Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory (a branch of the Museum of Krakow) is a must for anyone who wants to understand life in Krakow under occupation. The permanent exhibition “Kraków - time of occupation 1939–1945” presents the fates of residents, documents and everyday objects; the display helps build the context for events you will later see reflected on the city's streets.
Pomorska Street 2 – the Silesian House, now another branch of the Museum of Krakow. The building still contains cells from the former Gestapo prison; this site is a powerful and moving testimony to the terror. Plan your visit, respect the place’s character and, if possible, read the inscriptions left by prisoners.
The Płaszów Memorial and the post-camp area are spaces of difficult memory. Under the care of museum institutions there is an ongoing process of commemoration and arrangement of exhibitions (including work connected with the ‘Gray House’ and the Memorial). Even without a large indoor exhibition, the area and its information panels are educationally important.
Ghetto Heroes Square and the memory of the Krakow ghetto in Podgórze — fragments of the former ghetto, plaques and other notable points across Kazimierz and Podgórze help convey the scale of events and the everyday life of those affected by the occupation.
Traces on façades and in the urban fabric — in the center and across different districts you can still spot damage from shrapnel and bullets. Literature and local guides point out tenement houses on Kościuszki, Garncarska and Rękawka streets, as well as visible repairs after shell hits. There are also local mementos, for example a fragment of a shell attached to the façade of a villa on Królowej Jadwigi Street.
Places on the city’s outskirts — Krzesławice, Mogiła and other sites in Nowa Huta where executions took place or forced labor camps operated during the occupation. These locations lie outside the historic center but are important for a full picture of Krakow’s wartime experience.
This gentle route is designed for visitors who want to learn with reflection: start in the Old Town (short walk to set historical context), then go to Kazimierz (the Pharmacy Under the Eagle is a small place of memory), next head to Schindler’s Factory in Zabłocie (book tickets in advance). After the Factory, walk toward the Płaszów post-camp area, and finish with a visit to the Pomorska branch (check opening hours and possible restrictions).
Suggested timing: allow 1.5–2 hours for Schindler’s Factory, 30–60 minutes for the Pomorska branch, and 60–90 minutes for a walk through the memory sites in Podgórze and around Płaszów. If you prefer to go slowly and use educational displays, spread the route over two days.
If you have more time, add Nowa Huta (Mogiła, Krzesławice) to your program — these sites require transport or a longer walk but show a different, less tourist-oriented side of the city's wartime history.
Tickets: Schindler’s Factory is popular and often requires advance booking. The Museum of Krakow has updated ticketing arrangements—check current rules and whether tickets are available online or at the ticket office. Always plan visits ahead, especially during the tourist season.
Accessibility: not all memorial sites are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility — the prison cells in the Pomorska branch are historic interiors with limited space. Check the institutions’ information about facilities and ask about alternative ways to visit if needed.
Conduct: places of memory require quiet, respect and attention. Avoid loud behavior, refrain from posing for inappropriate selfies, and follow staff instructions. Photographing may be restricted or prohibited in some areas — always watch for signage.
Safety and emotions: topics connected to camps, executions and persecutions can be deeply moving. Allow time for reflection and, if you are visiting with children, prepare them in advance for the serious character of some exhibits.
If you are visiting Kazimierz and Zabłocie, trusted local places include Forum Przestrzenie (by the Vistula - casual, relaxed atmosphere) and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz (a café with an artistic vibe). There are also many well-rated restaurants around the Main Market Square serving local and seasonal dishes. Choose venues with good reviews and check recent feedback before you go.
Accommodation: recommended well-rated options include Hotel Stary (high standard, central location) and PURO Kraków Kazimierz (modern style, good location). There are also several chain hotels near the Market for those who want to be close to the center. Book ahead for weekends and high season, especially if you plan morning visits to popular museums.
Not all wartime traces are obvious. Look closely at building façades — in several central locations you can find repairs after shell impacts, and in one house on Królowej Jadwigi Street the owner fixed a fragment of a shell to the façade as a memento. These small details tell local stories not always on main tourist routes.
Cracovia Stadium and the area around the railway stations — bombs fell on the city in 1939 and traces of those events survive in stories and local memory. Small hidden plaques, prisoners’ inscriptions in the cells at Pomorska, and local obelisks often go unnoticed yet speak strongly about residents’ fates.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially for Schindler’s Factory — which can result in long queues or not being able to enter at the desired time.
Treating places of memory like entertainment — loud behavior, inappropriate photos and lack of respect hurt local memory. Remember you are visiting sites that for many families are places of mourning and remembrance.
Confusing sites and context — some locations (for example the Płaszów area) can be mistaken for other camps. Before visiting, read a short historical note or ask a local guide to understand differences and context.
Can I visit all the places on my own? Yes — many sites are accessible individually, but if you want fuller historical context and a sensitive interpretation, consider using a guide. A guide can also take you to less obvious places and share stories not found on information panels.
Is the visit suitable for children? It depends on age and maturity. Many exhibits have educational elements, but the subject matter is serious. With younger children choose shorter, adapted routes and prepare them beforehand for the topics you will see.
Are there special rules at memory sites? Yes — keep quiet, do not cross barriers, and avoid posting disrespectful content on social media. Photography may be restricted in some areas — always check the signage.
Krakow holds many traces of World War II — from major museums to small marks on façades. Visiting with class means planning ahead, respecting places of memory and being open to residents’ stories. Such a visit enriches and teaches.
If you would like to explore Krakow with the support of a private guide, I invite you to consider tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and booking information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Share this guide with friends and on social media to help others plan a thoughtful and valuable journey following the traces of history.
Plan breaks and moments of quiet during the route — museums and memorial sites can be emotionally heavy, so short pauses help groups process what they have seen.
Check opening hours and purchase tickets online when possible to secure preferred time slots. Some sites have limited capacity or special opening days.
If you are visiting with a group from a school or institution, let museum staff know in advance — many sites offer educational materials or group support.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress respectfully — some interiors are cramped and certain sites are outdoors with little shelter.
Keep phones on silent and avoid flash photography where indicated.
If you want to leave flowers or a tribute, follow site rules and staff guidance about appropriate forms of commemoration.
