Yes — if you keep a sensible pace, focus on the key spots and avoid getting lost down every side street. The route described below links the most characteristic places in Kazimierz with a short crossing over the Vistula and finishes at the Podgórze Market by St. Joseph's Church. The walking time and pauses are planned so the tour is enjoyable without being tiring — roughly 3 hours in total.
The walk starts in the heart of Kazimierz (around Szeroka Street) and leads through its famous lanes, synagogues and squares, then crosses the river to Podgórze, where you’ll find the market and St. Joseph's Church — a historic, still-active place of worship worth seeing both from the outside and, if it’s not during a service, from the inside. If you like, you can shorten or extend the route — I’ll also suggest variants for families and photographers.
The description below is a practical step-by-step plan with approximate times for each stop — treat it as a self-guided walking itinerary.
Start: Szeroka (10–15 min) — the best place to feel the atmosphere of old Jewish Kazimierz. Szeroka is a good spot for a short introduction: the Old Synagogue and the characteristic tenement houses. Walk slowly, look for architectural details and step inside the Old Synagogue for a moment if it’s open.
Miodowa and Tempel (15–20 min) — a short stretch around Miodowa Street and the Tempel Synagogue; pay attention to façades, decorative details and different materials. This area is great for detail shots and comparing styles.
Józefa Street and the Wysoka area (20–25 min) — walk along Józefa Street, look into courtyards and portals; here you’ll feel the intimate character of the neighborhood. It’s worth taking a moment to explore through side gates and small courtyards.
Plac Now — the Okrąglak (10–15 min) — a brief stop at the square to look at the famous Okrąglak and remember this place’s role in the city’s nightlife; if you feel like it, try a local snack.
Plac Wolnica and the route to the Vistula (15–20 min) — stroll to Plac Wolnica with a few photo stops and short historical notes. From here head toward the Vistula — choose a convenient bridge or pedestrian footbridge to cross to the left bank.
Crossing the Vistula (15–20 min including crossing and walking along the banks) — the crossing itself and a short walk along the riverbank give a completely different view of the city. It’s a good moment to breathe before finishing in Podgórze.
Podgórze Market and St. Joseph's Church (25–30 min) — the finale of the walk. Podgórze Market has a cozy atmosphere, and St. Joseph's Church (Jana Zamoyskiego 2) is worth seeing from outside and inside — check opening times if you want to enter without interruption.
Location: Podgórze Market. The church is active for worshippers and visitors — short visits are usually free, but remember the rules of conduct in a place of worship (modest dress, silence).
Hours and masses: the church is typically open from early morning until evening; on weekdays there are often morning and evening masses, and on Sundays there are several services at different times — if you want to see the interior outside liturgy, it’s best to check parish notices or ask locally to avoid finding the interior closed for a service.
What to look for: pay attention to the architecture, altar details and interior decoration. Many elements tell the story of Podgórze and its local community; if you’re interested in sacred craftsmanship, take a moment for a calm inspection of the details.
Kazimierz offers cafés and restaurants for every budget — if you want a break after the first part of the route, I recommend well-known friendly spots: Cheder (café), Hamsa (mezze) and Alchemia (café/bar) — reliable places for a quick coffee or light meal before you continue.
At Plac Now you should try a local treat — there are stands and small vendors around the Okrąglak offering quick and characteristic snacks. In Podgórze you’ll find cozy cafés and restaurants by the market — well-rated places serving home-style dishes and local flavors.
If you plan a sit-down lunch at a restaurant, book a table in advance in the high season — popular places fill up quickly, especially on weekends and evenings.
Shoes: comfortable, flat footwear — cobblestones and uneven pavements are common in the historic parts of Kraków. Bring a light jacket or umbrella if the forecast predicts rain.
Touring time: the 3-hour plan allows short photo stops and one coffee. If you want to enter several church interiors or museums, add extra time.
Toilets and breaks: public restrooms are limited; use cafés or restaurants (order a small item in exchange for using their WC).
Accessibility: some historic sites have limited access for wheelchair users (steps, narrow passages). If you need full accessibility, ask in advance at specific points or choose a flatter route along the riverbanks.
Overestimating your pace — many try to see “everything” and miss the charm of places; it’s better to focus on a few spots and see them well.
Not checking opening times for sacred interiors — stumbling on a service may prevent a quick interior visit; check parish notices or arrive outside mass times.
Leaving valuables in the outer pocket of your backpack — in crowded places keep your wallet and phone safely stored.
Kazimierz and Podgórze have different historical identities — Kazimierz was long the center of Jewish life, while Podgórze operated for years as a separate town with its own market and administration, visible today in the layout of squares and small buildings.
Many gates and courtyards in Kazimierz hide tiny scenes of everyday life — if you walk through a side gate you may find a neglected but extremely picturesque courtyard, a pocket of calm in the middle of the tourist bustle.
Notice the variety of materials — brick, sandstone and cast iron create a palette in Kazimierz that shifts with the light; photographers especially appreciate the half-shade moments and the hour before sunset.
How far is the walk from central Kazimierz to St. Joseph's Church? — Depending on your exact starting point in Kazimierz and the bridge you choose, walking to Podgórze Market usually takes 15–30 minutes for the crossing itself.
Is St. Joseph's Church always open to tourists? — The church is an active parish; the interior is usually accessible outside service times, but to avoid disappointment check parish notices or visit outside mass hours.
Is the route suitable for children? — Yes, the route is short and varied, but plan breaks and small activities to keep little ones engaged.
If you enjoy exploring a city on foot, this trail is a great choice: it combines Kazimierz’s atmosphere, the contrast across the Vistula and Podgórze’s tranquil mood. Take a photo on the bridge, have a coffee in one of the local cafés and let the city show you its different faces.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to experience this walk with live stories and extra insights, feel invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Wishing you a great and enjoyable walk!
