Podgorze is a part of Krakow where history (mounds and forts), memory (sites connected with World War II) and the modern vibe of Zablocie meet - all in one walk. Krakus Mound is the oldest man-made structure in the city, and the walk from Rynek Podgorski to the mound offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Wawel and Kazimierz.
In this article you will find a suggestion for how to use 3 days in Krakow so that Podgorze is not skipped - a sightseeing plan, practical tips, places to eat and a few surprising facts that will be useful during your visit.
Podgorze has a very varied character: from ancient mounds through traces of the Austrian fortress, to industrial Zablocie with trendy cafes and museums. It is a district where history meets revitalisation - seeing it helps you understand another face of the city beyond the Main Market and Wawel.
Podgorze is also a place with strong layers of memory - fragments of the former ghetto, the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory and traces of the Plaszow camp make a walk here at once touristic and reflective.
Day 1: classic Old Town and a short afternoon in Podgorze - cross the Father Bernatek footbridge, see Rynek Podgorski and St. Joseph's Church, finish the evening with dinner in Zablocie.
Day 2: southern Podgorze - morning at Krakus Mound (panorama), walk to Liban Quarry and Fort St. Benedict, afternoon at the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory museum or other historical museums; evening in the Zablocie area for dinner.
Day 3: memory route - Plac Bohaterow Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square), Pharmacy under the Eagle, remains of KL Plaszow, Old Podgorze Cemetery; if you still have energy - Cricoteka and cultural spaces in Zablocie.
Krakus Mound - the highest viewpoint in Podgorze and the city’s oldest structure; a worthy spot for sunrise or sunset.
Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory (Museum) - a must for visitors interested in 20th-century history; it is worth buying tickets in advance and allowing time for the permanent exhibition.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the Pharmacy under the Eagle - an area of remembrance linked to the fate of Krakow’s Jewish community during occupation; these are places to visit with some time for reflection.
Rynek Podgorski and St. Joseph's Church - the heart of the historic town of Podgorze; the atmosphere is different from the Main Market, with interesting townhouses and cafés.
Lasota Hill and Fort Benedict with the small St. Benedict chapel - a mix of nature, legend and military history; the little chapel has a distinctive history of openings and local traditions.
Wojciech Bednarski Park (quarry reclamation) - an example of successful transformation of an industrial site into recreational green space.
Old Podgorze Cemetery - a historic necropolis listed among European cemeteries of historical significance; a peaceful place for a walk.
Zablocie - former industrial grounds transformed into a creative district with galleries, restaurants and cultural spaces.
Cricoteka and other cultural centres in Zablocie - for lovers of contemporary art and the work of Tadeusz Kantor.
Talerz Polish Restaurant (Zablocie 19) - a friendly place serving modern Polish cuisine; a good option for a family lunch or dinner.
Emalia Zablocie - a restaurant that blends tradition and modernity; a convenient spot after visiting the museums of Zablocie.
Vege Italia (Zablocie) - an option for vegans and those seeking Italian flavours with plant-based dishes.
Small cafés and bars around Rynek Podgorski and along Nadwislanska Street - ideal for a coffee break and watching daily life in the district.
Tip - in Zablocie and Podgorze you will find both elegant venues and budget-friendly cafés; if you plan to have lunch after a museum visit, it’s better to reserve a table.
How to get there: Podgorze is easy to reach - footbridges and paths connect it with the centre, and public transport (tram/bus) is quick. The walk from Kazimierz across the Father Bernatek footbridge takes a few dozen minutes and is very pleasant.
Tickets and reservations: the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory and some temporary exhibitions often require advance tickets - especially in peak season. Check opening hours and buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Accessibility: Krakus Mound has inclines and steps - reaching the top requires mobility; some paths in the park and around the mound are uneven. If you have limited mobility, plan a route that uses more accessible sections.
Time to visit: for each major place (Schindler's Factory, the mound, the memory route) plan at least 1-2 hours, combining shorter walks between points.
Weather and clothing: early spring and late autumn can be windy on the mounds and along the Vistula - bring a light jacket. In summer bring a hat and water.
Extra tip - consider buying a daily or multi-day public transport ticket if you plan to use trams and buses a lot; it’s often more convenient than single tickets.
Not booking Schindler's Factory tickets in advance - this can cost you a lot of time in long queues.
Treating Podgorze as an "add-on" and rushing through the district - Podgorze deserves at least half a day to feel its atmosphere and see the key sites of memory.
Assuming everything is open every day - some venues and smaller museums have irregular hours, and small chapels may open only occasionally. Check opening times before you go.
Skipping local cafés and restaurants - Zablocie hides several great spots (especially for late lunch or dinner) worth choosing over chain venues.
St. Benedict's Church on Lasota Hill is one of the smallest churches in the city and - importantly - it is opened very rarely, traditionally on days related to St. Benedict and on specific occasions; that makes visiting it even more special.
Bednarski Park is an example of early quarry reclamation - one of the more interesting transformations of industrial space into an urban park.
Krakus Mound is not only a viewpoint - it is tied to the legend of the city's founder. On a clear day the panorama from the mound can include the Tatra mountain range on the horizon.
Is Krakus Mound free to enter? - Yes, access to the mound is free.
Do I need to buy tickets for the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory? - Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance online or check availability with the museum.
How much time is needed to see Podgorze? - To see the main points (Krakus Mound, Rynek Podgorski, Schindler's Factory, Ghetto Heroes Square) plan at least half a day; for a comfortable visit - a full day.
Is Podgorze safe in the evening? - Generally yes; like in any large city, keep basic precautions and stick to well-lit streets.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - you’ll help someone plan a better stay in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a guide, feel welcome to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and booking are available through the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. With guided tours you can see Podgorze more deeply, with stories and local details you won’t find in guidebooks.
Good luck exploring - Podgorze can surprise you if you give it time.
