Pomorska Street is a place that is easy to remember — and hard to forget. For many people from Kraków the word "Pomorska" means more than a house number: it is a symbol of remembrance for the victims of World War II and for those who resisted terror. For Erasmus students and university students who want to look at the city not only through the lens of parties and cafés, Pomorska is a natural starting point for reflection and understanding Kraków’s history. A visit here can be a quiet pause after an intense week of classes, a reminder that every city has places of gravity and contemplation.
It is worth approaching the place with open senses — not as "another attraction" to tick off, but as a fragment of history that still affects the present. It’s a good spot to spend an hour or two on a calm visit and a small-group conversation. Tell your friends you went to Pomorska - not because it’s trendy, but because it matters.
The museum branch at Pomorska 2 is an exhibition focused on the fate of Kraków’s inhabitants during the years of terror (1939–1945 and the immediate postwar period). Inside you will find arranged prison cells, witness recordings, documents and inscriptions on basement walls — authentic traces of the past that make a strong impression. The space is designed to prompt reflection and contemplation rather than entertainment.
Practical note: the museum operates on specific opening hours (often closed on Mondays, and availability at weekends can vary) - check current hours and ticket prices before you go. Reduced and full-price tickets are offered; students typically use reduced tickets, so carry a student ID or other proof of student status. Keep in mind that the exhibition addresses difficult topics — warn younger companions or sensitive visitors in advance.
Behaviour in the museum: photography may be restricted in some areas, and silence and respect are expected in places of memory. Do not organise noisy photo shoots or parties there - this is a site of remembrance, not a backdrop for social media.
Skałka (the church and monastery of the Pauline Fathers) is one of Kraków’s most recognisable sacred sites. The history of the place reaches back to the 11th century - it is traditionally associated with the martyrdom of Saint Stanislaus, and over the centuries Skałka has become a site of pilgrimage, procession and prayer. The present Baroque church, the monastery and the national pantheon create a space where the sacred and history meet the function of a memorial.
For students and Erasmus visitors Skałka is an excellent choice when you need a moment of quiet and want to visit a place rich in symbolism. Processions and services take place regularly - if you arrive on an important liturgical day the atmosphere can be much more intense and access to some areas may be limited. It is worth stepping inside for a moment, lighting a candle, sitting in a pew and feeling a different rhythm of the city.
Kazimierz is a district with many shades of the sacred. The Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent cemetery are places with strong historical and spiritual significance. The synagogue still functions as a house of prayer - access for tourists can be limited, especially on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays. The Remuh Cemetery, with tombstones dating back to the 16th century, is a place for quiet reflection - keep silence and respect the rules about photography and do not walk on graves.
When planning a walk through Kazimierz, combine a visit to Remuh with a coffee in one of the local cafés and a slow exploration of the winding streets. It’s a good way to see Kraków’s multicultural face - Jewish history is visible at every step here, and places of worship continue to live their own rhythms.
If after museums and churches you need silence among greenery, the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University (ul. Kopernika) is ideal. It is Poland’s oldest botanical garden, with greenhouse collections, an arboretum and quiet corners where you can switch off your phone, read and breathe. For students it is also a great outdoor study alternative - bring a blanket, a thermos and a book.
Other green spaces recommended after contemplative museum walks include the river boulevards along the Vistula (especially outside the main tourist season), smaller squares and the quiet lanes of the Old Town. Even 30–60 minutes in green surroundings can ease the weight of difficult exhibitions.
The Franciscans - their church in Kraków (with stained glass by Stanisław Wyspiański) is one of those places that connect art with spirituality. Wyspiański’s windows are impressive and offer a lesson in how the sacred can also be modern art. The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is an example of Baroque splendour and well worth a visit for its architecture and atmosphere.
Small, lesser-known chapels and quiet museum rooms appear in side streets - if you have time, step into interiors that don’t always feature in the main guidebooks. At the same time, remember the rules: some places require appropriate dress and silence during services.
Friday evening: a gentle walk around Kazimierz, dinner in a friendly, well-rated café or bar (for example a cosy café in Kazimierz or Cafe Camelot on the Old Town), calm conversations before the night.
Saturday morning: visit Pomorska Street - go early, before the city fills with tourists; afterward take a short walk to the Oskar Schindler Factory or another memorial site if you want to continue reflecting.
Saturday afternoon: stroll through Kazimierz, visit the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, stop for coffee at Massolit or Mleczarnia; a moment of calm in the Botanical Garden if you have the energy and time.
Sunday: Skałka and the area around Wawel (if you want to broaden the national and religious context) or a relaxed afternoon on the Vistula boulevards - ideal for talking about what you saw and how it affected you.
Cafés and bars around the Old Town and Kazimierz can be crowded, but a few spots are worth considering: Cafe Camelot (Old Town) - atmospheric and popular with people who enjoy a literary vibe; Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) - good for coffee and a quiet moment with a book; Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) - often praised for its atmosphere and local flavours. For a quick, cheap meal look around Plac Nowy and the surrounding streets. For longer stays check reviews and reserve tables on weekends.
If you want something a bit more elevated after a day of reflection, pick a well-reviewed restaurant near the Market Square - there you can find places that combine good food with comfort for student groups. Remember: popular spots get busy on weekends, so plan ahead.
Not booking tickets in advance - especially for popular memorial sites and museums - can leave you waiting in long lines. Buy tickets online if possible or arrive early in the morning.
Lack of respect for places of memory - loud behaviour, parties or disrespectful photos are not only rude but socially inappropriate. Treat Pomorska, synagogues and cemeteries with proper respect.
Combining an intense sightseeing programme with a noisy evening the same day - after an emotionally heavy exhibition it’s better to plan a quieter evening. That will give you space to process your impressions.
Is Pomorska Street hard to find? The address is ul. Pomorska 2 - the city centre is well connected by trams and most important points are within walking distance.
Are all places open on weekends? Hours vary - some synagogues and museums have restrictions on Saturdays or religious holidays. It’s safest to check opening hours before you go.
Do I need a student ticket? Many exhibitions offer reduced tickets for students - carry a valid student ID or other proof of student status.
Can I take photos in museums and synagogues? In some parts of exhibitions photography may be prohibited or limited. Respect signage and staff requests.
Quick fact: in the basements on Pomorska there are inscriptions and drawings left by detainees - the authenticity of these traces gives the place a unique character as a "voice of the past".
Surprise: many of Kraków’s churches combine sacred function with artistic value (for example Wyspiański’s stained glass at the Franciscans) - while exploring history you may encounter works of art that invite quiet contemplation on their own.
Final tip: plan your day with moderation. Focus on one or two places more deeply rather than trying to "tick off" three museums in a rush. Kraków is a city best enjoyed when you allow it to unfold.
If this guide helped you plan the weekend, share it with your dorm mates or Erasmus friends - send it on or post it on social media so others can benefit. If you want a personalised, quieter experience of Kraków, I offer private guiding services - contact details are available on my guide page. I invite you to discover Kraków with respect and curiosity - have a lovely weekend!
