If you only have one day in Kraków, beginning in Kazimierz and at the Old Synagogue is a great idea — in the morning it’s noticeably quieter, the light for photos is gentle, and the walk from the city centre takes about 10–15 minutes.
The Old Synagogue (Szeroka 24) is the oldest synagogue in the city and an important museum that tells the story of the long Jewish presence in Kraków. Allow about 45–60 minutes to view the exhibition at a relaxed pace and to soak in the atmosphere of the place.
The synagogue is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday with morning and afternoon hours; Mondays sometimes include selected hours of free admission, and the site may be closed on the second Thursday of the month — check opening times before you go so you don’t arrive during a closure.
Admission is generally modest for a museum (past prices have been in the range of about 8–11 PLN for an adult ticket, with reduced rates and family options). The last entry is normally allowed about 30 minutes before closing, so plan for mornings or early afternoons.
On-site audioguides and short guided tours for groups are sometimes available — if you want more historical detail, consider booking a short guided slot. Also note that in summer the crowds build earlier, so a morning start gives you an advantage.
Morning: start with a quick breakfast — an obwarzanek and coffee by the Planty or at one of the small cafés on the way to Kazimierz, then walk to the Old Synagogue to visit just after it opens.
After the visits on Szeroka, stroll at an easy pace through the streets of Kazimierz — see the Remuh Synagogue and the old cemetery, visit Plac Nowy, and if you feel like it try a local zapiekanka at Plac Nowy as an inexpensive, quick meal.
Afternoon: walk back on foot to the Main Market Square, pass the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church, pop up to Wawel (the terraces and courtyards are free) and rest along the Vistula boulevards; in the evening choose one of the recommended cafés or restaurants for a dessert and local atmosphere.
For a quick, well-reviewed breakfast or a coffee try classic cafés in the Old Town — places with an established reputation include Cafe Camelot (Old Town) and the atmospheric Mleczarnia in the heart of Kazimierz, both great for a relaxed stop.
For lunch, if you want to taste traditional Polish dishes, look for restaurants with good reviews — rather than opting for the priciest menus right at the Market Square, search for places offering pierogi and traditional soups in Kazimierz or near Wawel. For the cheapest options, a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy or obwarzanek stalls will save you money.
Below is an example frugal breakdown for an adult: breakfast (obwarzanek + coffee) 10–15 PLN, Old Synagogue ticket 8–11 PLN, walking (no cost) or one tram ride 4–8 PLN, lunch (pierogi or daily special) 25–35 PLN, afternoon coffee/dessert 10–15 PLN — total approx. 60–85 PLN depending on choices.
If you want to save even more, swap café coffee for takeaway, choose a zapiekanka or a local buffet instead of a sit-down lunch, and limit paid museum visits to one site — that way you’ll comfortably stay within the 100 PLN limit.
Comfortable shoes are essential — streets are cobbled and there’s a lot of walking. Bring a small backpack, a refillable water bottle (many places allow tap water refills), a powerbank and an offline map — these will save time and stress.
Check opening hours in advance and remember that the last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing. It’s also worth avoiding the middle of the day at the Market Square if you prefer quieter photos and shorter lines.
Mistake 1: trying to ‘do’ the entire city in one day. It’s better to choose a few places and explore them attentively — this way you’ll actually feel Kraków’s atmosphere instead of rushing from point to point.
Mistake 2: ignoring museum hours and closed days. The Old Synagogue has specific opening rules (including selected free hours on Mondays and closure on the second Thursday of the month) — check this before you set out so you don’t waste time.
Mistake 3: automatically choosing restaurants right next to the main attractions. Prices and quality can be less favourable there — a 5–10 minute detour often gives a better quality-to-price ratio.
Is admission to the Old Synagogue paid? Yes — admission is usually paid, but prices are modest (discounts for children, students, and family offers) and some Monday hours may be free.
How much time is needed to visit the Old Synagogue? To view the exhibition calmly plan 45–60 minutes; if you want to read displays carefully or listen more, allow additional time.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance? Generally not for individual visits outside the high season, but for larger groups or during peak season it’s worth checking if reservations are possible in advance.
Kazimierz is not only religious monuments — it is a district that has been a centre of Kraków’s cultural life for years; many café interiors and intimate courtyards have long traditions that give the area a unique character.
Many places that appear ‘old’ in Kraków were rebuilt and renovated over the centuries — pay attention to architectural details, which often hide elements from different eras.
If this plan helps you, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others better plan a short stay in Kraków.
If you want to explore Kraków with a story tailored to your interests, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. This is a convenient way to see more and feel the city’s history without rushing.
