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How to explore Kazimierz and see the “Lady with an Ermine” on foot in 3 days - a practical walking plan

How to explore Kazimierz and see the “Lady with an Ermine” on foot in 3 days - a practical walking plan
Private Tour Guide in Krakow - Margaret Kasprowicz

Margaret Kasprowicz

Can you get to know Kazimierz and see the “Lady with an Ermine” in three days on foot?

Yes — and it can be very enjoyable. Kazimierz is a compact neighborhood perfect for walking: narrow streets, synagogues, cozy cafés and the Vistula boulevards are all close together, and the area is an easy walk from Kraków’s city center. A visit to the Princes Czartoryski Museum (where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” is displayed) fits well into a three-day itinerary — you only need to plan your time and buy tickets in advance because entries are limited.

Below you’ll find a concrete, on-foot 3-day plan, practical tips (tickets, hours, what to bring), food recommendations and a list of common mistakes to avoid.

Why plan three days?

One day is often just a snapshot — Kazimierz has layers of history: medieval foundations, the development of the Jewish community, the tragedies of the 20th century and today’s lively cultural scene. Three days let you move at a relaxed pace, enter several synagogues, visit the Czartoryski Museum, stroll the boulevards and spend evenings enjoying a good dinner without rushing.

Also, some museums (including the Princes Czartoryski Museum) require timed reservations, so it’s better to spread visits over several days rather than trying to do everything in one day.

Day 1 - first encounter with Kazimierz: Plac Wolnica, Szeroka and the scents of the streets

Start at Plac Wolnica — it’s a great orientation point and a place where you’ll feel the local atmosphere. From there you can easily reach Szeroka and Miodowa streets, the heart of the old Jewish quarter.

Walk down Szeroka: here you’ll find the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue and smaller prayer houses. Next to Remuh is the old Jewish cemetery — a quiet place full of stone memorials and history. It’s important to show respect and dress appropriately when visiting memorial sites.

Take time for details: 17th-19th century townhouses, small museums and independent bookstores. If you want a local street snack in the evening, head to Plac Nowy — the famous zapiekanki (toasted baguette pizzas) are a quick and tasty bite between museums and walks.

Finish the day with dinner at one of the recommended restaurants — Kazimierz comes alive in the evenings, but it’s worth choosing a well-reviewed spot and reserving a table.

Day 2 - museums and the “Lady with an Ermine”

Book a morning visit to the Princes Czartoryski Museum — tickets are for specific times and places can be limited. The museum houses important collections of Polish history and art, and its most famous exhibit is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine.”

The National Museum in Kraków (Czartoryski branch) also offers virtual tours — a good way to familiarize yourself with the collection before your visit or to deepen your knowledge afterward.

After the museum, spend a relaxed moment walking the Vistula boulevards or take a short loop via Mostowa and the Father Bernatek Footbridge to see the city from a different angle.

Day 3 - Podgórze, the Bernatek Footbridge and stories of the other bank

The Father Bernatek Footbridge (Kładka Ojca Bernatka) connects Kazimierz with Podgórze and is an excellent option for a morning or afternoon outing. The bridge offers nice views across the Vistula and of the city.

In Podgórze, visit Rynek Podgórski and the Square of the Ghetto Heroes (Plac Bohaterów Getta) — places that link local life with the memory of 20th-century events. If you are interested in the wartime period, consider timing a visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory on the third day.

Close the day with a riverside walk and a light meal at one of the cafés after returning to the Kazimierz side.

Practical information and FAQ - tickets, hours, what to bring

Hours and tickets: the Princes Czartoryski Museum most often operates Tue-Sun (typically 10:00-18:00), closed on Mondays. Tickets are often sold for specific time slots and visitor numbers are limited, so buy tickets online in advance.

Prices: approximate ticket categories are regular and reduced — check current rates on the museum’s official site before your trip. Students and young visitors often have special entry conditions.

What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, water (the boulevards can be windy), a light jacket for the evening, proof of eligibility for reduced tickets (if applicable), and a fully charged phone or camera for photos.

Behavior at memorial sites: keep quiet and respectful at synagogues and the Remuh cemetery; not all rooms allow photography — follow posted signs.

Food and well-reviewed places - what to pick in Kazimierz

A few reliable names to consider: Ariel (traditional Jewish-influenced dishes), Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine inspired by Jewish flavors), Massolit Books & Café (bookshop with a café — a great spot for a break), Mleczarnia (an intimate café with atmospheric interiors) and the stalls on Plac Nowy for zapiekanki if you want a quick bite.

We recommend reserving evening tables, especially on weekends — popular places fill up fast and Kazimierz attracts visitors from around the world.

If you want something more upscale, consider restaurants rated highly in local guides — check the latest reviews before you go.

A few curiosities that surprise visitors

The “Lady with an Ermine” is not only one of Poland’s most important works of art — for years it has also been at the center of discussions about loans and collection protection, so if seeing the painting in person is your dream, plan the visit on-site.

The Princes Czartoryski Museum provides virtual tours with narration and audio description — a great supplement for visitors who want to prepare for their visit or view parts of the exhibition again online.

The Bernatek Footbridge has become one of the most photographed spots linking the two banks of the Vistula and was built where an older bridge once stood — a detail that often surprises visitors.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Not reserving a museum ticket in advance — this leads to stress and changed plans. Buy an online ticket for a specific time slot.

Trying to do “everything in one day” — visiting several museums and long walks without breaks ends in exhaustion. Spread attractions over three days and leave time for rest and culinary discoveries.

Lack of respect at sites of memory — remember appropriate behavior and limit loud conversations near synagogues and the Remuh cemetery.

Sample routes and approximate walking times

Short scenic loop (approx. 45-60 min): Plac Wolnica → Mostowa → Father Bernatek Footbridge (photos and panorama) → Vistula boulevards → Plac Nowy.

Half-day walk (3-4 hours): Plac Wolnica → Szeroka and the synagogues → Remuh cemetery → lunch at Massolit or Hamsa → cross the footbridge to Podgórze and Rynek Podgórski.

Full-day program with museums: morning visit to the Czartoryski Museum → walk the boulevards and Kazimierz → afternoon visit to another branch of the National Museum or Oskar Schindler’s Factory (if it fits your route).

What to watch for when choosing accommodation

If walking Kazimierz is your priority, choose lodging within the neighborhood or close to the Old Town — you’ll save time and energy. Good options include small guesthouses and boutique hotels with high visitor ratings.

Check reviews for nighttime quiet and breakfast service — Kazimierz can be lively in the evenings, so if you value quiet rest, pick a place with good soundproofing.

Finally - share and use local help

If this plan was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s nice to help others plan relaxed walks in Kraków.

If you’d like to explore with someone who knows the stories, curiosities and local nuances, consider hiring the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her guiding services can make the program personalized and hassle-free.