Podgórze used to be a separate town — it was officially incorporated into Kraków in 1915. You won’t see every corner in a single day, but a well-planned walk will let you visit the most important sites connected both to the district’s history and to its interesting industrial and bourgeois architecture. This guide suggests a route and practical tips to make the most of 6–8 hours of sightseeing.
Important to stress: Podgórze is more than just World War II sites — you’ll also find old factories, villa-lined streets, prehistoric mounds and modernist urban details that together form a varied and fascinating area.
If a viewpoint matters to you: from Kopiec Krakusa you get one of the most beautiful panoramas of Kraków. It’s a great place to start your day and immediately feel the district’s place in the city.
Start: Rynek Podgórski - the heart of the old town of Podgórze. A short walk around the square and nearby streets (20–30 min).
Kopiec Krakusa (Lasota) - climb the mound for a panorama and quick orientation in the area (30–45 min).
Walk down toward Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory - visit the museum (book tickets in advance, 1–1.5 h).
Walk to the squares related to the ghetto history: the Ghetto Heroes Square (the Empty Chairs monument) and surviving fragments of the ghetto wall - a moment for reflection and photos (30–40 min).
Apteka ‘Pod Orłem’ - the small museum in Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s former pharmacy (if you’re interested in ghetto history, 30–45 min).
Break for coffee/lunch near Targowa Street or back at Rynek Podgórski (45–60 min).
Afternoon options: visit local forts and industrial traces of Podgórze (for example Fort 31 and the areas around Lasota) or take a relaxed walk along the Vistula and cross Bernatek Footbridge to Kazimierz if you want to combine this visit with more of Kraków (45–90 min).
Kopiec Krakusa (Kopiec Krakusa, Lasota) - the oldest structure in the district, dated by some studies to pre-Christian times. The climb is short and the reward is a wide view over the Vistula and Kraków’s buildings; it’s a peaceful place to begin your morning with soft light and silence.
Rynek Podgórski and surroundings - an unassuming 19th-century market square with historic townhouses and St. Joseph’s Church. Look out for architectural details on the facades, the 19th-century spatial layout and the atmosphere of a “small town” within the larger city.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory - today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. The exhibition tells the story of Kraków during the occupation and the fate of the Jewish community. Tickets often sell out, so book in advance. The area still carries an industrial character.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the ‘Empty Chairs’ installation - a memorial to the victims of the Kraków ghetto; fragments of the ghetto wall and sculptural elements create a space for quiet reflection.
Apteka Pod Orłem (the former pharmacy of Tadeusz Pankiewicz) - today a small, moving exhibition about daily life inside the ghetto and the help provided by the pharmacy. It’s an especially important site for understanding local aspects of WWII history.
Bernatek Footbridge and bridges over the Vistula - the bridges and footbridges offer views back to the left-bank monuments of Kraków. The footbridge also became famous for the ‘love locks’ tradition in recent years.
A mix of styles: from villas and townhouses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, through industrial buildings, to modernist details - Podgórze shows how the city expanded beyond the old Kraków walls. Pay attention to facade details, historic signage and traces of industrial adaptations where factories became homes, galleries or restaurants.
Industrial heritage: former halls, factories and warehouses now often house museums, galleries or dining places. Compare the raw industrial volumes with the decorative details of villas and market square buildings.
Forts and fortifications: around Lasota and Płaszów you can still find remnants of defensive works and former military infrastructure. For those interested in defensive architecture, this is a less obvious but rewarding part of the walk.
Targowa 2 - a local initiative visible in Podgórze’s cultural program; a good spot for a break, a meeting or local events. Check current opening hours and daily offers.
Cafés near Schindler’s Factory - there are small cafés and bars around the museum that are convenient for a quick bite after visiting. Try local options: coffee, a sandwich or traditional pierogi.
Rynek Podgórski - if you prefer sit-down restaurants, around the square you’ll find places serving Polish cuisine. It’s also a pleasant spot for a longer break and watching local life.
Podgórze was for a long time a completely separate town - you can notice this in the street pattern and the scale of the buildings. Walking here feels different from the dense rhythm of Kraków’s historic centre.
Kopiec Krakusa is one of the oldest artificial mounds in the area; its exact origins remain partly mysterious, which gives the place a special atmosphere. The mounds around Kraków form a kind of memory system - it’s worth comparing Kopiec Krakusa with other mounds in the city panorama.
Podgórze is home to local cultural initiatives and small museums that regularly run exhibitions and themed walks - these are great ways to get to know the district from the inside.
Not booking tickets for Schindler’s Factory in advance - tickets can sell out, especially in high season. Book online ahead if you plan to enter the museum.
Trying to see too much in one day - Podgórze has its own rhythm; it’s better to focus on a dozen highlights than to rush through everything. Allow time for breaks and reflection at memorial sites.
Poor footwear and clothing - parts of the route have uneven pavements, the mound has stone steps, and areas near the forts can be rough underfoot. Comfortable shoes will make your walk much more enjoyable.
How long does the route take? - The standard one-day plan is 6–8 hours including breaks; if you want to enter every museum, allow more time or split the visit into two days.
Is the route accessible for strollers and people with limited mobility? - Not all places are fully accessible, especially Kopiec Krakusa. Schindler’s Factory and some museums have accessibility facilities - check with the venue before your visit.
Do I need tickets for all museums? - No; some locations are public spaces. However, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and certain exhibitions at the Podgórze museum require tickets. Online booking is recommended.
How do I get to Podgórze from the centre? - The easiest way is by tram or by walking across Bernatek Footbridge / other bridges over the Vistula, depending on your starting point. A walk from Kazimierz or the Old Town usually takes 20–35 minutes depending on your pace.
Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and an open mind for the stories this district tells. Respect places of memory - keep quiet and solemn at the Ghetto Heroes Square and the Apteka Pod Orłem.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help others plan a meaningful day in Kraków.
If you prefer to explore with a guide and hear more local anecdotes and details, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details and contact are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
