Podgórze has its own rhythm and story — it was only officially incorporated into Kraków in 1915. That “separate” identity is still visible in the street layout, the Podgórze Market Square and the industrial fragments of Zabłocie. It’s an ideal place for a private, calm tour: in a short time you can visit sites of memory connected to World War II, understand the changes of post‑industrial architecture and take a coffee break in one of the city’s best cafés. With a private guide the route becomes a narrative — given with context, respect and local recommendations.
A private tour is especially recommended when you want to combine history with culinary discoveries and set the pace for your group. The premium route includes memorial sites, less obvious architectural details and stops in highly rated local places — without crowds and at the speed you choose.
Podgórze is not one‑dimensional: it has layers of history best told by someone who knows them. A private tour lets you avoid fixed scripts, hear authentic stories about people and events, and see places that aren’t on every “must‑see” list.
For visitors who value comfort and depth: a private tour allows you to ask questions on the spot, linger where you want to take photos, and plan coffee breaks in cafés that are genuinely worth visiting. In practice a typical premium route lasts 2–4 hours, but it can be shortened or extended — everything depends on your group’s preferences.
During a private walk it’s also easier to preserve respect for memorial sites — the guide will help choose appropriate words and pace so visits to places like Ghetto Heroes Square or the Eagle Pharmacy are reflective and considerate.
Ghetto Heroes Square (formerly Plac Zgody) is central to Podgórze’s World War II history. During the occupation the ghetto was established in this area — a powerful reminder of tragedy and wrenching decisions. On the square a striking installation made of abandoned chairs symbolizes the empty places left by people who were taken and murdered.
The Eagle Pharmacy, at number 18, was the only pharmacy operating inside the ghetto and the workplace of Tadeusz Pankiewicz. Today it houses an exhibition dedicated to life in the ghetto. This is a place that asks for quiet and respect — during a visit it’s worth pausing to listen to stories about particular people and their fates rather than just ticking a point off the map.
In a practical plan allow about 30–60 minutes for this part of the route to visit the museum inside the pharmacy, walk around the square and pay attention to fragments of the ghetto wall preserved in several places of the neighbourhood. The guide will help ease the emotional weight of the story and match the pace to your group.
The factory at Lipowa 4 is one of the most important museums telling the story of Kraków between 1939 and 1945. In the office section there is a permanent exhibition of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków that details life under occupation and the history of the factory and its employees.
This place draws crowds, especially in high season, so buying tickets in advance and coming earlier in the day is a good idea. Opening hours and prices change with the season — plan at least 1.5–2 hours if you want to view the exhibitions carefully.
The Schindler Factory halls are also part of Zabłocie’s transformation: former industrial areas now house cultural spaces. A walk here connects memory with the district’s new functions — galleries, studios and fashionable dining spots.
Podgórze Market Square is an intimate square with local character — the neo‑Gothic St. Joseph’s Church, a few café terraces and pleasant shops make it an ideal spot for a pause. From here it’s a short walk to Bednarski Park and to Krakus Mound, which offers a wide panorama of the Vistula and Wawel.
Zabłocie is where industrial halls have turned into galleries, studios and restaurants. Walking the lanes you’ll see the contrast between memory and contemporary life — it’s also a good area for street art and lesser‑known city installations.
The Bernatek Footbridge (Father Bernatek Footbridge) connects Podgórze with Kazimierz and is a convenient pedestrian route with a beautiful view of the Vistula. If you want to save energy or time, the tram and bus will bring you close to Podgórze’s main points.
After an intense tour it’s worth taking a breath in one of the recommended cafés — Podgórze really has excellent addresses. De Revolutionibus Books (on Podgórze Market Square) is a bookshop with a café — a great spot for a calm breakfast or cake with a book. Lipowa Hall in the Zabłocie area is a food hall with a wide choice of dishes and coffee, ideal for a longer social break.
Emalia Zabłocie is a bistro with an industrial vibe, good for lunch after visiting the Schindler Factory. Café Klimat and other intimate cafés in Old Podgórze often receive high marks from locals — check opening hours as some places have irregular days outside the main season.
For those seeking unusual venues we also recommend atmospheric places such as the jazz club Drukarnia, the cinema‑café Kika or cafés with Lviv‑style interiors. If you wish, during a private tour your guide can reserve a table at the best spot according to your group’s preferences.
Tickets: for popular exhibitions like the Schindler Factory it’s wise to buy tickets in advance. Hours and prices change seasonally, so check the latest information before your visit.
Transport: the easiest connection is by tram or a walk over the Bernatek Footbridge from Kazimierz — walking from the Main Market Square usually takes 20–30 minutes on foot.
Accessibility: some sites provide facilities for visitors with limited mobility, but not all historic fragments are fully accessible. If you need mobility assistance, let us know when booking and the guide will plan a route adapted to your group’s needs.
Treating Podgórze only as an “add‑on” to Kazimierz — you’ll miss the local atmosphere and interesting food places. Plan time for a relaxed walk and a coffee break.
Being loud at memorial sites — Ghetto Heroes Square and the Eagle Pharmacy require quiet and respect. Also be careful with photography inside museum exhibitions — it is not always allowed.
Relying on the single café next to the museum — there are many small, excellent cafés and bistros nearby; step a few meters away to find places with authentic atmosphere and better coffee.
The Eagle Pharmacy was the only pharmacy operating within the ghetto and a place where residents sought help and information — its owner recorded these experiences in memoirs that became an important source about life in the ghetto.
Fragments of the wall that surrounded the ghetto survive in several places in the district; if you walk carefully you can find them and see how thin the line is between memory and everyday life in today’s Podgórze.
Zabłocie is an example of rapid change: former halls and factories have become galleries, artist studios and new dining venues — the contrast between history and modern life is very visible here.
Is a private tour expensive? Private tours vary in price depending on time, theme and group size. For small groups (2–6 people) a private tour can be cost‑effective and offers great value — the guide’s time, route customization and help with reservations are included.
Is there time for coffee or lunch during the tour? Yes — a premium plan always includes one longer break in a recommended café or bistro. If you want, the guide can make a reservation for the group.
Is the route suitable for families with children? Yes — tours can be adapted: shorter segments, more breaks and elements that engage younger visitors. The guide recommends child‑friendly places and cafés with space for children to play.
If you want to discover Podgórze slowly, with context and the best local recommendations — consider a private tour led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s website — the route will be planned to be comfortable, full of stories and with great coffee breaks.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or tag someone who’s traveling to Kraków — a good plan and local tips are always worth passing on. Thank you and see you on a walk through Podgórze!
