum and other museum branches offer exhibitions that connect history with contemporary perspectives — great if you want more context after your walk.
Cobblestones, courtyards and hidden yards: the most interesting details are often tucked behind side gates — it’s worth occasionally leaving the main route to explore.
The Cloth Hall is more than souvenir stalls — on the first floor you’ll find the Sukiennice branch of the National Museum with the Gallery of 19th‑century Polish Art. It’s a convenient place for a quick visit after a walk around the Market Square.
Typical opening hours for the gallery in the Cloth Hall: usually Tuesday–Sunday around 10:00–18:00; Monday is typically closed. Tuesdays are often a day with free access to some permanent exhibitions. Last entry is usually about 20 minutes before closing.
If you’re planning a short visit with children — choose a morning or early afternoon slot when it’s a bit quieter. At the entrance you’ll find information about ticket prices and any technical breaks.
Note: exact hours and free-admission days may change depending on season and temporary shows, so it’s best to check right before you leave.
Practical tip: if you’re using a stroller, expect stairs and thresholds in the Cloth Hall and around the Market Square — it’s often easier to leave the stroller outside and use a carrier for small children.
Kazimierz has several historic synagogues, some operating as museum branches and others still serving as active houses of worship. The most visited are the Old Synagogue (museum branch), the Remuh Synagogue (active, with an adjacent cemetery), the Tempel Synagogue and the Izaak Synagogue.
General rule: synagogues may be closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays (Shabbat is a significant time for prayer and rest). Some sites operate on seasonal hours — shorter in winter, longer in summer.
Typical timeframes (orientational): many synagogues and museum branches are generally open roughly 9:00–18:00 on weekdays and Sundays, excluding Saturdays. Remuh in particular can be unavailable on Saturdays and Jewish holidays because it is an active synagogue.
Visiting rules: respect the space of worship and remembrance — keep voices low, ask before photographing (some interiors restrict photography), and dress appropriately (for example, head coverings may be required in active synagogues).
If you want to go inside, plan outside peak tourist hours and remember that weekends can be either crowded or closed for religious reasons.
Kazimierz offers many cafés of different characters — from intimate places with klezmer music to simple street‑food spots. When you travel with children, look for places with a bit of space, high chairs, a simple children’s menu and outdoor seating (when the weather allows).
Suggestions and tips (examples of locally known and recommended spots):
- Hamsa and other Middle Eastern restaurants — mezze-based menus with fresh ingredients make it easy to find child-friendly options.
- Cheder — a café and cultural space; events sometimes take place here and the relaxed atmosphere is family-friendly.
- MAK bread&coffee (near PURO Kraków Kazimierz hotel) — a modern spot with comfortable seating that works well for parents with small children.
Additionally: Plac Nowy and its surroundings are great for quick, simple bites (zapiekanki, fries, small bars) — kids usually enjoy these, and they give parents a moment to rest.
If you need a baby-changing station or more extensive family facilities (changing table, family restroom) — larger cafés, some museums and hotels in the city centre are more likely to offer these; check ahead if this is important.
Start: Szeroka Street — the Old Synagogue and a slice of history at Remuh. A short visit inside the synagogue‑museum (if the children are calm) and a gentle walk through the Remuh Cemetery — explain its significance to children with care and sensitivity.
Next: walk along Miodowa to the Tempel Synagogue — a short stroll through atmospheric streets (you can pause for a snack on the way).
Then: Józefa Street and the High (Wysoka) Synagogue — courtyards and architectural details that curious kids may enjoy.
Finish: Plac Nowy — time for street food and play. Children often like this part best: open space, relaxed atmosphere and treats.
Time: a relaxed pace with several stops for benches/coffee/ sandwiches — 2–3 hours. If you want to visit the Sukiennice museum upstairs, add 45–60 minutes and consider changing the order (Cloth Hall before or after Kazimierz).
Stroller or carrier? - Kazimierz’s streets are cobbled and some passages are narrow. If your child tolerates a carrier well, that’s often the more comfortable option for exploring side alleys. A stroller works on main routes, but be prepared for stairs in some places.
Toilets and changing tables - not all cafés have changing tables. If you need a changing station or family‑friendly toilet, plan short visits to museums or larger cafés/hotels that are more likely to provide these facilities.
Best times of day - morning hours (10:00–12:00) and early afternoon are usually quieter. In the evening Kazimierz comes alive — more people and louder nightlife, which can be great but not always ideal with small children.
Weather — pack a light layer and a small umbrella. Even on pleasant days, Krakow weather can change quickly.
Respect and remembrance — Kazimierz is also a place of memory. Keep quiet and show respect in synagogues and cemeteries. This matters for the local community and is a valuable lesson in empathy for children.
1. Check opening hours in advance: museums and some synagogues have closed days (for example, Mondays) or shorter hours outside the season. You can check a venue’s website or call ahead.
2. If you’re travelling with a toddler: plan shorter stretches of walking, frequent breaks and one main highlight of the day (for example, the Sukiennice gallery) rather than trying to see everything at once.
3. Look for places with outdoor seating — on warm days café terraces are the best option for families.
4. Allow children a little freedom — Plac Nowy or side courtyards are safe spots to run briefly before returning to museums.
5. Be curious together — short, engaging stories about Kazimierz’s former residents (for example, founders of synagogues or interesting local anecdotes) often work better than long lectures.
Kazimierz reveals its charms best with slow discovery — step by step, with a break for a good coffee and something sweet. I hope these practical tips help you plan a pleasant family day in Krakow.
If you’d like, I can prepare a short, personalized route for you (for example, taking into account your children’s ages, themed stops or feeding breaks). Just tell me how long you want to walk and how much energy you have — I’ll take care of the rest.
Safe and joyful travels in Krakow!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz — Krakow guide
Editorial note: times and family-friendly recommendations in this text are general guidelines based on local information. Check current opening hours for the places you plan to visit before you go.
