Did you know that in just a few minutes on foot you can walk from the tourist-packed Main Market to the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz, which tell a very different story of the city? The Market is Krakow’s representative, historic “calling card” — large squares, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and busy stalls — while Kazimierz is a district full of memory, synagogues, cosy cafés and authentic backstreets. Combining both places in one walk gives a fuller picture of Krakow: from the grand urban stage to intimate courtyards and the history of Krakow’s Jewish community. This guide will show what to see “with class” — meaning with respect for the places, but also with pleasure and practical tips for a visitor.
The Main Market Square was laid out in the 13th century as the city’s central trading place and for centuries was the stage for public life, commerce and celebrations. Its character is made by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), churches and rows of townhouses. Kazimierz was founded in the Middle Ages as a separate town and later became an important centre of Jewish life — walking its streets is a meeting with memory, synagogues and cemeteries, but also with the district’s modern artistic energy.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - a symbol of the city’s trading tradition, today home to galleries and souvenir stalls; go inside to admire Renaissance details and, if you like, visit temporary exhibitions in the Cloth Hall rooms.
St. Mary's Basilica - its richly decorated interior and the bugle call (hejnał) played from the tower every hour are must-sees; look closely at the wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss and notice the charming nooks inside the church.
Town Hall Tower and the remains of the old Town Hall - the tower gives a pleasing view over the square, and memorials and plaques around help explain the Market’s civic traditions.
Rynek Underground (Market Underground Museum) - if you’re interested in archaeology and the city’s layers, allow time to visit the underground exhibition that shows what the medieval Market looked like.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument and the square’s atmosphere - a popular meeting spot and orientation point; sit on a bench and watch the city, the architecture and the street life.
Plac Nowy - the heart of Kazimierz, famous for its zapiekanka stalls and Sunday flea markets; the square has a strong local vibe and is a great spot for a short break.
Szeroka Street - the historic street of the Jewish quarter, lined with synagogues and townhouses; a good place to feel the old rhythm of community life.
Synagogues: Old Synagogue, Tempel, Kupa and others - each has its own history and look; check opening hours and visiting rules, as some function as museums or cultural centres.
The Great Mikveh - a remnant of the ritual baths and an important element of Kazimierz’s Jewish heritage; it’s worth stopping by for a moment of reflection.
St. Michael’s on the Rock (Kościół Na Skałce) and other churches - they show the coexistence of different traditions in the area; chapels and architecture often hide surprising details.
Start: Main Market Square (early morning or late afternoon are best if you want to avoid crowds). - Walk through the Cloth Hall, browse the gallery and head to St. Mary’s Basilica. - From the Market, make a short detour to Wawel (a brief stop at the cathedral is a reasonable option), then continue on foot toward Kazimierz — the walk takes a few minutes and offers a nice view of the Vistula River and the city skyline. - In Kazimierz, begin at Plac Nowy, try a local zapiekanka, then walk down Szeroka Street, visit synagogues (check opening times) and finish with coffee in one of the atmospheric cafés. - If you have more time: drop into a museum or spend an evening at a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Note: set your own pace — this plan can be shortened to 1.5–2 hours for a quick overview or stretched into a full day with food and museum stops.
Kazimierz is an excellent place for a coffee break, a light lunch or an evening meal. - Traditional flavours: try classic Polish dishes in cosy restaurants — many places serve homemade pierogi, goulash and zurek (sour rye soup). - World flavours: Kazimierz also offers Middle Eastern and Israeli-style options — Hamsa (Hummus & Happiness) on Szeroka is a well-known example of Levantine-inspired mezze and hummus in the district. - Plac Nowy is the iconic spot for street food — the zapiekanka (Polish open-faced toasted baguette with mushrooms and cheese, often finished with sauces) is a must-try; look for popular stalls around the round rotunda (the Okrąglak) such as Endzior and other windows in the rotunda.
Food tip: if you plan dinner at a popular restaurant, book a table in advance, especially on weekends.
Best times to visit: early morning on the Market (fewer crowds and great light for photos), late afternoon and evening in Kazimierz (more venues open and a relaxed atmosphere).
Tickets and reservations: some museums and exhibitions have limited capacity — check opening hours and buy tickets online when possible.
Wallets and documents: be mindful of pockets in crowded places; carry documents and cards in a secure, hard-to-reach place.
Respect for places of memory: Kazimierz is a place of memory — keep quiet and behave respectfully near memorials, plaques and inside synagogues.
Accessibility: the Market area is generally level, but some historic sites have steps or narrow entrances; visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility and lift availability in advance.
Toilets and breaks: shopping centres, cafés and some museums offer restrooms; plan short breaks during a longer walk.
How long does it take to see everything? - If you only want to see the main points of the Market and walk briefly through Kazimierz, plan 2–3 hours. For a relaxed visit to synagogues, museums and a restaurant break, allow a full day.
Do I need a guide? - You can explore on your own and enjoy the atmosphere; a guide will add historical context and uncover lesser-known stories, but independent walks are very rewarding too. (This guide is prepared by Małgorzata Kasprowicz - Margaret Kasprowicz, tour guide, and aims to help visitors discover the area respectfully.)
Is photography allowed? - Outdoors is generally fine; some interiors of museums and synagogues may have restrictions — follow signs and staff requests.
How do I get from the Market to Kazimierz? - It’s a short walk; head south past Wawel or choose one of the pedestrian routes toward Plac Nowy — the riverside view is pleasant along the way.
Which season is best? - Each season has its charm: spring and autumn are milder and less crowded; summer brings long days and outdoor events; winter has festive markets but can be cold and windy.
Relax with a coffee or tea in one of Kazimierz’s cafés and watch the life of the district go by.
If you have time — climb one of the towers at the Market or visit the Rynek Underground museum to see the city from another perspective.
Take a quiet moment at the places of memory in Kazimierz — it’s a good way to balance a tourist pace with a deeper understanding of the neighbourhood.
