Before World War II Kazimierz was effectively its own “town” with a distinct daily rhythm — today a walk along its streets meets prewar urban fabric, postwar traces and a contemporary café-and-culture atmosphere. For a small group of 2–6 people Kazimierz offers ideal conditions: you can step into side alleys, pause by individual matzevot, study façade details and have unhurried conversations.
This guide points out the most important places if you are looking for traces of World War II and Jewish heritage, suggests how to plan a 60- or 120-minute route, and lists what to watch out for when visiting during the holidays.
Small groups allow for a more reflective visit and better access to the “quiet” points of memory — for example cemeteries or synagogue interiors, where silence and respect matter. During holidays (especially Jewish holidays and Saturdays) some sites can be closed to tourists — knowing this helps you plan the route so participants are not disappointed.
Another bonus: on holidays the streets can be less crowded in the morning and late afternoon, which is good for photography and calm conversations about history. At the same time remember visiting etiquette — avoid loud behavior near memorials, do not climb on matzevot and dress modestly in places of worship.
1. Old Synagogue (Szeroka Street) - the oldest preserved synagogue in Kazimierz; its building and museum displays help to understand the district’s prewar role.
2. Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery - an intimate spot where matzevot show symbols and family histories; the cemetery is one of the most private points of remembrance.
3. Tempel Synagogue (Miodowa Street) - a representative Reform synagogue; its interior was partially damaged after the war and is now restored as a place of memory and cultural events.
4. Izaak Synagogue (Izaaka Street) - a monumental façade with rich details; pay attention to traces of revitalization and places where postwar plaster repairs are visible.
5. Nowy Square and the Okrąglak - the lively heart of this part of Kazimierz; the Okrąglak is famous for zapiekanki, and the square makes a good start or end point for a walk.
6. Szeroka Street - the former “salon” of Kazimierz; here you can best compare the scale of prewar life with today’s changes in the built environment.
7. Gates and covered courtyards on Józefa Street - in half-light you can see differences in plaster texture, traces of old signs and former passageways between tenement houses.
8. New Jewish Cemetery (nearby) - while cemeteries relate to different periods, here you will sense the solemnity and scale of wartime loss.
9. Memorial plaques and sites connected to “Schindler’s List” - fragments of the city’s topography and memory; combine these with a visit to Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory for fuller context.
10. Architectural details and Hebrew inscriptions - in a small group it’s worth lingering over a single matzevah, portal or iron grille, because micro-histories of residents are often recorded there.
60-minute route (essence): Szeroka (2–3 min) – Old Synagogue (15 min) – Remuh (20 min) – short walk along Miodowa/Tempel (15–20 min). This option works well in the morning or as a complement to another attraction.
120-minute route (deeper): Start at Szeroka – Old Synagogue (15 min) – Remuh and the cemetery (25 min) – Izaak Synagogue (20 min) – Miodowa/Tempel (20 min) – courtyards on Józefa Street and Nowy Square (20 min). More time allows reading inscriptions and short coffee breaks.
Morning 9:00–10:30 — soft light on Szeroka and Miodowa, fewer people, good conditions for detailed shots.
45–60 minutes before sunset — dramatic light by the Remuh gate and in the shaded courtyards; after rain puddles offer interesting reflections of façades.
Synagogues and some places of worship may be closed on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays — check opening hours in advance or ask your guide. In Poland, some institutions and businesses may also change hours during major national or religious holidays.
Dress and behavior: in places of worship avoid exposing shoulders and legs above the knee; men may be asked to cover their heads when entering a synagogue (yarmulkes are usually available at the entrance). Do not climb on matzevot, do not sit on graves and keep silence in cemeteries.
Tickets and reservations: some synagogues and museum displays have limited entry numbers — for small groups it’s worth booking in advance, especially on weekends and during the holiday season.
Nowy Square and the Okrąglak - a classic for everyone: the Okrąglak zapiekanka is a quick, local snack ideal after a walk. The square is also a convenient spot for a break and people-watching.
Kazimierz cafés and restaurants offer a wide choice of cuisines. It’s worth trying places serving Jewish and Middle Eastern dishes and local cafés on Szeroka and around Nowy Square. If you want specifics, the guide can recommend current addresses and reserve a table — Małgorzata Kasprowicz knows the best local spots suited to the group’s mood.
Kazimierz is not only synagogues — on the details of façades (portals, grilles, remnants of Hebrew inscriptions) family and workshop histories are recorded; sometimes a fragment of plaster is enough to read traces of postwar repairs.
Many visitors confuse Kazimierz with the wartime ghetto — the formal Kraków ghetto was located on the other side of the Vistula, in Podgórze. This is an important distinction when telling the city’s story and planning your route.
1) Expecting “everything to be open” on Saturday or during holidays — before you go, check hours or plan alternatives (for example more time to study external details and the cemetery).
2) Making noise near places of memory and taking flippant photos in a cemetery — remember context and respect; ask others to be quiet if they disturb the atmosphere.
3) Skipping Podgórze — many stories about Kraków’s Jewish residents gain fuller context only after crossing the Vistula and visiting Schindler’s Factory.
Can I enter all synagogues on Saturday? — Some synagogues close on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays; it’s always best to check hours or arrange a visit in advance.
Is photography allowed inside synagogues and in cemeteries? — Generally outdoor photography is allowed; some interiors and cemetery areas have restrictions — respect staff requests and posted signs.
How long does a typical visit for a small group take? — You can cover the essentials in one hour; if you want more context, time to read inscriptions and quieter stops, plan for two hours or a two-part walk.
If you enjoyed this text, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a respectful and intimate walk through Kazimierz.
If you want to deepen the experience and avoid logistical surprises (holiday opening hours, reservations, special group interests), consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wear comfortable shoes — many surfaces are uneven and some alleyways are cobbled.
Bring a small notebook or use a phone camera to capture inscriptions you want to research later; if reading Hebrew is difficult, take photos for later translation.
If your visit coincides with a religious service, avoid entering the worship space unless invited.
Ask before photographing people at memorials or in worship contexts.
If you find a matzevah with visible damage or graffiti, report it to local authorities or the museum staff rather than attempting to clean it yourself.
When in doubt about behavior, follow cues from signage, staff or your guide — respect is the main rule.
Matzevah — Jewish gravestone.
Okrąglak — the round kiosk building on Nowy Square known for street food (zapiekanki).
Remuh — name of a historic rabbinic family associated with the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery.
