The Old Synagogue is located in the heart of Kazimierz at Szeroka Street 24. It is the oldest preserved synagogue in Poland and today is a branch of the Museum of the History of the City of Kraków with the permanent exhibition "History and Culture of Kraków’s Jews." If you plan a summer visit and use a wheelchair, it’s worth planning your day and route in advance because the site sits in the historic, partly cobbled part of the district, and the area in front of the entrance is lower with steps leading down to it.
Typical opening hours: most days the exhibition is open from 9:00 to 17:00, while Mondays often have a different schedule (commonly 10:00–15:00) and may be a free-admission day. Last entry for individual visitors is usually about 30 minutes before closing. Because of the tourist season and special events, hours and rules can change, so it’s a good idea to confirm details by phone or email before you go.
If you want to contact the branch directly, the museum publishes a phone number and an email for the Old Synagogue branch. Contacting them in advance is the best way to request assistance, ask about availability on a given day, or arrange a visit adapted to accessibility needs.
Unfortunately, the Old Synagogue is a historic building with architectural barriers. A dozen or so steps lead down to the square in front of the entrance and there is no permanent ramp or lift that would allow independent wheelchair access without help.
There is no toilet adapted for people with disabilities inside the building. There are also no dedicated parking spaces on the institution’s premises. Paid parking zones are available nearby along Szeroka Street; holders of certain local permits may use nearby spaces according to zone rules.
The museum states that the visitor route is not fully obstacle-free and there is no elevator. When planning your visit, take into account that you may need assistance to handle the steps.
Contact the branch before your trip. Call or email asking about accessibility on the specific day and whether staff can assist at the entrance. That way the museum team can prepare help or make other arrangements.
Come with a companion. When there is no permanent ramp, the safest and most reliable option is to arrive with someone who can support you with getting down to the square or help move the wheelchair a short distance.
Consider alternative drop-off points that are easier to reach by wheelchair. The nearest tram stops are around Starowiślna/Miodowa; from there the walk to Szeroka can be short but may lead over uneven cobbles. In summer the pedestrian flow and outdoor restaurant seating can make maneuvering harder, so try to come outside peak hours, for example in the morning.
If you need a Polish Sign Language interpreter or guided visits with accessibility features (audiodescription, tactile aids), request this ahead of time. The museum sometimes runs events with audiodescription and tactile materials, but these usually require reservation.
Public transport: the closest tram stops are Miodowa and Starowiślna, served by several lines crossing central Kraków. From the stop you need to reach the historic part of Kazimierz; surfaces there are often cobbled and can be uneven.
Car and parking: there are no designated parking spaces at the synagogue itself. Paid parking zones operate in the area - check signs on Szeroka Street. Remember that Kazimierz is very busy in summer and spaces fill quickly.
If you travel by taxi, ask to be dropped off as close as possible to the entrance and let the driver know you may need short assistance. If you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, call the taxi company in advance to confirm availability.
Inside there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of Kraków’s Jewish community. The display includes synagogue furnishings, liturgical objects and descriptions of rituals and everyday life in the Jewish community of Kraków.
In summer the museum often organizes additional educational and themed events. As part of "for everyone" initiatives there are sometimes sessions with audiodescription and tactile aids - particularly valuable for visitors with visual impairments or those who benefit from multisensory presentations. Check the events calendar and book in advance where possible.
Keep in mind that the exhibition space itself may have barriers that prevent full independent access for wheelchair users, so plan your visit assuming you may need assistance.
Kazimierz offers many well-regarded restaurants and cafés you can visit after the tour. When choosing a place, check reviews and whether the venue has step-free entry or level seating inside at street level.
Ariel restaurant on Szeroka Street is a historic spot in central Kazimierz known for Jewish cuisine and atmospheric interiors - it’s often recommended by visitors. For a coffee break, Mleczarnia café with its atmospheric garden is a popular summer choice. Before choosing a table, call ahead to ask about wheelchair accessibility and available space.
When picking highly rated places, reserve a table in advance - Kazimierz gets crowded in summer, and limited space on sidewalks and inside venues can make maneuvering more difficult.
Assuming every central museum is wheelchair accessible - sadly, historic buildings often aren’t. Always check the accessibility statement of a specific branch and ideally call to confirm arrangements.
Arriving at midday in the high season - summer crowds can seriously complicate getting around Kazimierz. Plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
Not asking for assistance ahead of time. If you need help with steps or at the entrance, request that in advance. Museum staff may be able to prepare assistance if they know ahead of time.
Is the Old Synagogue completely inaccessible for wheelchairs? - The building has architectural barriers and no permanent ramp, but in many cases entry is possible with staff assistance or the help of a companion. Contact the branch ahead of time to check options.
Are there accessible toilets? - The branch does not have a toilet adapted for people with disabilities. Consider stopping at a nearby café or ask staff about the nearest facilities.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - In summer and on special days it’s a good idea to reserve or buy a ticket online to avoid queues. Admissions are time-limited and group sizes can be restricted, so booking ahead gives peace of mind.
The museum sometimes runs sessions with audiodescription and tactile aids under inclusive initiatives - a great opportunity to experience the exhibition in a more sensory way.
Mondays can be a day of reduced hours or free admission in some museum branches, but opening times are often shorter - be sure to check the schedule, since free entry does not always mean full access to every part of the exhibition.
While the Old Synagogue has barriers, many museum activities in Kraków are moving towards better accessibility - if you plan a visit with special needs, report them in advance. Institutions increasingly offer events and guided visits tailored to people with disabilities.
If possible, call and confirm details before you arrive. A short confirmation will save time and help arrange assistance if needed.
If you’d like a more intimate visit tailored to your needs, consider booking a private guided tour. Tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers individual tours of Kazimierz adapted to visitors’ needs, including help with route planning and logistics.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media - the more people know how to plan accessible sightseeing in Kraków, the better. Have a great trip and enjoy exploring Kazimierz!
