Kazimierz is a district worth treating like a separate town: you can still see its layers of history here, from medieval walls to colorful cafés and galleries. A walk along Szeroka, Józefa, Miodowa streets or Nowy Square gives you a sense of a place that before World War II thrived with Jewish community life.
In Kazimierz you will see many preserved synagogues and prayer houses - although only a few are active today, the buildings and museums tell the story of the community that once lived here. It is worth visiting the Old Synagogue on ul. Szeroka and the Remuh Synagogue with its adjacent, very old Jewish cemetery - these are places full of history and quiet reflection.
Stroll at a relaxed pace, peek into small corners and courtyards - that is often where galleries, craft shops and atmospheric cafés hide. Kazimierz combines memory with cultural life: you will find both places of remembrance and good restaurants and cafés where you can rest after sightseeing.
Old Synagogue and Szeroka Street - the historic center of Jewish Kazimierz, easy to combine with other walking points.
Remuh Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery - one of the most important and oldest places of worship; it has a unique atmosphere and it’s worth taking time to quietly look at the tombstones.
Wolf Popper, Kupa Synagogue, High Synagogue - even if you don’t visit every interior, the exterior architectural details and the layout of the streets convey the district’s special character.
Nowy Square is a must-see: in the morning it hosts a market with fresh produce and local snacks; in the evening it buzzes with restaurants and food trucks. If you want to try well-reviewed places, in Kazimierz you can find, among others, Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern cuisine), Szara Kazimierz (creative cuisine) and the pizzeria Nolio - these venues are regularly highly rated and work well for visitors looking for quality.
For a coffee break I recommend Cheder Cafe - a place connected to the Jewish Culture Festival; it serves coffee and snacks in an atmosphere that combines tradition and modernity. Remember that in season queues can be long, so either get up earlier or reserve a table if possible.
If you want to soak up the local vibe with a beer or a poetic evening, look for smaller places with a lively atmosphere - Kazimierz is ideal for an evening walk and discovering hidden bars.
On the other side of the Vistula, in Podgórze, there are places strongly connected to 20th-century history. Ghetto Heroes Square - with its benches and the 'empty chairs' installation - is part of the memory of Kraków’s Jews during the occupation. These are spaces for reflection that pair well with visits to museums and exhibitions about the region’s history.
Nearby it is also worth seeing Oskar Schindler’s Factory - the exhibition provides context to the history of Kazimierz and Podgórze and fits well into a broader city walk.
Keep a respectful attitude when visiting places of remembrance - they are spaces for reflection, and local signage often suggests how to behave respectfully.
Krakow has many 'weird' spots that surprise visitors: art installations, unusual sculptures, empty memory spaces or fragments of the city’s underground. The underground route beneath the Main Market is an extraordinary journey through time, where you can see the remains of old workshops and medieval traces.
Other unusual points include less obvious memorials and installations in the urban space - walking beyond the Planty you may come across places that look like they belong to another era. Keep your eyes open and don’t rush: some of the most interesting sights are the roadside and little-described ones in guides.
If you are looking for an atmosphere of contemplation - visit memorial places and parts of Podgórze; if you want something odd and playful - pay attention to installations and houses that bend the urban space.
Zakopane offers a completely different vibe from Krakow: the Tatra Mountains, highlander culture and Krupówki. It’s a great place for a day trip or a multi-day stay from Krakow if you want to combine the city with nature.
Beyond must-see spots like the ski jump, Gubałówka or Kościeliska Valley, Zakopane also has slightly 'bizarre' and very Instagrammable attractions. One example is the Upside-Down House - its location on Aleje 3 Maja provides a quick photo opportunity and a short, fun break in your itinerary.
If you plan to hike in the Tatras - check the route, the weather forecast and your return time. Mountain conditions can change very quickly and safety must be the priority.
If you have only one day in Krakow: start the morning in the Old Town, spend midday in Kazimierz, and use the afternoon/late evening for a walk in Podgórze or a visit to one of the exhibitions. Break sightseeing into parts: synagogues and museums are best visited in the morning when there are fewer tourists.
Tickets for some museums and attractions (for example the Market Underground, Oskar Schindler’s Factory) are good to buy in advance online - this will help you avoid queues. In high season it’s also worth reserving a table at popular Kazimierz restaurants.
Transport: from Krakow to Zakopane it’s best to plan by train or bus/coach - the trip takes a few hours; if you need faster travel, consider a private transfer. Within Krakow, walking gives the most, and short tram or taxi rides will save time.
In Kazimierz choose venues with good reviews - Hamsa Hummus & Happiness, Szara Kazimierz and pizzeria Nolio are examples of places guests often recommend. For coffee lovers and light bites, Cheder Cafe and small cafés on side streets offer an authentic atmosphere. If you want to try Polish cuisine in a more elegant form, look for restaurants with reviews specializing in Polish and modern cuisine.
Accommodation: Kazimierz has a wide offer - from intimate guesthouses to boutique hotels. If you value quiet, pick a location not directly on Nowy Square or Józefa Street. Book in advance during festival season and on weekends.
If you plan a stay in Zakopane, look for lodgings near the station or Kościeliska Valley - you’ll save travel time and gain quick access to the trails.
Planning at the last minute in season - missing tickets and no available tables. Solution - book key attractions and restaurants in advance.
Trying to see 'everything' in one day - ends with exhaustion and a shallow experience. Solution - pick 3-4 key points and allow some flexibility in the plan.
Poor preparation for mountain hikes in Zakopane - underestimating weather and lacking basic gear. Solution - check the forecast and bring appropriate shoes and layered clothing.
Kazimierz preserves far more traces than meet the eye - street layouts, names and architectural details often hide histories going back centuries.
Beneath Krakow’s market surface lie relics of former trade and fragments of old buildings - underground routes can surprise even those who know the city well.
In Zakopane, alongside tourist attractions there are small local museums and craft workshops that show that the mountains are not only trails but also culture and tradition.
How much time to spend in Kazimierz? - For a relaxed walk including one synagogue visit and a coffee break plan 2-3 hours.
Is it worth combining Krakow and Zakopane in one trip? - Yes, if you have 3-4 days; Krakow offers culture and history, Zakopane - nature and mountain experiences.
Are synagogues open to tourists? - Not all of them; some operate as museums, others have limited hours or require a ticket. Check opening hours before visiting.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - it will help others plan their trip better. If you want to explore with local support and learn more about lesser-known histories of Krakow and the surroundings, feel free to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) - details and contact are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Enjoy your visit and remember - the best discoveries are those you make by walking slowly and with curiosity!
