Yes — but you need to be organized. Two days are enough to see the most important places connected with Jewish history in Kraków, feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz and visit the exhibition at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. This won’t be a complete history lesson, but a meaningful, emotional overview of memorial sites, monuments and local atmosphere — ideal for a couple who enjoy walking, good food and long conversations over coffee or wine.
During the May holiday remember that it’s high season — museums and restaurants can be busy, so it’s worth booking tickets and tables in advance and starting your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Below you’ll find a two-day plan, practical tips, a list of recommended places to eat and the most common mistakes with advice on how to avoid them.
Day 1: Old Town, Wawel and an evening in Kazimierz. Start with a walk along the Royal Route, visit the Cathedral and Wawel Hill — a short stop at Wawel gives useful historical context. In the afternoon head to Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue, the Isaac (Izaak) and Remuh synagogues, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Finish the day with dinner at one of Kazimierz’s well-reviewed restaurants and a stroll through its atmospheric streets.
Day 2: Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory. In the morning visit Podgórze: Ghetto Heroes Square, the Pharmacy Under the Eagle and the area around the former ghetto. Visiting the exhibition at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory typically takes 1.5–2 hours — book tickets in advance. In the afternoon adapt the program to your mood: a relaxed café, small galleries on Zabłocie or a short trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine if you want a second big attraction.
If you prefer fewer museums and more walking and cafés — swap one museum visit for a long walk along the Vistula Boulevards or a relaxed break in one of Kazimierz’s cafés.
Kazimierz: Szeroka Street and its synagogues — the Old Synagogue functions as a museum branch and its exhibition is worth seeing for the story of Kraków’s Jewish community. The Remuh Synagogue and the adjoining Old Cemetery have a particularly moving atmosphere. Nowy Square is a good spot for a short break and local snacks.
Podgórze: Ghetto Heroes Square and the Pharmacy Under the Eagle — symbolic memorial points. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — the exhibition documents life in Kraków during the occupation and is one of the city’s most important World War II sites.
Less obvious but worth noticing: fragments of the old Kazimierz walls, small galleries and artist studios on Zabłocie and local memorial plaques — pay attention to details as you walk.
Tickets and opening hours: in season (including the May holiday) book tickets to Schindler’s Factory in advance. Museums often have fixed opening hours and entry limits; in recent years ticketing and capacity rules have become stricter, so check details shortly before your trip.
Getting there: Schindler’s Factory is easiest to reach by tram or on foot from the city centre. Trams to Zabłocie provide convenient access. Many attractions in Kraków are within walking distance, but bring comfortable shoes.
Behaviour at memorial sites: respect silence and the nature of remembrance places. In some synagogues and cemeteries modest dress is expected and photography inside may be restricted at certain times — when in doubt, ask the staff.
Time allocation: allow at least 60–120 minutes for each major point (Old Synagogue 30–60 min, Schindler’s Factory 90–120 min, Remuh Old Cemetery 30–45 min) — a child-free couple usually moves more slowly and has time for reflection.
Eat where locals recommend — in Kazimierz you’ll find many highly rated restaurants. Recommended spots include Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine, atmospheric interior), Ariel (traditional Jewish-style dishes) and Szara Kazimierz (modern Polish cuisine). During the May holiday reserve tables ahead of time.
Cafés and relaxing spots: for a quick coffee choose one of the popular cafés in Kazimierz or Zabłocie — they’re cosy places perfect for conversations. In the evenings consider wine bars with good selections or venues with live music.
Accommodation: look for boutique hotels or guesthouses in Kazimierz or near the Main Market Square — a central location reduces travel time and lets you walk more. If you value quiet, choose a quieter street in Kazimierz or a hotel overlooking a peaceful courtyard.
The Old Synagogue on Szeroka Street is one of the oldest preserved synagogues in Poland and today serves as a museum branch — its interior and exhibits tell the long story of Jewish life in Kraków.
Schindler’s Factory is not just a film location — it’s a museum with a powerful documentary exhibition showing life in Kraków under occupation and the fates of many communities.
Kazimierz was for centuries a separate town and only later became a district of Kraków — that historical independence explains the unique street layout and special atmosphere of the area.
Not booking tickets in advance — in season some entries, especially to Schindler’s Factory and the salt mine, can sell out. Book ahead.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — that ruins the pleasure. Better to choose a calm pace and really experience places than rush from point to point.
Skipping a short historical introduction — a few minutes of reading before entering a museum or synagogue gives context that makes the visit more understandable and moving.
Do you have to pay to enter synagogues? Some museum branches (for example the Old Synagogue) charge admission; other synagogues may be open free at certain times — check current information before you visit.
Can you take photographs? In many places private photography is allowed, but some museum interiors or cemeteries have restrictions. Respect prohibitions and staff requests.
Should you dress modestly? In sacred places modest dress is recommended — a scarf or covered shoulders won’t hurt.
Is Kraków safe for tourists? Yes — Kraków is generally safe, but as in any busy city watch out for petty pickpocketing and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a light jacket for breezy evenings, powerbank, printed or digital confirmations of ticket and table bookings.
What to book in advance: ticket to Schindler’s Factory, a table at a popular evening restaurant, and optionally a ticket to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Daily plan: start early, leave time for a coffee break and don’t plan more than three major stops per day.
If you’d like a quieter May holiday with a deeper introduction to the history, I recommend booking a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — personal guiding lets you ask questions, adapt the pace and visit places skipped by standard routes.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your stay in Kraków and have a reflective, walk-filled and delicious May holiday!
