Are you planning a walk through Kazimierz, want to see Wawel and wondering about practical details — opening hours and… toilets in the centre? You’re in the right place. In this text I answer the most common visitor questions and suggest how to plan your day so that sightseeing is pleasant and stress-free.
I’ll speak simply and directly — the way I’d explain things to a group on a walking tour. You’ll find short facts, practical tips and ready-made route ideas.
Kazimierz is one of the most atmospheric parts of Krakow — the former Jewish quarter full of synagogues, charming streets, galleries and cosy cafés. We usually start a walk at the Kazimierz Market, from where the main sights are easy to reach.
The most recognisable places are the synagogues: the Old (Stara), Remuh with its cemetery, Wysoka, Popper, Kupa, Izaak and the Tempel. Each has a different history and atmosphere — from the intimate calm of Remuh to the more monumental Tempel.
Beyond synagogues, it’s worth visiting local galleries, flea markets and a few small museums that tell the story of Krakow’s Jewish community. In the evening Kazimierz comes alive — cafés and restaurants invite you to try local flavours and enjoy the neighbourhood vibe.
Short walk: 1.5–2 hours is enough to see the market, two–three synagogues and soak up the atmosphere.
More complete visit: 3–4 hours if you want to enter several synagogues, visit museums and stop for coffee or lunch.
If you plan an evening in one of the local restaurants, allow an extra 2–3 hours — Kazimierz encourages lingering and people-watching.
Wawel is a must-see in Krakow: the castle, the cathedral, the treasury and the royal chambers. Opening hours can change seasonally, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead.
Wawel Cathedral often has different hours than the castle exhibitions. In the spring and summer season (typically April to September) the cathedral is usually open longer — commonly on weekdays and Saturdays in morning and afternoon hours, while on Sundays visits may start later (often after official services). In autumn and winter the visiting hours are usually shorter. Because of religious ceremonies and holidays the schedule can change, so check the hours for the exact day of your visit.
Tickets for castle exhibitions and some routes can be bought online in advance — tickets are usually released a few weeks before the visit date. In summer it’s wise to reserve entrances ahead of time to avoid queues.
Wawel also offers so-called quiet hours in selected exhibitions for visitors who prefer a calmer experience — a good option if you want peace and focus while visiting.
The cathedral has set visiting hours for tourists and sometimes adjusts them seasonally. Generally, in warmer months visits are possible for longer periods, while outside the season hours are shorter. There are also days when the cathedral is closed to tourists because of ceremonies (e.g. some holidays or important services) or particular dates in the liturgical calendar.
If you plan to enter the Cathedral on a specific day, pay attention to announcements about closures (for example, 1 November or 24–25 December are often days with limited access). If you want to visit specific parts of the cathedral (chapels, treasury), check whether they are available or closed for events.
Good question — and a practical one! There are several public city toilets in the centre, located in key spots: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market, Planty areas (for example near Sienna Street and Straszewskiego / Szczepański Square), the riverside boulevard near Powiśle and underpasses in the Pawia/Warszawska area.
Opening hours depend on location and season. Many places have extended hours during the tourist season — for example the Cloth Hall toilets are often open very late, sometimes until about 2:00 a.m., and some municipal toilets operate until 22:00–24:00. Planty and boulevards often adjust hours to the time of year.
Some toilets are staffed — which means there may be an attendant and a small fee. In several locations there are facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
When possible, use toilets in cafés and restaurants — they are often cleaner and available if you make a small purchase. Municipal conveniences are the quickest option in the centre, but remember many of them charge a small fee or are staffed.
Check a map in advance or ask at an information point — locations and hours of public toilets are updated from time to time.
During the summer season and events (festivals, concerts, holidays) queues can be longer — plan short breaks and be patient.
Short trip (about 3 hours): start at Wawel — walk around the hill and a quick visit to the Cathedral, then cross the bridge to Kazimierz, take a short walk around the Kazimierz Market and visit one of the synagogues.
Full day (6–8 hours): morning visit on selected Wawel routes (tickets booked in advance), coffee break, afternoon in Kazimierz with entry to several synagogues and museums, dinner in one of the atmospheric restaurants.
Evening option: a walk through Kazimierz and the Old Town, finished at a spot with a view of Wawel illuminated at night — great for photos and a calm end to the day.
Many places in the centre, including some municipal toilets, have facilities for people with disabilities. On Wawel and at the main institutions there are maps and information to help plan routes for visitors with limited mobility.
If you need specific details (for example step-free entrances, lifts), it’s best to contact the object’s information point in advance or check descriptions on official sites.
1) Check the hours the day before your trip — events and seasonal changes can modify them.
2) Buy tickets online where possible — it saves time and stress.
3) Carry small change for staffed toilets and always ask about available accessibility options if you need them.
4) Choose early morning or late afternoon for photos and quieter visits — crowds are usually smaller then.
5) If you seek quiet in the cathedral, try to visit outside mass times or use quiet hours if they are available.
- tickets (if you plan to visit Wawel or museums) — check date and time,
- comfortable shoes — cobbles and long walks are normal,
- small change for toilets and coffee,
- a map or offline app with marked toilets and points you want to visit,
- a flexible plan — the city likes to surprise, so leave room for improvisation.
If you like, I can help plan a specific route — shorter or longer, taking into account mobility needs, meal breaks and places where toilets are easy to find. Tell me where you’re coming from and how much time you have, and I’ll prepare a proposal.
