Kazimierz is a neighborhood full of history, synagogues, atmospheric streets and lively eateries; Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is one of Krakow’s most important museums telling the story of the occupation and the fate of the city’s inhabitants. Together they form a complementary narrative of prewar and wartime Krakow - a walk through Kazimierz reveals everyday life and the culture of the Jewish community, while a visit to the factory provides a broader historical context for the years 1939–1945.
If your time is limited, visiting both places in one day is a good plan: reserve time at the museum in the morning, then spend 1–2 hours strolling around Kazimierz in the afternoon, relaxing with coffee and finishing with dinner.
Location and hours: the museum is located at Lipowa 4. Typical opening hours are usually Tuesday–Sunday 9:00–19:00 (last admission 1.5 hours before closing) with reduced hours on Mondays. The museum may be closed on the first Tuesday of the month - check before you go.
Tickets and sales: tickets are sold online and at the museum ticket office. Online tickets are usually available in advance (often many days ahead; in high season it’s advisable to book early). Same-day tickets may be available at the box office depending on availability.
New rules and named tickets: the museum has introduced rules concerning named tickets and limits on the number of tickets purchasable at one time; if you are travelling with a larger group or have special entitlements, check the current conditions before your visit and be ready to present ID if required.
Prices and concessions: the museum offers full-price, reduced, family and group tickets. City or family cards may entitle visitors to discounts. Check ticket prices and available reductions before purchasing to pick the best option for you.
Entry and punctuality: time-slot entry is often used - enter during the allocated window (for example within 15 minutes of the time printed on your ticket). If you are late, contact the ticket office for guidance.
Szeroka Street and the streets around it - the heart of the former Jewish quarter: synagogues and many restaurants are located here. This area is the easiest place to feel Kazimierz’s atmosphere.
Synagogues: the Old Synagogue (one of the oldest preserved), the Remuh Synagogue with the Remuh Cemetery, the Tempel Synagogue, the Isaac Synagogue, the High Synagogue and the Kupa Synagogue - each has its own history and architectural details worth noticing.
Remuh Cemetery - a place of remembrance with gravestones rich in symbolism; visit respectfully, keep quiet and dress modestly.
Plac Nowy with the Okrąglak - a daytime market and an evening street-food spot known for zapiekanki; a relaxed place to try local flavors.
Museum Galicja - a museum devoted to the Jews of Galicia, often showing photographic and educational exhibitions; a good complement to a district walk.
Plac Wolnica - the historic market square of Kazimierz; notice the buildings, churches and local atmosphere.
Synagogues and the cemetery call for solemnity and respect - avoid loud behaviour, do not sit on graves and do not touch exhibits without permission.
In some synagogues men may be asked to cover their heads - kippot are often available at the entrance. Dress modestly, especially when entering sacred interiors.
On Fridays from sunset until Saturday night (Shabbat) some places may be closed or have limited access - factor this into your itinerary.
In museums of memory, such as Schindler’s Factory, keep quiet near the displays and respect the historical context; photography may be allowed or restricted depending on the room.
Short visit (approx. 3–4 hours): morning at Schindler’s Factory (1–1.5 hours), then walk to Kazimierz, quick visits to synagogues and Plac Nowy, coffee and a zapiekanka break.
Half day in Kazimierz (approx. 2 hours): stroll along Szeroka Street, visit the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, a short visit to Museum Galicja, and a coffee break in a local café.
Full day: combine Schindler’s Factory and an extended walk around Kazimierz with lunch in a local restaurant, explore lesser-known corners and galleries, and finish with dinner and live music - Kazimierz has a lively evening scene in season.
Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak - quick local food and the famous zapiekanki, ideal for a standing snack.
Starka - traditional Polish cuisine in a cosy, atmospheric interior; a good choice for lunch with local flavours.
Mleczarnia - a cosy café/bar perfect for coffee and cake after a walk.
Local cafés and small restaurants serve a wide variety of options - from Jewish-inspired dishes to contemporary cuisine. It’s wise to reserve a table for dinner on weekends.
Buy Schindler’s Factory tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season. Same-day box office tickets may exist but are not guaranteed - for popular dates book online.
If the museum enforces named tickets or purchase limits, bring ID and check the rules on name requirements and purchase limits beforehand.
Family and reduced tickets are offered - check the conditions (children’s ages, person limits) before buying to choose the most economical option.
If you plan to visit several sites in a short time, schedule visits to avoid peak periods (museum in the morning, Kazimierz in the late afternoon) and allow time for walking between points.
Consider transport and accessibility - Kazimierz is close to the Old Town and within walking distance from the Main Market Square (about a 15–25 minute walk depending on pace).
Do I need to buy Schindler’s Factory tickets far in advance? - In high season and on popular days it’s best to buy online in advance; box office tickets for the same day may be available but queues can form.
Are Kazimierz synagogues open every day? - Not all synagogues are open daily and some have restricted hours on holidays or during Shabbat. Check opening times before visiting.
Can I visit Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz without a guide? - Yes, both places can be explored independently; if you want deeper historical context, use the museum’s materials or join a scheduled guided group offered by local services.
How long does it take to visit Schindler’s Factory? - Typically 1–1.5 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the exhibition.
Plan visits outside the busiest times - mornings at museums and weekday afternoons in Kazimierz are often more comfortable.
Wear comfortable shoes - cobbled streets in Kazimierz and longer museum walks can be tiring.
Respect places of memory - take photos sparingly and avoid using flash in certain rooms.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, choose local craft shops and small bookstores in Kazimierz - a good way to support the local community.
If you want certainty about opening hours, ticket availability and current rules - check the museum website or call the ticket office before your visit.
Planning tip: if you visit Krakow in high season, consider booking tickets to top attractions several weeks in advance. Combining Schindler’s Factory with a walk through Kazimierz is one of the most insightful routes to understand the city’s history and present character.
Good luck on your visit! If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized walking route through Kazimierz tailored to your time and interests.
