The Old Synagogue on Szeroka Street is one of the oldest preserved synagogues in Poland — its current appearance dates from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, after rebuilding completed around 1570. For many visitors, 30–60 minutes is enough to see the main interior, which makes it an ideal stop during a one-day visit to Krakow.
This small but history-rich space reveals life in Kazimierz’s Jewish community and is an important stop for anyone wanting to learn about the city’s multicultural past.
If you have only one day in Krakow, a well-planned morning is usually enough to calmly visit the Old Synagogue’s interiors and nearby points of interest.
Plan your morning in Kazimierz: it’s best to make this your first stop of the day, arriving soon after opening to avoid crowds. Visiting the Old Synagogue typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on how much you read the exhibition panels.
After leaving the synagogue, take a short walk along Szeroka Street toward the Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery — these are other important Jewish heritage sites. Then stroll to Plac Nowy, enjoy a local bite (a zapiekanka or a meal at a well-reviewed restaurant) and continue exploring Kazimierz or cross the Grunwaldzkiego Bridge toward the Old Town.
If you want more museum time, in the evening you can visit other branches of the Historical Museum of Kraków or simply relax in one of the recommended cafes in Kazimierz.
The Historical Museum of Kraków, which includes the Old Synagogue, usually offers two main ticket types: regular and reduced. Entry fees in recent years have typically been in the range of a few to around twenty Polish zlotys; the student reduced ticket is noticeably cheaper than the full price, but exact rates can change.
Mondays have sometimes been days with free admission during certain hours (often in the morning), so it’s worth checking the current schedule before you arrive. To use a student discount, carry a valid student ID — staff on site may ask to see it.
You can buy tickets at the branch ticket office or through the museum’s ticketing system — during popular times consider arriving earlier because space inside can be limited.
Opening hours depend on the season, but the branch generally operates in morning and afternoon hours, with shorter hours on Mondays (mornings sometimes reserved for free entry). The last admission is usually about 30 minutes before closing.
The Old Synagogue’s exhibition presents Jewish rituals and culture; because the building is historic, accessibility for visitors with limited mobility may be restricted. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but it’s good to respect the place and other visitors.
During Jewish holidays some sites may be closed, so when planning a visit for specific dates check for possible closures in advance.
Kazimierz is one of Krakow’s most-visited areas — the Old Synagogue sits in the heart of the district and is easily reachable on foot from most points in Kazimierz and from the Old Town (a walk of roughly 15–25 minutes).
For a relaxed visit to the Old Synagogue and nearby sites, plan about 2–3 hours: 30–60 minutes for the synagogue plus time for walking, coffee and visiting adjacent monuments and the cemetery.
If you have only a few hours, focus on a morning visit to the synagogue and a quick walk along Szeroka and Plac Nowy; in the evening you can return for a longer stroll through the city.
Kazimierz offers many well-reviewed places to eat — if you want something popular and reliable, look for restaurants serving Middle Eastern dishes and local specialties. On Plac Nowy you’ll find the famous zapiekanki, a quick and characteristic snack for visitors to Kazimierz.
If you prefer sit-down restaurants with good reviews, consider places on Szeroka Street and the nearby area — many serve both Jewish-inspired and international cuisine. After sightseeing it’s pleasant to sit down in a well-rated cafe or bar for a short break.
If you plan a longer break, reserving a table for lunch at a popular place can help during the high tourist season.
Arriving without checking opening hours is a typical mistake — especially on holidays or Mondays when hours may change.
Forgetting your student ID when claiming a discount is an easy slip that can spoil your savings — always keep it with you.
Expecting the Old Synagogue to function as an active synagogue with regular services — in practice the building operates as a museum, so treat the visit as educational and exhibition-focused.
Not leaving time for extra attractions in Kazimierz — it’s wise to allow time for a stroll, coffee and short stops since the area is full of interesting corners.
Check current prices and opening hours on the Historical Museum of Kraków’s website before you leave — information can change seasonally.
If you’re saving money: look out for free-admission days and available discounts (for example student rates).
Show respect for the place: quiet behavior, restrained conduct and photography without flash are good rules in a museum space with a sacred character.
How long does a visit to the Old Synagogue take? 30–60 minutes (depending on interest in the exhibition).
Do students get discounts? Yes — the museum offers reduced tickets (remember to carry a student ID).
Is there a free day? In the past Mondays have been days with free admission at certain hours — check the current schedule before your visit.
Can I take photos? Usually yes, but without a flash.
Despite its modest size, the Old Synagogue hides a wealth of exhibits and stories about Krakow’s Jewish culture — it’s a place easy to overlook if you don’t dedicate it time.
If you found this practical guide useful, share it with friends or on your social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit to Krakow.
If you’d like to tour Kazimierz and its synagogues with a personal guide, I recommend using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk and many interesting discoveries!
