The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz is one of the most important places of memory and Jewish museums in Kraków, located on Szeroka Street. It is full of history, architectural detail and exhibitions, but — to be clear right away — it is not a viewpoint in the sense of a terrace with a city panorama.
If your goal is wide panoramas and a look over Kraków’s roofs, treat the Old Synagogue as a must-see for the atmosphere of Kazimierz and for its proximity to other viewing spots, rather than as a place that offers a broad panorama. After visiting the Old Synagogue you can reach charming corners of the district and viewpoints above the Vistula within a few minutes on foot.
When planning your visit remember practical limitations: in the historic parts of the synagogue there are stairs and narrow passages, and not all spaces are fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
St. Mary’s Basilica tower - a classic and the most concentrated “city-in-a-nutshell” view. Climbing the tower involves stairs and a historic atmosphere; from the top you can see the Main Square, the Cloth Hall roofs and parts of the Old Town. Take into account opening hours and seasonal access for visitors.
Wawel Hill - terraces around the castle and the riverside boulevards offer a different, more expansive view of the city: the Vistula, Podgórze and parts of the Old Town. It’s a great place for an afternoon walk and photos at sunset.
Kraków’s mounds (Kościuszko, Krakus, Wanda) - if you want to rise above the city, choose Kościuszko Mound. In good weather its panorama can include large parts of Kraków and, on very clear days, the Tatra Mountains in the distance. The mounds are a great option for a summer sunrise or sunset.
Vistula boulevards and the Father Bernatek Footbridge - a lower but picturesque viewpoint, especially in the evening when light reflections create a pleasant atmosphere. The footbridge and riverside boulevards are also perfect for relaxing after touring Kazimierz.
ICE Congress Centre foyer and terraces - modern interiors with multi-level foyers and glass surfaces offer an interesting architectural view of Wawel and the Vistula. Some parts of the building may be accessible during events and exhibitions.
Terraces and riverside gardens and trendy Kazimierz venues - many cafes and bars by the river have platforms and terraces from which you can look at rooftops and city life from a lower angle.
Plan your route: start inside the Old Synagogue and stroll along Szeroka Street, then head to the riverside boulevards or toward the gate to Wawel to change perspective. Kazimierz is compact, so walking between interior sights and terraces is comfortable.
If you want to see the city roofs from a typically “viewpoint” location, leave indoor visits (museums and synagogues) for the morning or earlier in the day, and choose a terrace, mound or tower in the afternoon or evening — the golden hour gives the best photos.
If you plan to climb a tower (for example St. Mary’s), allow time for the stairs and possible queues. Access is sometimes organized in groups and seasonally, so it’s best to check current opening times before you go.
Kazimierz is full of places where you can combine a good meal with a pleasant view of the street, district rooftops or the Vistula. Worth visiting are well-known local spots: Bottiglieria 1881 (for a special evening - reservations recommended), Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern flavours), Singer Cafe (an intimate spot ideal for a break), and for quick local snacks try the zapiekanka stalls on Plac Nowy.
If you want a terrace right on the river, choose venues along the river boulevards or popular places by the bridge; their summer gardens are a great way to observe city life and rooftops from a low vantage point.
For lovers of modern architecture, look at the ICE Congress Centre’s foyer and glass levels — they offer original city frames, although access to particular terraces may depend on events.
Sunset and sunrise - no surprises: the best light, fewer harsh shadows and golden hues over the rooftops. Evening city lights also create a pleasant mood and allow for longer exposures in night photography.
Morning - quiet and sometimes empty spaces: if you want to avoid crowds (especially in the Old Town and Kazimierz), choose early hours. It’s also a good time to climb towers and enjoy views without queues.
Low-angle compositions - Kazimierz’s roofs often look best from riverside spots or side streets where the composition mixes rooftops, tiles and characteristic townhouses. Remember to protect your equipment from sun and overheating in summer.
Summer is peak season: expect larger crowds at popular viewpoints and in Kazimierz. Reserve tables for evening meals at popular restaurants or plan visits outside peak hours.
Bring water and a hat. Stairs to towers and longer walks to the mounds can be tiring in the heat, so hydration and sun protection are essential.
Respect places of memory: Kazimierz is a district of great historical value. When visiting synagogues and cemeteries keep quiet and solemn behaviour, follow museum rules and any dress requirements.
Assuming every historic building has a public terrace — not true. Some roofs and terraces are private or available only to guests of a particular venue or during events. Before trying to go “on the roof,” make sure it’s legal and safe.
No time planning — many towers and viewpoints have seasonal or limited opening hours. Check availability in advance, especially if you want to catch the golden hour.
Ignoring accessibility limitations — historic interiors are often not fully accessible for people with limited mobility. Plan alternatives and ask about accommodations before you go.
Always follow the rules of the place: do not cross barriers, do not sit on ledges, and do not use drones in historic locations without permission. Your safety and that of others is paramount.
In places of memory and inside synagogues show proper manners and respect. Photography may be restricted in parts of exhibitions — look for notices.
On hot days watch out for children and older visitors on steep approaches and stairs. Plan breaks and rest stops so the trip stays enjoyable.
Can you go onto the roof of the Old Synagogue? - No, the Old Synagogue does not offer a public terrace with a panorama. It’s worth visiting the interior and then heading to nearby viewpoints.
Where to buy tickets for St. Mary’s tower and do I need to reserve? - Tower entries are usually organized at specific times and sometimes in groups; in some cases tickets are only sold on site. It’s always a good idea to check current access information before your visit.
Can I visit many viewpoints in one day? - Yes, if you plan a route and allow time for queues, walking between spots and breaks. A good combination is the Old Synagogue in the morning, a midday walk through Kazimierz and a viewpoint (Wawel, St. Mary’s tower or a mound) for an afternoon sunset.
Are roofs and terraces safe for children? - Many terraces are safe, but historic towers and stairs can be tiring and narrow. Take care with supervision and comfortable shoes for little ones.
Kazimierz is not only historic synagogues — it’s a living neighbourhood with cafes, galleries and markets. The best experience comes from slowing down and sitting in one of the outdoor gardens after sightseeing.
Sometimes you’ll get a better view of rooftops from side streets and small rises than from the biggest towers. Look for local little vantage points, glance over windowsills and small squares — Kraków is full of intimate perspectives.
On hot days keep a map of nearby spots where you can quickly get water or shelter in the shade — even in the center there can be stretches without trees.
If you plan to stay and want to be close to both the Old Town and Kazimierz, choose accommodation between the Main Market Square and Kazimierz — from that base you can easily reach towers, boulevards and synagogues.
In Kazimierz you’ll find highly regarded places: Bottiglieria 1881 (for an exceptional culinary experience), Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (great mezzes), Singer Cafe (a cozy cafe) and numerous small cafés such as Mleczarnia — all solid, well-reviewed options ideal for a break during sightseeing.
For a summer evening reserve a table in the recommended venues or pick one of the riverside gardens. It’s an easy way to end the day with a beautiful view and good food.
Kraków in summer offers many views: from intimate Kazimierz rooftops through panoramas from towers and mounds to riverside terraces. The Old Synagogue is a must because of its history and exhibitions, and if you dream of a panorama — use the proximity of other viewpoints.
If you’d like help planning a 'Old Synagogue + best summer viewpoints' route tailored to your pace and interests, I invite you to get in touch. Details about private tours led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz and contact information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Good photos, comfortable shoes and a bit of planning will make your visit to Kraków truly enjoyable.
