Ghetto Heroes Square (formerly Plac Zgody) is one of the most moving places in Kraków. Located in the Podgórze district, it is a symbolic point of remembrance for the victims of the Kraków ghetto from World War II. Even on a short, two-hour route it’s worth a stop — the square helps visitors understand local history and shows a side of the city different from the Main Market Square or Wawel.
A short guided tour can be extremely substantive: with a well-planned walk you’ll see a fragment of the ghetto wall, the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes (the installation of empty chairs), the site of the former Pharmacy Under the Eagle, and — if the group wishes — the exterior of Oskar Schindler’s Factory. Stories about daily life in the ghetto, people’s struggles and survival can be told with empathy and clarity without dragging out the program. This is ideal for groups who have limited time but want a meaningful encounter with Kraków’s history.
First-time visitors are often surprised that the ghetto was located separately — not in Kazimierz but in Podgórze. Knowing this helps understand the city layout and makes it easier to plan the route so you don’t waste time on unnecessary walks.
Duration: about 2 hours — intensive but unhurried. The route is designed to give the group a solid historical context and several key viewpoints.
Sample plan: meet at a convenient starting point in Kazimierz (for example, ul. Szeroka), a short story about prewar life in the Jewish quarter, pass through Plac Nowy, walk the streets toward Podgórze, enter the former ghetto area, visit Ghetto Heroes Square — time for reflection, discussion of the monuments and the preserved wall fragment, then walk past the exterior of Schindler’s Factory (option to enter the museum with prebooked tickets).
Variations: groups that want to enter the Schindler’s Factory museum should consider a 4-hour plan (2 hours walking + 1–1.5 hours in the museum). If time is tight, skip the museum interior and leave it as an optional, individual follow-up.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory (museum) is best visited with tickets purchased in advance — especially for larger groups. Without a reservation, available entry times can be limited and admission may be delayed. When planning a short route, decide ahead of time whether you will go inside the museum or stay outside for the guide’s introduction.
Organized groups often qualify for special group rates at museums and attractions. For guided tours, agree in advance on the maximum number of participants per guide — this improves the quality of the tour and shortens stop times. If you need headset sets or a sound system for a larger group, request them when booking — this speeds up the tour start and solves volume problems.
Practical tip: for school or corporate groups, order tickets several weeks in advance or reserve a refundable slot. This minimizes the risk of disappointment on the day of the visit.
The zwiedzaniekrakowa.com offer includes short, thematic walks of about 2 hours that can be extended. Prices for guiding small groups (up to ~35 people) and larger groups are structured to fit client needs — there are hourly rates and per-person rates for very large groups. When booking, ask about available headset sets and language options.
If you plan to enter Schindler’s Factory, remember that museum ticket prices and availability can change, so ask the guide for current rates and the possibility of group booking.
When you reserve through the guide’s page you will often find options for families, schools and companies — each group can expect a tailored route and pace.
People with a short stay in Kraków who want a quick but meaningful introduction to the history of the ghetto and Podgórze. It’s also a good choice for school groups, company outings and families with children above a certain age. The route combines historical storytelling with observation of the urban space — not overloaded with detail, but delivered with empathy and respect.
Family version: the guide offers a child-friendly format with shorter stories and elements that engage younger participants. For academic groups or visitors seeking deeper context, a longer, more in-depth route can be arranged.
For visitors with limited mobility there are options with fewer steep sections and reduced walking distances — just report your needs when booking.
Meeting point: agree with the guide on a clear, easy-to-find meeting place (for example near the Remuh Synagogue or on ul. Szeroka) — this shortens organisational time. Duration: standard 2 hours; with museum entry about 4 hours. Weather and conditions: the route includes outdoor sections — bring raincoats or umbrellas for rain, and schedule breaks and water in hot weather.
Transport: Podgórze and Kazimierz are well connected by tram and bus; for larger groups consider meeting directly at the starting point rather than transporting everyone by public transport. When planning walking times, allow extra margin for unexpected photo stops and short participant questions.
Safety and etiquette: the subject of the ghetto and the Holocaust requires a sensitive approach. Ask participants to dress appropriately and observe silence at memorial places. Photography is allowed in public spaces, but be mindful of etiquette at monuments and graves.
Kazimierz and Podgórze offer many places with good food — from traditional Polish dishes to modern cafés. I recommend venues that have strong reviews and are suited to short breaks between tour stops. Examples in Kazimierz: Cafe Camelot (atmospheric café, good for a quick cake and coffee), Mleczarnia (cozy spot with local flavors), and several restaurants serving Jewish or fusion cuisine that visitors often praise.
In Podgórze consider smaller cafés and bars where a group can quickly sit, have sandwiches and refreshment. If you plan a lunch after the tour, reserve a table in advance — local places can be busy on weekends.
For groups interested in a local beer or a glass of wine: choose reputable venues with good ratings on dining platforms — this saves time and reduces the chance of disappointment.
Did you know the Kraków ghetto was established in 1941 and a large number of residents were confined in a relatively small area? This caused extreme living conditions and daily hardships. Context like this helps grasp the scale of the tragedy in local urban terms.
On the route I often point out lesser-known remnants of the ghetto infrastructure — fragments of the wall or places that were once "green areas." These details create a fuller picture and are often the biggest surprise for tourists who associated the ghetto only with a few landmark sites.
Another curiosity: before the war Podgórze was an independent town with its own history and traditions — this explains why the ghetto area was located there rather than in the heart of Kazimierz.
Not reserving museum tickets in advance — especially for Schindler’s Factory — is the most frequent mistake. The result can be no entry on the planned day or long waiting times. Book in advance, particularly in high season.
Confusing the ghetto location with Kazimierz — many tourists expect Ghetto Heroes Square to be in Kazimierz. In reality the square is in Podgórze, which matters for logistics and route planning. Check the map and set the meeting point with the guide.
Insufficient preparation for the emotional nature of the topic — talks about the Holocaust and human tragedy can be challenging for some. It’s good to warn participants and plan moments of silence and reflection. The guide leads tours with empathy, but preparing the group mentally beforehand is helpful.
Is the route suitable for children? Yes — there is a child-friendly version with adapted stories and shorter stops. For very small children consider whether the subject matter is appropriate.
How many kilometres do you walk during a 2-hour tour? Usually 2–3 km depending on the starting point and breaks. The route is designed to be comfortable even for moderately active participants.
Do I need to bring ID? When entering museums, proof of entitlement to reduced tickets is sometimes required; it’s a good idea to carry ID, especially for students and pupils.
If you want a short, focused and empathetic tour of Kraków that includes Ghetto Heroes Square, you are welcome to get in touch. Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers routes tailored to groups, families and schools — with the option to enter Schindler’s Factory or visit only the exterior, depending on time and preferences.
Booking is simple: check available dates on the guide’s page and contact her directly to discuss group size, language of the tour and any special requirements. This ensures the route runs smoothly, is well coordinated and valuable for everyone taking part.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you plan to visit Kraków and want someone experienced and sensitive to guide your group, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact details are available on the guide’s website).
