The May long weekend is a great time: the city wakes up, the trees in Kazimierz are green, and many monuments and museums extend their opening hours. It’s also a moment when the streets are pleasantly calm before the summer crowds arrive — ideal conditions for atmospheric photos without heavy foot traffic.
Photographing sites connected to Kraków’s Jewish history is more than pretty frames. It’s documenting memory, architecture and details — matzevot, inscriptions, synagogue gates, fragments of the ghetto, and the urban traces that are part of the city’s daily life.
Remember: these are places of remembrance. Images can be artistic, but behavior and respect toward the sites and other visitors are most important. Below you’ll find 10 suggested spots, practical photography tips and advice on how to visit without committing faux pas.
Szeroka is the historic main street of Kazimierz, with red roofs, cobblestones and Renaissance and neo-Gothic townhouses. The square in front of the Old Synagogue provides great compositions — especially in the soft light of morning or late afternoon.
Photography tips: try a wide-angle shot from a low point to emphasize the cobbles and facades. In the evening, street lamps and café lights create a warm atmosphere — ideal for long exposures.
Practical: the Old Synagogue is part of the museum, so check opening hours before going inside. Sit for a coffee at one of the recommended cafés on Szeroka and watch the square — a good place for street-reportage style shots.
Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent cemetery are among the most authentic places of remembrance in Kraków. The cemetery preserves graves from centuries past — their carved inscriptions and moss-covered surfaces provide beautiful textures for close-ups.
Photography: macro and short-tele lenses work best here — look for interesting inscriptions, fragments of letters and the play of shadow between tombstones. Early morning gives soft light and reduces the number of other visitors.
Practical note: this is a place of worship — keep quiet, show respect and dress appropriately. Remuh is often closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; check opening times before you visit.
The Tempel Synagogue (Miodowa Street) stands out with its classical form and interior elements such as an organ and choir, reflecting changes in liturgical practice in the 19th century. The façade and surroundings make good compositions with the urban background.
How to photograph: the symmetry of the façade lends itself to central compositions; shots taken at sidewalk level with a wide-angle lens will emphasize height and detail. Don’t forget close-ups of the façade and the doors.
Practical: Miodowa is a street worth combining with a walk to other Kazimierz points. Watch for passing cars and trams — brief pauses in traffic make for the best frames.
The High Synagogue is notable for its vertical form and rather austere, Renaissance-inspired architecture. Józefa Street and the side buildings allow long vertical frames where the synagogue’s silhouette dominates the street.
Photography tips: use zoom to compress perspective and bring out geometric lines. Low afternoon sun highlights the textures of stone and brick.
Practical: Józefa Street can get busy in the evening — plan shoots for the morning or late afternoon. Respect the space around places of worship and local residents.
The Jewish Museum Galicia is not only dedicated to memory and culture but also features well-designed interiors where photographs and installations are often shown. A visit helps to understand the context of the places you photograph.
How to photograph: museum interiors require careful handling of light — vertical and geometric shots of the displays, details of exhibited photos and the building’s industrial architecture create interesting effects.
Practical: check the museum’s photography rules — some exhibitions may restrict photos without flash. The museum runs educational programs, maps and publications that will help you plan your Kazimierz route.
The New Jewish Cemetery on Miodowa is a large necropolis with rich gravestones from the 19th and 20th centuries. Long alleys and rows of matzevot form rhythmic, almost surreal photographic compositions.
Photography: wide shots from the perspective of the alleys give depth, while details of gravestones and religious symbolism are great for close-ups. Always show respect — avoid demeaning angles or positioning yourself on graves.
Practical: the site is extensive; comfortable shoes help. Check for any access restrictions on certain days and remember this is a cemetery — keep quiet.
Ghetto Heroes Square is one of the most recognizable memorial sites in Podgórze: 70 empty, scattered chairs symbolize the missing residents of the ghetto. The place invites reflection and provides strong, minimalist compositions.
How to photograph: experiment with perspective — low angles lengthen the chairs; vertical shots emphasize their individuality. The most evocative photos come in soft morning light or under overcast skies that add drama.
