Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most atmospheric neighborhoods: narrow streets, historic synagogues, courtyards full of history and places that come alive in the evening with music and good food. It’s a wonderful area for a walk through traces of former multicultural life, but also for a slow coffee, snapping photos for Instagram and discovering little corners that stay in your memory.
In Kazimierz it’s worth paying attention to a few key spots: Plac Nowy as the heart of local venues and street food; Szeroka Street with its townhouses; the synagogues (including Remuh and the Old Synagogue) and the Remuh cemetery, which give this part of the city its unique character; as well as artistic murals and charming courtyards that often make the best photo backdrops. Crossing the river via the Father Bernatek Footbridge nicely links Kazimierz with Podgórze if you plan a longer walk.
If you want to explore with a guide — join my Kazimierz routes where I tell stories about the neighborhood’s history, culture and everyday curiosities in an accessible and humorous way. My tours are designed to combine knowledge with practical tips: where to eat, where to take photos and how to explore with children.
When planning remember: Kazimierz has two rhythms — daytime is about history and museums, evening is about cultural life and dining. It’s worth scheduling your visit to see both sides.
If your time is limited, focus on Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and a short walk to the synagogues — that will give you a quick, good “feel” for the neighborhood.
Kazimierz is full of ready-made photo sets — here are my favorite photospots and short tips on how to use them:
- Plac Nowy: the ring of stalls and colorful facades create a very atmospheric background. Come early to avoid crowds, or in the evening when venue lights add mood.
- Szeroka Street and the courtyards: the architecture, gates and building details look great in soft light (golden hour). Look for shots from deep inside courtyards — these often turn out the most "Instagrammable."
- Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery: these are places with strong emotional weight — photograph with sensitivity and respect, avoid using flash indoors and keep quiet.
- Murals and street art: Kazimierz has many interesting murals. Look for contrasts between wall art and historic buildings — that creates a modern frame.
- Father Bernatek Footbridge: from here you can get nice shots of the Vistula panorama and the silhouettes of city bridges, especially at sunset.
A few practical photography tips: look for natural frames (gates, arches), experiment with perspective (low angles emphasize building textures), and respect people’s rights — if you photograph someone up close, ask for permission. Morning and late afternoon light is the most flattering for photos.
Kościuszko Mound is one of Kraków’s five mounds, created in the early 19th century to commemorate Tadeusz Kościuszko. From its summit you get a wide panorama of the city and, on a clear day, even views toward the Tatra Mountains.
It’s the only mound in Kraków where entry usually requires buying a ticket. A ticket typically entitles you to access the mound and to visit the exhibition at the Kościuszko Museum at the mound’s foot. Prices are moderate and there are usually concessions and family tickets; opening hours can be seasonal or change, so it’s a good idea to check current information before your visit.
If you plan to visit with a guide or join a guided tour organized by the mound, reservations are often required — usually by email to the organizers/education point. For groups and weekend visits it’s smart to reserve in advance, especially during high season.
Getting there: you can reach the Mound by public transport (MPK buses), but a pleasant and recommended option is a walk from Salwator along Washington Avenue (Aleja Waszyngtona) — a shaded stroll under old chestnut trees that makes for a lovely approach.
Accessibility: paths and stairs lead to the top — visitors with limited mobility should check conditions before visiting or ask about access options.
Here’s a suggestion for a full but easy day route:
- Morning: start at Plac Nowy — breakfast or coffee at one of the atmospheric cafés, then a short walk around the area.
- Late morning: route past the synagogues (Old Synagogue, Remuh), a visit to the Remuh cemetery, and a walk through streets with courtyards and murals.
- Afternoon: cross the Father Bernatek Footbridge to Podgórze — a short riverside walk and a look at the city panorama.
- Late afternoon: head to Kościuszko Mound (by bus or a walk from Salwator). Climb the mound for sunset — that’s when the panorama is most picturesque.
If you have more time: add a visit to a museum (for example the Schindler’s Factory) but remember exhibition times and possible queues in season.
- Ticket and reservation: if you plan to enter Kościuszko Mound or join a guided tour, check opening hours and ticket information in advance. For larger groups a reservation is especially recommended.
- Shoes and clothing: comfortable shoes are essential in Kazimierz — cobbled streets and uneven pavements. For the Mound choose footwear with good grip as the path can be steep.
- Respect for sites of memory: when visiting synagogues and cemeteries, keep quiet and maintain distance. Avoid strong lighting and large photographic rigs inside places of worship.
- Water and toilets: carry a bottle of water — especially in summer the Mound and city walks can be tiring. Planning short coffee breaks lets you rest and watch everyday city life.
- Weather: Kraków’s weather can be changeable — check the forecast and bring a light jacket or umbrella. Conditions on the Mound can change faster than in the city center.
- Food tip: try local street food at Plac Nowy — classic Kraków ’zapiekanka’ (open-faced baguette with toppings) is a tasty and quick option between stops.
Do I need to buy a ticket to enter Kościuszko Mound? - Yes. Kościuszko Mound is one of the few mounds in Kraków that requires an entrance ticket. A ticket usually also covers the exhibition at the museum at the mound’s foot.
Do guided tours at the Mound require reservations? - Guided tours and educational activities often require reservations; for some events organizers ask for email sign-up. For groups and during the season booking in advance is a good idea.
Is Kazimierz safe after dark? - Kazimierz is lively in the evening; as in any popular tourist area, stay aware of pickpocketing risks and watch your belongings, but in general the neighborhood is safe.
Can I take photos inside synagogues? - In some places photography may be limited or require permission. Always behave respectfully and follow the rules of the venue.
Is the route suitable for families with children? - Yes. Kazimierz has many family-friendly attractions (shorter routes, tasty snacks), and the Mound can be an adventure for kids — just remember comfortable shoes and breaks.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with me, you’re welcome to book and check available routes on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. When planning a tour I tailor the route to your expectations — we can focus on Kazimierz’s history, local food, photospots or combine the walk with a visit to Kościuszko Mound.
For questions about Kościuszko Mound — tickets and guided tours — it’s worth checking current opening hours and visiting rules in advance and reserving a guided tour if required (many guided events ask for prior email notification).
I’ll gladly help you plan a day so you see as much as possible and leave Kraków with lovely photos and great memories. See you on the walk!
Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz — ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com
