The May holiday is a great moment to combine energetic Kazimierz with the historical, down-to-earth story of Nowa Huta. Spring days are longer, café terraces invite you to sit and relax, and the historic streets and squares offer enough space to enjoy the atmosphere of both parts of the city without rushing. If you're visiting Krakow for the first time, this combination gives a full contrast: intimate stories and klezmer music in Kazimierz, and monumental, postwar ideals and working-class anecdotes in Nowa Huta. Below you'll find a practical plan, trusted food recommendations and tips on how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
Start early — morning coffee in Kazimierz, when the alleys are still quiet, is the best way to begin. I recommend 1–2 hours for the Old Town and a short visit to the Market Square (if you are arriving from outside), then move to Kazimierz for a longer walk: Szeroka, Miodowa, Plac Nowy and the area around the synagogues. For lunch choose a well-known spot offering Jewish cuisine or a cozy café. After lunch head to Nowa Huta — 2–3 hours is enough there to see Plac Centralny, Aleja Róż, the Wandy and Willowe estates, the Stylowa restaurant, and the Nowa Huta Cross and the Ark of the Lord church. In the evening return to Kazimierz or the Market Square — many places host concerts and the May-holiday mood suits longer evening walks.
Kazimierz is the historic Jewish district, a space that connects memory, museums and living culture. As you walk, pay attention to the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery — these places tell the centuries-long story of Krakow's Jewish community. Plac Nowy is a must-see: the famous stalls with zapiekanki and local street food create a vivid, contemporary portrait of the district. It's also worth exploring the side streets — there you will find small galleries, cafés and restaurants serving dishes from various Jewish traditions and Eastern Mediterranean adaptations.
Kazimierz in the evening transforms into a place of live music — from klezmer sounds to acoustic sets in small clubs. If you plan an evening program, booking a table in a recommended venue can save surprises.
Nowa Huta was created after World War II as the idea of a “new, working-class city” and still surprises with its scale and simplicity of form. On the route it's worth seeing the Central Square (Plac Centralny) — the urban centerpiece, Aleja Róż, the housing estates with classic blocks (Wandy, Willowe), and the remnants of the metallurgical combine (Tadeusz Sendzimir Steelworks). The lifestyle of residents, the history of struggles for the right to build a church (the Nowa Huta Cross) and the transformations of urban space provide an interesting counterpoint to the historic center.
For those who enjoy architecture and stories about ideologies applied to urban life, Nowa Huta is a must — it pairs well with a short trip through Podgórze or a visit to a local club or the Stylowa restaurant.
Ariel — a classic restaurant in the heart of Kazimierz, known for exhibitions and evening klezmer concerts. This long-standing place is ideal if you want a full dinner in an atmospheric interior and live music.
Mleczarnia — a café and café-club prized for its atmosphere and courtyard; a great place for a coffee break, dessert or a light snack. Its charming interior and relaxed vibe work well after a morning walk.
Hamsa – Hummus & Happiness — if you crave Middle Eastern flavors in Kazimierz; hummus, falafel and other dishes that complement the district's historic backdrop.
Plac Nowy — a stall with zapiekanki is a must: simple, tasty and truly local, perfect for a quick stop between sights.
When choosing places to eat, follow reviews and consider reservations: during the May holiday the most popular venues can be full, so booking an evening table is a good idea.
Book the most popular attractions and restaurant tables in advance — the May holiday means more tourist traffic. When planning, leave time buffers for walking and possible transport delays.
Wear comfortable shoes — both Kazimierz and parts of the Nowa Huta route involve walking on uneven surfaces and cobbles; expect 3–6 km of walking during the day depending on your plan.
Bring a light outer layer — early May weather can be changeable: a sunny afternoon might turn into a cooler evening.
Carry both card and cash — most places accept cards, but at the Plac Nowy stalls and smaller cafés it's useful to have some cash.
If you plan to tour with a guide — confirm the meeting point and time a day before, and if rain is forecast arrange an alternative route with more indoor stops like museums and venues.
Trying to “see everything” in a few hours — Krakow is best discovered slowly; pick priorities and schedule your time. Less done well is better than a rushed lot.
Not booking tables or tickets before the May holiday — this leads to long lines and disappointment. Reserve concerts, dinners and museum entries ahead of time.
Carrying too much luggage and lacking a logistics plan — have a plan for getting around and leave large bags in hotel storage or at the station so you can walk comfortably.
Ignoring the history of places — Kazimierz and Nowa Huta carry important, sometimes difficult histories. Take a moment to understand the context so your impressions are more than just pretty photos.
How long does a typical tour combining Kazimierz and Nowa Huta take? — If you want to visit both parts comfortably, plan 6–8 hours with breaks; a shortened version fits into 4–5 hours at a faster pace.
Does the guide speak English? — Yes, tours are available in both Polish and English; if you need another language, ask when booking.
Do I need advance tickets? — For some venues (museums, chambers, concerts) it's better to buy tickets beforehand; many outdoor attractions are free.
Is the route suitable for families with children? — Yes, it can be adapted; I recommend shorter stretches, more breaks and family-friendly options (legends, dragon tales, interactive museums).
What to do if the weather is bad during the May holiday? — Have an alternative plan focusing on indoor stops: museums, cafés, restaurants with concerts, or shorter sheltered parts of the route.
In Kazimierz you'll find venues where klezmer concerts regularly take place in small clubs — it's a unique way to feel the living Jewish culture in the city.
In Nowa Huta, under some parts of the district there are air-raid shelters — some tours (on request) offer access to these interiors, which adds special context to stories about the PRL era.
Plac Nowy is not just about zapiekanki: during the May-holiday weekend there are often markets and local events, so check event calendars before your trip.
If you liked the idea of combining Kazimierz and Nowa Huta into a May-holiday route, share the article with friends or on social media — you'll help someone plan a great day in Krakow.
If you prefer to explore with a local guide and want stories that don't make it into mass-market guides, get in touch with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). Reservation details and contact options are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — the guide will gladly prepare a route tailored to your interests and time.
