Kazimierz is one of the most colorful parts of Kraków — once a separate town founded in the 14th century and, from the late 15th century, the heart of Jewish life in the city. A walk through its streets combines sacred monuments and traces of history with lively cafés, bars and local shops.
Before you start ticking off places on a map: treat Kazimierz as a neighborhood to be savored slowly — every alley can hide an interesting story, a mural or a cozy spot for a meal.
Szeroka Street — the symbol of the former Jewish quarter, where many monuments are concentrated: the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue with its adjoining cemetery, the Popper Synagogue and other historic buildings.
Plac Now and the Okrąglak — the heart of contemporary Kazimierz life: stalls, zapiekanki and meeting places. Here you’ll feel the daily pulse of the neighborhood, especially on weekends.
Plac Wolnica — the old market square of Kazimierz with the former town hall building; today full of cafés and social spots, it’s worth stopping by to see a piece of the separate town’s past.
Several synagogues in Kazimierz are open to visitors: among them the Old Synagogue (part of the Jewish Museum), the Tempel Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue and Kupa Synagogue. It’s worth taking time to go inside and read about their history.
The Old Jewish Cemetery on Szeroka Street is an important place of remembrance — during your visit keep quiet and show respect for the burial ground; limit photography and do not walk on the graves.
The Tempel Synagogue sometimes charges a small admission fee (one common reference mentions about 15 PLN), but the best practice is to check current information before visiting.
The courtyard at Józefa 12 is known from the film "Schindler’s List" — a frequently photographed, atmospheric spot with a small shop and a café garden.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory (in Podgórze, a few minutes’ walk from Kazimierz) is an important museum presenting the period of German occupation in Kraków; include it in your plan but remember it’s a separate site located across the Vistula.
Kazimierz is famous for its many restaurants and cafés — you’ll find everything from Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisine to modern bistros and wine bars. Popular local names include Hamsa Hummus & Happiness on Szeroka (Middle Eastern/Israeli mezze) and the atmospheric Alchemia on Estery for drinks and live music.
Plac Now is a must for street-food lovers — the famous zapiekanki stalls around the Okrąglak are a classic. Around Szeroka and Wolnica you’ll also find cozy cafés ideal for a longer break after sightseeing.
If you’re planning an evening out: Kazimierz has well-known places with live music and a retro vibe. Ask a local or check the latest recommendations before you go to find tonight’s best spot.
Each year Kazimierz hosts the Jewish Culture Festival — a time of concerts, workshops and performances when the district has a special atmosphere.
Outside the festival there are many smaller cultural events in season: exhibitions, club concerts and gallery openings — check the events calendar before your visit.
The best time for a quiet visit is weekday mornings — the streets are less crowded and the light is often better for photos.
If you have limited time, plan a route: Szeroka (synagogues + cemetery) — Plac Now — Plac Wolnica — the "Schindler’s List" courtyard. You can walk this in a few hours, but leave time for food and breaks.
Historic sites and museums (for example Schindler’s Factory) have different opening hours and ticketing rules — check current hours and any free-admission days before your visit.
Kazimierz has cobbled streets and uneven surfaces — if you have limited mobility keep this in mind when planning routes and choosing places to visit.
The central area can be busy in the evenings and on weekends — watch your valuables and be mindful of petty theft, as in any popular tourist area.
On Szeroka Street there is the house where Helena Rubinstein was born — a small detail that can surprise visitors interested in the personal histories connected to the city.
Fragments of the medieval town walls survive in several places in Kazimierz — reminders of the time when the district was an independent town surrounded by fortifications.
Mixing up the location of Schindler’s Factory — the museum is in Podgórze, on the other side of the Vistula, not in the heart of Kazimierz; plan separate time to visit it.
Visiting only in the evening — Kazimierz at night is attractive, but many monuments and museums are closed then; if you want to see synagogues and the cemetery, choose a day or morning visit.
Rushing through the sights — instead of running from synagogue to café, allow time for contemplation and to read about the history of the places, especially sites of memory.
Can Kazimierz be explored on foot? - Yes, the main attractions are close to each other and easily visited on foot.
How much time should I allocate? - If you want to see synagogues, the cemetery, Plac Now and a few museums plus stop for a meal, plan at least 3–4 hours; for a relaxed visit with breaks, allow a full day.
Do I need a guide? - You can explore on your own, but a guide can expand historical themes and tell local stories you won’t find on plaques.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbles and uneven sidewalks are a hallmark of Kazimierz.
To avoid crowds and get better photos, come in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
Share this article with friends or on social media — it will help them plan a visit to Kraków. If you’d like a private guided tour, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
