Plac Nowy is the heart of Kraków’s Kazimierz — a small, lively square dominated by the distinctive Okrąglak, which has served as a market hall since the early 20th century. Today the square blends traditional market life with modern food offerings: morning vegetable stalls and small traders, a flea market on Saturdays, and bars and cafés filling up in the evening. It’s an ideal starting point for a walk because here you immediately feel the neighborhood’s atmosphere and can quickly decide what to explore next.
Historic tenement houses and former synagogues surround the square, and a walk from here naturally plunges you into Kazimierz’s centuries-long story — from the Jewish heritage to today’s lively cultural and culinary scene.
Start: Plac Nowy (the Okrąglak). Begin with a quick reconnaissance: the morning market, Saturday stalls with antiques, and the legendary zapiekanki windows. It’s also a great spot for a quick breakfast or coffee before you continue exploring.
Head to ul. Szeroka. Walk along the cobbled Szeroka Street, admire the tenement houses and the synagogues that appear along the way. Here you’ll sense the district’s multicultural character and find memorials and museums that tell the story of Kraków’s Jewish community.
Next: the Old Synagogue and the immediate area. Stop at the Old Synagogue, where exhibitions present the community’s history and traditions. Nearby are other important sites: the Kupa Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue and the Remuh Cemetery with its unique atmosphere and historic gravestones.
Optional extension: Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum. If you’re interested in World War II history and the fate of Kraków’s residents during the occupation, plan a visit here — it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance.
Evening: return to the area around Plac Nowy or head toward the Vistula river boulevards. Kazimierz offers excellent bars and restaurants, live music and intimate cafés — a great way to finish an exciting day.
Many Kraków museums and cultural institutions offer reduced (concession) tickets for pupils, students, pensioners and people with disabilities. To use a concession rate you’ll usually need to show a valid ID and a document proving eligibility (for example a student card, pensioner ID, disability certificate or the Large Family Card).
Practical tip: buy tickets online where possible — especially for the most popular sites (e.g. museums connected with World War II history), because on-site tickets often sell out quickly. Check museum websites for the online ticket release schedule (sometimes tickets appear in the system only with limited advance availability) and for rules about name-specific or family tickets.
If you're unsure whether you qualify for a reduced ticket — ask staff at the ticket desk or contact the institution through its official channel. Different places may apply slightly different concession rules (for example about pensionable age or accepted documents), so it’s worth confirming before your visit.
Plac Nowy is famous for simple but iconic treats — above all the zapiekanki (toasted baguette pizzas) sold from the Okrąglak’s windows. It’s a quick and local culinary experience you should try at least once.
A few well-known places in the area (reserve ahead for evenings if possible): Hamsa — a popular Middle Eastern spot with a friendly atmosphere; Ariel — a restaurant with Jewish and regional flavors; Singer and Alchemia — iconic Kazimierz venues known for atmosphere and evening music. Around the square you’ll also find many small cafés and bars serving local beers or cocktails.
Dining tip: small garden terraces and bars around Plac Nowy can get crowded in the evening — if you want a quieter meal, come earlier or reserve a table when possible. At market stalls keep some cash on hand — not every vendor accepts cards.
Surprise: the Okrąglak is not just for zapiekanki — the building has been a covered market hall since 1900 and still hosts trading; on weekends collectors and antique sellers often set up stalls there.
Common mistake: assuming every cultural site uses the same concession rules or has the same free-entry days — that’s not true. Some museums set their own free-entry days or change ticketing rules seasonally. Always check the current information for the specific institution before your visit.
Another mistake: visiting only at night. Kazimierz has a very different daytime atmosphere — markets, cafés and quiet corners you won’t discover if you only come after dark.
How do I get to Plac Nowy? The easiest way is on foot from the Old Town (a ten- to twenty-minute walk) or by public transport — trams and buses stop nearby. Walking is the best option because it lets you discover Kazimierz’s side streets and hidden corners.
Should I buy museum tickets in advance? Yes — especially for the most popular memorials and museums. During busy periods on-site tickets can sell out.
Is Plac Nowy safe? Yes — it’s a popular, well-frequented part of the city. As in any tourist area, watch out for petty theft and keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowds and at the market.
Day plan: if you have only a few hours, focus on Plac Nowy, ul. Szeroka and the Old Synagogue — this will give you a good feel for Kazimierz. With more time, add a museum visit and an evening in one of the recommended restaurants.
If you travel with concessions: carry the appropriate documents and check the rules of each place in advance. This will save time and avoid misunderstandings at the ticket desk.
Invitation: if you want the walk to be even more interesting and tailored to your interests (history, architecture, food), consider booking a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you found this text helpful — share it with friends or on social media so more people can discover the charming Kazimierz. And if you’d like to explore with a local guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com to arrange a route tailored to your expectations. Have a great trip and tasty discoveries in Kraków!
Opening hours and ticket rules change seasonally — check museum opening times for the date you plan to visit.
ATMs are available near the main squares, but small market vendors may prefer cash.
If you plan to visit Remuh Cemetery or active synagogues, be respectful of religious practices — modest dress and quiet behaviour are appreciated.
Comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and uneven pavements.
Small amount of cash for market stalls and street food.
ID for concession tickets if applicable.
A charged phone and a map or offline map app to explore side streets.
