If you’re planning a walk through the Jewish part of Kazimierz, you’re in the right place. In this article I’ll suggest what you’ll see on a typical route, the usual opening hours of the main sites and how to plan your time to avoid queues and soak up the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
My tour “Kraków Kazimierz” usually lasts about 2 hours and is put together to show the most important places in a short time, tell the stories of the area and leave space for photos and small stops to try local treats. The route is flexible - I can shorten or lengthen it depending on the group’s needs.
I guide families with children as well as people who want a deeper look into Kazimierz’s history, so below you’ll find 60- and 120-minute route options and practical advice - when to come, what’s worth seeing inside and how to behave in sacred places.
If you want to book a walk: phone +48 501 962 037 or email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking we agree on the meeting place and time.
Remember: in case of rain the route can be adjusted so we spend more time indoors and in museums.
The route layout depends on time and group interests, but a typical walk includes:
- Szeroka Street - the former heart of the Jewish town; several synagogues once stood here and it’s an ideal place for the first stories about everyday life and moments of history.
- The Old Synagogue (today a branch of the Museum of Kraków) - it’s worth going inside to see displays about rituals and traditions; this place helps to understand the context of the whole district.
- Remuh Synagogue and the old cemetery - a place with a special atmosphere, still used as a house of prayer; by the cemetery we talk about matzevot, the stones placed on graves and mourning customs.
- Izaak Synagogue (Isaac Jakubowicz) - a large prayer hall and the story of the nearby fish market in former times.
- Tempel Synagogue - an interior with a different aesthetic, closer to secular buildings of its era and full of architectural details.
- Józefa Street and the courtyards - here you can see the nooks where film scenes were shot and feel the daily rhythm of the neighborhood.
- Nowy Square (Plac Nowy) - the heart of contemporary Kazimierz: stalls, street food, cafes and a perfect place for a break.
Opening hours of sacred and museum sites in Kazimierz change seasonally, so it’s good to check them shortly before your visit. A few practical points to keep in mind:
- The Old Synagogue (museum branch) usually has regular weekday opening hours; it’s a good morning stop if you want to avoid crowds.
- Remuh Synagogue functions as an active house of prayer - it’s visited by worshippers and may be closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so Saturday is not the best day if your plan includes entering interiors.
- Tempel Synagogue also follows seasonal hours; in autumn and winter exhibitions often close earlier than in summer.
My practical tip - come in the morning or right after museums open if you want a calm visit inside, or choose early afternoon on weekdays. Avoid Saturdays if your goal is to visit synagogue interiors.
The guiding service includes storytelling, guiding and help with buying museum tickets. Entrance tickets to synagogue interiors and museum branches are usually paid separately and are bought on-site or online if the facility offers that option.
For example, some sites offer reduced and full-price tickets - it’s worth having small change or a card because the ticket desk may accept either. If you plan to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery or synagogue interiors, prepare a few zlotys for entrance fees.
If you want certainty about costs and availability of entries, write or call before the tour - we’ll agree the route and payments so everything is clear.
For booking questions: +48 501 962 037 or kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Note - museum and synagogue ticket prices may change, so I suggest checking them before you travel.
60 minutes - quick loop (for those short on time):
- Start: Szeroka Street - a brief story about the district’s history
- The Old Synagogue - a quick visit to the exhibition (if the queue is short)
- Walk along Józefa Street, a short stop at the Izaak Synagogue and photos in the courtyards
- Finish: Nowy Square - suggestion for a snack.
120 minutes - full route (for those who want to feel the atmosphere and go inside):
- Start: Szeroka Street - stories about the community and daily life
- The Old Synagogue - museum visit and exhibition
- Remuh Synagogue + Remuh Cemetery - a longer talk about rituals, matzevot and memory
- Tempel Synagogue - architecture and musical threads
- The courtyards on Józefa and Meiselsa Streets - film locations and local stories
- Finish: Nowy Square with recommendations for a good culinary stop.
- In synagogues and cemeteries we keep quiet and show respect - these are places of memory and prayer.
- At the entrance to some houses of worship appropriate shoulder coverage may be required; it’s worth having a light scarf with you.
- Photography inside may be restricted in some places - ask the guide or staff before taking pictures.
- Respect signs and the guidelines for holy places - most visitors appreciate when tourists act sensitively.
- If you want to visit interiors on a specific day, plan in advance - on Saturdays and Jewish holidays some sites are closed.
Kazimierz is not only history - it’s also great spots for photos and breaks. I recommend photographing Szeroka Street with its characteristic townhouses, the colorful courtyards off Józefa Street, and in the evening the street lamps and cozy cafes.
At Nowy Square you can try the iconic zapiekanki (toasted baguette-style snacks) or visit local cafes and small restaurants serving Jewish and Israeli-inspired cuisine. Popular nearby places include the street-food stalls on Plac Nowy as well as cafés and restaurants around the square.
If you’re touring with children, plan shorter stops and let them explore the courtyards - Kazimierz hides many surprises for little explorers.
If you want, after the walk I can recommend places for lunch, dessert or the best spots for live evening music.
A guided route helps find the best photo spots and saves time - especially if you want to see more in less time.
I invite you to walk together - I’ll tell stories that sometimes don’t make it into printed guides, show details and help you feel Kazimierz.
Bookings and contact - phone: +48 501 962 037, email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking we’ll set the meeting place (often the market or another agreed spot in Kazimierz) and tailor the route to your expectations.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a light jacket or umbrella in case of bad weather, a camera, small change for tickets and snacks and an openness to stories and curiosities.
If you have special requests (touring with children, cultural, film or culinary themes) - write in advance and I will prepare a route tailored to you.
See you in Kazimierz - I tell the stories of this place with passion and I’ll gladly show it so you leave with a smile and tales worth repeating at dinner.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - licensed Kraków tour guide.
Q: How long in advance should I book? - A: If you have a preferred date and time, it’s best to book a few days to a week ahead, and earlier in high season.
Q: Are tours suitable for children? - A: Yes - I adapt the pace and stories for families and include shorter stops and interactive elements.
Q: Can the tour be done in bad weather? - A: Yes - I can modify the route to include more interiors and museums.
Q: Do I need to bring cash? - A: It’s useful to have some złoty for small purchases and ticket booths; many places also accept cards.
Q: Is the route wheelchair-friendly? - A: Parts of Kazimierz have cobblestones and narrow courtyards; tell me in advance and I’ll plan the most accessible route possible.