Practice and respect: this is a memorial — avoid playful poses on the chairs. Nearby are other museum points — plan time for calm, contemplative visits.
The Pharmacy 'Under the Eagle' at Ghetto Heroes Square is a museum telling the story of the ghetto from the perspective of a place that helped people during the occupation. Authentic interiors and objects create powerful reportage-style shots.
Photography: capture details of pharmacy shelves, old packaging and exhibition fragments — shallow depth-of-field works well to convey atmosphere. On Pomorska Street look for architectural traces of the ghetto and façades that suit black-and-white photography.
Practical: some exhibits may restrict photography; keep quiet and focused — this is a place of memory.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory / Schindler’s Factory Museum links a powerful historical context with industrial architecture. The museum’s façade, courtyard and nearby sections of Lipowa Street are valuable photographic subjects.
How to photograph: the contrast of raw factory elements with greenery and the urban environment works well in black-and-white. Look for metal details, bricks and wall graphics. Evening lighting on the façade creates elegant shots.
Practical information: the museum operates with timed tickets and opening hours — check them in advance. Streetworks are common in the area — allow time for walking and parking.
The Vistula banks and bridges (for example near the pedestrian footbridges) let you capture panoramic views of Kazimierz, its roofs and the contrast with the opposite riverbank. Such shots stress the urban context of Jewish Kraków’s traces.
Photography tips: the golden hour over the Vistula gives soft light and reflections on the water. Wide-angle shots and telephoto close-ups from a bridge of the skyline provide diverse compositions.
Practical: footbridges and boulevards can be crowded — plan shoots for early morning or late evening when pedestrian traffic is lower.
Plan your route — you can walk Kazimierz and Podgórze in one long day, but splitting the route into two parts gives more time for details and for shooting in better light.
Respect places of memory — avoid standing on graves, loud behavior or placing props on monuments. In museums check photography rules (flash is often prohibited).
Be technically prepared — power bank, spare memory card, comfortable shoes and a light tripod (where allowed) help in difficult lighting. The May weekend can bring changeable weather, so carry a light raincoat.
Not checking opening hours — many synagogues and small museums have limited hours and some are closed on Saturdays. Verify schedules in advance to avoid wasted time.
Photographing inside places of worship without permission — ask before staging a shoot indoors. If you plan a fashion or wedding session, contact the site’s custodian.
Lack of respect at memorials — playful poses, climbing on monuments or tasteless costumes can offend. Approach places of memory with restraint and empathy.
Kazimierz has cafes and restaurants with great reputations — Hamsa and other places serving Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine are often recommended for their quality and atmosphere. You’ll also find cafés serving excellent pastries and coffee — perfect for a break between shots.
If you want traditional Polish cuisine or a cozy place after a long photographic day, choose a venue with good reviews and consider booking a table for the May long weekend — this period can be busy.
For overnight stays: a convenient location in Kazimierz or near the Old Town shortens travel time. Choose accommodations with good reviews and easy access to public transport.
Can I take photos in synagogues and museums? - Often yes, but usually without flash and according to house rules. It’s wise to ask the staff before taking photos.
Are the sites accessible for people with limited mobility? - Some places have limited accessibility (steps, narrow passages). Museums usually provide accessibility information on their websites.
Is photographing gravestones allowed? - Yes, but with respect. Avoid photographing people in prayer and do not stand on graves.
Remuh — the name comes from the abbreviation of the famous rabbi Moses Isserles (Remah), whose grave and synagogue are important points in Kazimierz.
Ghetto Heroes Square consists of 70 chairs symbolizing the residents of the ghetto — a simple but moving monument that makes a strong impression in a photograph.
The Jewish Museum Galicia runs educational programs and a permanent photographic exhibition 'Traces of Memory' — visiting the museum enriches the context of the images you make in the field.
If you used this guide — share it with friends or on social media so other visitors can prepare for mindful and respectful photography of Jewish Kraków’s traces.
If you’d like to explore with someone who knows the history, context and the best angles for photos, consider a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. It’s a great way to discover the city with deep understanding while respecting its memory. Thank you and may you capture beautiful frames and practice attentive visiting!
